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  • 6 years ago by Claire Trickett

10 reasons to love travel

What does travel mean to you here are just 10 of the many reasons i love to travel….

  • Travel Specialist

In today’s tech-obsessed world, social media may well be the perfect platform to showcase the world’s beauty to armchair travellers across the globe, but travel is so much more than just getting that perfect Instagram shot. Travel should be meaningful. It should excite and inspire you, rejuvenate and ground you, educate and challenge you, and most of all, it should humble you.

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.

Here’s what travel means to me…

For me personally, travel is a way of life. I was born into a travel-obsessed family and had already lived on three different continents by the time I started school, so wanderlust (and an often ridiculed hybrid accent) was inevitable for me. My sister and I are incredibly fortunate to have parents that insisted that travel was the best classroom and, thankfully, our school holidays were spent exploring fascinating places, both near and far.

Upon graduating university (and turning 21), I was given the greatest gift: the gift of travel. Armed with a round-the-world plane ticket and a sense of adventure, I took off on a six-month solo backpacking trip through Europe, Southern Africa and Australia and, without a doubt, it changed the way I saw the world. So, as a self-confessed travel addict, here are the 10 reasons why I love to travel.

1. Travel to leave our world a better place

I have been fortunate to work and travel with &Beyond for more than 13 years now and what inspires me most is our company ethos and unwavering commitment to care for the land, wildlife and people. Travelling with &Beyond has given me the rare privilege to actively take part in so many unforgettable and truly meaningful experiences, such as: witnessing endangered rhino being safely translocated; observing an elephant cow being collared for research and monitoring purposes; helping to relocate a vulnerable nest laid by an enormous and highly endangered sea turtle; spending a night in a traditional Maasai manyatta (homestead); and so much more. &Beyond ’s authentic, experiential travel not only enables travellers to participate, engage and learn, but it also allows them to travel with purpose and to help leave our world a better place.

2. Travel to meet different cultures

Travel exposes us to different cultures and ancient traditions and through these authentic encounters, we learn to embrace and celebrate both our similarities and our differences. Travel teaches us about humanity and gives us an appreciation, understanding and respect for different points of view and ways of life.

3. Travel to learn

Not all classrooms have four walls and travel is the best way to immerse yourself in geography, history, culture, gastronomy, languages, biology … you name it. Travel enriches the mind and educates us far beyond any textbook or travel guide. Not only do curious travellers learn about different landscapes, languages and lifestyles; glean fascinating facts while observing wild animals in their natural habitat; delve into a region’s history and taste the local flavours; but they also learn about themselves (and each other) along the way.

4. Travel to escape reality

We all need to fall off the radar and escape reality every once in a while. Travel allows us to enjoy complete anonymity in new and unexplored territories. It gives us absolute freedom to live in the moment and it allows us to be anyone, to go anywhere and to do anything. The best part of my six-month trip around the world, way back when, was the freedom of being able to just wake up and pick a spot anywhere on the map and find a way to get there. Travel enables us to be spontaneous and seek new experiences.

5. Travel to relax

Our lives are time-starved and technology-driven and, let’s be honest, it’s not often that we actually take the necessary time to de-stress and truly switch off. Travel allows us to escape life’s daily demands, dramas and deadlines and enables us to clear our minds. It encourages us to recharge our batteries and to truly disconnect (from our phones, Wi-Fi, emails, laptops, social media, etc.) in order to reconnect (with ourselves, each other and the natural environment).

6. Travel to explore

Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones. Whether you seek adrenaline and non-stop activity, or unapologetic siestas and ultimate relaxation, travel gives us the opportunity to explore with an open heart and an open mind.

7. Travel for humility

Without a doubt, travel is a crash course in humility. As we cross borders, and oceans, we gain true perspective. We learn to recognise and be grateful for all of the things we take for granted in our own lives, and we also gain an appreciation and respect for how others live. Travel teaches us to be tolerant, flexible and open-minded, and most of all it makes us humble.

8. Travel to eat

One thing you’ll never find on a suggested packing list is a diet. Leave it at home! Just make sure you bring a healthy appetite and a willingness to taste new flavours and sample all of the local delicacies. Remember, mimosas are totally acceptable at breakfast and dessert is always a good idea. Indulge, go back for seconds and exercise when you get home.

9. Travel to be transformed

Don’t just travel for travel’s sake. Travel to seek adventure and feel alive. Take part in authentic experiences that will not only change the way you see the world, but that will also encourage self-reflection, environmental awareness and global action to help protect and conserve our planet.

10. Travel to live out your bucket list dreams

Every traveller’s bucket list is different. Whether you long to watch the sun set over the Taj Majal, snowshoe on the side of an active volcano, witness Africa’s Big Five and the Great Migration, or find your Zen on a yoga retreat in the Himalayas, if you can dream it, you can do it. Travel is the best medicine and long may it continue to take our breath away and turn us all into storytellers (and committed custodians of our precious planet).

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OverStayTonight

Motivation for Travel | Theory: Plog, Maslow, Hudman, Krippendorf, Nickerson, General Theory

  • Post last modified: 13 January 2023
  • Reading time: 33 mins read
  • Post category: Tourism

What is Motivation for Travel?

Travelers are motivated to satisfy a need, and they have a perception of what will satisfy their needs. At the same time, travelers have a perception of the attractions of the destination and whether the attractions satisfy their needs. If both sides are agreed, travelers are motivated to visit that destination.

Table of Content

  • 1 What is Motivation for Travel?
  • 2 Travel Motivations
  • 3.1 Economic Capacity
  • 3.2 Spare Time
  • 3.3 Psychological Factors
  • 3.4 Group, Family and Social Atmosphere
  • 3.5 Relaxation and Health
  • 3.6 Exploration and Risk-Taking
  • 3.7 Spirit and the Appreciation of Beauty
  • 3.8 Social Interaction
  • 3.9 Business Affairs and Official Matters
  • 3.10 Family Responsibilities
  • 4 Plog Theory
  • 5.1 Psychological Needs
  • 5.2 Safety Needs
  • 5.3 Personal Interaction Needs
  • 5.4 Esteem Needs
  • 5.5 Self Actualization Needs
  • 6.3 Pleasure
  • 6.4 Religious and Spiritual Appreciation
  • 6.5 Professional and Business
  • 6.6 Friends and Relatives
  • 6.7 Roots Syndrome
  • 7.1 Recuperation and Regeneration
  • 7.2 Compensation and Social Integration
  • 7.4 Communication
  • 7.5 Broadening of the Mind
  • 7.6 Freedom and Self-Determination
  • 7.7 Self Realization
  • 7.8 Happiness
  • 8.1 Physiological Needs
  • 8.2 Safety Needs
  • 8.3 Personal Interaction Needs
  • 8.4 Esteem Needs
  • 8.5 Self Actualization Needs
  • 9.1 Travel Personality
  • 9.2 General Personality

The Definition of “Motivation” A motivation is a wish that prompts people to take action, work hard to achieve a goal, and satisfy a certain kind of need. For example, when a person is hungry and there is a need to appease his or her hunger, a motivation to search for food is formed.

Therefore, people’s activities of all kinds are driven by their motivations, and they govern people’s actions.

Travel Motivations

  • Why do we go travelling?
  • Why do we choose to travel to a certain place?
  • Why do we participate in a certain travel activity?

These are essentially questions about tourists’ travel motivations. Travel motivations directly spur people’s travel activities.

A travel motivation is the psychological need of a person to participate in travel activities, and this kind of need will directly promote travel motivation; if you have motivation, a travel action will result.

However, in real life, the process from the formation of a travel motivation to the occurrence of an actual journey, action is a complex one.

During this process, when people have a need to travel, they must also have corresponding individual factors and external environmental conditions, such as physical fitness, financial status, weather and transport, etc Factors that Influence Individual Travel Motivations

10 Motivation for Travel

These are the motivation for travel which discussed below:

Economic Capacity

Psychological factors, group, family and social atmosphere, relaxation and health, exploration and risk-taking, spirit and the appreciation of beauty, social interaction, business affairs and official matters, family responsibilities.

Economic capacity is the basis on which all needs are formed. Because travel is a kind of consumer behavior, the ability to pay the various types of charges involved is of course necessary. When a person’s economic income can only support his or her basic living needs, he or she will not form a motivation to go traveling.

As an economy develops, in countries and regions where citizens’ income increases, the tourism industry becomes more developed, and the number of people who go traveling climbs, or drops when the opposite applies.

Spare time refers to the time that people can freely allocate to taking part in pastimes and entertainment or anything else they enjoy participating in after their daily work, study, living, and other compulsory time commitments.

Therefore, spare time is an important condition for the realization of travel activities. In developed countries, labor protection laws are relatively strong and workers have statutory holidays, both of which ensure that people can form travel motivations.

Travel motivations are a form of individual psychological activity and are inevitably influenced by various aspects such as individual interests, hobbies, profession, attitude to life, understanding of the surrounding environment, level of education, and family.

Social Factors that Influence Travel Motivations. It is only when the economy of a country or region is developed that it will have enough resources to improve and construct travel facilities, develop tourist attractions and promote transport development.

Road transport facilities, accommodation, catering, and service standards at a destination are important factors in the tourists’ choice of destination, and also affect their formation of travel motivations to a large degree, especially for tourists with relatively high hospitality expectations.

Group or social pressure can also influence people’s travel motivations. For example, travel activities organized by enterprises, or travel awards, etc. encourage people to form their own travel motivations involuntarily, and travel activities subsequently take place.

Social surroundings can also influence people’s travel motivations. Colleagues, friends, and relatives travel behavior and travel experiences can always influence others, or lead to the formation of comparative psychology, making people form identical travel motivations, and leading to the formation of a kind of imitative travel behavior.

People who have stressful or monotonous daily lives or work participate in travel activities such as relaxing travel and recuperation holidays in order to relax and loosen up, as well as keeping healthy and finding entertainment.

For example, natural scenery, historical monuments, parks, the seaside, hot springs recuperation areas, etc., are all tourist choices for this type of travel motivation.

Travelers who are curious, knowledgeable, and adventurous, such as the Himalayas climbing parties and North Pole explorers.

For travelers with this kind of motivation, their travel activities are mainly directed at distinctive, beautiful things and phenomena in the natural world, as well as to visiting museums, exhibition halls, and famous tourist attractions, and participating in various types of theme-based travel activities, etc.

People all go traveling to meet friends and relatives, to find their roots and search for their ancestors, and to get to know new friends, etc.

Travelers in this category require that the personal relationships they maintain in the course of their travels be friendly, cordial, and warm-hearted, and want to care for Religious Faith People who have a religious faith go traveling to participate in religious activities and take part in religious studies, and those who travel driven by religious faith motivations do so mainly to satisfy their own spiritual needs. Religious travel is divided into two categories: pilgrimages, and missionary work.

People go traveling for various types of business and official activities, such as special trips to buy goods or diversions to a certain place to go traveling; business trips to a certain place to take part in academic observation, communicate, etc.

Travel activities participated in by groups, government delegations, and business associations, etc., that go to a certain place for discussions, etc.

Because they are busy at work, people will normally neglect to take care of and look after their family members and friends. For these people, they go traveling to satisfy a responsibility or obligation to their parents, wife or children, or to relax and have fun with friends.

Therefore, every summer, the number of family-based tour groups will increase greatly.

Plog Theory

Based on Plog’s theory, travel motivations are related to a very narrow spectrum of psychographic types:

  • Educational and cultural motives to learn and to increase the ability for appreciation, scientific research; trips with expert leaders or lecturers.
  • Study of genealogy such as visits to their ancestor’s homeland to trace their root.
  • Search for the exotic, such as the North Pole and the South Pole, the Amazon, etc.
  • Satisfaction and sense of power and freedom such as anonymity, flying, control, sea travel, fast trains.
  • Gambling – Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Monte Carlo, Bahamas, Puerto Rico.
  • Development of new friendships in foreign places.
  • Sharpening perspectives such as to awaken one’s senses, heighten awareness.
  • Political campaigns, supporting candidates, government hearings.
  • Vacation or second homes and condominiums Near-Allocentric Motivations.
  • Religious pilgrimages or inspiration.
  • Participation in sports events and sports activities.
  • Travel as a challenge, sometimes a test of endurance such as exploring mountain climbing, hiking, diving.
  • Business travel, conference, meeting and conventions.
  • Theatre tours, special entertainment.
  • A chance to try a new lifestyle Midcentric Motivations.
  • Relaxation and pleasure travel just for plain fun and enjoyment.
  • Satisfying personal contacts with friends and relatives.
  • For health reasons such as to change the climate, sunshine, spas, medical treatment.
  • The need for a change for a period of time.
  • An opportunity to escape from life’s problems.
  • The real or imagined glamour of the destination.
  • Appreciation of beauty such as national and state parks, forests, lakes, wilderness areas, canoe trips, ocean shores.
  • Sensual indulgence such as food, comforts, luxuries for the body, romance, sexual.
  • Enjoyment, rest, relaxation.
  • Shopping such as souvenirs, gifts, expensive possessions like cameras, jewels, furs, cars, antiques, art.
  • Joys of transportation – cruise ships, gourmet meals, buffets, comfortable trains, buses, airplanes, autos.
  • Pleasure of pre- and post-travel includes planning the trip, anticipation, learning, dreaming. family or personal matters.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow (1971) distinguished five different levels of psychological needs ranging from physiological needs to self-actualization. According to his theory, the satisfaction of people’s basic needs is a prerequisite for the satisfaction of the higher needs.

Maslow argues that all behavior is motivated by psychological needs, for behavior serves to fulfill those needs physiological needs:

Psychological Needs

Safety needs, personal interaction needs, esteem needs, self actualization needs.

These are needs required by humans to sustain their existence and prolong their lives and are the minimum basic needs, including needs relating to food, water, oxygen, sleep, a place to live and warmth, as well as clothing, food, shelter, mobility, sex, and other psychological functions.

If these needs cannot be fulfilled, human existence becomes a problem.

These are needs that represent human desires to protect their own bodies and minds from injury and to guarantee safety and stability. For example, needs relating to health, a safe and orderly environment, a stable career, and the avoidance of unforeseen accidents.

When a person’s physiological needs have been fulfilled, he or she will want to fulfill such safety needs.

Personal interaction needs include the need for love and a sense of belonging. The need for love refers to the fact that people all hope to achieve harmonious relationships with friends and colleagues or to maintain friendships; everyone wants to love others and be loved.

In addition, the need for a sense of belonging refers to the fact that people all want to have a sense of belonging, and want to gain the acceptance of a certain group and to be included and valued by it, as well as for its members to care for and look after each other.

These are human desires to gain other people’s respect, a satisfactory status, due human rights, reputation, and prestige, and to realize a certain social position.

These are human desires for the need to give full play to one’s own potential and to realize one’s own ideas and aspirations, including the seeking of knowledge, the appreciation of beauty, creativity, achievements, etc.

Maslow considered self-realization to be mankind’s highest level of needs, which signify a full, enthusiastic, wholehearted experience of life.

Hudman’s Motivators of Travel

These are some hudman’s motivators of travel theories :

Religious and Spiritual Appreciation

Professional and business, friends and relatives, roots syndrome.

People travel for improving their health. They would go for leisure and medical treatment to relax and entertain themselves. Natural landscapes, historical sites, coastline, spas, and resorts are the destinations of these travelers.

Curiosity People travel because of curiosity, inquisitiveness, and adventure. Politics, culture, public figures, physical features, and disaster would attract these travelers.

People travel for sports to release their pressure and fantasize about being an athlete. Being a spectator could experience the atmosphere of the competition, and have social contributions such as connecting with other audiences and meet new friends.

Vocation relates to pleasure because it could give routine life a break. People would try new things and participate in activities that would make them feel happy, such as visiting art museums, watching operas and gambling, etc.

People travel for spiritual needs. They visit religious headquarters usually because of religious reasons. In this way, they could have a stronger belief in their religion. On the other hand, many travelers gain satisfaction by the appreciation of natural landscapes, art performances, and visiting museums and historical sites.

People travel for business such as scientific expeditions, business meetings, conventions and education.

People travel because they want to visit their friends and relatives; it shows their care of family and friends.

People travel to trace the root of their family or the culture of their homeland. Pedigree research and hometown exploration are the common activities of these travelers.

Many people travel for gaining respect from others and a satisfying social status because one with plenty of travel experience and knowledge of different countries is usually admired by others.

Krippendorff Reasons for Travel

Research on reasons for travel uncovers an endless list of travel motivations. Apparently, people want to ‘switch off, relax’. They want to ‘get away from everyday life, ‘recover strength’ and ‘experience nature’ ( Krippendorff, 1997 ). Krippendorff (1997) distinguishes eight reasons for travel:

Recuperation and Regeneration

Compensation and social integration, communication, broadening of the mind, freedom and self-determination, self realization.

People get tired during working weeks, and use vacations to replenish their ‘bodily and mental strength’.

Tourism compensates for everyday social failure by presenting another world next to everyday dreariness.

Everyday life contains more and more aspects of stress; people want to escape from this.

Traveling abroad gives people a chance to gain human warmth, to establish contact with other people.

People want to satisfy their interests in other cultures and nature.

Tourists are in a position to largely make up their own rules; they are free from any obligations.

An unfamiliar and strange environment offers a great chance for investigating and enhancing the Self.

Vacations are highly associated with joy and pleasure, so happiness becomes a reason for embarking on a holiday trip.

Travel is a complex social action, and tourists use to travel to satisfy their own various needs. At the same time, under the influence of external environmental conditions, motivations always change as the environment changes.

Therefore, the same tourist’s motivations for going on different trips will differ from each other. At the same time, a lot of travel motivations do not just involve one motivation but may include various kinds of motivations.

Nickerson’s Travel Motivations

Furthermore, following the above reasons for travel, tourism seems to serve psychological needs. Nickerson (1996) argues that deep psychological needs are the basic motivators for tourism. She uses Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”, a theory about psychological needs and motivation to describe people’s motivation to travel.

Nickerson applied the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to describe travel motivations as below:

Physiological Needs

This can explain why people go to the seaside or a mountain retreat to avoid the heat; these are all actions required to be performed by certain physiological conditions inside the human body.

To travelers, safety needs are expressed in terms of the safety of people’s life, property, and psychology. They hope that in the course of a journey, no vehicle or boat accidents occur, they don’t get sick, they’re not robbed, they don’t have things stolen, and that they safely complete the entire journey, etc.

They also hope to achieve a psychological feeling of security. For example, they hope there is no political upheaval or war in the country they go to and that social order is sound there, etc.

Although the natural scenery and human cultural landscape of some countries are extremely rich, tourists would lose the motivation to travel there if the country has been involved in a long period of upheaval or war.

Therefore, the need for safety is one of the most important factors that influence people’s travel behavior.

Tourists’ personal interaction needs have diverse characteristics. People who go traveling all want to be able to travel together with close friends, get to make new friends in the course of their journey, understand different cultures and customs through interaction with local people, or enhance their friendships by visiting friends and family.

Therefore, travel is one of the most effective activities for people to make new friends, meet up with old friends around the world, and promote contact between people.

A person who has experience of frequent travel and knows a lot about different countries and regions is often admired and respected by others, which helps to fulfill the need to be respected as an individual.

Travel can involve a search for stimulation, challenging oneself, and acquiring knowledge about new things, and this kind of travel involves expressing one’s own self-value to fulfill self-actualization needs. For example: climbing Mount Everest.

The Push-and Pull Theory In 1977, Dann, a U.S. academic, put forward the push-pull theory of travel motivations. He considered that travel behavior was influenced by both push factors and pull factors. People travel because they are “pushed” into making travel decisions by internal, psychological forces, and “pulled” by the external forces of the destination attributes.

Travel Personality and General Personality Theories

Travel personality, general personality.

As stated before, motivation, opportunity, and ability are not the only determinants of tourist behavior. Personality influences traveling behavior too. For example, people who want to climb Mount Everest, in general, have certain personality traits in common.

Most of those people will have a tendency to sensation seeking, for climbing mountains is performing risky behavior.

The personality dimensions used are commonly used in personality psychology. Therefore it seems relevant to explore a few basic aspects of these theories. Four personality dimensions are used to describe tourists in order to indicate motivations for different types of travel:

  • Activation: A guest’s level of excitement, alertness or energy.
  • Variety: The need for change or novelty.
  • Extraversion or introversion: The extent to which a person is outgoing and uninhibited in interpersonal situations.
  • External or internal locus of control: The way people perceive whether or not they themselves are in charge of the happenings in their lives.

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What Motivates People to Travel

There is no right or wrong way to live. The very concept of being right or wrong is based on the circumstances you find yourself in when you are called upon to make a judgment. But what about traveling? Do people who dare to walk on unusual paths know some tricks to stay motivated? Or maybe it is a kind of sport or activity that gives them these extreme emotions? Have you ever wondered what keeps them motivated? What motivates people to travel the world rather than spending time at home? Reasons are plentiful.

The reasons why we travel are as varied as travelers themselves. Someone may need a break from the hustle and bustle, look at things from a different angle. Make some new friends or get someone to fall in love with. It is no secret that occasional change of scenery is certainly necessary due to inevitable emotions any traveler experience on every trip. Making better decisions in your life often requires switching attention backwards and forwards between different tasks and focusing on something else. So there is nothing better than a two-week stay away from home to reboot your brain and start focusing on self-improvement, get rid of things you know don’t add value to your life.

In this post I’m trying to comprehend how does one stay motivated to travel, not to think about and regret going home because of homesickness, and why travel is so important in life.

What Motivates People to Travel

1. The Need for Change

My original motivation for travel some 10 years ago was the need for change. I was aware of a whole world that existed outside of my comfort zone . I was striving to find a passion and start thinking and being more positive. At the same time, I realized reinvigorating my thinking would be impossible without taking myself away from the present, familiar environs to something that is new and unfamiliar and because it is new, gratifyingly stimulating and thrilling.

The entire thing wasn’t just about escaping from the dull daily routine. Though once I stepped out of my comfort zone, the joy and happiness from exploring new destinations became addictive. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to change myself in a way that will make me a better person. Furthermore, I wanted to get an unfiltered view of the world. I wanted to try traditional Thai food dishes , get lost in Beijing and see the most bizarre trees on the planet.

