Taking the time to get to know the world can bring you closer to its people, cultures and landscapes. But this isn’t just about sightseeing and checking boxes off your bucket list – travel is a life-changing experience that can change the way you view the world. Here’s how to get the most out of your journey.
Whether you’re a regular flier or have never set foot on an airplane, it’s important to understand the meaning behind travel so that it can serve as a tool for positive social impact. For those who work in the travel industry, this is especially vital as travel has a long history of supporting development and progress for societies around the globe.
In order to understand the meaning behind travel, it’s essential to think about where the concept originated. It’s a concept that stretches back to ancient times, when wealthy people would travel to faraway places for leisure. They sought to see great buildings, works of art, new languages and experience pristine nature.
Over the years, travel has evolved with the advancement of technology and modes of transport. Improvements in cars and later, airplanes allowed people to travel much faster and more efficiently. This helped to develop a business model whereby tour operators, transportation companies and hotels worked together to offer packages that were cheaper than buying them separately. This is known as package tourism and it continues to be an important component of modern travel.
Today, more people are traveling than ever before. However, many of us still struggle to fully appreciate the meaning behind travel. We’ve become accustomed to seeing it as just a way to relax or see the sights – a checklist of museums, mountaintops, famous villages and renowned restaurants. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these aspects of a trip, it’s essential to remember that the most meaningful and transformative part of travel is what you take away from it.
For Elena, the most meaningful aspect of her trip to Alaska was learning. She wasn’t rushing to check off items from her list, but rather she was absorbing everything this vast, quiet place had to offer. Whether it was learning the names of the local berries or understanding glaciology, she was taking in a sense of place that she doesn’t always find when visiting a tourist attraction.
Choosing to travel the world without flying opens up a whole new way to think about world travel. It allows you to discover off-the-path hidden gems, connect with diverse cultures and witness stunning landscapes – all while helping to reduce the impact of overtourism and leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. It also enables you to travel at a much more relaxed pace, which can help prevent burnout and make the most of those ‘happy accidents’ that can really enhance a trip. Before setting off, it’s a good idea to speak with other travelers about their experiences in the destination you’re planning to visit. This can give you valuable first-hand information and tips to help you enjoy your adventure as much as possible.