I am addicted to traveling. I’ve never asked myself ‘why?’, the urge has just always been there. I know I’m not alone in this. There are thousands out there are just as addicted as I am for various reasons. There are the usual ones … new experiences, meeting new people, becoming bored with routine, etc. But what really makes us yearn for new places, sights, sounds and experiences? Deep down, why does travel always keep us coming back for more?
1. It’s in our genes.
Thousands of years ago before settled life became the norm, our ancestors were nomads. They traveled constantly in search of food and moved with the seasons. It was part of their daily life. We still carry that biological urge with us today. In fact, research shows that 30 minutes of movement on the land a day is essential to our psychological well being.
2. We get a chemical high.
When you take a risk, your brain produces the feel good chemical dopamine which gives you a short high. The more risks you take, the more highs you experience. Studies have shown that dare devils, such as those that climb outrageously high mountains or do extreme sports, have lower levels of dopamine inhibitors. This means when they take a risk, they get an even higher shot of dopamine than the rest of us, producing a more addictive high.
3. No daily pressures to deal with.
No bills, daily gym visits, work grind, etc. Traveling means not having to worry about daily minutiae and that is extremely enticing. Sure, travel has it’s own stresses but they are much more fun to deal with than say pulling an all nighter on a work project you don’t care about for a boss you don’t really like.
4. We feel like we’re actually doing something productive with our lives.
Being on the road can get tedious at times, but overall, it’s constant newness and wonder. Something we don’t experience in our daily humdrum lives. We’re constantly learning and experiencing life. Being on the road and interacting with different people is more productive than sitting in the same meetings, with the same people, in the same office every day.
5. It makes us feel adventurous.
When we set off on a new adventure, no matter how afraid we may be, feelings of boldness and bravery take over and we feel ready to take on the world. Anything can happen that day, anything is possible. This is what we dream about when we’re whiling away in our cubicle. These feelings are real and very addictive.
6. We can be a completely new person.
When you travel to a completely new location, no one knows you, your fears, your quirks, or your desires. You are free to explore parts of your personality you don’t normally expose but have secretly wanted to explore. A completely foreign setting is the perfect place to open yourself up and see what lies beneath your everyday facade. Fear and inhibitions drop more easily. This is an incredibly freeing feeling and a fun way to experience new sides of yourself.
7. We can live several different lives all rolled into one.
Those of us who love to travel tend to be curious by nature. We are interested in how others live, however, we don’t always necessarily want to live that way ourselves. At least not forever. Travel allows us to vicariously experience other lifestyles without having to commit to them. We can test things out, experience, grow, and use what we’ve seen and learned in our own lives or simply store them as memories.
Why do you yearn to take off and explore? Why does travel keep you coming back for more? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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This article was eye-opening. I’ve never really thought about why I like to travel. But I do…I like everything about it. I even enjoy the little things about traveling, like planning what to pack, creating a new playlist for my ipod, the early morning ride to the airport, and sitting in the airport watching all the people and wondering…Who’s on business? Who will be reunited with a loved one? Who’s starting a new life? Who are these people and what’s in their past?
And then I get there. I love that first big breath of fresh air (especially after being cooped up on a plane)! It’s the anticipation of what this new place has to offer. How will this place change me? And what sights, sounds, tastes and emotions will be the memories I cherish when I return?
Ahhh, to travel is to live.
Oo, I like that… ‘to travel is to live’. Can I quote you on that Shelley? ;)
I know that feeling very well! I have a friend who after many non-traveling years and many years of yearning for an “adventure” just left for a three week journey through India. Although a little nervous due to recent events, I told her repeatedly that I was so envious and jealous of the sense of “wonderment” that she was going to experience. I tried to explain to her that she was going to feel more “alive” than she has in a very long time. I spent a month in Peru a few years ago and each and every day I woke up with that sense that life was great and that indeed I could take on the world! I think I’m in need of that feeling again….hmmm….
Yes! The sense of ‘wonderment’, I love that word. I definitely think it’s time you took another trip Kate… :)
I’d like to elaborate a little on point #4 and 5 about why I feel the travel itch every few weeks. If you cook and go to the grocery store on a regular basis like I do, you realize very quickly how challenging it is to find something to eat when you’re out of town and out of your ’system’. You don’t know the restaurants, where they are or if they are any good, you definitely don’t know where the grocery stores are, if you’re lucky you’re surrounded by completely foreign foods and have no idea what to do. I always look for relatively tucked-away eateries, where the person behind the counter is wearing a dirty apron and a huge smile, where there are no shiny tables and chairs but a huge fireplace, and where the food is not gourmet but exquisitely hand-made. Heaven. That’s what I call such a place. My adventure consists of seeking a little piece of heaven. And if that fails, then I get creative. On a few occasions, I’ve stayed in places with a kitchen. There is always some sort of local market within walking distance. The goal is to keep the number of ingredients minimal, but fresh and in season. You’d be amazed at how productive you feel when you make your own meal out of seemingly nothing.
That seems like a great thing to learn on the road Annie; how to whip up a meal with a few simple, in season ingredients. Sounds like you’re a pro, perhaps you could give me lessons! Staying healthy and well nourished while traveling is definitely important and sometimes a challenge.
‘My adventure consists of seeking a little piece of heaven’… love this.
Thanks for dropping by my blog… I agree with number four on your list. I found tickets to Bogota from Orlando with Jetblue at $187 roundtrip(!), but since I’m working in an office right now, I don’t have the flexibility to say “Screw you guys, I’m out” like I did a few months ago. Hopefully that’ll change w/a TEFL certificate, or maybe just saying “screw you, i’m out” and begone for a couple months w/o it either way!
Anthony’s last blog post..Don’t Call It a Comeback
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