Why We Travel

The state of our world today is disheartening, to say the least. Political leaders who rule as tight-fisted tyrants create issues for not only those countries which surround them but create ways which resonate across the world. This political discourse affects everyone. But the question remains: Why do we travel? As Rick Steves constantly says, “Travel connects us face to face with reality.”

I think back over the many different travels I have undertaken and am often awed by the memoires and connections I have made. These connections are not restricted by country boarders because the wonders of modern technology allow us to keep in touch no matter where we are, but there is something more elemental about these connections. It is through these connections that we come face to face with reality. Most of the information we digest comes to use with some sort of tinting to it, and it is our responsibility to find the truth.

Travel connects us to the world around us. I am always reminded of the friends I have made when traveling that I am fortunate to keep in contact with today. One of my friends in Prague runs a tour company proving tours through most of Europe to leisure, business, and music groups. I met Karolina on my first trip to Europe in 2016. Since then, I have returned to her native home of Prague one in December 2019. Each time I have begun planning a trip, she has offered advice that is invaluable from the perspective of a local. Just knowing Karolina has been an enlightening experience because she grew up in communist era Prague. When I was working in China and traveled to Prague, we exchanged information about living in Communist countries some 30 years apart.

I am also reminded of one of my friends from China, Dominick. His experience and valuable information provide a connection to the culture in China I might not have made elsewhere. You don’t have to speak a foreign language to be able to communicate. Sometimes, that is what makes travel fun! Learn a few pleasantries and incorporate them into your vocabulary!

My experience traveling has provided me with connections and firsthand knowledge of things I have only read about. Getting out and experiencing the things you read about are important. It’s when history comes alive. It’s when we truly learn to respect each other and the various cultures which we come from.

As I get ready to embark upon another trip to Europe, this time Vienna. Take another trip with me and experience the magic of "Vienna, the City of Music." My plane leaves soon, will you join me?

For a perspective on why we travel, check out this video by Rick Steves: