The Art of Traveling

THE ART OF TRAVEL

By Samuel Oluwaferanmi

Overall, "The Art of Travel" is a fascinating read that will make you think about why you travel and what you hope to gain from it. It's definitely worth checking out!

In "The Art of Travel," Alan D. E. Botton delves into the philosophical aspects of travel. He posits that travel is a manifestation of the human pursuit of happiness and questions the reasons and methods by which people should travel, rather than just the destinations they choose. To this end, Botton compares his own travels with those of renowned Western artists and writers in each of the book's nine essays. These individuals are predominantly European men from the 18th and 19th centuries, with the exception of one 20th century American painter, Edward Hopper.

Botton argues that travel can teach individuals about their own character, values, and potential by exposing them to places they may find more appealing than their own surroundings. Additionally, he suggests that travel can provide insight into beauty and humanity's limited perspective, and foster a mindset that enables individuals to discover a sense of wonder in their everyday lives.

In his first essay on anticipation, Botton explains why travel often fails to meet expectations. He notes that people often expect vacations to provide a respite from their daily lives and bring continuous joy and serenity. However, they are often surprised to find that they only experience fleeting moments of happiness and are unable to escape their daily problems. Botton recounts his own vacation to Barbados, which he embarked upon after being enticed by a brochure promising palm trees and sea during a dreary London winter. However, upon arrival, he quickly became dissatisfied with the beach and got into an argument with his girlfriend, which made him realize that travel cannot provide individuals with aesthetic or material pleasure until their basic psychological needs are met.

Botton draws parallels between his journey and that of the protagonist of J.K. Hoistman's novel "Rebars," the Ducta Escentis, who becomes enamored with the idea of visiting London after reading Dickens but decides to return home once he arrives at the train station. Like the Ducta Escentis, Botton believes that travel can be superior in the imagination to reality, which he believes dilutes the distinctive qualities of places with everyday images. Ultimately, Botton maintains that travel can deviate from expectations without losing its value, as long as individuals approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.