Almost everyone experiences wanderlust at some point in their lives. The undeniable urge to travel suddenly hits you, and you want to pack up your things and go—maybe see the world and find your place in it. Whether it’s a week-long trip to the mountains or a month-long stay in a different country, traveling can be life-changing. And each person has a different reason to travel. Some have philosophical reasons, while some have practical reasons. Different people have different purposes for traveling, and not everyone might not actually look forward to doing it.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at those reasons. This is to celebrate the act of traveling and its meaning and hopefully give meaning to your journey.
To Try New Things
Repeating your daily routine usually results in boredom and monotony. The lack of stimulus then causes a sense of depression and trepidation, making people worry or question their life. This is where the “finding myself” cliche that’s commonly associated with traveling comes from. Despite it being a common cliche, it’s still a popular reason for traveling. There is definitely something with the act of putting yourself in a different environment that brings out your true self, and it’s often what people are going for when they travel.
Traveling for Work
Other people’s reasons for traveling might not even be for fun reasons at all. Some people have to travel for work, and they might not like it. However, the fact remains that being relocated to a different state or country is among the top reasons people have to travel. This form of traveling might not seem rather pleasing, but it shows simply how dedicated people can be to their profession. Military personnel, accountants, engineers, and seafarers have jobs that require them to move to a different location each time.
To Be With Their Loved Ones
We’re enamored with stories of long-distance lovers beating the odds and uniting with each other after years. We regale ourselves with their stories, and dream of a love that is strong. But they’re not just stories. They’re real, and it’s another popular reason people move away from their current location to their new one. You might even have friends who are in the same boat!
Vacation and Relaxation
Let’s face it; this is perhaps the most popular reason why traveling is popular, especially in recent times. Many developed countries have become far too industrialized or commercialized, with their culture supplanted by a corporate one. Many people want to escape anything that reminds them of their everyday life—their work and routine—and often turn to travel to find relief. And traveling is relieving, as it provides you with new stimuli, usually pleasant ones, that can get you excited and thrilled.
Medical Tourism
Some countries have more advanced medical technology that offers far better recovery rates than those in other countries. It can be a primary reason to travel. Patients looking for precise medical procedures often have to travel to address their needs, and even non-fatal diseases often warrant traveling for medical attention. Those with scoliosis might move to a state with a practitioner or facility that specializes in the Schroth Method, or you might need a surgical operation that is only available in a specific country. Regardless, medical tourism is a valid form of travel and a reminder that some people travel out of necessity and not personal desire.
Traveling for Academics
Just as some countries have particular forms of medical procedures only available to them, some countries also have academic programs that are unique to them. People in specific industries often have to travel to other countries to pursue higher education, and this becomes another motivation for travel. People who want to get ahead in life often pursue prestigious universities to get their master’s or doctorate degrees, leaving their country and life behind.
The Bottom Line
With all of the motives provided here, it’s clear why some people feel like they’re forced to travel. It’s also understandable why some people look forward to it and even treat it as an interest of sorts. Ultimately, while some people might feel a natural inclination to travel, some people naturally don’t. However, that doesn’t make the act of traveling mean more or less—it simply is just that: traveling. It has its advantages and disadvantages; it has its benefits and downsides. Knowing the different reasons people have for traveling can make us feel more empowered with our own journey and understand that.