Love was in the air last week and I was thinking about travel. Specifically, I was pondering the question, “Why do people love to travel?” After plenty of pondering, here are my conclusions.
Kinsale, Ireland – During our home swap on the Emerald Isle
we found joy in daily walks around the harbor.
- When you travel you feel more joy. People are naturally curious and travel is the ultimate curiosity shop of surprises, be it listening to a flamingo guitar in Spain or eating gelato in Italy or snorkeling in the Caribbean. These are moments in life when we’re totally present. Being present is a challenge for most of us, but while on vacation we’re much better at conscious living.
- When you travel you feel light and unfettered. You’re free from chores around the house, meetings at work, and the daily demands of visits to car mechanics or the post office; routines evaporate during vacation. You are unrestricted because you’re not rushing to complete your To Do list. When I’m like this I practically skip. Isn’t skipping the ultimate display of happiness?
- When you travel optimism is easier to access. With all the aforementioned joy and happiness, accessing optimism is a reality. I’m a natural-born optimist, however like many of us, I’ve had low points throughout my life. Days when I’ve questioned choices that I’ve made or times when I’ve felt helpless. But when I travel, each day seems like an endless rainbow plump with color and I awaken with the thrill of anticipation. Oh, sure, there’s the occasional missed train or dreary weather, but for me, it’s mostly rainbows.
Palm Springs, California – My idea of FUN!
- When you travel you do fun stuff. Maybe you sleep later, or jog, or visit historical sights. Personally, I try on funny hats when I travel. Whatever it is that you consider fun, you’ll do more of it when you travel. Why? Very simple, because you have the time. We all need to make time for fun.
- When you travel you laugh more. Having fun makes us laugh, and laughter triggers endorphin activation. And an increase in endorphins is considered a source of health and well-being. “Laughter is an early mechanism to bond social groups,” said Robin Dunbar an evolutionary psychologist at Oxford. “Primates use it.” If primates use laughter as a bonding experience, just imagine what it can do for your family on your next vacation!
Your Turn
Why do you love to travel?
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