Why Travel? What Value Does Travel Have?

It seems that one of the common expectations of retirees is that they will travel. This expectation was evident when I was reading what my high school classmates from 50 years ago wrote in their current biographies. Traveling both past and future was a common theme. But why? What is the purpose or value of traveling?

People travel for many reasons. A common reason is what many people call bucket list travel. These travelers are out to see or experience those places they deem as important to experience. Often this is a list of sites. One has to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower or go to Rome to visit the Vatican. For some the places in Israel are important to see. For others it may be the desire to return to the land of their ancestors.

These types of travelers typically focus on places, cities or monuments. They take their picture or selfie to show they have been there and then move on to the next location. Theses travelers usually don’t engage much with the local people or culture other than at meal time in a restaurant. They might take in a traditional show or performance to experience culture. While there is nothing wrong with this kind of travel, it often misses the opportunities that travel can provide. However, this type of travel feels safe, and I have admittedly traveled this way. I have the pictures to prove it.

Another type of traveler is the destination traveler. This type of traveler is often looking for a specific destination or location they enjoy. For those in the US it is often a beach area in Mexico or the Caribbean. They may even go so far as to buy a vacation home or time-share in the location. They aren’t looking for variety, but a place where they feel they can relax.

Destination travelers are often in a position to learn much about the location they have chosen. Returning year after year allows them to gain a grasp of the food, culture and concerns of the area. Unfortunately it is also easy to protect oneself from all that. In many places one can stay at a resort where all your needs are met at the resort. This experience is more like American culture than the culture around it. One might venture beyond the resort to go shopping or for a meal. However, it’s easy to stay wrapped up in the safety of the resort and return home with little understanding of the culture of the area.

A third type of traveler travels to learn. He or she might be a college student out to experience the world. Alternatively she might be older but interested in a certain aspect of a culture such as cooking or the language of the country. While there are plenty of specific educational opportunities one can pay for, it doesn’t have to be costly. Taking advantage of museums or a local guide can provide one the opportunity to learn about the culture and peoples of the place one is visiting. While I am not necessarily a fan of tours, they do have some advantages. They usually have an experienced and educated guide who teaches a lot about the area one is visiting.

A final reason to travel is to do some kind of volunteer work in a country. That was my first experience of traveling as a college student. We went out as a part of our church to share with the churches in the various countries we visited. Often churches will have groups that go out as teams. They may do constructions projects, maintenance work, share with children, provide medical help, do training or any number of other activities. These types of opportunities are not limited to churches or religious organizations, however. There are a number of NGO’s that provide similar opportunities to be involved in helping those around the world. My daughter spend three months in Peru with such a group.

By now you have probably determined my bias for travel. While I have traveled a number of times to see places and sites to check them off my bucket list, it has been when I have engaged with the local people that I have found the most reward. Teaching has been my main opportunity. Getting to know my students and the challenges they face in their local situations has been a real joy. They have helped give me a global perspective so that I am not so focused on my own country and situation. In a world where there seems to be so many barriers and conflicts, gaining that world perspective can be one of the most important values of travel.