There’s nothing stale or banal about the psychology of tourism. I think you’ll agree with me when I say it’s a completely different experience to journey to Shanghai than to watch it on a NatGeo documentary. Exploring the winding streets of Hong Kong is drastically different from swiping HK photos on Instagram feed.

Adjusting to new surroundings, immersing myself in entirely different cultures, and hearing someone speaking an unfamiliar accent is something that makes me feel alive.

2. The Romance of Travel

Let’s face it, romance is a strong travel motivator. Apart from other cultural motivators in tourism, romance, and pleasure of the trip are the primary characteristics and qualities of the travel experience. Since loneliness and the need to escape unpleasant circumstances can drive some to extreme measures, the romance of travel and some indulgence are the best ways to overcome difficult personal circumstances.

Practicing pleasure travel gives rise to the satisfaction gained only by such experiences. And satisfaction often leads to reducing tension and anxiety. The pleasure trip thus becomes even more important and primarily learned a form of reducing stress and stopping anxiety.

Even the most committed solo travelers or digital nomads can relate to feelings of loneliness . After spending more than 10 years on the road I can admit, I have been succumbed to moments of feeling alone. Discussing the nuances of your trip with friends or relatives can have a big impact on the way you see the world and think about yourself. Few are immune to missing family and friends or feeling homesick at some time and have felt the need to seek interaction with other human beings. Dealing with loneliness is one of the greatest challenges solo travelers face .

3. Travel for Health

As I already said, there are many reasons why people love to travel. After a decade on the road, I’ve had my share of illnesses. However, I’ve always been prepared and controlled the risks by keeping in mind what should I do to stay healthy on the road .

Traveling is generally considered as an investment in health. When you travel, you get to visit healing sites like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the Pamukkale Hot Springs in Turkey or the Dead Sea. Hot springs and mineral-rich lakes can help you improve your skin, relieve pain, and reduce stress. Yup, hot geothermal springs can’t heal every kind of disease. But soaking in them may provide a range of conditions, from rashes to digestive disorders, improved after a visit.

Recently, I found myself standing on top of the Singuttara Hill admiring one of the most beloved and well-known holy sites in Asia . Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon was in front of me with its incomparable architectural design and shimmering gold plated dome. I found myself pulled to this spot with no clear understanding of what has happened.

Shwedagon Pagoda is the reason I am here, the backdrop to the myriad golden and painted lesser-known pagodas and temples I am photographing. And the reason so many people chose this place full of magic and mystery. The truth is that this golden stupa has a powerful vortex of spiritual energy. No one knows why this is, but the Pagoda is the most important religious site and place of pilgrimage.

travel motivation

4. Travel to Learn Life Skills and Life Lessons

The two months I spent traveling around Thailand during my big trip were some of the most intense and interesting months of my life. Every day was a new adventure. I challenged myself to learn new things, as a result, I learned so much during that time I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I mastered my inner peace, learned a lot about foreign language and culture, about Thailand in general, and about humanity.

With all the exciting moments we face each day abroad in a foreign place it’s hard not to come away with more than a souvenir.

What I love most about traveling (and hiking there) to new places is the chance to develop a better sense of direction. While I always thought that I had a good sense of direction, it was not until I went trekking in Thailand that it was really put to the test. Traveling on your own means you’re the only one who chooses what to explore next. There is no better opportunity to test and/or develop your sense of direction.

What I’ve learned from that trip I must create an awareness of my surroundings based on the four points of the compass. If you know where north is, you can easily determine the direction and navigate your way through. By constantly connecting your walking route to the north by using a compass (try not to use GPS!), you are exercising your natural sense of direction.

5. Travel for Pleasure

In most cases, traveling gives me a unique feeling of the present moment. When I’m entangled in my thoughts of past or future or imagination, finding the pleasures can help me shift the perspective. The very concept of traveling for pleasure is subjectively relative to many unexpected circumstances.

Life exists only at this very moment. Thus focusing on many things at a time may generate dissatisfaction and the feeling of a missed opportunity. The kind of people you meet on your way often can help you concentrate your mind on the present moment. Therefore broaden your horizons. So having pleasure in traveling is not per se in the movement from destination to destination , rather the things that give you the story to tell.

When I was traveling from Cairo to Dusseldorf, the aircraft flew me through Rome and certain parts of Italy . Upon reaching a particular point, the pilot swerved the plane to give the passengers a view of the terrain. Though this twist was not a part of my original itinerary, it spiced up a good memory.

After that particular flight I realized, we don’t travel for pleasure. We travel to seek pleasure. Travel isn’t about short-term pleasures, it is rather about a long lasting pleasure that creates tangible memories both past and present.

What is your motivation for traveling?

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travel motivates you

9 to 5 Voyager

Excellent post! And truly unique. I think finding the right motivation is key to getting out of the house and seeing the world.

travel motivates you

Angella Shin

A lot of people ask me this question…and how I manage to save the money to travel. Well…I just tell them, I’ve been sheltered all my life because I was busy building up my nursing career. I finally met my husband who was already well traveled and he began to show me the world. We traveled to 7 countries in the last 2 years and I am just now blogging about them. We travel to get away from comfort and take a break from the norm. It just feels refreshing to visit a new country and learn a unique culture.

If you agree, please check out my travel blog as well…would love your feedback!

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

travel motivates you

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33 Meaningful Reasons Why People LOVE to Travel

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“Do you like to travel?”

This is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with seeing the world. In high school, I joined all of the clubs that had travel opportunities to out-of-state conferences.

In college, I studied abroad four times – and planned solo trips and trips with friends in between!

You could say that I LOVE to travel – it’s also one of the reasons I created this blog! Traveling is in my blood, and I have two major missions in life: 1. see as much of the world as possible, and 2. inspire others to do the same!

There’s even a word for people like me. I’m a hodophil e , which means “one who loves to travel.”

I could talk all day long about why I love traveling and the fulfillment that traveling has brought to my life. And there are tons of other travelers out there that feel the same as me!

To put together this ultimate list of reasons why people love to travel, I worked with some fellow travel addicts to tell stories of what travel means to us.

You’ll find stories of personal growth, checking off bucket list experiences, and learning new things – all thanks to travel.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling the world for yourself, or are just wondering about how traveling can change your life, keep reading for personal stories of why people love to travel!

Table of Contents

1. Travel helps you check things off your bucket list.

Written by Sydney from A World in Reach

Tourists walking on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China

Growing up in a small, rural town, I dreamed of one day flying across the ocean, visiting world-class cities, and seeing the landmarks I had only seen on TV in real life.

I had always found Stonehenge and its history to be so fascinating, and I thought that climbing the Great Wall of China would be one of the coolest things anyone could do.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris sparkle at night was something I often dreamed about, as was walking through the hectic streets of Tokyo.

At the time, all of these experiences seemed like a pipe dream. How would I ever be able to afford to visit such faraway places?

But now, thanks to the gift of travel, I’ve been able to check all of these things and more off of my bucket list. And thanks to learning how to travel on a budget, I’ve been doing it cheaply while still maximizing my experiences.

Today, my bucket list is never-ending – each time I check something off, something new gets added. I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids of Giza, going on a South African safari, and eating my way through Mexico City.

I wake up each day thankful for the experiences I’ve been given, and I look forward each day to checking the next thing off my bucket list.

2. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone.

A canal in Amsterdam at twilight

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it gets me out of my comfort zone.

To me, travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in the world. Hopping off a plane and being in a completely new environment is a feeling unlike any other.

When I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, I crave the excitement (and sometimes, chaos) of a travel day.

Traveling forces you to do something difficult – you might have to navigate a city with a language barrier, get accustomed to cultural norms totally different from your own, or figure out how to get a spare key to your accommodation when you got locked out of your Airbnb late at night with a dying phone battery (if you’re wondering why that’s so specific, it’s because it was easily my most stressful travel experience to date!).

Thanks to travel allowing me to get out of my comfort zone, I’ve improved my critical thinking and decision-making skills. I’ve also become a more empathetic person, and striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t seem so intimidating since I do it regularly when traveling.

Travel is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and expand your worldview. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, confront your fears and insecurities, and connect with others.

If you’re ever yearning for an escape from the routine, start planning a trip.

3. Travel lets you try new foods.

Cheesy oysters on Miyajima Island in Japan

I travel for a lot of reasons – seeing iconic landmarks in person, learning something new at museums and historical sites, and meeting new people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite things about travel though is all of the different food!

I’ve always been a foodie, and traveling has opened me up to so many unique dishes and cuisines that I can’t get at home.

Some of my fondest travel memories include eating my way through Ueno Market (one of the best things to do in Tokyo ), trying cuy (guinea pig) in Ecuador, and taking a Hawaiian cooking class in Oahu.

When I’m planning a trip, I always keep a list of foods to try and the best restaurants to visit. I also love taking local cooking classes so that I can learn how to make the dishes at home!

One of the #1 pieces of travel advice I always give others is to always try a new food , even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might end up with a new favorite!

4. Travel lets you escape everyday life and discover yourself.

Written by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

Skydiving over the beach in Australia

Traveling helps you discover not only new places but yourself.

Having grown up in a small town that I never left where I faced bullying at school, it was hard to imagine life outside of my reality.

At 12 years old, I got on a plane for the first time, to visit family in Sweden. This was my first taste of international travel, and it taught me more than just that there are beautiful, breathtaking landscapes abroad.

In meeting my extended family members, I learned that life could look different from how I grew up. Travel became my passion that fired my spirit, and became the dream at the end of the tunnel whenever I faced hard days.

I pursued traveling in my teens and early 20s. I traveled back to Sweden and also lived abroad in France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.

Overseas in far-off countries, it didn’t matter whether I was popular in school or not. I got to meet people as a whole new person and discover what I liked and who I really was.

I empowered myself by doing adventurous things, like skydiving on the beach in Australia.

Now as an adult, I love to give the gift of travel to my own two children. Our most recent family trip was to Costa Rica , which is the perfect destination with kids, a partner, or on your own.

5. When you travel, you get to learn about other cultures.

Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

Chichen Itza in Mexico

One of the main reasons why I love traveling is learning about other cultures. Although you can read books, watch documentaries or hear other travelers’ stories, nothing is better than experiencing the culture yourself.

Each destination I’ve visited has taught me something about a culture, but Mexico stands out for me. Despite Spanish being my first language, Mexican Spanish and culture are very different from Spain’s.

Visiting places like Chichen Itza and eating at local restaurants inspired me to cook more Mexican foods at home, learn more about its gastronomy, and made me curious about their traditions.

I also love that you can take new habits and traditions from other countries. Having traveled and lived in the UK , I adopted new habits like drinking tea and using words and expressions from regions like Yorkshire.

6. Traveling allows you to meet new, interesting people.

Written by Tammi from Wander Healthy

Traveling is a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, especially for first-time travelers.

It puts you outside of your usual routine, providing opportunities to interact with people who share unique insights and experiences about the places you’re visiting. This is an easy and awesome way to learn about different cultures and customs.

Whether it’s chance encounters or shared experiences, you’re likely to interact with others every time you turn around.

It could be striking up a conversation on a train, meeting someone in a coffee shop, or attending a local event, but the possibilities for meeting new people are endless.

Staying in hostels or going on tours, my personal favorites, have a way of leading to conversations and lifelong connections with friends you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or taking a road trip across the United States, you’re likely to meet people with interests and hobbies similar to yours, and your community builds naturally.

Traveling is the only thing that does this so effortlessly, letting you meet new and interesting people from all walks of life and create memories for a lifetime.

7. Traveling lets you see unique landscapes unlike any you’ve seen before.

Written by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering

Mountains and a stream in Zion National Park, Utah

Traveling has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

There are many places on earth that, without protection, would have disappeared with time. I’m grateful for our protected lands and historic monuments to allow me to experience nature and history from a first-hand perspective.

The ability to see fossils along my hikes in Moab, Utah, bike along 75-foot sand dunes in Cape Cod , or stroll the grounds of 12th-century castles in Portugal is invaluable.

Travel allows every day to be a different story and a different adventure. I don’t have to read about history or natural wonders just in books – I can experience them in real life.

Traveling to unique landscapes sparks our curiosity and childlike wonder. How were humans able to build the Roman Empire in ancient days with the most primitive of tools? How were the caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico formed over millions of years by just wind and water?

Travel constantly inspires me and keeps me exploring the bounds of history, science, and nature. What a privilege we get to travel and see such unique historical and natural places on Earth.

8. Travel helps you see things from a new perspective.

Written by Jo from World Wild Schooling

One of the things that I love most about traveling is the ability to see things from a new perspective.

Whether it’s a different culture, a new environment, or simply a change of scenery, traveling has a way of opening up your eyes to the world around you.

When we’re stuck in our daily routines and familiar surroundings, it’s easy to become complacent and forget about the wider world.

Traveling helps to break us out of this bubble and expose us to new ways of thinking and living. It allows us to see how people in other parts of the world approach life, work, and relationships.

For example, I was surprised to find out that in Phuket, Thailand, buses have no glass in the windows due to the consistently warm climate. This may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the unique ways that different cultures adapt to their surroundings.

Similarly, my jaw dropped when I first visited Brussels, Belgium , and saw that all signs are bilingual, even the subtitles in cinemas (yes, this means 4 lines of text!). This reflects the country’s complex linguistic history and the ongoing efforts to maintain both French and Dutch as official languages.

9. Travel can make you feel alive.

Written by Michele from Adventures Abound

Standing in front of the famous Gum Wall at Pike Place Market in Seattle

Traveling makes simple experiences feel momentous, it sparks creativity, and it makes me come alive!

My first time going to another country was when I studied abroad in Costa Rica , and I realized that even the smallest experiences like taking a bus to a cool landmark or walking to a neighborhood festival were suddenly interesting in a new country.

I loved meeting new people, learning about the culture and the language, and traveling around to see beautiful nature in Costa Rica. Even just taking a bus to go visit a coffee farm felt like the most fun adventure.

Once I went on that trip, I was bitten by the travel bug as they say.

I started seeking out ways to feel like I was exploring and that often meant getting out around where I lived.

It’s so fun to explore little towns, peruse around farmer’s markets and shop with local vendors with the lens that I am traveling like I would if I were further from home.

10. Traveling allows you to see art in the world’s best museums.

Written by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

One of the reasons that I love to travel is that it gives me the opportunity to visit world-class art museums and spend time looking at fabulous pieces of art up close.

It’s quite a special way to experience art when you can look at a statue from different angles to note and admire all of the fine details.

If you can, always walk around a sculpture to view it from all sides. You just can’t appreciate it in the same way from a photo.

In some museums, the way that the art is displayed improves the viewing experience. In the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of my favorite Paris attractions ), Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are displayed in a unique oval room for an immersive panoramic viewing experience.

Visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. And it’s also a great option for a rainy day!

11. Traveling strengthens friendship bonds.

Written by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

Two girls traveling together - traveling to strengthen bonds with friends is one of the reasons why people love to travel.

One of the biggest reasons why I love to travel is because it allows me to strengthen the bonds I share with friends.

My friends and I traveled together right after graduating from university.

Although we somewhat knew each other before going on the trip, we didn’t really know each other!

But on this trip, we spent over a week laughing our butts off, dealing with stressful situations, and generally going on all kinds of crazy adventures around French Polynesia together.

There was no shortage of mistakes during this intense period, but we all came out on the other side for the better!

Fast forward almost two years later, and we all still speak so fondly of that time together. In addition, we went from mere acquaintances to the best of friends.

So, for me, I love traveling because it helps strengthen the friendships and relationships I have with others!

12. Travel helps you learn about history and its impact on places you visit.

Written by Diana from Travels in Poland

Traveling has always been my passion, but when you visit a place where you really feel something you can’t explain, it can transform your perspective on travel.

This happened to me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau .

My family is Polish and my grandmother, who was there with me, couldn’t get herself to enter the camp fully for several hours. She lived through the occupation and knew people shipped off to the camp. I realized how deeply this impacted me when I visited.

I’ve long been captivated by the way events shape societies, leaving indelible marks on the fabric of their being.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, I felt the weight of the past heavy on my shoulders.

My grandmother’s eyes, glistening with unshed tears, told a thousand stories. This was where she lost family and friends, their lives snuffed out by the unimaginable cruelty of the Holocaust.

It was in walking onto these grounds that I grasped the true power of travel: the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into the myriad of ways it continues to shape our world.

Through this poignant journey, I found a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of travel, and a deeper understanding of the impact places have on people. Learning not only about history, but about the way it has shaped our world, and how we can learn from it.

13. Traveling helps you find a home base.

Written by Mal from Where To Stay Bali

A street in Canggu, Bali

Traveling was always my passion, but since I quit my career in finance and my conventional life in my home country, traveling has a whole new meaning for me.

Slow travel has become my way of life and a search for somewhere I can one day settle.

Since the beginning of my digital nomad life, I’ve lived part-time in Greece, Albania, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I loved each of these places for different reasons – for their weather, culture, food, and people.

But, there has been one place that felt different to me, more special, a place that I want to keep coming back to. I found a place in Bali , which is now my second home.

If you keep an open mind during your travels, you may also find a place like that – a second home that can change your life!

14. Travel gives you the chance to study and learn in a new culture.

Written by Amber from Amber Everywhere

I love to travel because it allows me to experience new cultures and ways of living.

In particular, I had wonderful experiences studying abroad when I was in college because it gave me a chance to learn and live in a new place.

I stayed with a host family during my first two trips abroad, once in Guatemala and again in Jordan.

Living with a local family gave me a chance to experience the culture, try different foods, and see entirely different parts of those cities that I would’ve otherwise found.

Studying abroad also gave me a chance to travel slowly, and I stayed in each place long enough to have a favorite restaurant or route to take to school.

There were smaller cultural nuances that I learned, either because they were explained to me by locals or because I just picked them up as I went.

15. Travel teaches self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Written by Chelsea from A Wandering Redhead

A girl in a red dress walking on a beach

I want to personally thank travel for the self-love and self-acceptance that it has taught me. 

Pre-travel, I was shy, people-pleasing, and disbelieving if someone called me pretty. 

Post-travel, I am confident, I love my body and what it can do for me, and I’m overall more radiant and bubbly. 

Without travel, I may have never started my self-love journey and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I love the progress that I have made and believe that everyone should solo travel at some point in their life.

16. Traveling fulfills childhood dreams.

Written by Colleen from Then We Walked

A collage of three photos: a woman walking in a temple, a photo of a young girl, and a woman with an elephant in the background.

As a girl, I would watch Whicker’s World on our black-and-white TV.

Every week, Alan Whicker would appear on screen like a traveling James Bond, complete with his very correct English accent, and transport me to a new exotic corner of the globe.

I was enthralled. It lit a flame. I wanted to explore, too. I dreamed of Table Mountain, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sphinx, the Parthenon, Hal Long Bay, and the Cook Islands.

But ordinary people didn’t travel in the 1960s, and I was a child.  I started work, married, bought a house, and had a family. Inside, I still dreamed.

We traveled a little, ticking off some of my bucket list, but last year, our children had flown the nest and we retired.  Now, we’re traveling and exploring in earnest!

I’ve waited half a lifetime to go exploring and I’m beyond excited about our plans.

My advice to the girl who watched the TV: don’t wait.

17. Traveling allows you to connect with nature.

Written by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with nature.

I love the simplicity of hiking and wilderness camping because it removes all the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It’s just me and the mountains.

It’s also a great way to understand the local ecology. I find it fascinating to learn about the way glaciers and volcanoes work or what unique animal species live in the area.

Instead of just looking at a spectacular view, I can understand the way the landscape came to be, and that deepens my relationship with the place.

Spending time traveling in nature has also been pivotal in my life.

Back in 2019, I had some time to think while hiking the 65-kilometer Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia . The trek made me realize that it was the right time to leave my 9-5 job and write full-time.

Since then I’ve expanded my outdoor adventure website, written a hiking guidebook, and moved to a small mountain town so I can hike every day. 

18. Travel increases feelings of gratitude.

Written by Kristin from World on Wheels Blog

Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil

One of the reasons I love to travel is that it makes me more grateful.

When you are constantly in the same country or even environment, it’s easy to take things for granted.

As a traveler who uses a wheelchair and lives in the United States, it’s easy to forget that not all countries have ADA laws that guarantee access.

When I travel to places like South America, I am reminded how little things like curb cuts make a huge difference in how hard or easy it is to navigate a town. I can’t help but feel sad for the people with disabilities that actually live there.

Aside from reminders about how lucky I am to live in a country that encourages accessibility for all, I also feel a sense of gratitude that I’m able to explore the world and witness some of the immense beauty it has to offer.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing the power of Iguazu Falls and realizing how small you are in this massive world of ours. It’s a feeling and experience that photography just cannot seem to capture.

Travel is important for so many reasons, but helping to feel more gratitude is one of the things that I love the most.

19. Travel humbles you.

Written by Milijana from World Travel Connector

Muxia, at the end of the Camino de Santiago trail

Gustave Flaubert, a literary genius and a wise man, once noted: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

And indeed, it is one of many lessons that traveling teaches you. Traveling puts you into a broader perspective of time, place, and the universe.

Visiting fascinating archeological sites like Petra in Jordan, Angor Wat in Cambodia, Giza in Egypt, and Pompeii in Italy made me see what a tiny place I occupy in today’s world and question the knowledge of contemporary times. It made me think.

Meeting other cultures while traveling showed me how oblivious I could be to other customs and traditions and how much there is always left to learn.

Traveling made me aware of the prejudices that I thought never existed. Travel shamed me. However, it also taught me the importance of being always open to learning while keeping the ego in check. 

I found it especially rewarding to hike Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walked the trail before me. The Camino reminded me of the importance of modesty, effort, perseverance, and purpose. And, most importantly, what a tiny place I occupy in the world.

So, if you like meaningful travels, prepare your  Camino de Santiago packing list and walk the Camino. Let the Camino teach you valuable life lessons! 

20. Traveling helps you de-stress and recharge.

Written by Paulina from UK Everyday

A beach on Anglesey Island in Wales

Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress and recharge.

