The reason why we need travel

One of the most famous journeys in human history is often attributed to Christopher Columbus and his transatlantic voyage in 1492, which led to the discovery of America and profoundly changed the worldview and lifestyle of humanity. The modern tourism industry, on the other hand, traces its origins back to 19th-century England. During that time, a tuberculosis epidemic swept across the British Isles, and doctors believed that fresh air could aid in the recovery of patients. As a result, a large number of urban residents flocked to the countryside, giving birth to an entirely new industry.

Columbus' westward voyage was more accurately described as an expedition. His goal was clear, but the outcome was uncertain, and he couldn't guarantee his safe return. The core business of modern tourism, however, should be referred to as vacationing—a chance to live in a more comfortable place for a period of time and rejuvenate. Today, true explorations like Columbus' have become rare. We now have "Lonely Planet" guides and various travel resources available on the internet, providing us with all the information we need about our destinations, leaving no secrets untold. Vacationing has become a standard for the middle class in today's society. With disposable income, scheduled time off work, and reliable transportation and accommodation options, vacationing has almost become a status symbol, dividing people into different categories based on the luxury and exclusivity of their chosen destinations.

With this in mind, do we still need to travel? The answer is undoubtedly yes.

If we simply define travel as "going far away," then the true purpose of travel is not just self-improvement but to see the world with our own eyes. The planet we inhabit is a diverse and vibrant place, and no matter how stunning a landscape photograph may be, it can never provide the sensation of a gentle sea breeze or the crispness of snow and the enchanting aroma of a forest or the warm sunlight on a meadow. There are also many unique destinations where the joy lies in the journey itself. For example, climbing a mountain using a cable car versus hiking up with your own two legs will provide different experiences. Similarly, observing coral reefs on television compared to snorkeling in person creates a world of difference.

During our travels, we not only get to witness different landscapes but also encounter a wide array of people. If we consider the world as a thick book, the most fascinating chapters are undoubtedly written by humans. If you want to understand how our ancestors lived, you can visit the grasslands of southern Africa and experience the lifestyle of the San people. You can also travel to Papua New Guinea and witness the way of life before modern civilization arrived. If you're curious about long-lost distant relatives and their way of life, you can explore the tropical forests of Central and North America, visit the homes of the Maya, or journey through the Inca Trail in South America, experiencing the brutal clash between two continents and two cultures. If you want to experience the power of religion, you can visit India or Turkey, immersing yourself in a completely different set of values and examining the similarities and differences with your own beliefs. If you're curious about how different political systems influence human life, you can visit Haiti, Costa Rica, Egypt, or Tunisia, observing and comparing political systems and economic conditions to determine which is more impactful.

Some may argue that the best way to understand a foreign culture is to read a book about it because experts write those books, and they are likely more accurate than the observations of a passing tourist. While this perspective holds some truth, it is essential not to forget that everyone has biases. Authors may distort facts due to their own biases, and readers may refuse to read books that contradict their own views, perpetually remaining lost in a sea of lies.

The best way to address this issue is to embark on a journey with questions in mind because travel exposes you directly to a foreign culture, and most of your biases will be corrected by what you see with your own eyes. Sometimes, one trip may not be enough to grasp the truth fully, so go on multiple trips, sample different cultures, and you will find yourself getting closer and closer to the truth.

Of course, journeys with questions in mind can be exhausting. It's better not to rely solely on travel agencies but to purchase tickets, book accommodations, plan itineraries, and handle meals yourself. Only then can you truly experience the local customs and accurately answer the questions in your mind, genuinely appreciating the unique joys that travel brings.

No matter how wonderful the journey, the ultimate destination is always home. Nearly all seasoned travelers will tell you that the ultimate purpose of travel is to enhance one's daily life. The more challenging the journey, the more awe-inspiring the scenery, the greater the rewards, and the stronger the sense of happiness and fulfillment when safely back home. That feeling of joy is irreplaceable.

We need travel because we crave that irreplicable happiness that enriches us as individuals.