Okay, fellow travel lovers, why do you travel? In August, I was lucky enough to meet and talk to Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why, and that 3 letter word, “why” has been echoing in me ever since. Traveling, exploring, experiencing life borrowing others' "eyes”, is woven into my core. How did that happen? What do I gain from this passion? The answers to these questions are multi-layered, but I’ve condensed them for this article. In case you want to discover your “Why”, I’ll my most recent musings on the subject:
I grew up in a family that traveled often. We always went on vacation in December, during Spring Break, and in the summer. There were numerous vacations scattered in the remaining months, too. So, I viewed the notion of visiting other destinations as part of what a person does--kind of like breathing! As I matured, I traveled to escape and sometimes to brag---not something I'm proud of; however, whatever motivated me, I found the benefits beyond my expectations. I know I planned some journeys just to see “live and in person” some sights I had read about. I call that my "Trophy Travel" phase.
In recent years my favorite journeys have had a culture, history, food and nature theme. Michael and I will soon depart for Rwanda to go gorilla trekking with Volcanoes Safaris, followed by a safari in Kenya with Micato Safaris. I wish I could adequately put into words the strong attraction I have for Africa. It is so much more than seeing majestic animals in their natural habitat, although that is one of the most dramatic and enriching experiences in the world! The vistas—sweeping plains, an Acacia tree framed by the setting sun, glimpses of Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro, and the spray from Victoria Falls---are unique and breathtaking. The people fascinate me and teach me so much. One of the most important takeaways from a visit to Africa is the reminder that happiness is about wanting what we have, not having what we want. I’ve witnessed actions of joy: people spontaneously breaking into joyous song; children lining the unpaved streets of the Mukuru slum in Nairobi, Kenya, grinning from ear to ear, waving, and chanting, “How are you (with the emphasis on “you”)?” and more.
Each time I come home and inventory my life here in the US. I tend to notice things like storage units and wonder how I could explain to a person whose worldly possessions fit in a cloth bag the concept of having so much “stuff” I’d pay someone to store it. I find myself complaining that I can’t find any TV shows I want to watch on my uber channeled cable TV. I catch myself debating which restaurant to dine in, even when I’m not hungry, and my mind will drift back to people who don’t even have the option of feeling sated.
Does this mean I will give up my worldly possessions, move to a small, nameless studio apartment, and send all monies accumulated to those in need? No, of course not! I still live in a lovely home surrounded by accessories gleaned from years of travel; I still eat when I’m not hungry; and I still have too much stuff. Over the past few years I’ve taken some small steps that enable me to act for others as well as for myself. Today I purposely conserve. I spend less, collect less and use the funds saved and the time gained from avoiding needless shopping sprees to reach out to others who are less fortunate.
My ego would like you to notice what I’m doing and have you applaud me for doing what many people do daily---thinking about others, helping others. Yet, my actions are quieting my ego, “You don’t need to be noticed or rewarded, “ my actions say, “Just do the next right thing, be the spark that ignites someone else’s passion or the act that helps feed a starving child. Today I truly focus on being the change I want to see and I subscribe wholeheartedly to the adage, “Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”
So, why do I travel? I am able to interact with people all over the world; I can give a hug; I can make a new friend; I can help in a very small way to give back to the world for all that I’ve been given.
And, back to my original question to you, “Why travel?” Please share!