Discovering new places can allow you to reconnect with yourself. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing a change of scenery and an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.

Traveling can also provide people with a sense of freedom from their work-related responsibilities, allowing them to relax surrounded by natural landscapes.

Exploring some of the best beaches in Wales can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Additionally, traveling can help boost creativity, as it encourages new ideas and perspectives. This can help spark creativity by introducing fresh ideas that you might not have otherwise thought of when stressed.

For these reasons, traveling is great to help de-stress and recharge.

Furthermore, travel also provides a break from your daily routine, allowing you to step away from your comfort zone and explore the unknown without worrying about your daily problems.

21. Travel lets you connect with other cultures through the arts.

Written by Dawn from Culture Feasting

If you consider yourself an artistic person, know that traveling can be a total game-changer.

As a creative person myself, I’ve found that exploring new destinations has the power to expand my spirit and give me all sorts of new artistic opportunities.

Over the years I have come to crave the stimulation of experiencing different cultures and their unique art forms.

From visiting local museums to catching a traditional dance performance, there are so many ways to connect with the arts while on vacation.

It’s not just about admiring pretty paintings or sculptures, either. It’s about immersing yourself in a foreign environment and gaining a whole new perspective on the world.

I’ve found that this can really inspire me to incorporate new artistic elements into my own creative projects.

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider how it could enhance your love for the arts and help you connect with other cultures on a deeper level.

22. Travel gives you a change of scenery.

Written by Tina from Veganderlust

A beach in Barcelona, Spain

I grew up in a small village in Austria, a country with beautiful lakes and mountains, but also a landlocked country.

The best part about traveling is the change of scenery. My favorite places to go to are cities next to the ocean, which is a completely different scenery from landlocked Austria.

There’s nothing better on your holiday than exploring a city and then relaxing at the beach.

That’s why I really loved my last trip to Barcelona . There’s so much culture and history to discover in this city, and afterward, you can go swimming in the sea.

By visiting different places with a change of scenery, you also develop a new appreciation for your own home scenery – one of the many positive side effects of traveling.

As much as I love traveling to coastal destinations, I always love seeing the mountains when I come back home.

23. Travel can strengthen your romantic relationships.

Written by Amy & Liam from Plain2Plane

There are so many wonderful reasons to travel.

If you’re in a relationship then there is nothing better than sharing experiences with your significant other.

Imagine waking up in Egypt with your partner, ready to go out for the day. You are going parasailing together, enjoying cocktails, quad biking – the list really is endless. You get to enjoy all of this with someone that you love and care about.

Traveling can be challenging at times and you have to make many different, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You have the luxury to share these moments together and form a closer relationship unlike any other. This will help you create a deeper bond with your partner.

You will also be able to step out of your comfort zone and try new things together. This will ultimately bring you closer together too!

24. Travel is inspiring.

Written by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

Standing in front of Machu Picchu in Peru

One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is because of the many ways it inspires me.

Traveling inspires me to better myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m inspired physically when I’ve committed to a trip that involves physical effort. One example would be hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.

When I learned that the trail involved miles of steady incline at high altitudes I felt motivated to prepare for that physically. This resulted in healthier eating habits and weeks of exercising leading up to my trip.

I’m inspired mentally by the way traveling increases my desire to do even more of it. This usually prompts me to tighten my budget to save for my next trip.

It also helps put into perspective the things I need vs. want and how that plays into not only my budget but also my overall happiness.

Emotionally, traveling inspires me to be a better person. When I see the way people in other parts of the world live, many times with very little, I feel humbled.

I feel inclined to be more grateful for the things I have and the experiences I’m afforded. It contributes to my overall well-being when I’m reminded of how little I need to truly be happy.

There are many reasons why I love traveling; but, the way it inspires me is definitely high on the list.

25. Travel turns kids into global citizens.

Written by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life

As full-time digital nomads, my family has seen so many places and experienced so much that I never thought possible when I was younger.

My son is learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that he would have never been exposed to if we had stayed in one place.

Traveling as a family has allowed him to gain a greater appreciation for the world around him.

He’s able to see how people live differently in different parts of the world and understand why those differences exist.

He is also learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving as he navigates through unfamiliar places and situations.

Most importantly, traveling has given him the opportunity to explore his own identity as a global citizen.

He is developing an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – a global community – and how he can contribute positively to it.

26. Traveling helps you find new opportunities in life.

Written by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Photo by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Traveling is not just visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, and trying local food. It can mean much more than that; it allowed me to find new opportunities and has changed my life forever.

When traveling to Europe for the first time at 18 years old, I noticed how big the world was, and life was so different on the other side of the world.

Because of that, I became more motivated to embrace the world. I decided to travel and meet more people.

While traveling in Amsterdam , luckily, I met some friendly people, including international students from Paraguay and South Africa. They studied in the Netherlands with a full scholarship.

They told me that the Netherlands was their first choice since they could have more connections with people around the world quickly while studying, and easier to find a job here after graduation as a non-European.

I came from Taiwan and grew up there all my life. After working for a few years, I quit my job and studied in the Netherlands. Now, I finally moved to The Netherlands permanently on my own, and if I didn’t travel, I would not know that it was possible to move here.

I encourage you to travel more and be open to meeting new people. The world is so big – people you meet can help you see the world from a different perspective and get valuable information about your life.

27. Travel can help you create change in your own community.

Written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Travel is not just about the place you visit, but the transformation you experience and how you transform your community in response.

I learned this when I spent a few months volunteering with a reconciliation organization in the Middle East.

Despite decades of violence between their communities, I saw ordinary people working together to build bridges across social divides.

As an outsider looking in, I only saw the tip of the iceberg of the challenges locals were facing—yet I could see that peacemaking was not an easy or quick task.

After a few months, I returned to the US completely changed. The framework for reconciliation that I learned abroad guided how I navigated the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, conversations about immigration, and even interpersonal conflicts.

Personal transformation is available to you as you travel whether you’re traversing war zones or relaxing on  tranquil tropical beaches . You just have to lean in and allow your biases to be broken.

28. Travel lets you see the vast landscapes of the world.

Written by Jessica from Uprooted Travel

Standing on sand dunes in the desert

As an outdoor adventure lover, one of the primary reasons I love to travel is to experience the vast array of landscapes the world has to offer.

This can take shape in so many different ways, from exploring the lush rainforests and rugged beaches of my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest to checking out any of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah, with unique sandstone fins and dramatic natural arches.

Of course, this takes me beyond my home country of the United States—there’s endless natural beauty to explore, like the turquoise waterfalls of Costa Rica , the luscious highlands of Iceland, or the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti.

Along the way, of course, I get to enjoy all of the other aspects of travel, like trying new cuisines, befriending locals, and seeing the world through a new perspective.

But for me, getting to step foot in a uniquely stunning landscape propels me to keep traveling and seeing this big, beautiful world.

29. Travel helps you make the world a better place.

Written by Chloe from Passport Down Under

Traveling has allowed me to positively impact the world by leaving the country in a better position than when I entered it, which is what I love most about traveling.

Traveling has allowed me to give back by supporting local businesses and economies.

By choosing to buy locally-made products and using local services, I have helped to create jobs and support the growth of small businesses. This can contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, traveling has allowed me to give back through volunteering and community service.

I have participated in activities such as clean-up projects on the beaches of Byron Bay, wildlife conservation projects in Cambodia, and teaching English to local children in Thailand.

These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the local people, especially in counties such as Cambodia.

Overall, traveling has allowed me to leave the world a better place by positively impacting the communities I visit.

30. Travel is great for learning a new language.

Written by Diana from Avagu Press

Learning a language is a huge reason to travel. While textbooks and classrooms might work for math and literature, learning a foreign language requires a bit of independent study and a lot of practice time.

The best way to get that practice time?

Immersion — spending hours, days, weeks, and even longer completely immersed in a foreign language, using it to live.

Unless you happen to live somewhere where multiple languages are spoken, travel is key to immersing yourself in a foreign language.

For the most effective language-learning, language-learning resources that specifically target your travel plans (like a Swahili-learning guide specifically for safari ) will help you make the most out of your experience.

Focus on communication, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

The beautiful thing about being a novice in a foreign language is that nobody expects too much, so the pressure is off! Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your language learning.

31. Travel brings adventure.

Written by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

Swimming with sea turtles in Barbados

One of the reasons I love to travel is for adventure and trying adventurous activities.

When traveling to new destinations, not only do you get to immerse yourself in different cultures and try new foods, but you have the chance to participate in exhilarating adventure sports that will leave you breathless.

From snorkeling with turtles to parasailing over beautiful coastlines, and volcano boarding down an active volcano, the rush of excitement is unmatched.

For adventure-seekers like myself, traveling to participate in activities like these create memories that last a lifetime.

I have chosen many of my vacation locations specifically for the fun adventure sports I can try there, and often, it is the first time I’m trying each activity.

The thrill of adventure travel is hard to beat, and the rush of excitement that comes with it is truly unforgettable.

32. Travel inspires me to write about and share my experiences.

Written by Wayne from Always On The Shore

The biggest reason that I love to travel is because it inspires me to write about places I’ve visited and my experiences, so I can motivate others to travel and do the same.

I have always liked traveling but I never had the money to travel until my mid-30s.  Once I started traveling more consistently, I fell in love with the idea of warm-weather locations, such as Florida.

Since I’m from Minnesota and half the year is snowy, cold weather, beach vacations became something that I became obsessed with. Later, that became writing about all things Florida and even the Caribbean.

I know that other people can relate and have similar reasons for wanting to get away, but maybe there’s something stopping them. Like maybe they’re too nervous to fly, which I also experienced, until I did research on flying, and learned ways to cope with flight anxiety.

The main takeaway is that if you’re passionate about seeing amazing places and the world like I am, don’t let anything stop you. If I can inspire others to do the same by sharing my experiences, then I’m happy.

33. Traveling gives me a creative outlet.

Pink and red rose bushes in front of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China

As I was growing up, I always assumed that I wasn’t creative. I couldn’t draw, didn’t play an instrument, and I certainly couldn’t sing or dance.

I always did great in English class, but I never enjoyed the creative writing assignments. Coming up with fictional stories just wasn’t my strong suit.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I had studied abroad four times in four different countries. I had also gone on several independently-planned trips, both international and domestic. At that same time, I also discovered a new creative outlet: travel blogging.

In school, I was always great at writing research papers and writing travel guides was a fun way to use my strengths. Plus, I had always enjoyed giving travel advice to friends and family, so why not share my stories and tips with the world?

Since starting A World in Reach in 2018, I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m so glad that I have a creative outlet where I can share about one of the most important aspects of my life – travel – and help others explore the world on a budget.

Reasons Why People Love to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are SO MANY reasons why people love to travel.

For some, traveling sparks creativity, brings personal growth, and helps them escape the routine. For others, traveling brings bucket-list-worthy experiences, delicious food, and adventure.

The question “Why do you love to travel?” has no right or wrong answer. Traveling is a deeply personal experience that can bring happiness to different people in many different ways.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling in the future, I hope this post and the stories told within have shown you all of the positivity that travel can bring to your life.

If you were asked, “Why do you love to travel?”, what would your answer be?

Reasons why people love to travel pinterest banner image

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

Mapping Megan

If there’s a question I’m asked most frequently, it’s what motivates me to travel. What motivated me to start, and what continues to motivate me today.

And it’s an interesting thing to consider. To pin-point exactly what makes us leave our homes and journey to far flung corners of the earth, sometimes halfway around the globe. What pushes us to sit in an aluminium tube for sometimes 20 hours + and endure in-flight food. 3 billion of us do it every year, though have you sat down and actually asked yourself why?

Some people do it to taste exotic dishes, and to dive into history. Some people travel for the ultimate tan. But for me, it’s always been about adventure and exploration. About the chance to experience and discover something new, whether that be a new taste, sensation, culture, or even an undiscovered city. (I figure Hiram Bingham did it, so surely there’s one just waiting for me too!)

What Motivates Me to Travel: Personal Reflection After 10 Years

You can hover over these (or any image) to quickly pin it.

If there’s a question I’m asked most frequently, it’s what motivates me to travel. What motivated me to start, and what continues to motivate me today.

Adventure and Exhilaration

My original motivation for travel was curiosity. I was aware of a whole world which existed outside of my bubble, and I was itching to discover it and explore. To experience a change of atmosphere and reinvigorate my thinking. To challenge my perspectives and renew my spirit.

Though once I broke free from my comfort zone, the adventure and exhilaration from experiencing something new became addictive. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to see the world in living color as opposed to watching it on a television screen. I wanted to actually feel, taste and experience the world instead of settling for the version I was reading in books.

There’s nothing stale or unimaginative about travel. It’s a completely different experience to journey to the Pyramids of Giza than to watch it on a History Channel documentary. It’s a completely different emotion to watch the sun set over the African Plains while on safari than it is to see someone else’s photo and think “wow!”

Thrust into entirely new environments, immersed in entirely new cultures, hearing the English language spoken with an unfamiliar accent; I realized this feeling of new discovery was what it meant to truly be alive.

Kayaking Lake Titicaca

At Which Point Does the World Stop Being New

However after 10 years of travel, does the same thing which motivated you at the beginning, continue to motivate you now?

I remember being told at age 18 that I needed to slow down. “You’ll have nothing left to achieve if you do it all now” which at the time I thought was ridiculous advice. After all, live as if there’s no tomorrow, dance as if there’s nobody watching and all that. But 45 countries later, that advice does ring partially true.

While I was once motivated to travel for exploration, the more you tick off your list, the less experiences which are truly new. A waterfall becomes just another waterfall, historic monuments all blur into one, and you lose appreciation of your surroundings. When you’re in such a rush to conquer the world before you hit 30, you hit 30 and wonder what’s left for you to do!

#ThisIsEpic

Galapagos

Our New Years Resolution: Seek Out Experiences Which Are New

So in looking to 2017, we’ve made the resolution to slow down. Take fewer trips, and appreciate them more. Make each trip epic, instead of an epic whirlwind. To do our best to seek out experiences which are new.

While it can sometimes feel as though you’ve seen it all, there are in fact many, many experiences which await us which are still new. Many more exciting opportunities to explore. For instance, we’ve never been skiing or snowboarding before. So a vacation to the snow in 2017 will be a fantastic opportunity to recreate that feeling of adventure and exhilaration.

We have a trip to Antarctica planned for February , and have then been looking at a vacation within the portfolio of Vail Resorts . Both fall within our definition of epic, and prove that there’s still a whole new world we have to explore.

I’m still motivated to travel by adventure and exhilaration, and by a curiosity of the world I haven’t yet explored. For the sake of continuing to experience something new, let’s hope that world doesn’t become too small!

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

How to Be a Spontaneous Traveler

The Worst Travel Tips You’ll Ever Hear!

How to Travel as a Couple Without Killing Each Other

travel motivates you

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook , Twitter ,  YouTube , Pinterest and Instagram .

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vail Resorts. The opinions and text are all mine. Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

66 Comments

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Your post made me think.

From my perspective, there are many things in life that traveling actually prevents you from experiencing. I need to think about this some more and maybe write about it too.

Thanks for a thought-provoking post and Happy Holidays!

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Like anything in life, there’s always a balance to be achieved, and sacrifices to be made along the way in pursuing a different lifestyle.

Let me know when you publish your post Anne :) Happy holidays!

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A really great post Meg! It definitely is completely different seeing things in person and know how the air feels and the scale, I felt that way about Petra! I think slowing down and picking the perfect spots for you will be great and make you more present. I can’t wait for your Antarctica trip!!!

Thanks Anna! Yes, we’re looking forward to spacing our trips out more, and enjoying the anticipation of the lead up, and the excitement of re-living the trip after you get back. They’re some of the best parts of travel, but are lost when you try to fit too much in :)

I’m definitely counting down to February for Antarctica instead of Christmas this year :D Happy travels!

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I think over time, this is so true. We all have our favorite places and yet we do return. When we set our own pace and decide how we want to spend our time, the experience really wins and makes for a happy traveler. Happy traveling in 2017!

Absolutely Sara :) Happy holidays & happy travels in 2017!

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Antarctica will be epic! I’m definitely guilty of trying to see everything, so slowing down a bit would do me some good as well.

I can’t wait!! I’ve been counting down to February instead of Christmas this year!! :D

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Great perspective! The more I travel the more the realize the importance of slowing down. As long term traveler I find it a contast battle to make things feel new. When epic adventures become your daily life I sometimes forget how lucky I am.

Thanks Stephen! You really do forget how lucky you are, and it’s difficult to fully appreciate experiences when you’ve become spoiled for them.

Here’s to slowing down in 2017!

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It is a good question, that one must ask themselves. The answer will be different every time like 2 persons are never alike. For me, I want to travel more and more. That desire of more travel motivates me. Slowing down is like every evening even the bird’s return back to their home, so why can’t we?

Absolutely Vishal – everyone’s motivation for travel will be different, as it’s a very personal thing. And each person has their own journey of internal growth.

Wonderful analogy of birds returning home – I think that’s so apt for this! Because birds do migrate right around the world, but they always make their way back to the same starting place. I had never thought about it like this before. Thankyou!

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There are so many things that resonate with me in this post! I am addicted to learning about and exploring new places. Kudos to you for going after it for 10 years! I can’t wait until I hit that milestone myself! I am personally excited for your trip to Antarctica as if I were going myself! I have never been to Vail, but it’s another one of the beautiful destinations we have to see for ourselves one day! Have an awesome 2017 and can’t wait to follow along your journey!

Thanks Megan! Yes, 10 years is a long time looking back on it! I can’t wait to celebrate with you once you hit that milestone too!

All the best in 2017 … so glad to be connected with you! X

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I’ve always loved travelling because my parents did and do, and I grew up from very young age used to doing so. Not only did we go back to India (from the UK where I was born after my parents emigrated here) and to the USA where we also had family, we also explored many other countries during my childhood. That wanderlust stuck, I think it’s in my DNA. So like you, I’ve been to many countries. But I don’t feel any less excited and there’s still so much to see. The Antarctic was a highlight for us in 2004, and we thought it would a once in a lifetime kind of thing but we went back in 2008 and then back again to just The Falklands for a few weeks a couple of years after that. More recently, we have “found” Japan and been three times in five years, and will certainly go back many more times – there is so much left to see. And there are still hundreds of countries we’ve not been to, despite all that travelling. IT’S SO EXCITING!

So glad to hear that your enthusiasm and motivation for travel stays strong Kavey! And WOW, Antarctica 3 times!! Incredible! I can imagine that’s probably one of those adventures which you could return for multiple times!! I’ll have to stalk your site for inspiration before we go :)

You are right, there is always more to see, and it’s especially interesting traveling back to destinations we visited at the start of our travels and noting how they have changed.

Can’t wait to follow your travels in 2017!

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Loved reading this perspective Megan as it is a journey I’ve been taking myself. I feel so lucky to be able to slow down and take things in on my travels. I think when I was younger I thought I needed to rush around and see all the highlights as I might never return to a place. Now,like you, am seeking those amazing experiences I can share with the family and friends I travel with. Wishing you many wonderful travel moments in 2017 and I look forward to reading about them on your blog

Hi Katy, thanks for reaching out – I’m glad to know that our perspectives and this point in our journey do resonate with people. It’s always nice to know you’re not the only one who feels a certain way!!

Wishing you all the best for 2017 & an action packed yet laid back year of adventure!

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That was really motivating. The trip to Antarctica in Feb is really going to be great and can’t wait to read about what you find there. I am just starting up with my travels with my first Solo Trip outside my country set for Feb as well. Merry Christmas and Happy Travels ahead.

I’m so glad Gokul! Congrats on your first solo trip coming up! The first is always an incredibly exciting trip – and one you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Hope you have the best time!

Merry Christmas & wishing you a happy new year :)

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So true! Seeking new experiences seems to be the way to cope with the lack of thrill. The more you visit the world, the more it gets harder to get impressed. I guess it just pushes the thrill further! Happy holidays and cheers to more travelling!

Absolutely – we keep pushing the boundaries and aiming higher still!

Happy new year Nat!

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youth and trips. That was always a very exciting feeling. I also have traveled quite extensively and felt no remorse about his youth. Do whatever you like when you can

Very good attitude, I agree with you :) The worst thing to have in life afterall is regret!

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This is such a great post! Everything changes when you visit a place personally. Whether for good or bad, to experience something first hand is truly incredible. Sometimes that exotic dish that you really wanted to try doesn’t really turn out to be that exotic after all. But I sincerely do hope that you discover a new city. Once done, invite all your followers there and we will create our own settlement and name it, Blog! Then all we have to do is to ask people to visit our blog, literally!

Thankyou Gagan! I agree, that first hand experience is always key to any kind of knowledge or understanding, regardless of whether for the good or bad.

Haha I will let you know if we find a new land to settle – would be a pretty fantastic settlement to have a community of world travelers actually!

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Great article Megan! I’ve even started noticed this lack of thrill for the new places we visit in my kids. We’re taking a step back this year and looking for new experiences and trying things we haven’t done in awhile.

Thanks Dana :) I’ve found it’s a delicate balance to living life to the fullest but still keeping things saved so it’s exciting in the future.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from our family to yours :)

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Too many continue to “continue” without discerning the new reason why each and every time. Whether it’s travel or performing one’s career, the considerations are the same.

Good luck with your new focus.

Absolutely Roy – I think it’s important to take stock every now and then of why we continue (as you said, whether this is in our travels, or other areas of life like a career). It’s easy to get into a habit over time of just repeating the motions having lost our original motivation for doing so.

Personal reflection every now and then seems to help with this :)

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Wow I can only imagine how many experiences and amazing opportunities you had during these years of travelling! Great resolution for the new year! Sometimes we get so concentrated on visiting many countries and exploring more that we do it in a hurry. Unfortunately, when you travel part time in between working or studying this is even worse. Wishing you an amazing trip to Antarctica! Sounds so exciting (and cold)!

Thanks Sia, yes, we’ve definitely been blessed with many amazing experiences over the past 10 years; absolutely no complaints, I’m extraordinarily grateful :)

I can absolutely understand the temptation to cram as much of a whirlwind in as possible when you have limited vacation days in-between work or study. That was me for many years too!

Wishing you all the best in 2017 – happy travels!

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I am motivated to travel for the same reasons as you, to experience and to see something different and something new. My problem is that I feel that a lifetime isn’t enough for me to experience all the things I want so I feel I ned to speed things up instead of slowing down.

And that’s fair enough too! If the excitement and motivation is still there, that’s awesome!

Happy travels in 2017 – here’s to a wonderful new year full of adventures and new experiences :)

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This resonates very much with what I feel these days. I used to travel to a new country every single month, chasing after new sights and experience but after a few years, I decided to slow down and reflect more on each trip that I make. Regardless of this sentiment, I definitely wouldn’t change what I’ve previously done and experienced. I guess they make me what I am today. Anyways, looking forward to reading about your trip to Antartica! That surely would be an epic one!

I’m the same, I definitely wouldn’t change anything we’ve done to date. But at the point in our journey now, it’s nice to say we’re going to take it slower and settle down :)

I can’t wait for Antarctica! Have been counting down to February instead of Christmas this year lol!

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I started traveling nine years ago, first as a student with no money, now as a married girl with a full time job. It’s nine year and still I can’t get enough. I also considered to leave everiything behind and start a new life somewhere else, because my desire to discover and taste new places and cultures is growing bigger day after day. Of course I can completely understand what you are saying, the world is your home, you have seen so many places that the unusual probably is to stop somewhere to rest! What is good for you now is not what it was the best for you 5 years ago and what will be in other 5 years. I am sure you’ll go through this topic again! :) Happy Antarctica!

Absolutely Alice, I think that as one lifestyle becomes normal to us, we then crave the opposite. The grass is always greener on the other side kind of mentality!! I wouldn’t change or trade the experiences we have had to date for anything, but I’m happy at the point we are now at to now experience a lifestyle which is a little more mellow! And then I’m sure in 5 years we’ll probably be all guns blazing again :D

So glad to hear that you’re a fellow travel addict too – if you’re considering moving abroad I would urge you to do it; one of the best things we chose to do!

Happy new year! & happy travels :)

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I was born into a travelling family – my father travelled with us all through my childhood and I honestly don’t think I could imagine anything different.

Oh and I am REALLY jealous about Antartica!

How fantastic it would have been to have that kind of upbringing Fiona! I’ve always said that exposure to the world is one of the best gifts a parent can give.

Watch this space for updates on Antarctica – I’ve been counting down to February instead of Christmas lol!

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I really think you summed it up when you said “To challenge my perspectives and renew my spirit”. I think traveling for me is about the people I meet and the cultures I can explore. Traveling really gives me a different perspective on the world. It’s great stepping out of your comfort zone, you truly do learn so much. Good luck with the Antarctica trip. I hope you guys get to hit the slopes sometime after that!

Thanks Mar! I agree that the perspective gained from travel is one of the most amazing things in the world – you can’t learn or experience anything like it in a classroom or from reading the news. Something very different about being there in the middle of everything and seeking out experiences first hand :)

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I agree that there’s no great rush to travel! I’ve been taking extended trips for most of my life but I love equally spending time at home on a regular schedule, being with family and friends. There’s balance and you have to see what works for you, then be open to it changing!

Absolutely Elaine – we’re always evolving and seeing personal development along the way. And each person’s journey is different from the next. Accepting change when it come and when it’s right for you is probably the biggest key.

Happy travels!

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It is heartening to see your story of last 10 years. You have achieved so much and still counting. I think being a blogger your followers and their association and expectation from you also keep you motivated as it is our obligation to keep bringing new stories for them. I look forward to c how Antarctica unfolds for you. Keep challenging you self and surely you will evolve everyday. But trust me, we dont need to slow down as there is always so much to explore and experience in one life time.

Thankyou Himanshu :) I agree – I think having established this platform for telling our stories, means that it’s an extra incentive to continue searching for adventure, if not just to inspire and share with our audience too!

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Loved reading this Megan! For me, my motivation is to learn and to get out of my comfort zone. I think all too often we get too comfortable and need a bit of a shock which is probably why I went to India last year and am about had to the Middle East in a couple of weeks haha! I cannot wait to hear about your trip to Antarctica, it’s going to be amazing!

Thankyou Anita! I agree with you that it’s important to continue pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone. Sometimes it’s that shock which wakes us up from auto pilot.

Enjoy the Middle East! It’s a region we haven’t really explored yet, but are dying to! You’ll have to report back & forward photos :)

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Such a great post Magan. I completely agree, travel is such an amazing experience and once that desire is in you I don’t think it ever leaves. When I had my son I had a slight blip and didn’t leave the country for about a year. Now though I just want to explore the world with him in tow and my desire to travel is probably stronger than ever. I took him to India for the first time this summer and it was amazing. Now need to plan my next big trip! Polly :)

Thanks Polly! I agree, having children shouldn’t stop you from discovering and exploring the world – just take them with you! I’ve always said that travel is the best education you could possibly give a child, especially in today’s day and age where we desperately need a greater appreciation of cultures and diversity.

All the more power to you!

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That is exactly what I would have said when I was your age if I had the courage to do what you are doing. But I didn’t and lived a conventional life building a career to raise a family. So now I am doing it to relive my life, differently.

Never too late to live the life of your dreams Carol – you’re doing it now and that’s the main thing!

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It’s great to hear what motivates others to travel! Totally agree with you–my motivations for traveling were the same, first for curiosity and then the adventure became addictive! We are also trying to slow down more and make the trips we take epic in their own right. Have an awesome time in Antarctica and hope you can make it to Vail–both sound like amazing trips!!

It’s nice to hear that there are others on the same page too , that we’re not the only ones! Thanks Jenna … counting down to February for Antarctica for sure!!

Happy travels in 2017 :)

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I totally hear you – I can’t ever imagine getting bored or tired of traveling! There are always new experiences, places, cultures, and people to meet. Antarctica is a total dream trip and it’s incredible that you’re going! Can’t wait to read about it! :) And Vail, too!!

Watch this space come February! And will let you know once we organize the Vail trip too :)

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Antarctica?! That’s awesome! I can’t wait to follow along. Your blog is definitely one of my favorites :)

Thankyou Carmen! That means a lot!! Watch this space in February for Antarctica updates :) Happy new year!!

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” It’s a completely different experience to journey to the Pyramids of Giza than to watch it on a History Channel documentary. It’s a completely different emotion to watch the sun set over the African Plains while on safari than it is to see someone else’s photo and think “wow!”” This is my favorite part! Keep doing what u love! :)

I’m so glad that you could connect with the post Ollie! Yes, I always wanted to witness the world for myself – nothing beats experiencing it first hand!! Happy travels :)

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I do think you need to redefine what motivates your travel once in a while. I find that what motivated me 10 years ago isn’t the same as today. I get a lot of different type of enjoyment out of my experiences and I definitely choose my destinations differently.

Absolutely Laura – we all change, and our interests and personalities evolve as we grow, so I find it’s very important to take time for self reflection every now and then, and to admit that it’s OK that we’re not who we used to be!

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Adventure is addictive. Once your hooked, it’s hard to stop. But after a while, the challenge becomes finding “new” unfamiliar experiences.

Totally agree with you, we should never be afraid of changing things up and continuing to push ourselves … what was once outside our comfort zone becomes comfortable after a little while, so it’s definitely important to keep seeking new experiences.

Happy travels Mitch, thanks for your comment :)

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An interesting perspective Megan; as I am much older than you I learned this a long time ago which is while I travel every year but not all the time. That being said we have 10 weeks in Yorkshire hiking next spring and then 8 weeks in Italy in the fall ended by 2 weeks in Germany.

Sounds like an incredible 2019! I hope you have an amazing time in Yorkshire, Italy and Germany :)

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Discover the World; Discover Yourself. Mapping personal evolution through adventure travel. We are Megan and Mike and have been traveling & blogging since 2007 inspiring travel and change!

I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!

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What Inspires You To Travel? | 10 Inspirational Resources

travel motivates you

People often ask us, What inspires you to travel? Where do you get your travel inspiration from? There are a lot of resources that inspire us, so we made this top-10 list to help you get inspired to go traveling!

Resources that inspire to travel;  1) Travel Videos 2) Documentaries 3) Books 4) Stories From Friends And Other Travelers 5) Cultures 6) Local Festivals 7) Food 8) Nature 9) Wildlife 10) Intrinsic Motivation

The above list is the resources we use most to find new inspiration. #10 is actually our most valuable resource, our intrinsic motivation. We just love to explore the world and learn more about other cultures. People often say; 

“Once you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, you stay infected for the rest of your life.”

We still use these resources to get new inspiration for travel destinations. Ready to find out more? Let’s dig in! 

Inspirational Travel Resources

We’ve basically been fulltime travelers since early 2018, and since then, we visited many countries. While being on the road, we’re writing for this website and a few other informational websites we own. Also, we do a lot of filming to create inspirational travel videos and documentaries. 

2020 is a year where we planned to travel less. We’re expecting our first child! So this year is all about getting used to a new family life. However, for 2021, our plan is still to discover new countries in the world. Until then, we use these resources to find inspiration for new destinations. 

1) Travel Videos

We love to watch and make travel videos! I feel it is one of the best resources to find new travel inspiration. A travel video can tell you so much about a destination. On YouTube, you can find them in many different formats.

One of the best inspirational travel video channels I love to watch is Sam Kolder’s channel, Kold. He makes relatively short, cinematic videos. Often with a lot of drone footage and as a drone pilot myself, it inspires me every time! Check out his compilation video of 2019; 

We also make travel videos and documentaries ourselves, which you might find interesting. Our videos are more focused on telling more about a countries culture. We have both shorter videos, which are more like an impression of a destination. These videos are our ‘travel guide videos.’ And documentaries, which I’ll show you in the next part of this article. 

You can learn more about our travel videos on our travel show page, or watching one of our videos below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, would be awesome! 

2) Documentaries

Let’s stay in videos for a while, travel documentaries can be very inspiring to awaken your wanderlust. I really love watching, and also making travel documentaries. Travel documentaries are often longer than an inspirational travel video. And thus there’s more time to tell an in-depth story about a particular subject. For travel documentaries, usually, that’s telling more about the culture, traditions, or nature of a country or specific place. 

One of the travel and nature documentaries that inspired me the most was the planet earth series of BBC. Also, the boy-to-man documentary series made by Tim Noonan is very inspirational, but sometimes a bit more extreme. He also produced  “the extreme engagement”  series for Netflix, which is fun to watch and also interesting if you want to learn more about indigenous and sometimes extreme cultures, check out the trailer below; 

Travel Show ‘LeKi On Travel’

So, I mentioned just a few documentaries that inspired me to travel more. But we also love to film and try to capture the unique cultures that cross our paths during our travels. The most significant difference between the documentaries and productions I mentioned earlier, and our video productions, is that we merely film and produce videos as a hobby. We named our show  LeKi op Reis (Leki on Travels).  Leki simply is the first letters of our names, Léon and Kirsten. 

Luckily for me, Kirsten worked as a producer for several TV Shows in The Netherlands, so when we started a few years ago, we had some knowledge of how things worked. But, we’re still learning every day! It’s just a fun experience. 

What I like most about creating travel documentaries is that the purpose of traveling changes. It is not just sightseeing, we get to know countries, cultures, and local people in a different way. Which is very inspirational! 

Two documentaries we filmed were for us making our dreams come true. We were able to swim with humpback whales in Tonga. And when we were in New Zealand, we captured the story of the Māori culture, which is a very unique, indigenous culture. 

You can find our documentaries on our travel show page, or watch our Māori Documentary on YouTube; 

Reading books can be very inspirational. Not only to awaken your wanderlust, but also many other things in life. 

Over the years, I read many travel-related books. The book I most recently finished was Ikigai, about the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Maybe it’s not directly related to travel, but traveling for me is also learning about new cultures, and adapting the things that improve my life. I really recommend reading the book, it also made me curious about visiting Japan, I feel it can be such an inspirational country! 

travel motivates you

The Ikigai book is available on Amazon. Click on the image or link to see the latest price on Amazon.

A classic book in travel literature is  Il Milione,  the story follows Marco Polo during its journey through the ancient Silk Route. A journey that took over 24 years, and made him the first Western traveler that reached many outskirts in the world. The most interesting about this story is learning more about the different cultures at that time (13th century AD) and how Marco Polo changed his lifestyle following the traditions of different cultures. 

travel motivates you

Il Milione is available on Amazon. Click on the image or link to see the latest price on Amazon. These books are also available as an e-book via Amazon Kindle. If you want to use Amazon Kindle, you can use this link to subscribe. You can easily use the kindle membership on different devices with the Kindle app or using an e-reader ;

travel motivates you

Coffee Table Books

Other books that inspire to travel are  Before They Pass Away   from  Jimmy Nelson.  A unique coffee table book, where he showcases unique tribal cultures from over the world. 

travel motivates you

Land of Giants   made by  Will Burrard-Lucas  is the newest inspirational book we’re reading. It’s a real artwork about the last wild African great tuskers (elephants). 

travel motivates you

These unique and inspirational coffee table books are an excellent gift for every traveler, or to buy as an inspirational guide for yourself. 

4) Stories From Friends And Other Travelers

As full-time travelers, you might think we’ve seen it all, but that’s actually not true. I love talking about traveling with friends and family, and also other travelers who we meet while we’re on the road. It’s great sharing travel experiences. It’s also fun to make music together. I always bring my ukulele, which is a perfect travel instrument and easy to take with you.. 

It is inspiring to listen to other stories and travel adventures of fellow travelers. When we’re on the road, we meet so many different people. The funny thing is that most conversations with other travelers start kind of the same. Subjects like; ‘ where you from ,’ ‘ where have you been,’  and ‘ where are you going .’ Are like the basic questions to start a conversation among travel-minded people. 

Sometimes these conversations turn into real friendships, but most of the time, I find it just inspirational to listen to other people. Learn from there stories, and get inspired by their adventures. 

Travel Must-Haves For Every Traveler

These items are must-haves for every traveler, and I can highly recommend them without any hesitation: Travel Hammock : This lightweight hammock is made of ultra-light parachute silk material. The hammock fits in a small portable bag and is very-easy-to you use. You can relax comfortably anywhere: on the beach, by the lake, in the forest, campsite, your hotel, Airbnb and even at home!  The North Face Backpack : This is a high-quality, versatile, and practical daypack from one of the best brands in the world. It is a perfect choice, no matter what kind of travel plans you have. Oasis Kindle E-reader : A waterproof E-reader for unlimited reading while traveling. It is a must-have for every traveler that enjoys reading. This E-reader has an adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber. It also works with Audible, so you switch effortlessly from reading to listening. Sony Noise-canceling headphone : A world-leading noise-canceling headphone to make your travel trip more comfortable and less exhausting. One of the best travel products out there. Either for listening to music, podcasts. Or to block all the noise during traveling, for example, when you’re in an airplane.  GoPro HERO 8 :  We’ve been using a GoPro camera since the first generation came on the market. It is our go-to travel camera ever since. Perfect for making the best pictures and memorable videos. It’s easy to use, waterproof and fits in your pocket or daypack. The new generation has a built-in stabilizer so that videos will be even better quality!  Check out our  recommendations page  for more travel gear and recourses. 

5) Cultures

I’m a cultural addict. I really love to learn about traditions and different cultures. How certain things developed over time, and how specific events in history influencing the daily life of different cultures. 

I find it all inspirational, and it is one of the main reasons I love to travel. Not only the basic stories about culture, one can easily find when Googling. Sure these facts are also interesting, but I’m specifically interested in the people. Is life really that different within specific cultures, how do people cope with cultural traditions and expectations. 

During our travels, we learned that there are many differences within cultures all over the world. But the most important things in life are the same everywhere you go. 

Happiness, Health, Safety, Family, and Friends. These are the important factors you find in every culture around the world. 

6) Local Festivals

When I start learning more about a new culture, I always look for local cultural festivals. Events that are celebrated annually throughout a community. Sometimes there are many differences in cultural events in the world. Like with Easter celebrations. A catholic event that is celebrated at many places in the world, but differs in each country. These cultural differences are, for me, the most inspirational. 

In our own country, we also celebrate unique cultural festivals. We’re from The Netherlands, and the two most significant cultural events in the country are not related to religion. The largest cultural festivals in The Netherlands are  Kingsday  and  Liberation Day. 

Kingsday is the day that we celebrate our King’s birthday. It is a public holiday, with many cultural festivities throughout the country. Everyone dresses up in orange, which is the national color of The Netherlands. The Dutch Royal Family visits a different city in the country each year to celebrate Kings Day among the locals. Read more about Kingsday in our article  What Is Kingsday in The Netherlands?  

Liberation Day is the other unique cultural Dutch festival. During Liberation Day, we celebrate our freedom after World War II. Each year many festivals and celebrations are taking place on the 5th of May. The day before, on the 4th of May, is the national remembrance of the death. You can find out more about these cultural events, and other unique things of our country, in our article  What Is The Netherlands Famous For?

Cape Verdean Culture

I got inspired by many cultures during our travels. However, the Cape Verdean culture is one that inspires me very much. We traveled for 10 weeks through the archipelago, and it surprised me how positive and friendly the people are. 

Cape Verde is one of the youngest and most stable democracies in Africa. But it is also a very poor country. Since the discovery of the islands in the 15th century, and until 1975, Cape Verde was a Portuguese colony. Without the possibility to thrive as an independent nation. 

Despite the economic adversity, the Cape Verdeans always stayed positive. They always found a way to celebrate life and be happy. The Cape Verdean lifestyle is the best way described as  no stress.  In Cape Verde known as  Morabeza.  A way of life that is best experienced on the island of Santo Antão. 

But they also find a way to celebrate the beauty and happiness in life. Cape Verde islands are actually one of the best places to celebrate tropical carnival. The island São Vicente is known as the cultural heart of the archipelago. Check out the tropical carnival celebrations in Cape Verde in our travel video; 

When you’re inspired to visit this African archipelago, I recommend reading some of our articles about Cape Verde . An interesting article to start with is  What is Cape Verde Famous For?

Another great way to learn more about a culture is by exploring the local cuisine. By finding unique local restaurants and eating local food, you can learn a lot about the cultural heritage of a country. 

For example, in Cape Verde, their local, national dish, is Cachupa. A stew of basic ingredients like corn, meat, and some local vegetables. For a long time, it was food for the poor people of the country. But today, the Cape Verdeans are proud of their national dish. It’s interesting to learn how things develop over time. 

One of the most inspirational figures, when you talk about exploring culture food, was Anthony Bourdain. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2018, but his travel documentaries are still exciting to watch. The series  Parts Unknown,  and  No Reservations,  where he, in a brilliant way, combines cultural food, with everyday life. You get a great insight into learning more about specific cultures. 

We love being outdoors and explore the beautiful and remote parts of the world. However, we’re not extreme travelers. We just drive around in our small Toyota Yaris with a rooftop tent on top . Looking for places off the beaten track. Getting away from the rat race, being outside, and live within nature. And even as full-time travelers, we still have dreams and a bucket list. Exploring the northern lights, visit the Amazon Jungle, visit Patagonia, and many other things. 

When you love to visit nature, I recommend reading more about New Zealand. This beautiful country has it all and amazed me every day when we traveled through the country. It’s such a beautiful environment! 

9) Wildlife

Nature and wildlife are two things that are closely related. We love to explore wildlife, but always respectfully. We don’t want to disturb the wildlife but visit certain parts, merely to explore and experience. And let the animals be in their natural habitats. 

During the last years, we made some inspirational wildlife trips. When we were in Indonesia, we visited the island of Sumatra. Here we could visit one of the last wild Orang-Utans. A unique experience, in a very remote part of the island. 

We also visited the Kingdom of Tonga, where one of our biggest dreams came true. We went swimming with humpback whales. These gentle giants come to the island of Tonga annually to have their young. A great experience and something we’ll never forget. I would recommend everyone planning such amazing trips. But always in a respectful way for nature and wildlife. Remember that we are just visitors in the natural habitats of these animals. 

10) Intrinsic Motivation

When it comes to traveling, we are our biggest inspirators. We have that urge to learn more about cultures, to see unique countries, and meet other people from all over the world. Explore the beauty of nature and wildlife. 

Like we started this article, we are infected with the travel bug. 

I can’t really describe where it’s coming from. Maybe it has something to do with my mixed cultural background. My family comes from Indonesia, which makes a part of me Indonesian. So a mix of different cultures. During our trip to Indonesia, I also visited my family’s heritage on the island of Java. I created this video about it; 

Our urge to travel has definitely something to do with the fact that we don’t want to participate in the western rat race. I think it is one of the biggest reasons why we all travel and go on vacation. To get away from the busy moments in our daily life. The most significant difference for us is that we didn’t want to get away from those busy moments for only a few weeks per year. We didn’t want to be in that rat race at all. 

We participated in several office jobs, and made our first steps on the western ‘career ladder.’ Still, quickly we discovered that’s not the lifestyle that suits us. 

We want to create memories and live our lives in the happiest way possible. For us, that means traveling to enrich ourselves with the knowledge of different cultures. And also being at home, together with our family and friends. 

So, these are the things where we get our travel inspiration from. Of course, sometimes, we also look at Instagram to get some inspiration. But honestly, the travel related images and stories there are most of the time to picture-perfect for me. It doesn’t reflect reality. 

When you’re looking for some travel inspiration, I recommend reading our destination articles . We love to inspire you to go travel more. Check out the different articles here . Of course, you can also watch our videos on our travel show page . If you like our videos, please subscribe to our YouTube channel ! 

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Why i travel: the joys & benefits of traveling the world.

Traveling has been one of my top priorities for a very long time. I make a concerted effort to travel as much as I can throughout the year even while maintaining my online publishing business. I do it because I love it, first and foremost, but also because traveling has a lot of auxiliary benefits that you might not know about.

When I graduated from high school, long ago, I had the opportunity to travel to seven countries in Europe . That trip changed the way I see the world and helped me define who I wanted to be as an adult. I’m so thankful for that opportunity, because without it, I’m not sure that I would have realized all of the benefits of traveling the world.

benefits of traveling the world

I wrote this post on the benefits of travelling the world because I want to share my perspective on why travel is important and what I think are the main benefits of traveling, because there are many, and those benefits can often be overlooked.

You may not just take my word for it and run out to book those tickets to France , but I hope that I can encourage you to broaden your horizons a bit and consider how travel might fit into your own life.

The Benefits of Traveling the World

Traveling expands your appreciation for other people and cultures..

In 2005, I traveled to Israel on a group tour to see some of the top biblical sights – Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Golgotha, the Sea of Galilee. It was an incredible trip. Israel is a beautiful country, full of incredible culture and customs, great food and friendly people.

It was my first trip to the Middle East, followed shortly by a trip to Egypt in 2007, and it really expanded my appreciation for a region of the world that I only knew from reports on the news and snippets of other people’s perspective on the area.

I finally had a chance to see it myself and to build my own perspective, rather than relying on what are likely someone else’s distorted views. There is so much to learn from actually visiting a place and seeing for yourself what their culture is like.

See how travel has touched the lives of these fellow travelers: 5 Simple Travel Experiences That Touched Our Hearts

It allows you to see past your own concerns and troubles and become more compassionate.

When I leave behind my world and join in someone else’s — even for a short period of time, like a 1-week vacation — I am always able to see my own concerns and troubles in a better perspective. What I thought was such a major catastrophe at home suddenly seems trivial, or the grudge I was holding onto no longer seems important.

I know it’s just the distance and space I’ve had to step back and look at the issue more clearly, but to me that’s a huge benefit to regular travel. It’s sort of like an instant reset button. As you start to see that you aren’t the center of the universe and that people around you have much bigger issues and problems than you do, you start to feel more compassion and understanding for people.

Hanging out with a camel in Jerusalem (2005)

It gives you a greater desire to help people who are less fortunate than you.

When I was in high school, my youth group traveled to a poor border town in Mexico each year to build houses and lead bible study for the villagers and children who lived there. The families we built the houses for were living in what amounted to forts built out of discarded materials, like plywood boards, plastic sheeting and old tires.

The children were ecstatic to play with empty cardboard boxes that we brought our materials in. That was my first real experience with such incredibly poverty and it helped me see that my own worries and concerns were so trivial in comparison.

It also opened my eyes to how wasteful and ungrateful we are for the things we have. While this is obviously an extreme example, there are many times during our travels around the world that I am moved by compassion for someone or convicted by my own materialism.

It expands your borders, literally.

In just over 20 years of traveling, I’ve been to 50+ countries, and to every continent, except Antarctica. I’ve been to Egypt and Israel, to Switzerland and the small country of Liechtenstein, to South Africa and Morocco , to Peru and Argentina , Australia and New Zealand.

I’ve walked on the Great Wall of China and crawled into a Pyramid in Giza. I’ve tasted Malbec in Mendoza and Port in Portugal . I’ve stayed in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora and visited the floating markets of Bangkok . My borders have truly been expanded.

I might not be as adventurous as my friend who goes to places like Iraq and North Korea on his trips, but I know that the world is open to me and I can go anywhere my heart desires.

Visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand

It breaks you out of your comfort zone and chips away at your fears.

For a long time I was really afraid to deal with the language barrier in a new place. It was an irrational fear, seeing how thousands of tourists go to these places every year and get by with pointing and gesturing. I’m no different than any of those people and anyone I come in contact with on a vacation will have dealt with a hundred of me already that week.

The language barrier doesn’t have to be frightening. It took a number of trips for me to realize that and to embrace the fun of learning a few important words in each country I visit. In South Korea, for example, I spent an hour driving around on a bus with a driver who couldn’t understand where I wanted to go.

He finally dropped me off at an American hotel.  Another great example of stretching my comfort zone and overcoming fears on the road was a on a trip I took by myself to Montenegro and Croatia . Talk about fear.

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

It helps you discover more about yourself and your traveling companions.

Nothing I’ve done in my life has taught me more about my own self more than traveling has. There are many times I can recall where I didn’t know how I would react in a particular situation until it happened. I’ve been able to identify many of my own strengths and weaknesses through trials and excitements I’ve had while traveling.

I also think traveling with someone is a fantastic way to really get to know them on a deeper level. My husband, Nick, and I have been traveling together now for 10 years and we’ve grown together immensely through our travels.

We’ve adopted a travel style that’s all our own and that works really well for us, and we know each other’s buttons and breaking points. Prior to traveling with Nick, I traveled a lot with my friend Sarah and we always had such fun. I will always have incredibly fond memories of our trips together. We built a bond of friendship that will never fade.

The memories you make and will cherish forever are worth more than anything you could buy.

Since traveling is my priority , I don’t spend money on other things like clothes and expensive hair treatments. I don’t buy shoes or jewellery and I don’t really care for massages or facials or anything like that. I prefer to spend my money on experiences and things that will result in memories that I know I will cherish forever.

The memories are priceless to me. I might buy a $100 shirt and wear it a hundred times, but I doubt that I’ll build fond memories of the shirt. I could spend that same $100 on a cooking class in Thailand and I will have those memories for a lifetime. Every time I look at the photos or try to cook one of those dishes myself, I instantly get taken back to that experience in Thailand .

Laura & Nick in Iceland

It gives you major bragging rights when you can say “I’ve been there,” while watching Travel TV.

Nick & I occasionally watch travel and cooking shows and every time a destination comes on that we’ve been to, we get all excited to see it again. It’s inevitable that one or both of us proclaims, “We’ve been there!”.

There’s something really cool about seeing a place on TV that you’ve already been to (like Girona , where scenes from Game of Thrones was filmed). And whenever I’m talking to people about a cool destination, I feel really giddy to say that I’ve been there. Maybe that’s just silly, but if it makes you happy, then it’s a benefit!

You will meet some of the friendliest, like-minded people who might turn out to be your friends for life.

On a group trip to China that Sarah and I went on in 2010, we met and quickly became friends with the nicest, coolest people we’ve ever come across on our trips. Their names were Steve and Carole and they were from California .

We became acquainted on the first couple days, but by the 4th day of the trip we were fast friends and we did everything together for the rest of the trip. Since then, I’ve visited them in California and they’ve visited Sarah in Washington, DC .

Of course, we had a lot in common with them, being that we’re all avid travelers and have been to many of the same places, but they’re just great people. Whenever we travel, we meet some of the nicest people.

Carole, Steve, Sarah and me in China

You can live (actually LIVE) through your own travels. No need to do it vicariously through others.

I’ve had many people tell me over the years that they live vicariously through my travel photos that I post on Facebook ( Like us on Facebook! ). While that’s fine for people who have not chosen a life of travel and who don’t really want to leave the comfort of their own homes, it’s not fine for me.

I want to live every day to the fullest and even though I can’t travel full time because of work, I want to use every second of my leave time going somewhere, seeing something and truly living.

You will find yourself in hilarious, terrifying, awkward and just downright laughable situations that you will later realize where the times you felt the most alive in your entire life.

When Nick & I were driving through Kruger National Park a few years ago in South Africa , we were in a rush to get out of the park before closing but got waylaid by a pack of elephants that were hanging out on the road, blocking our path. We ended up being 30 minutes past closing time and had to explain to the park rangers that the elephants made us do it.

In Thailand, we were walking around Chiang Mai one afternoon in the sweltering heat and stopped to ask for directions from a local. While he was talking, Nick’s $5 cheapo sunglasses we bought to replace the nice ones he left at home started to literally melt off his face and fall in pieces to the ground.

He somehow maintained a straight face as he intently listened to the directions, but I couldn’t keep from laughing.

Elephant herd blocking our path

These are just a few of the benefits of traveling the world that I’ve realized over the years. I know there are a million more intangible benefits that are impossible to convey. I hope, if anything, you’re inspired to travel more yourself and spread the joy that you received from your travels.

What do you think are the most beneficial parts of traveling? What motivates you to travel?

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

  • Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
  • Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
  • Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
  • Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Why I Travel: The Joys & Benefits of Traveling the World

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

8 thoughts on “ Why I Travel: The Joys & Benefits of Traveling the World ”

Traveling it is an Inspiration investment. With traveling I often get fresh ideas that later became a plus in my daily life. On returning home, this unique experience will certainly be an unforgettable memory and make you smile while remembering it.

travel around the world let you know different cultures and know the traditions of every country , and make friends from all over the world

That’s very true, Sara.

Travelling is one of the best forms of education. It increases confidence. We learn about different cultures across the world. Therefore we must travel to different places.

Don’t missed to trying for visit netherland distance an am on landhoteldiever.nl/ already of full service, Thanks

Thank you for your article. Theres we have a great experience, fellowship, nice food, and met another people who we don’t know before. Those event are really great things for studies how to make a team building. Good job. zuiddrenthe.nl

I find the part Of “Malbec from Mendoza” funny. I just came from there, and I find your article very informative from my own experience.

It’s nice that you pointed out how traveling could break you out of your comfort zone and chip away at your fears. I haven’t tried going overseas before, so I think I should take this opportunity to travel. An Asia travel sounds like a great time, so I’ll start planning it soon.

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travel motivates you

What Motivates People To Travel | Top Reasons

  • September 21, 2023

What Motivates People To Travel

Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste, and try new things .

Travel is a deeply ingrained and universally cherished human activity. It can inspire, educate, and transform us in countless ways. 

Whether it’s an adventure to distant lands, a leisurely escape to a tropical paradise, or a cultural immersion in a foreign city, travel beckons us with promises of exploration, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

But what fuels this wanderlust? What compels individuals to embark on journeys far and wide, leaving behind the familiar for the unknown? 

The motivation behind travel is a complex interplay of personal desires, interests, and aspirations. It varies from person to person, often reflecting the intricate tapestry of our lives.

Exploring the motivation for travel, we delve into why people embark on their journeys.

From the pursuit of adventure and the quest for relaxation to the thirst for cultural enrichment and the desire to forge deeper connections, each traveler’s motivation is as unique as the destinations they seek.

Join us on this journey through the diverse landscape of travel motivations, where we unravel the underlying forces that drive us to explore the world, learn from it, and, ultimately, find meaning and fulfillment in our travels.

Motivates Of People For Travel 

What Motivates People To Travel? People are motivated to travel for a wide range of reasons, and these motivations can vary from person to person. 

Here are some common factors that motivate people to travel:

travel motivates you

  • Adventure and Exploration 

Many people have a natural curiosity and desire for adventure. They seek to explore new places, experience different cultures, and embark on exciting journeys. The thrill of discovering the unknown can be a powerful motivator.

  • Relaxation and Escape

Travel provides an opportunity to escape the routine and stresses of daily life. People often travel to relax, unwind, and recharge. Vacationing in a peaceful or picturesque location can be a great way to de-stress.

  • Cultural Enrichment

Travel allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, traditions, and histories. They may be motivated to learn, grow, and better understand the world and its people.

  • Food and Culinary Exploration

 Food enthusiasts often travel to sample local cuisines and delicacies. Trying new foods and experiencing the flavors of a region can be a significant motivator for travel.

  • Nature and Scenic Beauty

Natural beauty, such as stunning landscapes, beaches, mountains, and wildlife, can be a powerful draw. Many people are motivated to travel to witness and connect with the beauty of the natural world.

  • Social and Interpersonal Connections

Visiting friends and family, attending weddings or other social events, or simply spending quality time with loved ones can strongly motivate travel. Human connections are an essential part of many people’s lives.

  • Hobbies and Interests

Individuals often travel to pursue their hobbies and interests, such as sports, music festivals, art exhibitions, or historical reenactments. Traveling for these specific activities can be highly motivating.

  • Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Travel can be a transformative experience, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. It challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones, overcome obstacles, and learn more about themselves.

  • Bucket List and Dreams 

Many people have a list of places they dream of visiting before they die, often called a “bucket list.” These dreams and aspirations can be strong motivators for travel.

travel motivates you

  • Work and Business 

Travel is not always for leisure. Some travel for work-related purposes, such as conferences, meetings, or assignments. Business travelers are motivated by professional goals and responsibilities.

  • Spiritual and Religious Reasons 

Pilgrimages and spiritual journeys to sacred sites and religious destinations are typical motivations for travel among individuals seeking a deeper spiritual connection.

  • Education and Learning

Another motivating factor is traveling for educational purposes, such as studying abroad or attending workshops and seminars. Learning about different cultures, languages, and academic subjects can be a powerful motivator.

  • Wellness and Health 

Some travel to destinations known for their wellness and health benefits, such as spa retreats, yoga retreats, or destinations with natural healing properties.

  • Celebrations and Milestones

Traveling to commemorate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or retirement is a common reason for trips.

  • Volunteer and Charity Work

Some individuals travel to volunteer their time and skills for charitable causes, such as humanitarian aid, environmental conservation, or community development projects.

  • Photography and Art

Travel provides endless opportunities for photographers, artists, and creatives to capture the beauty of landscapes, people, and cultures.

  • Sports and Events

Attending sporting events, festivals, concerts, or other cultural events in different locations can be a thrilling reasons to travel.

  • Literary and Film Inspiration

Traveling to places featured in books, movies, or TV shows that have inspired one’s imagination can be a meaningful journey.

travel motivates you

Exploring markets, boutiques, and shopping districts in various cities or countries is a popular reason for travel, especially for fashion enthusiasts and collectors.

  • Family Reunions

Traveling to reunite with extended family members who live in different parts of the world is a strong motivator for some.

  • History and Archaeology

History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts may travel to explore ancient ruins, historical sites, and museums.

  • Adventure Challenges

Taking on physical challenges like climbing mountains, embarking on long-distance hikes, or cycling cross-country can be a compelling reason to travel.

  • Learning New Skills

Traveling to enroll in workshops, classes, or retreats that teach new skills, such as cooking, yoga, or a new language, is an educational motivator.

  • Space and Astronomy Tourism

With advancements in space tourism, some people are motivated to travel to space for a unique and out-of-this-world experience.

  • Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways

Traveling for a romantic escape or honeymoon is a common reason for couples looking to celebrate their love and create lasting memories together.

  • Retirement Adventures

After retiring, many individuals embark on long-term travel adventures to explore destinations they’ve always dreamed of visiting.

  • Digital Nomadism

The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has encouraged people to travel while working, allowing them to explore new places while maintaining their careers.

  • Recovery and Healing

Some travel for physical or mental health reasons, seeking specialized medical treatments, wellness retreats, or therapeutic environments.

  • Geocaching and Treasure Hunting

Enthusiasts of geocaching and treasure hunting use travel as a means to discover hidden caches and treasures around the world.

  • Adoption and Family Matters

Traveling to adopt a child, meet biological family members, or handle legal or family-related matters in different countries is another important reason for travel.

  • Pilgrimages

People of various religions undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites and holy places as an act of devotion and spiritual growth.

travel motivates you

Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

Traveling offers numerous advantages, including personal growth, cultural enrichment, and memorable experiences. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as costs and potential challenges. Here’s a breakdown of both:

Advantages of Traveling

  • Personal Growth
  • Memorable Experiences
  • Inspiration
  • Food and Cuisine
  • Health Benefits

Disadvantages of Traveling

  • Time Commitment
  • Safety Concerns
  • Culture Shock
  • Language Barriers
  • Logistical Issues
  • Environmental Impact
  • Health Concerns
  • Home Sickness
  • Over-Tourism

Best Places To Travel

Determining the “best” places to travel depends on your interests, preferences, and the type of experience you’re seeking. 

Here are some diverse destinations that are often highly recommended by travelers:

  • Paris, France 
  • Kyoto, Japan 
  • Rome, Italy
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Santorini, Greece
  • New York City, USA 
  • Bali, Indonesia
  • Cape Town, South Africa 
  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Banff National Park, Canada
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates 
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Marrakech, Morocco
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Munich, Germany
  • Cairo, Egypt
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Queenstown, New Zealand
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia

What Motivates People To Travel? In conclusion, the motivations for travel are diverse and deeply personal, reflecting each traveler’s unique desires, interests, and circumstances. Whether driven by a thirst for adventure, a desire to explore new cultures, a need for relaxation, or any of the countless other reasons, travel holds the potential for enriching experiences, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. Understanding your motivations for travel is essential in planning and enjoying your trips. It allows you to tailor your journeys to align with your goals and preferences, ensuring each adventure becomes a fulfilling and transformative experience.

What are the Most Common Motivations for People to Travel?

Common motivations for travel include adventure and exploration, relaxation, cultural enrichment, food and cuisine, and connecting with loved ones.

However, motivations can vary widely from person to person.

How Can I Determine My Travel Motivations?

Determining your travel motivations involves self-reflection.

Consider what excites you, what experiences you seek, and what personal goals you want to achieve through travel.

Assess your interests, desires, and priorities to identify your unique travel motivations.

Are There Specific Destinations or Types of Travel that Align with Certain Motivations?

Specific destinations and types of travel experiences may align with specific motivations. For example, if you’re motivated by adventure, you might seek out destinations known for outdoor activities like hiking or scuba diving.

If you’re interested in cultural enrichment, historic and culturally rich locations might be appealing.

How Can I Ensure my Travel Plans Align With my Motivations?

To ensure your travel plans align with your motivations, it’s essential to research destinations and activities that cater to your interests.

Create an itinerary that includes experiences related to your motivations and set clear goals for what you want to achieve during your trip.

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Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

What Does Travel Mean to You?

A solo hiker in a yellow jacket sitting in the mountains looking at the scenery around him

A few years ago, I went around the world and asked people what travel meant to them. As I travel the country on my current book tour and hear everyone’s reasons for travel, I’m reminded of that experience.

Travel means something different to every single person in the world.

There are a million and one reasons to travel. Many people travel the world to get the bug out of their system, or to check things off a list to say they’ve been there and done that. Some run to escape their problems. Some people travel simply to get drunk around the world.

For me, travel means many things. Travel is freedom . It’s about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement. Travel was an escape. Travel was “elsewhere”. That place where exciting things and people resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and how they act. It’s about pushing myself to the limit and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

But I wondered what motivates other people to do the same.

I have my theories of course.

But I wanted to hear it from people directly.

So, during an extended trip, I asked people I met on the road one question:

“What does travel mean to you?”

And here is what they said:

I loved hearing everyone’s answers because it so accurately describes all the various reasons that push us to travel the world, learn about the people in it, and ourselves.

Now, tell me in the comments below:

What does travel mean to you?

Share what drives you.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
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Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

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Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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The Globetrotting Teacher

40 Quotes About Travel That’ll Inspire and Motivate You

Quotes about travel are so powerful!

Not only have they stirred up my own sense of wanderlust, but truly inspiring quotes about travel have been THE  reason I’ve planned a trip. Travel quotes can even be what helps you realize your travel dreams when it seems everyone (even that voice in your head) is discouraging you. I can certainly relate to this especially about some of the solo trips I’ve taken.

I think the best quotes for travel are the ones that resonate and inspire action and the quotes in this guide have done that for me…and I hope they will for you!

40 Quotes About Travel That’ll Inspire and Motivate You

travel motivates you

1. Wanderlust: (n) a strong desire or urge to explore the world

Travel quote about regret.

2. “The only trip you’ll regret is the one you don’t take.” – Unknown

traveling quotes You can't have a narrow mind and a thick passport.

3. You can’t have a narrow mind and a thick passport. – Pauline Frommer

Travel quote about seeing the world.

4. “See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury

Quotes in travel - The world is too big to stay in one place.

5. “The world is too big to stay in one place.” – Raghavi Devaraj

Quotes about travel Once a year, go someplace you've never been before

6. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama

Inspiring Quotes About Travel

What inspires you to travel? I’m drawn to new experiences and learning more about different people and places to challenge my norm. Really this post is FULL of inspiring quotes about travel but the ones listed in this section always have me shaking my head thinking, “Yes! The traveler who said this gets it!”

Quote about travel, just go see the world.

7. “Just go. Go see all the beauty in the world.” – Anonymous

Quote about travel for life not to escape us.

8. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

Quotes for travelers that inspire - travel because life is short and the world is huge

9. “Travel because life is short and the world is huge.” – Anonymous

Travel quote about pictures.

10. “Pictures just don’t do it justice.” – Unknown

Travel quote about finding the best stories between the pages of a passport.

11. “Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” – Unknown

Travel quote about seeing something once.

12. “Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” – Asian Proverb

Quotes About Traveling Alone

Are you thinking of taking a trip on your own? It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. But, I understand how daunting it can be to someone who has never taken a solo trip. I was so nervous and scared the first time I traveled on my own!

Start slowly. Book a shorter trip or a destination where the cultural differences aren’t as extreme. But go! And, if you’re still hesitating, these solo travel quotes are just what you need to get planning your own solo adventure.

Quotes About Traveling Alone - Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer

13. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Unknown

Travel Solo Quotes - Live Boldly. Take Chances. It's worth seeing what's just out of sight.

14. “Live boldly. Take chances. It’s worth it to see what’s just out of sight.” – Unknown

traveling alone quotes You are only confined by the walls you build yourself.

15. “You are only confined by the walls you build yourself.” – Unknown

quotes about travel with friends A JOURNEY IS BEST MEASURED IN FRIENDS RATHER THAN MILES.

16. “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

Travel quote about the going direction of your dreams.

17. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

Travel quote about being fearless.

18. “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee

Travel quote about time.

19. “Time is the coin of your life. It’s the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it’ll be spent.” – Carl Sandburg

Travel quote about not listening to what others say.

20. “Don’t listen to what they say. Go see.” – Chinese Proverb

Short Travel Quotes

Short and to the point. Who says you need a lot of words to deliver a powerful message? These short travel quotes beg to differ. 

Quote about travel to live.

21. “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Short Quotes About Travel - When in doubt, travel

22. “When in doubt, travel.” – Alexandra Holovitz

Short Travel Quotes Not all classrooms have 4 walls

23. “Not all classrooms have four walls.” – Anonymous

Travel quote about measuring life.

24. “Measure life by countries, not years.” – Unknown

Travel quote don't quit your day dream.

25. “Don’t quit your day dream.” – Unknown

Travel quote about those who wander.

26. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Travel Life Quotes

Isn’t travel already a living, breathing metaphor within the journey of life? Travel opens your mind and teaches lessons to last a lifetime. For me, it’s taken away a lot of my worries and helped me understand how to be grateful for the present. These life and travel quotes can motivate you to seize the moment and recognize your place in the wider world. 

Travel life Quotes - I don't know the question but travel is definitely the answer

27. “I don’t know the question. But travel is definitely the answer.” – Unknown

Travel quote about money and time.

28. “Travel. Your money will return. Your time won’t.” – Unknown

Travel quote about discovery.

29. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

travel life quotes travel makes you modest. you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world

30. “Travel makes you modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

life travel quotes Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.

31. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

Life and travel quotes - Explore

32. “Explore. Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing the lawn.” – Jack Kerouac

Travel quote pay for a lovely day.

33. “The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” – Richard Bach

Traveler life quotes - we take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone

34. “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” – Katie Thurmes

Travel quote about gratitude.

35. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

Travel quote about risk.

36. “Then there is the most dangerous risk of all…Not doing what you want on the bet that you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar

Quotes for Travel and Adventure

What travel experience isn’t an adventure?! You can be in the wilds of the  Okavango Delta  or sightseeing in  New York City , either way, it’s bound to be an adventure. So, naturally, quotes about adventures and travel just go together!

Travel quote about life as a journey.

37. “Life is a journey. Make the most out of it.” – Unknown

Quotes on travel and adventure take only memories. leave only footprints

38. “Take only memories. Leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

travel motivates you

39. “As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was about to begin.” – Winnie the Pooh

travel motivates you

40. “I do believe it’s time for another adventure.” – Unknown

Where’s your favorite travel quote? Have these quotes about travel inspired you to plan that long-awaited trip?

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40 Quotes About Travel That'll Inspire & Motivate You

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10 Best Reasons That Motivates You To Travel The World

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travel motivates you

Millions and millions of people travel every year. They leave their homes to explore the world or to find work. Their reasons to travel might be different than one another but the one thing that remains the same is the love that people have for traveling.

10 Reasons To Travel In 2021 

Here are 10 reasons that we think are the best motivators that make people travel -

1. To look for challenges

There are times when you look for an escape from your everyday life. You yearn for something exciting and fun. You crave adventure and new challenges and what better way to challenge yourself than to travel. Traveling to distant and unknown lands boosts self-confidence. Adventure sports like trekking, snorkeling, mountain biking, and rock climbing releases adrenaline into our bodies. You realize how capable you are and what you can do other than just sitting on your desk behind a computer screen. 

2. To expand perspective

Traveling changes your perspective and this is another answer to why do people travel. It makes you realize that there is no one way to live life. You hear and know about different cultures and opinions and realize that the beliefs and faiths could be entirely different from yours. You start accepting different perspectives adding so much to your own.

3. To find yourself

Getting away from the comforts of your home allows you to test your limits. You get time and space to think about yourself. While traveling, you deal with issues and challenges on your own and this gives you an insight into your capabilities. After wandering around, when you go back home, you will find an evolved version of you that is more aware of yourself.

4. To build and strengthen relationships

Busy in our daily struggles, earning bread and butter for the family, could distance you from your loved ones. You might be living under the same roof but mentally you could be far away. You might think why you should travel with your family or friends? The answer is to build and strengthen the relationship with your family and gang. A fun vacation with your loved ones gives you an opportunity to know them better. You get time to talk and have those memorable moments that you can cherish all your life.

And, if you decide to travel solo, you still get the chance to meet new people to befriend with. They could be fellow travelers or the locals from that place. The relationships you make while traveling are always meaningful and valid.

5. To relax and rejuvenate

Maybe you are happy with your daily routine working round the clock and answering calls and don’t want to travel and explore. Maybe you might not realize how much you need to escape from a daily diet of all work and no play. But every once in a while, everyone needs a break from all the calls, emails, and social media notifications. A restful vacation that is relaxing and rejuvenating is what most people crave.

6. To celebrate

People love to celebrate. Be it a birthday, marriage, work, or just to show-off when they buy a new car. And, traveling is another way of celebrating life. Any special occasion can be amplified by traveling. Celebration vacations are the best way to gather families and friends living in distant corners to mark the milestones. It also allows you to spend valuable time with your loved ones away from the hectic pace of life back home.

7. To escape

People are always on the lookout for peaceful travel destinations for a quick escape. An escape from a demanding job, a bad breakup, or a loss of a loved one; Traveling gives you relief from all the stress and unhappiness that comes along with unwanted events of life. People always look for something that they don’t have at home; A better view, clean weather, liberty of doing what they want, and turning strangers into friends. An escape from all those things is good for you both mentally and physically.

8. To learn

People love learning new things and sometimes it requires traveling to distant places. It is good to keep looking for something unfamiliar and learn new skills. You might learn a new language or pick up surviving skills that might help you in remote areas. There are countless possibilities of learning from new experiences and adventures while traveling.

You may travel to learn something specific such as new cuisine, aspects of new culture or religion, a different art form, or a new language. And in return, you might end up teaching someone else your language, aspects of your culture, and stories from your religion.

9. To live in the now

Another strong reason that makes people fall in love with traveling is, they don’t get time to worry about their past or future. Traveling makes you busy living each moment of your vacation. You find so many new things, you will find that you love living in the present. You become the master of yourself, you decide where to stay, what to eat, and what to do to add some fun and adventure to your vacation.

10. To try new foods

Traveling ignites hunger and to get rid of that stomach ache, you need to put some mouthwatering food in your belly. And the best way to end your hunger is to try local food. When you try local food , you get an insight into the culture of the place you are in and discover new tastes. You might end up finding something that you didn’t know that you liked. 

To find the best food around the place, locals are the best source. They will guide you on what to eat and from where to eat and they might join you to double the fun and experience.

Still, need more reasons to travel? Adotrip offers affordable travel packages to the unique and unheard holiday places in India and cheap flight tickets that might give you more reasons to travel right now. Whatever reason you find suitable to travel, do consider planning your trip using our AI circuit planner tool. 

--- Published By  Vineet Gupta

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May I Help you

153 Best Travel Quotes To Inspire You To See The World

We’ve been putting together some of our favorite inspirational travel quotes as we continue to travel the world and experience new places and things abroad.

What follows is a complete collection of 153 of the best travel quotes, complete with adventure travel quotes from famous figures like Anthony Bourdain, John Muir, and Mark Twain.

Warning: some of these quotes may give you the travel itch! In any case, I hope you’ll find some of these short travel quotes inspirational for your own journey!

Table of Contents show 153 Best Travel Quotes • Famous Travel Quotes • Mark Twain Travel Quotes • Funny Travel Quotes • Short Travel Quotes • Misc Travel Quotes • Inspirational Travel Quotes • Travel With Friends Quotes • Adventure Travel Quotes • Solo Travel Quotes • Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes More Travel Content & Tips  

153 Best Travel Quotes

• famous travel quotes.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. — Unknown
Take only memories, leave only footprints. — Unknown
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. — Gustave Flaubert
Not all those who wander are lost. — J.R.R. Tolkien

travel motivates you

Every man dies, but not every man really lives. — William Wallace
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. — Oscar Wilde
Life is a journey. Make the most of it. — Unknown
I’ve traveled every road in this here land… I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere. — Johnny Cash

travel motivates you

Paris is always a good idea. — Audrey Hepburn
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. — Unknown
Collect moments, not things. — Unknown
Today is your day, your mountain is waiting. So get on your way. — Dr Seuss

travel motivates you

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. — Unknown
I’m shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I’m gonna see the world. — George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life
It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to. — J.R.R. Tolkien
Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. — Gary Snyder

travel motivates you

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. — Lao Tzu
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. — John Muir
The mountains are calling and I must go. — John Muir
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. — John Muir

travel motivates you

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live. — Hans Christian Andersen
Oh the places you’ll go. — Dr. Seuss
I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. — Robert Frost
When one is alone at night in the depths of the woods, the stillness is at once awful and sublime. — John Muir
Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own. — Charles Dickens

travel motivates you

• Mark Twain Travel Quotes

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one’s lifetime.
To do something, say something, see something, before anybody else — these are the things that confer a pleasure compared with which other pleasures are tame and commonplace, other ecstasies cheap and trivial. Lifetimes of ecstasy crowded into a single moment.

travel motivates you

It is the loveliest fleet of islands [ Hawaii ] that lies anchored in any ocean.
No alien land in all the world has any deep strong charm for me but that one [ Hawaii ], no other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and waking, through half a lifetime, as that one has done. Other things leave me, but it abides; other things change, but it remains the same.   For me the balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun; the pulsing of its surfbeat is in my ear; I can see its garlanded crags, its leaping cascades, its plumy palms drowsing by the shore, its remote summits floating like islands above the cloud wrack; I can feel the spirit of its wildland solitudes, I can hear the splash of its brooks; in my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.

travel motivates you

• Funny Travel Quotes

Airplanes may kill you, but they ain’t likely to hurt you. — Leroy Satchel Paige
Two great talkers will not travel far together. — George Borrow
I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. — Mark Twain

travel motivates you

I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. — Caskie Stinnett
Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone? — Erma Bombeck
Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. — Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

Travel Quotes

• Short Travel Quotes

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. — Unknown
Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times. — Asian Proverb
Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. — Ibn Battutah
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. — Unknown

travel motivates you

One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm. — Ella Maillart
Half the fun of travel is the esthetic of lostness. — Ray Bradbury
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. — Marcel Proust
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign. — Robert Louis Stevenson

travel motivates you

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. — Neale Donald Walsh
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. — Unknown
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. — Louis Armstrong
They say travel broadens the mind, but you must have the mind. — G.K. Chesterton
Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. — Anita Desai

travel motivates you

Life is short and the world is wide. — Unknown
The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land. — G.K. Chesterton
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. — Lao Tzu
If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. — Vincent van Gogh
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. — John Muir

travel motivates you

A wise traveler never despises his own country. — Carlos Osvaldo Goldoni
You know more of a road by having traveled it than by all the conjectures and descriptions in the world. — William Hazlitt
I love to travel, but hate to arrive. — Albert Einstein
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. — John Muir

travel motivates you

A great way to learn about your country is to leave it. — Henry Rollins
Live your life by a compass, not a clock. — Stephen Covey
Some experiences simply do not translate, you have to go to know. — Kobi Yamada

travel motivates you

I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. — Mary Anne Radmacher
At its best, travel should challenge our preconceptions and most cherished views, cause us to rethink our assumptions, shake us a bit, make us broader minded and more understanding. — Arthur Frommer
Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage. — Paulo Coelho

travel motivates you

Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost. — Erol Ozan
Travel far enough, you meet yourself. — David Mitchell
The journey itself is my home. — Matsuo Basho

travel motivates you

Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry. — Jack Kerouac
The saddest journey in the world is the one that follows a precise itinerary. — Guillermo del Toro
A good traveler leaves no tracks. — Lao Tzu

travel motivates you

It’s in those quiet little towns, at the edge of the world, that you will find the salt of the Earth people who make you feel right at home. — Aaron Lauritsen
It is better to travel well than to arrive. — Unknown
The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life. — Agnes Repplier

travel motivates you

• Misc Travel Quotes

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. — Albert Camus
To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world. — John Muir
When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty. — John Muir
I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love. — John Steinbeck
Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society. — John Muir
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. — Jacques Cousteau

Chinaman's Hat Island (Mokolii Island) Chinamans Hat Kayak Hike Oahu Hawaii Drone

The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray. — Vincent van Gogh
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. — John Burroughs
No pain here, no dull empty hours, no fear of the past, no fear of the future. These blessed mountains are so compactly filled with God’s beauty, no petty personal hope or experience has room to be. — John Muir
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it. — Jules Renard
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein
Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal, and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse. — Elinor DeWire
To almost every man and woman there is something about a lighted beacon which suggests hope and trust and appeals to the better instincts of all mankind. — Edward Rowe Snowe

Maine Lighthouses

• Inspirational Travel Quotes

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. — Helen Keller
Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. — Douglas Ivester
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible. — Lawrence of Arabia
Do not dare not to dare. — C.S. Lewis
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. — George Adair

travel motivates you

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. — Unknown
It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win. — John Paul Jones
This is what holidays, travels, vacations are about. It is not really rest or even leisure we chase. We strain to renew our capacity for wonder to shock ourselves into astonishment once again. — Shana Alexander
I beg young people to travel. If you don’t have a passport, get one. Take a summer, get a backpack and go to Delhi, go to Saigon, go to Bangkok, go to Kenya. Have your mind blown. Eat interesting food. Dig some interesting people. Have an adventure. Be careful. Come back and you’re going to see your country differently, you’re going to see your president differently, no matter who it is. — Henry Rollins
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that damn mountain. — Jack Kerouac
For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints. — Robert Louis Stevenson

travel motivates you

Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. — Ray Bradbury
We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place. We stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there. — Pascal Mercier
Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to. — Alan Keightley
Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you’ve never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground. — Judith Thurman

travel motivates you

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey. — Pat Conroy
No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet. — Patrick Rothfuss
It is always sad to leave a place to which one knows one will never return. Such are the melancolies du voyage: perhaps they are one of the most rewarding things about traveling. — Gustave Flaubert

travel motivates you

The wish to travel seems to me characteristically human: the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown. — Paul Theroux
Although I deeply love oceans, deserts and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with that sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty. They keep me continuously wanting to know more, feel more, see more. — Victoria Erickson

travel motivates you

• Travel With Friends Quotes

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. — Tim Cahill
You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. — Miriam Adeney
We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend. — Robert Louis Stevenson

travel motivates you

• Adventure Travel Quotes

Adventure is worthwhile in itself. — Amelia Earhart
If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal. — Paulo Coelho
Most of us abandoned the idea of a life full of adventure and travel sometime between puberty and our first job. Our dreams died under the dark weight of responsibility. Occasionally the old urge surfaces, and we label it with names that suggest psychological aberrations: the big chill, a midlife crisis. — Tim Cahill
Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter. — John Muir
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. — Edward Abbey

travel motivates you

Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless.   We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to wreckage on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the blown-in-the glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it. — John Steinbeck
What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies. — Jack Kerouac
A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. — J.A. Shedd
Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

travel motivates you

It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any. — Hugh Laurie
Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the Earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white. — Mark Jenkins

travel motivates you

The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. — Christopher McCandless
Adventure is allowing the unexpected to happen to you. Exploration is experiencing what you have not experienced before. How can there be any adventure, any exploration, if you let somebody else – above all, a travel bureau – arrange everything before-hand? — Richard Aldington
Be careful because Cambodia is the most dangerous place you will ever visit. You will fall in love with it, and eventually it will break your heart. — Joel Brinkley

travel motivates you

• Solo Travel Quotes

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. — Freya Stark
Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. — Unknown
I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses. — Bill Bryson
The true fruit of travel is perhaps the feeling of being nearly everywhere at home. — Freya Stark

travel motivates you

When you’ve managed to stumble directly into the heart of the unknown – either through the misdirection of others, or better yet, through your own creative ineptitude – there is no one there to hold your hand or tell you what to do. In those bad lost moments, in the times when we are advised not to panic, we own the unknown, and the world belongs to us. The child within has full reign. Few of us are ever so free. — Tim Cahill
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. — Lin Yutang
He travels the fastest who travels alone. — Rudyard Kipling

travel motivates you

Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection. — Lawrence Durrell
When the traveler goes alone he gets acquainted with himself. — Liberty Hyde Bailey
The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. — Henry David Thoreau

travel motivates you

I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more. — Thomas Jefferson
Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time. — Hannah Arendt
Personally I like going places where I don’t speak the language, don’t know anybody, don’t know my way around and don’t have any delusions that I’m in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home. — Michael Mewshaw

travel motivates you

I can speak to my soul only when the two of us are off exploring deserts or cities or mountains or roads. — Paulo Coelho
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before me. The long brown path before me leading me wherever I choose. — Walt Whitman

   

• Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes

If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.
It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description. Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu , for instance, seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about.   For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there — with your eyes open — and lived to see it.

travel motivates you

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.
I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.
Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? … I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.

travel motivates you

It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.   Maybe that’s enlightenment enough – to know that there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.
I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.
Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.
Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfillment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be.

travel motivates you

I wanted adventures. I wanted to go up the Nung river to the heart of darkness in Cambodia . I wanted to ride out into a desert on camelback, sand and dunes in every direction, eat whole roasted lamb with my fingers. I wanted to kick snow off my boots in a Mafiya nightclub in Russia. I wanted to play with automatic weapons in Phnom Penh, recapture the past in a small oyster village in France, step into a seedy neon-lit pulqueria in rural Mexico. I wanted to run roadblocks in the middle of the night, blowing past angry militia with a handful of hurled Marlboro packs, experience fear, excitement, wonder.   I wanted kicks – the kind of melodramatic thrills and chills I’d yearned for since childhood, the kind of adventure I’d found as a little boy in the pages of my Tintin comic books. I wanted to see the world – and I wanted the world to be just like the movies.
At this point I think my body is like an old car. Another dent ain’t gonna make a whole lot of difference. At best it’s a reminder that you’re still alive and lucky as hell. Another tattoo, another thing you did, another place you’ve been.

travel motivates you

Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.
If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.
Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

travel motivates you

More Travel Content & Tips

That’s a roundup of our favorite adventure travel quotes! I hope you’ve found these travel quotes inspirational for your own journeys.

Don’t forget to check out my latest travel blog posts and our complete destination guides by country!

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Days to Come

Travelling Without a Passport

travel motivates you

Every Travel Quote Ever

travel motivates you

Say goodbye to scouring the internet in search of inspirational travel quotes to keep you focussed on saving for that next big trip. Instead take a read through our list of every travel quote ever. We dare you to try and not be inspired.

Are we missing one of your favs? Share your own travel quote in the comments and we might just include it!

Inspirational Travel Quotes

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Unknown

“I am not a great book, I am not a great artist, but I love art and I love food, so I am the perfect traveller.” – Michael Palin

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” – Moorish proverb

not all those who wander are lost travel quote

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

“The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” ― Rich Ridgeway

“To travel is to evolve.” – Pierre Bernardo

Take the first step, the rest will follow. Book the ticket, apply for the job, send the email, jump into the water. The rest gets easier from there. – Abi from http://www.insidethetravellab.com/

“A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.” ― Roman Payne, The Wanderess

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

“He who is outside his door has the hardest part of his journey behind him.” – Dutch Proverb

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

paris is always a good idea travel quote

“He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery

“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France

“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

It’s never too late to have a life you love. Don’t ever feel like you’ve missed the boat, don’t have what it takes or can’t achieve your dreams. Instead of removing your dreams, remove the doubts and fears keeping you from them. It’s never, ever too late. – Phoebe from https://littlegreybox.net

“Without travel I would have wound up a little ignorant white Southern female, which was not my idea of a good life.” – Lauren Hutton

“I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.” – James Baldwin

wherever you go, go with all your heart travel quote

“I was not born for one corner. The whole world is my native land.” – Seneca

“Travelling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

“Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” — Lawrence Block

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Scott Cameron

travel motivates you

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” – Oscar Wilde

“The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling

“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley

“Tourists visit. Travellers explore.” – Unknown

If you don’t do it now, when will you do it? -Monica from http://thetravelhack.com/

“Travelling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.'” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

“I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on Earth. Then I ask myself the same question.” – Harun Yahya

“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” – Ernest Hemingway

“Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.” – Unknown

time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator travel quote

“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

“NOT I – NOT ANYONE else, can travel that road for you, You must travel it for yourself.” – Walt Whitman

“You don’t choose the day you enter the world and you don’t chose the day you leave. It’s what you do in between that makes all the difference.” – Anita Septimus

the life you have led doesn't need to be the only life you have travel quote

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends… The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” ― Clifton Fadiman

“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman

Adventure Travel Quotes

travel motivates you

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” ― Steve McCurry

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

The biggest addiction a person can have is discovering the unknown. Once it takes hold, there is no getting out and the only way to get your fix is by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and exploring new horizons, cultural, and places. – Stephen from A Backpacker’s Tale 

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”― Andre Gide

“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” ― Unknown

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” ― John A. Shedd

“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware.” ― Martin Buber

“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” ― Trenton Lee Stewart

travel motivates you

“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

“Make voyages! Attempt them… there’s nothing else.” – Tennessee Williams

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” ― Freya Stark

“The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” ― G.K. Chesterton

The more borders you cross, the more your mind opens — Paul from Global Help Swap

“One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.” – Ella Maillart

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

“When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen

travel motivates you

“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.” – Babs Hoffman

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

“Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” – Irving Wallace

“A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.” — Moslih Eddin Saadi

“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

travel motivates you

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Unknown (thanks to Melissa Bond for the contribution!)

“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” – Matthew Karsten

“It is better to travel well then to arrive.” – Buddha

“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aristotle

“We all become great explorers during our first few days in a new city, or a new love affair.” – Mignon McLaughlin

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

travel motivates you

“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.” – Mohammed

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton

“Adventure without risk is Disneyland.” – Doug Coupland

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.” – Cesare Pavese

“How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else.” – R. Buckminster Fuller

“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

travel motivates you

“I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment” – Hilaire Belloc

“If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey most of us would never start out at all.” – Dan Rather

“The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

“Airplane travel is nature’s way of making you look like your passport photo.” – Al Gore

“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travellers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

“It is not fit that every man should travel; it makes a wise man better, and a fool worse.” – William Hazlitt

“You develop a sympathy for all human beings when you travel a lot.” – Shakuntala Devi

travel motivates you

Which is the best tourism quote?

Pick your next destination on TourRadar.com !

Which is the best marketplace for travel tours?

It is TourRadar.com , that with more than 40,000 tours and 2,500 operators is the best place where to find your next destination.

Which is the best tour pic caption?

Why should i touring.

“With getting time away from work and your ‘normal’ life becoming more and more difficult, your time off is more valuable and precious than it’s ever been. Absolutely nobody has time for mediocre experiences and modern-day touring has adapted to fit these requirements. Nowadays group tours can be anything and everything: what you do, depends solely on you.”

Travis Pittman, TourRadar co-founder and CEO

Which is the best nature travel quote?

Find all our nature tours on TourRadar.com!

travel motivates you

Jackie is a travel-addicted Canadian who currently resides in Vienna, Austria. When she’s not writing travel guides or reading her new favourite book, she’s planning her next weekend getaway somewhere in Europe.

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95 most inspirational travel quotes ever penned

Our favourite inspirational travel quotes have encouraged us to travel with abandon over the years. Perhaps they will do the same for you…

For us, there is no such thing as luxury travel; travel is, by default, a luxury. It is a privilege provided by the country of our birth, a privilege that many are not as fortunate to enjoy.

Sometimes, we have to pinch ourselves at just how ridiculous our lives have become: an ex-teacher and jobbing writer travelling the world for a living. It is absurd, it is astonishing, it is luxury.

When I first went travelling at 21 years old, my father gave me this quote scrawled on a piece of card.

inspirational travel quotes

It infused me with wanderlust. It encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, make the most of my time, see the world and enjoy the freedom that comes with being on the road. It remains one of the most inspirational travel quotes I’ve read (even if Twain did not actually say it).

Today, 20 years and almost 100 countries later, it’s still in my wallet. Despite its tattered and dishevelled appearance, it’s every bit as important to me now as it was then.

With that in mind, we’ve collated our most beloved inspirational travel quotes to encourage readers to “explore, dream and discover” for themselves.

inspirational travel quotes

1. “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

2. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

inspirational travel quotes

3. “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.” – Paulo Coelho

4. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake

travel motivates you

5. “When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen

6. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

inspirational travel quotes

7. “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Paul Brandt

8. “The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau

travel motivates you

9. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling

10. “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

A journey of a thousand miles... inspirational travel quotes

11. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller Anderson

12. “No place is ever as bad as they tell you it’s going to be.” – Chuck Thompson

travel motivates you

13. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

14. “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

A good traveler... inspirational travel quotes

15. “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” – Charles Dudley Warner

16. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships were built for.” – John A. Shedd

travel motivates you

17. “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

18. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

Not all those who wander are lost... inspirational travel quotes

19. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

20. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

travel motivates you

21. “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.” – The Dalai Lama

22. “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

How beautiful it is to travel... inspirational travel quotes

23. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re travelling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

24. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

travel motivates you

25. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” – Paul Theroux

26. “A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

Moslih Eddin Saadi inspirational travel quotes

27. “Your true traveller finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure.” – Aldous Huxley

28. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

travel motivates you

29. “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson

30. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France

Wandering... travel quotes

31. “I can’t control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” – Ricky Skaggs

32. “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.” – Hilaire Belloc

Travel for fulfilment quote

33. “People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes

34. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

James Michener inspirational travel quotes

35. “The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

36. “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

Money isn't everything quote

37. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

38. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

All journeys have secret destinations...

39. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

40. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

inspirational travel quotes

41. “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

42. “Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” ― Michael Palin

Once the travel bug bites inspirational travel quote

43. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

44. “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

A journey is like marriage... inspirational travel quotes

45. “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman

46. “There are far, far better things ahead than we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

There are better things ahead...

47. “Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.” – Freya Stark

48. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

To travel is to discover...

49. “All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveller learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell

50. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

Mark Twain Quote about travelling with friends

51. “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G.K. Chesterton

52. “Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation.” – Elizabeth Drew

Travel broadens the mind inspirational travel quotes

53. “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

54. “Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury

See the world quote by Ray Bradbury

55. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

56. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot

The journey not the arrival matters

57. “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.” – Robert Orben

58. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

Marcel Proust quote

59. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” – Oscar Wilde

60. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

I travel for travel’s sake... inspirational travel quotes

61. “If an ass goes travelling, he’ll not come home a horse.” – Thomas Fuller

62. “Travelling tends to magnify all human emotions.” – Peter Hoeg

“Travelling tends to magnify all human emotions.”

63. “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

64. “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

A strange town... inspirational travel quotes

65. “I am not the same having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

66. “I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth. Then I ask myself the same question.” – Harun Yahya

Puffins rest on a rock

67. “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.” – George Bernard Shaw

68. “A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni

A wise traveler... inspirational travel quotes

69. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

70 “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Travelling can leave you speechless

71. “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

72. “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Travel is deep and permanent inspirational travel quotes

73. “The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton

74. “A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place.” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A tent beneath the stars

75. “He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery

76. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

inspirational travel quotes

77. “The more I travelled the more I realised that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

78. “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey

Inspirational travel quote by Stephen Covey

78. “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” – Lawrence Block

80. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle – or Si’ahl

A man walking in the sand featuring the travel quote about footprints

81. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

82. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

A travel quote from Moby Dick

83. “We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

84. “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself” – Wallace Stevens

inspirational travel quote by Wallace Stevens over the blur hole in Belize

85. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

86. “Paris is always a good idea.” – Julia Ormond (although it is often wrongly attributed to Audrey Hepburn)

A photo of the Eiffel Tower featuring the travel quote, Paris is always a good idea

87. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the trip.” – Babs Hoffman

88. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

inspirational travel quote by Jaime Lyn Beatty over mountaineers

89. “Jobs fill your pocket but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty

90. “It is in our nature to explore, to reach out into the unknown. The only true failure would be not to explore at all.” – Sir Ernest Shackleton

Shackleton's Endurance ship stranded on the ice in Antarctica with an inspirational travel quote

91. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” –  Jack Kerouac

92. “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things can not be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

93. “Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.” – Oscar Wilde

94. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M Goodman

95. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain (or possibly H Jackson Brown Jr )

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inspirational travel quotes Pinterest pin 2023

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54 Travel Quotes That Will Inspire You To Pack Your Bags

From funny to inspirational, these quotes will fuel your wanderlust.

travel motivates you

Short Travel Quotes

  • Inspirational Travel Quotes
  • Vacation Quotes
  • Funny Travel Quotes

Whether you're an avid traveler or dreaming of your first big trip, these travel quotes reflect the spirit of travel, offering insights and motivations for your next journey from authors, poets, and philosophers.

Southern Living

  • "Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow." — Anita Desai
  • “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
  • "Travel brings power and love back into your life." — Rumi Jalalud-Din
  • “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― St. Augustine
  • “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu
  • "I read; I travel; I become." ― Derek Walcott
  • "Adventure is worthwhile." — Aesop
  • "To travel is to evolve." — Pierre Bernardo
  • "Not all those who wander are lost." — J.R.R. Tolkien
  • "Travel far, travel often, and travel without regrets." — Oscar Wilde
  • "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered." — G.K. Chesterton
  • "To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice." — Elizabeth Gilbert
  • “Oh, the places you’ll go!” – Dr. Suess 
  • “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
  • “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Erica Jong
  • “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ― Anita Desai

Inspirational Travel Quotes 

  • "Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." — Gustave Flaubert
  • “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” ― David Mitchell
  • "I am one of those who never knows the direction of my journey until I have almost arrived." — Anna Louise Strong
  • "The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself." — Wallace Stevens
  • "One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." — Henry Miller
  • "Surely, of all the wonders of the world, the horizon is the greatest." — Freya Stark
  • "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • "This is what holidays, travels, vacations are about. It is not really rest or even leisure we chase. “We strain to renew our capacity to wonder, to shock ourselves into astonishment once again." — Shana Alexander
  • "Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling." — Margaret Lee Runbeck
  • "We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls." —Anaïs Nin
  • “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
  • “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake

Vacation Quotes 

  • “No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” ― Elbert Hubbard
  • “After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working.” ― Kenneth Grahame 
  • “When all else fails, take a vacation.” ― Betty Williams
  • “In matters of healing the body or the mind, vacation is a true genius!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan
  • “Here's to a vacation of no regrets!” ― Joan Rylen
  • "I can lie around and relax at home. A vacation is a chance for doing.”― Tessa Bailey
  • “Well, I think every day’s a vacation for me. When you really, really like what you’re working on, it’s like always being on vacation.” ― Andy Warhol
  • “Reading is just a vacation you pay less for, with an agenda you have no control over.” ― J.S. Wik
  • “What I needed in the moment was a family vacation.” ― Deena Kastor

Funny Travel Quotes 

  • "Jet lag is for amateurs." — Dick Clark
  • "I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." — Mark Twain
  • “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Paul Brandt
  • “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux
  • “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck
  • “There is nothing safer than flying—it’s crashing that is dangerous.” –Theo Cowan
  • “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” –Paulo Coelho
  • “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” –Robin S. Sharma
  • “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” –Susan Sontag
  • “Boy, those French. They have a different word for everything.” –Steve Martin
  • “Adventure, yeah. I guess that’s what you call it when everybody comes back alive.” –Mercedes Lackey
  • “Don’t worry about the world ending today, it’s already tomorrow in Australia.” – Charles M. Schulz
  • “Drink heavily with the locals whenever possible.” – Anthony Bourdain
  • “The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.” – Russell Baker

Related Articles

Tourism Beast

Travel Motivation

There is always a motive behind everything happens in this world. Always there is a motivation in doing any work or anything. There are mainly two factors in behind happening anything it may be pull factors or push factors. In tourism, behind the movement of tourist there are various motives, it may may be leisure, business, pilgrimage or any other.

As we know tourism is a people centric and one of the fastest growing industry. Assessing behavior and motivations of tourist is a critical task as travel decisions of tourist depends on it. Travel has been a nomadic urge in human earlier in quest of food. As humanity grows desire for shelter came into being and with the rises of civilization search of trade bundles with safety and security. The game changing moment for mass tourism comes with the rise of leisure time. Assessing motivations of tourist is a critical task as travel decisions of tourist depends on it.

Motivation is an intrinsic property of a human-being that arises from the inside or of psychological origin. A combination of internal and external forces that motivates to drive the tourism industry. To satisfy all the levels of needs such psychological, physiological, etc. humans travels. It tells of tourist attempt to satisfy their recognized need and strongly influence decisions made by tourist in every steps of decision. Various theories have been developed to reveal the most important question why people travel?

The answer to this question is influenced by the nature of the travel motives.

4.  Types of Motivation  

Motivation can be classified into categories:  

1.  Intrinsic Motivation:  

this type of motivation comes from the inside through the core of the heart and mind of the tourist to do any specific work. t is defined as the performing of an activity for its intrinsic motivation that emerges from an individual’s inherent satisfactions, enjoyment, challenge entailed, interest or the feeling of inner pleasure that drives from the task rather than for some external pressures, or rewards or any separable consequence.

2. Extrinsic Motivation:  

  All the external factors which tends and individual to do any specific work. Individuals performs certain activities in order to attain or receive something from the outcomes. It involves executing an action influenced by the outer stimuli, to attain an external reinforcements or rewards from others such as money, praise, status etc.

Travel Motivation Theories

The tourist selecting to travel for business, leisure, pilgrimage, adventure or for other reasons, depends on motivation to visit destination. There are some common factors influencing tourist travel decisions such as 

•      Availability free time

•      Disposable income

•      Age and status

•      Attractiveness of destinations

A. Gray’s Travel-Motivation Theory .

 Gray explains the motivation of individual and given two motives for travel:

Wanderlust:   

It describes the motive or the desire to go from a known to an unknown place. It is travelling from or leaving a familiar places to go and see different or unfamiliar places. It is about going to different destinations to experience monumental and socio-cultural heritage.

It is a type of travel to a destination that can provide the tourist with specific facilities or better amenities. It is travelling for particular purpose or facilities that are not available in place of residence of the tourist.

B. McIntosh and Goeldner Categorization of Travel Motivation 

McIntosh has stated that basic travel motivators may be grouped into four broad categories:  

1. Physical Motivators 

These types of motivation are concerned with the individual physical health and well-being involves physical relaxation and rest, sporting activities, medical care or treatment and specific remedial health management. It include physical motivators that are concern with health from recreation to attending yoga camp to medical treatment for upkeep of health. 

2.Interpersonal Motivators   

Human are social animal and always keen to make new friends, have a desire to visit and meet relatives and friends, or simply want to escape from the daily hassles of everyday life. These type of motivators are termed as interpersonal motivators.

3.Cultural Motivators

Cultural motivators are describe as curiosity that tourists have and want to experience different people’s cultures and lifestyle. These are related with tourists desire to travel to different destination, in order to know about other countries, people, their culture, tradition, life style, art, music etc.

4.Status and Prestige Motivators    

Tourists travel to secure respect among their friends or in family and recognition of education and knowledge or for pursuit of hobbies. These types of motivators are identified with the need for fame and status or of personal esteem and personal development. It also include travel for business or professional interests. 

C. Anomie and Ego Enhancement Motivation Theory

            Dann investigated two push factors and proposes that motivational factors can be grouped into anomie and ego enhancement. 

Anomie refers to the need and desire to rise above the feeling of loneliness and quarantine inherent in everyday life and to get away from daily hassles. It is associated with search for life’s meaning and interaction with family and friends and social communication. The anomic tourists are mainly young, married, male mostly repeat visitors. They are from urban and rural areas and are above-average socio-economic status.

2.Ego enhancement  

Ego-enhancement tourists are the opposite end of spectrum. It derived from desire and need for recognition. The individual’s desire and need for social recognition is mainly associated with it and is achieved through the status or ego enhance conferred by travel. Ego-enhancement tourists are likely to be female, married or single mostly first-time visitors. They are older than anomic tourists and typically from lower socio-economic group. 

Dann argues that push factors are logically, and often an antecedent to pull factors. The question that  ‘what makes tourists travel’  can only be recognized through the push factors. As the tourist to take two different difficult decisions at two diverse times i.e. “whether to go” and “where to go”. 

D. Push and Pull Theory

Crompton identified two different levels of socio-psychological motivation. The first level of motivation is the desire to travel, that drives the initial decision for a trip or a vacation. It subsequently facilitates individual’s decision for destination. The second level of motivation drives the decision of selection of destinations. After the initial decision for making a trip, various motivation factors comes into being that impact the selection of destination. Crompton proposes two groups of motives among pleasure vacationers, one that push for a trip or tour are socio-psychological motives, while another factors that pull are cultural motives. 

travel motivates you

1.Push Factors.   

Push factors are those factors which motivate people to travel. Push factors are initiating travel desire of an individual to engage in recreational activities or tourism. .Push factors are the inner motives which tends tourists to seek activities for needs fulfillment. Some push factors of travelling are:

•      Exploration and evaluation of self.

•      Escape from a perceived mundane environment.

•      Relaxation.

•      Health and fitness.

•      Re-experiencing family.

•      Facilitation of social interaction.

•      Enhancement of kinship relationships.

•      Novelty.

•      Cultural experiences.

•      Education.

•      Prestige.

2.Pull Factors 

All the external factors that pulls or attracts and individual towards some specific things or any destination. Pull factors appear due to the attractiveness and the attributes associated with the destination. It is related to the external condition, cognitive aspects or choices available on a destination such as attractions, climate, culture etc. Everyone has unique taste and choices which attract or pull individuals experience the destination. Identifying a set of pull factors that can be applicable to all sites is possible as different destinations have different or unique set of pull factors. 

Pull factors were characterized by  facilities ,  core attractions  and  landscape features .

•      The  facilities factor  encompasses all tourism facilities of a destination including fooding, lodging, roads, hospitality and security. 

•      The  core attractions  factor includes all those activities and services available for tourism. It includes sports activities, night life, entertainment and amusement and shopping facilities. 

•      The  landscape features  pull factor strongly relates to the geographical and sociocultural features of destination i.e. natural and cultural environment of destination. 

E. Escaping and Seeking Motivation of Mannell and Iso-Ahola

Mannell and Iso-Ahola   defined the motivation in socio psychological perspective. A two-dimensional model of tourist motivation where both the forces simultaneously influence tourists’ behaviour. The theory consists of both personal and interpersonal escape & seeking motives together. An individual perceive that satisfaction can be feel from leisure related activities, for two major reasons 

Escaping  – the desire to get out from the monotonous environment of work.

Seeking  – the aspiration to get intrinsic psychological rewards from other or self through traveling 

Tourist are motivated for leisure or tourism related activities in order to get away from the personal and/or interpersonal problems of day to day hustle and bustle of life and get personal and/or interpersonal rewards from passive and active tourism activities.

Personal rewards  are more about individual satisfaction includes exploration and relaxation; learning, challenge, a sense of competence etc.

Interpersonal rewards  are arising from social interaction with family and friends or with other people in destination.

Intrinsic rewards  arise from the activity that provide certain feelings, such as a feeling of mastery and escape from the monotonous environment. 

F. Travel Career Ladder (TCL)

The travel career ladder approach was proposed by Pearce. The approach is based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory of motivation. 

Following Maslow theory, the proposed model sees the needs of travelers is organized into a hierarchy or ladder model. Biological needs including relaxation at the foundation level, followed by safety needs and relationships needs, and in line selfesteem and development needs, and fulfillment needs at the highest level.  

The model identified five steps of hierarchy affecting tourist behaviour. It suggests that a group of needs in the ladder steps or level can be dominant at a particular time but travel motivation of tourist may derive from the different level of ladder. It emphasizes all the motives for traveling of a tourist, rather than a single motive. TCL proposes that every individual or tourist headway upward through hierarchy levels with accumulated travel experience and psychologically maturity. 

This shows that travel motivation changes as tourist acquire experiences in tourism developmental and dynamic motivations process. An individual can descend or ascend on the ladder as the direction of the change in level may vary with the experience. Some individuals may undergo every steps or level on either side of the model or may ascend the ladder on one side of the schema. Each individual every time not seek the similar type of experience or fulfillment from travel.  For example: First time visitor may be more cautious of safety and security then repeat visitor due more knowledge and experience about the destination or of trip. 

G. Travel Career Pattern (TCP)

The TCP model is modification of the earlier Travel Career Ladder (TCL) approach. The TCP emphasis on motivations patterns of tourist over their life cycle because of different motivation and its impact on their travelling experience. Travel experience plays a driver role for changing travel motivations which has crucial part in

TCP model. Travel experience is the collective changes in an individual’s perspective about self and environment due to tourism activities and events that individual passes through in course of travelling. 

Pearce suggested three layers of travel motivation:

Layer 1-  It is the core of the TCP and includes common motives such as escape, relaxation, health and fitness, social interaction etc. 

Layer 2-  It comprises series of moderately important motivators that surround core layer of motivations. It related to self-actualization and interaction of guest with the host society and environment. 

Layer 3-  The outer layer of model embraces motives with lesser importance such as social status and nostalgia.

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travel motivates you

What motivates people to travel?

What motivates people to travel?

A great many things motivate a person to take a trip. A trip can be a carefully planned expedition or a spontaneous idea to visit a particular place. Either way, traveling has the power to bring new perspective along with a sense of rejuvenation into a person’s life.

In many cases, travel can be the answer for a person who feels that their day-to-day routine has become stale and unimaginative. Traveling allows a person to experience a change of atmosphere that often reinvigorates their thinking. Simply traveling from a rural town to a large city can change a person’s perspective and renew their spirits. With a packed suitcase, travel medical insurance, and a plane ticket, a person is well on their way to a travel adventure full of fresh sights.

Another motivation to travel is the urge to learn about a different place and its customs. For example, an American traveling to Australia for the first time has a chance to experience an entirely new environment, learn new customs, and even hear the English language spoken with an unfamiliar accent. Traveling is an effective way for a person to gain firsthand knowledge about a place and its inhabitants. Visiting another country is also beneficial to those who want to learn more about its history or view its treasures of architecture.

Travel can sometimes be helpful in renewing a person’s spirits after they have experienced a great sadness in their life or a time of trial. Traveling faraway oceans on a cruise ship, exploring unfamiliar countryside, or even staying with friends in a different city can be a healing experience for someone who has just weathered a troubled time. In many instances, when the person returns from their trip they feel rested and better equipped to deal with everyday life.

Traveling can also satisfy a person’s quest for knowledge and information about their family’s history. People who are interested in genealogy often travel to particular countries in order to visit the homeland of their distant ancestors. In fact, some people have an intense interest in seeing the actual cities and towns where their ancestors once lived. A person traveling to the country of their ancestors may even find significant birth or marriage records as well as photographs there. For some people, traveling to a faraway country to walk on a piece of land once owned by great, great grandparents is a memorable and inspiring experience. A trip can help a person to discover more about their family’s past.

Though a trip can be an exciting undertaking, there are still some practical preparations involved. For instance, no matter what the destination is of a trip, obtaining travel insurance is a prudent idea. In addition, even if the trip springs from a spontaneous notion, it’s wise to let your family and friends know where you are going. Frequently, a dose of travel may be just what a person needs to reinvigorate their life at home.

Damian Tysdal

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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Traveler motivations revealed

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Click. Magazine Writer

We all have unique motivations to travel. From discovering new places and trying new food to getting away from demands at home, there are many reasons travelers book trips. Understanding these motives can help you appeal to and meet the needs of prospective guests. We delve into data from Booking.com’s recent travel trends survey to reveal what motivated travelers’ last vacations. 

Travel motivations 

Following years of uncertainty, it’s no surprise that the primary reasons for travel across the board were rest and relaxation. Giving myself time to relax (84%), taking time to mentally unwind (78%), and boosting my mood (78%) were the top three motivators globally. 

Two other themes also emerged as primary motivators: New experiences and human connections, with many travelers eager to experience new places (74%) and spending time with family (72%).  

Destination motivations 

The survey found that there are five main themes that inspire travelers when choosing a destination: The “essentials,” entertainment, culture, beach, and budget. Considered an essential, cleanliness topped the list as the most important factor when choosing a destination, with 84% of global respondents basing their decision on how clean the destination is.   

Other factors included beautiful natural scenery and personal safety (both 83%), followed by friendly people (79%) and tasty local food (78%).  

Domestic travel motivations

With borders around the world closing as a result of the pandemic, domestic demand paved the way for travel’s recovery. Even as international travel becomes accessible again, travelers plan to continue exploring destinations closer to home in 2022 and beyond. Almost eight out of ten (78%) travelers feel encouraged to continue traveling domestically in the future, with 76% saying that doing so has given them a new appreciation for their own country and 74% saying they enjoy traveling domestically more than they expected. 

Travel worries

Just as motivations play a key role in bookers’ decision-making process, so do travel concerns. Overall, safety is the biggest worry for travelers, which is consistent with pre-pandemic trends. But compared to survey data from 2019, worries over quarantine and cleanliness are unsurprisingly more relevant this year. Having to quarantine upon arrival and a lack of cleanliness and hygiene measures at the accommodation were travelers’ second and third biggest travel worries, respectively.

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  • Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who’d taken a trip in the last 12 months and planned to take another in 2022
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  • Respondents completed an online survey in January 2022

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What motivates you to travel? Get Wanderlust and Fuel Your Travel Motivation!

Dec 8, 2023 | Travel Tips | 0 comments

what motivates you to travel

Travel is an incredible way to explore the world, expand your perspectives, and push yourself physically and mentally.

Everyone has their motivation for travelling – some seek out adventure and challenge themselves to new experiences, while others are searching for a sense of relaxation in nature or meaningful interactions with people from different cultures. Travel can be enriching, no matter what motivates you to step off that plane and get out into the wild.

In this blog post, we will look at what truly motivates each of us when it comes to travelling: our passions, dreams, ambition and curiosity; how these motivations vary between every person, as well as how striving towards these goals through exploring the world can broaden our horizons beyond belief!

What motivates you to travel

Could you please remember the following prompt: “What motivates you to travel?” This question inquires about the factors that drive an individual to embark on a journey, and your response to it would be greatly appreciated. Read on to find your inspiration. 

Curiosity – Discovering new cultures, customs, and ways of life

For some people, the idea of travel brings the allure of exotic locales, stunning landscapes, and new experiences. But what motivates those truly curious about the world is the opportunity to discover new cultures, customs, and ways of life.

Whether immersing yourself in a vibrant local market, exploring ancient ruins, or simply conversing with a stranger in a foreign language, travel can open your eyes to a world of diversity and possibility.

This sense of curiosity drives many of us to explore the far reaches of the globe, seeking out new experiences and expanding our understanding of what it means to be human.

So, what motivates you to travel? Is it the thrill of adventure, the desire for knowledge, or the joy of discovering something new? Whatever your reason, there’s no denying the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring all our world offers.

What motivates you to travel

Marvel at the culture and the Balinese dancers when travelling to Bali.

Adventure – Exploring different places and pushing your boundaries 

Embarking on an adventure is an exhilarating experience that takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to make your limits. Whether exploring the depths of an underwater cave or hiking up a mountain, adventure opens up endless possibilities for discovery and growth.

The feeling of excitement and anticipation that comes with exploring new places is unbeatable. It’s a chance to see the world through a different lens and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our planet.

Taking risks and trying new things can be scary, but it allows us to learn more about ourselves and our capabilities. So why not step out of your routine and embrace the thrill of adventure? You never know what unique experiences are waiting for you out there.

What motivates you to travel

Are you ready for an Overseas adventure? Find your motivation today. 

Relaxation – 

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work, family obligations, and social commitments, there always needs to be more time to relax.

However, taking a break from the daily grind is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s spending an afternoon in nature, reading a good book, or simply meditating for a few minutes, relaxation can help to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost overall well-being.

So why take a step back and give yourself some much-needed time to unwind? Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Ubud

Relax or swim. The choice is yours when seeking freedom and inspiration. 

Connections – Meeting new people and building relationships 

Meeting new people and building relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling. Whether striking up a conversation with a local or bonding with fellow travellers over a shared experience, connections made on the road can last a lifetime.

For many, what motivates them to travel in the first place is the opportunity to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Through these interactions, we gain new perspectives and insights, broadening our understanding of the world and our place in it.

So next time you hit the road, embrace the chance to meet new people and build lasting connections – you never know who you meet or what you learn.

travelling solo

I met the locals and connected when travelling. 

Learning – Acquiring knowledge about the world around you 

Learning is a lifelong process that never truly ends. Acquiring knowledge helps us better understand the world and enhances personal growth and development. Pursuing knowledge doesn’t have to be limited to the traditional classroom setting.

There are countless ways to learn about the world around us, whether through exploring nature, reading books, or engaging in meaningful conversations with people from all walks of life.

With each new piece of knowledge gained, we become better equipped to navigate the world’s complexities and engage with it meaningfully. In short, learning is a beautiful and enriching journey that has the power to transform both our understanding of the world and ourselves.

What motivates you to travel

Acquiring knowledge about the world around you is essential. 

Self-discovery – Reflecting on yourself through unique experiences

Self-discovery is integral to personal growth, and there’s no better way to achieve it than through unique experiences like travelling. Each journey is a chance to explore new cultures, meet different people, and reflect on oneself.

For some, the motivation to travel stems from a desire to break out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. For others, it’s about escape and seeking a new perspective on life. Whatever your reasons for travelling, your unique experiences can be powerful tools for self-reflection.

Whether trying new activities or immersing yourself in different lifestyles, each moment can teach you something new about yourself and help you discover what truly motivates you.

Angthong Marine Park

Self-discovery is essential when touring the globe. 

A Conclusion to What Motivates you to travel

Travelling is a beautiful way to expand your horizons and learn about what the world offers. It is a time for discovery, adventure, relaxation, connection, learning, and self-discovery. Whether your journey takes you halfway around the world or just across town, each experience is unique and special.

So why take some time for yourself and explore? Go local or go distant and create memories that you’ll always cherish. Learn about different cultures, find new adventures, relax with like-minded people, discover new ways of life – travel can open up so many opportunities if you are just willing to take it on!

Take action today and make your trip plans – it can be as simple as catching a bus or plane ride to somewhere nearby. Wherever you choose to go this year, make sure you make the most of your experiences!

What motivates you to travel

What motivates you to travel? Find our reason today. 

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Status.net

10 Smart Answers to “What Motivates You?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 21, 2023 — 9 minutes to read

Why Do They Ask “What Motivates You?”

When an interviewer asks you about your motivation, they want to understand how passionate and committed you are to their company and the job opportunity. They are looking to gauge if you genuinely care about the work and if you will fit well within their team and culture. Your answer should be genuine and specific, highlighting your unique motivators and how they relate to the position you are applying for.

10 Example Answers to “What Motivates You?”

I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow in my career. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and expand my skill set, and I find that being in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment helps me do that. I’m also motivated by the chance to collaborate with talented colleagues and contribute to a team effort that produces great results.”

“For me, motivation comes from feeling like I’m making a difference. Whether it’s through providing excellent customer service, creating innovative solutions to problems, or simply being a supportive team member, I find that I’m most energized when I feel like my work is having a positive impact. That’s why I’m drawn to companies that have a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.”

“As someone who is naturally curious and loves to explore new ideas, I’m motivated by the opportunity to innovate and create. Whether it’s developing new products, designing new processes, or finding more efficient ways to do things, I’m always looking for ways to push the envelope and come up with something new and exciting. I find that this kind of work keeps me engaged and inspired.”

“One of the things that motivates me most is the chance to take on new challenges and push myself out of my comfort zone. I thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with tackling something difficult and succeeding against the odds. Whether it’s taking on a new project, working with a new team, or learning a new skill, I’m always eager to take on new challenges and prove myself.”

“What motivates me is the desire to achieve my goals and fulfill my potential. I’m driven by a sense of ambition and a desire to succeed, and I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and my performance. Whether it’s through setting and achieving personal or professional goals, or simply striving to be the best version of myself, I find that this kind of drive keeps me focused and motivated.”

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through my work directly or through the company’s mission, I find that I’m most energized when I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. I want to be part of an organization that is making a difference and creating a better future for everyone.”

“For me, motivation comes from the chance to develop meaningful relationships with my colleagues and clients. I’m a people person at heart, and I find that working with others who share my values and goals is incredibly fulfilling. I want to be part of a team that is supportive, collaborative, and committed to achieving great things together.”

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to continuously learn and improve. Whether it’s through formal training programs or on-the-job experience, I’m always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills. I want to work for a company that values professional development and encourages its employees to grow and evolve over time.”

“As someone who is passionate about innovation and creativity, I’m motivated by the chance to work on projects that are truly groundbreaking. I want to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating solutions that are truly innovative and impactful.”

Example 10:

“For me, motivation comes from the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with achieving a difficult goal. Whether it’s hitting a sales target, completing a complex project, or overcoming a personal challenge, I find that I’m most motivated when I have a clear goal in mind and a plan for achieving it.”

How to Answer “What Motivates You?”

Step 1: identify your motivations.

By identifying your key motivations, you’ll be able to provide a compelling response during your interview.

Personal Values

Reflect on your core beliefs and principles, and consider how they drive your actions and decisions. Here are some common personal values:

  • Self-improvement

Think about which ones align with your personality and the role you’re applying for. Describe how these values fuel your motivation and commitment to the job.

Career Goals

Consider the long-term objectives you’re working towards in your professional life. Be specific about your desired achievements and how they relate to the role you’re interviewing for. Some examples of career goals could be:

  • Acquiring new technical skills
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Contributing to a specific industry

Link these goals to the company’s mission, and express how this role will help you grow professionally and contribute to the organization.

Interests and Passions

Identify what you’re genuinely passionate about, both inside and outside of work, and connect these interests to the position you’re applying for. Here are some questions to help you introspect:

  • What topics of conversation energize you?
  • Which tasks and projects bring out your enthusiasm?

Step 2: Tailor Your Answer to the Job

Try to tailor your response to the specific job you’re applying for. Consider the key responsibilities, company culture, and overall mission of the organization.

Begin by researching the company and its values. This information can typically be found on the company’s website, social media profiles, or through online reviews. Pay special attention to the language used in the job description – it may indicate some of the top skills and values the company is looking for.

Next, reflect on your personal motivations and how they align with the job requirements. Make a list of the aspects of the position that genuinely excite you, and focus on these in your response.

1) Motivator:  Interest in the field

Sample Answer:  “One thing that motivates me is my genuine passion for the industry. I’ve always been fascinated by the way technology impacts our daily lives, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s shaping its future. I find that this passion drives me to stay focused and committed to my work.”

2) Motivator:  Professional growth

Sample Answer:  “What truly motivates me is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. I enjoy taking on new challenges and expanding my skill set. Knowing that I’m constantly improving and contributing value to the team gives me a great sense of accomplishment.”

3) Motivator:  Helping others

Sample Answer:  “I’ve always been motivated by the desire to help others. In my previous role, I took pride in knowing that my work made a positive impact on my clients’ lives. This not only gave me a sense of fulfillment but also encouraged me to go above and beyond in my tasks.”

Step 3: Include Specific Examples

If applicable, you can provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your motivation. By doing so, you give the interviewer a clear and authentic picture of your work ethic and what drives you to succeed.

To begin, think about a time when you were particularly motivated to achieve a goal, finish a project or overcome a challenge. Describe the situation, what motivated you, and the steps you took to reach your objective. Remember to focus on aspects that can be applied universally, such as personal growth or helping others, rather than individual circumstances.

When crafting your answer, use the STAR method:

  • Situation : Describe the context or background of the event.
  • Task : Explain your responsibility or goal in that situation.
  • Action : Detail the steps you took to approach the task or challenge.
  • Result : Share the positive outcome of your actions, and how it demonstrates your motivation.

For example, if you’re motivated by helping others, you might say:

“In my previous role as a customer support specialist, I was motivated by finding solutions to customer issues and ensuring they had a positive experience with our company. One day, I encountered a particularly challenging issue that required me to work closely with multiple departments to find a resolution. Seeing the gratitude in the customer’s response when we resolved the issue was incredibly rewarding and further motivated me to work even harder in the future.”

By providing specific examples that showcase your motivation, you’ll demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a genuine passion for your work and a strong drive to excel in your career.

Step 4: Practice Your Response

Practicing your response to the question “What motivates you?” will help you feel more confident during your interview. So, once you’ve identified your motivators and examples, practice articulating your response. You can do this by speaking your answer out loud or writing it down. As you practice, focus on being concise and clear in your explanation. Avoid using filler words, such as “um,” “like,” or “you know.”

Consider practicing with a friend or family member who can provide feedback on your response. They can help you identify areas that need improvement, such as body language, tone, or clarity of your answer. Remember, your goal is to provide a strong, authentic response that showcases your unique motivations and fit for the role.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Be genuine:  Don’t try to impress the interviewer by simply stating what you think they want to hear. Instead, provide an authentic answer that truly reflects your personal motivations.
  • Stay relevant:  Although you should share your genuine motivation, ensure it connects to the job or the company’s goals. This will demonstrate your potential as a valuable employee in the organization.
  • Keep it concise:  Though it’s important to provide context for your motivation, avoid long-winded answers that drift off-topic. Stay focused and keep your response brief.

It’s a great idea to prepare a few examples that illustrate your motivation. This will make your response even stronger, and help convey your commitment to the role. For example, let’s suppose your motivation is your desire to contribute to meaningful projects. You might share a story about a time when you initiated or led a project that made a real difference in your previous role. Or you could mention a specific project or initiative at the company you’re interviewing for that excites you.

It’s essential to reflect on your personal motivations and connect them to the job you’re applying for. Consider how your motivations align with the company culture and values.

Tailor your response and try to use specific examples from your professional and personal life to illustrate your points. If you’re unsure what aspects to highlight, think about the desired skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description and how you have demonstrated those in the past. Don’t forget to practice your response before the interview. Good luck!

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How To Answer “What Motivates You?” (With Examples): Job Interview Question

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  • What Are You Passionate About
  • What Skills Would You Bring To The Job
  • Who Is Your Mentor?
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  • How Do You Handle Stress
  • Are You Willing To Travel?
  • Do You Work Well With Others?
  • Why Do You Want To Work Here?
  • What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
  • Where Else Are You Interviewing?
  • Tell Me About A Time You Failed
  • How Do You Like To Be Managed?
  • Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
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Find a Job You Really Want In

“What motivates you” is one of the most common questions you’ll hear at a job interview, so knowing how to answer it is essential. Your answer provides interviewers with insight into the “why” of your career, which is often lacking in resumes and most cover letters .

In this article, we’ll go over how to answer “ What motivates you ?”, provide a what motivates you to work sample answer, and go over what to avoid doing when answering questions relating to motivations.

Key Takeaways:

When answering this interview question , be sure that you’re concise, upbeat, and relevant and relate it to the job that you’re interviewing for by emphasizing relevant skills and personality traits.

Another way to answer this question is to share a headline about what motivates you, where you want to go next in your career and any support you need.

Avoid long-winded answers, negativity, and tangible rewards because employers know that you’re there for a paycheck — they want to know what else inspires you.

This common interview question is asked because the interviewer wants to know more about you as a person and a coworker and help determine if you’ll fit in.

How to Answer

How to answer “what motivates you?”

What motivates you sample answers, common mistakes to avoid when answering, tips for answering “what motivates you”, “what motivates you” interview question faq, final thoughts.

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To answer “What motivates you?” you need to first read the job description and look for any soft skills that describe your ideal candidate and then reflect on your past accomplishments. This will allow you to come up with an answer. Below is a more detailed list of how to answer questions relating to what motivates you to do a good job:

Read the job description. Before the interview and before you start preparing an answer, re-read the job description . Look for the soft skills that describe an ideal employee, as well as the main responsibilities of the job.

Reflect on your past accomplishments. To start putting together an answer, look back on your most significant professional achievements. Don’t just focus on moments when you were praised by a boss or given a reward like a bonus or a plaque.

Look back on your history in the field. A very brief history of your interest and entry into the field can provide great insight into your motivations.

Prepare a story. Stories help the hiring manager contextualize the rest of your answer. If you simply say you’re motivated by solving problems and helping people, it’s a pretty flat statement.

Mention your motivation to apply for the job. Finally, it’s wise to bring your answer back around to the job you’re applying for as you wrap your answer up. Tie in those details from the job description that we mentioned in step one.

Below are some what motivates you sample answer for different situations to help you be ready for this common interview question:

Past results and new challenges example answer

I’m motivated by my past achievements. I strive for constant improvement, which is why I make it a goal to acquire at least one new certification each year. Taking on a new challenge and coming out the other side with more knowledge and resilience is my chief motivation. It’s led to some great results. Just last year, after picking up a certification in Google Analytics, I was immediately able to make small optimizations to our site that made a significant difference. Part of what excited me about this role is that it interacts with a wide palette of clients and departments. I enjoy a job where I’m kept on my toes and constantly incentivized to get out of my comfort zone and learn more.

Deadlines example answer

A fast-paced, deadline-centric work environment has always been my best motivator. In my last position as an editor , I had to handle over 40 articles a week for my company’s blog while managing a team of writers. I have a knack and love for planning and organization, so developing and maintaining a spreadsheet to keep my tasks and delegated tasks was a real treat for me. I was always able to hit and exceed my success metrics thanks to my keen sense of deadlines and my motivation to reach milestones on assignments. That experience has set me up to thrive working for a publication like yours.

Solving problems example answer

I’ve always been motivated by meeting new people and solving problems. Customer service is a natural fit for my inclinations and motivations. From my first retail job in high school, I knew that helping people get what they need out of an experience was satisfying for me. Helping people as a customer success manager as part of a web development team proved a bit trickier than helping people pick the right sneakers, but with greater challenges, I felt even more motivated. Accomplishing 98% positive customer feedback over 2020 was a major achievement for me, as it brought my company over $200,000 in return and subscription-based customers. ABC Corp.’s commitment to top-notch customer service is well-known, and I’d be thrilled to work in this environment and continue developing my customer service skills.

What is your motivation for applying for this job example answer

I was motivated to apply for this position because I want to work for a company that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the marketing industry. I have always been passionate about marketing and being part of a team that is actively contributing to its growth and advancement is something that excites me. This position also aligns with my skill set and allows me to leverage my strengths effectively. As I reviewed the job description, I was excited to see that the role requires a combination of attention to detail and communication skills. These are areas that I have excelled in and received recognition in the past. Overall I was motivated to apply for this position because I feel that my skills and dedication to the marketing field would make me an asset to your team.

what motivates you where you want to go next in your career example answer

Continuous learning is one of my biggest motivators when it comes to my career journey. I am passionate about staying at the forefront of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. I believe that ongoing education and skill development are crucial for professional growth and for remaining adaptable in this field. I seek out new opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to help stay updated on new trends. I also collaborate with some more experienced colleagues to expand my expertise and gain new perspectives.

You should avoid rambling, being negative, and focusing on yourself too much. Below is a more detailed list of common mistakes to avoid when answering “What motivates you?”

Rambling. Your answer to this question should be clear and concise. Hit a few major points — don’t get caught up in a long autobiographical tale of how you got into the field.

Being negative. For pretty much all the most common interview questions, you want to avoid negativity. Your motivations should be because you enjoy something, not because you’re trying to avoid something (like getting fired ).

Being too focused on yourself. It’s hard to not get laser-focused on yourself with interview questions like these, but it’s important you tie back your motivators to the job in question.

what motivates you

Your answer should be relevant to the position you are applying for and you should have examples to back up your motivators. Below are some more tips to keep in mind when answering this interview question:

Keep your answer relevant. Interviewers choose questions for strategic reasons, and you need to answer with your motivation in a way relevant to the position .

If it’s a non-profit, focus on feeling good about helping people. If it’s a sales position, talk about satisfaction from exceeding goals.

Be prepared with examples to back up your motivators. You can help recruiters see that you’re right for the job by coming prepared with real-life examples of how you’ve excelled in the areas the job requires. It’s not exactly a behavioral interview question, but you can still incorporate past examples using the STAR method of when your motivations helped you succeed.

Bring your personality into it. Mentioning hobbies is an excellent way to subtly describe yourself as an individual, but relate them to professional situations. For example, if you enjoy strategy games, you can bring up how you enjoy the sense of achievement you get when you solve a puzzle or figure out a replicable tactic.

Be specific. Being vague on a question like this probably won’t hurt you much, but it won’t help you either. Discuss specific elements of your job that you find motivating, bring in examples, and draw it all back to the job description when appropriate.

Think about how your answer reflects on you as a coworker. Interviewers want to know what you’ll be like as an employee and as a coworker. Hiring isn’t just about who has the best skills to do the job; it’s also about who will fit in best with the workplace. Interviewers think about the fact that they’re going to be around whoever they hire quite a bit.

Be aware of variants of this question. The interviewer may not ask verbatim “What motivates you?” but instead:

“What makes you, you?”

“What makes you tick?”

“What are you passionate about?”

The tips and tricks in this article apply to these questions as well, and they serve a similar purpose to the interviewer.

What are the top three motivators at work?

The top three motivators in the workplace are recognition, compensation and benefits, and company culture. Being recognized by managers for the work that you do can help you stay motivated to do your work and improve. Compensation is also a good motivator for employees, but having too much or too little pay could reduce someone’s productivity. Company culture is also a big motivator for employees. Having a sense of belonging helps promote teamwork and productivity.

What is the benefit of being motivated at work?

A benefit of being motivated at work allows for there to be greater levels of creativity and innovation. When you are motivated as an employee, an obstacle won’t stop you from finding a solution. You are able to be more creative in your problem-solving techniques.

What is one way to be more motivated at work?

To help you be more motivated at work, create small, achievable goals. If a big project or task is overwhelming you and stopping you from being motivated to do it, create small achievable goals. Creating smaller goals allows you to see the progress of a task. Do this by making a to-do list or breaking the project up into sections to make it easier to work.

What is an example answer to questions relating to motivation?

An example answer to questions relating to motivation would be learning new things. Telling an interviewer that you love to learn new things and improve your skills shows that you are motivated and eager to do a job. Hiring managers want to hire someone to complete a job and it also shows that you want to be at the company for a long time.

How do you get more motivation?

Setting goals that interest you and making those goals public or sharing them with others are ways to help you get more motivation. You can also break your goals into smaller, more manageable goals and plot your progress to show you the things that you have completed. Using a reward system is also a great way to keep you motivated to complete your goals.

Answering the most common interview questions doesn’t have to be hard. Take a step back, do some self-reflection, and you’ll have a winning answer to “what motivates you” in no time. It’s not just about landing the job either.

Learning what motivates you can help you get a job offer, sure, but it’s also an important step in determining your career goals. Look at your strengths, the reasons for your past accomplishments, and areas where you get excited about work, and you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling career.

Harvard Extension School – How to Ace an Interview

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David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

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