The Philosophy of Travel

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

Why do people go on holiday? Have you ever really thought about it? There are honeymoons or energising holidays after a really stressful time at work. For some people, travelling is about discovering new things, and it begins from the moment you start researching destinations and looking for flight deals. For others, it’s about making time to spend with family or friends in a beautiful place.

Some people travel with just a 20-pound backpack full of maps. Some go to learn about history or taste new kinds of food. Some just go to lie on the beach and watch the kids play in the water.

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

Looking back on a holiday, often the thing you enjoyed the most isn’t the main reason you went in the first place. Many people go to Italy to see the monuments and art galleries and come away remembering the day-to-day experiences as well – like glimpsing a wedding in a church or seeing someone cooking a meal through an open doorway.

As time passes, so your travel tastes may change. Do you remember all the things you enjoyed when travelling as child? Amusement parks, boat trips and kids’ clubs? Many older travellers enjoy the relaxing convenience of all-inclusive resorts, but it doesn’t mean they didn’t enjoy clubbing in San Antonio once, or that they’re barred from going to a market in Thailand now.

“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

Every traveller gets something different out of going on holiday. Ask anyone at your school or office to name their favourite destination and they probably won’t name the same places. Whether it’s clubbing or eating in a restaurant, shopping in markets, swimming in lakes, skiing, spa retreats, golfing… everyone’s got their own style.

And one of the biggest reasons to travel is that you don’t need an excuse. The idea that there’s a perfect time, perfect deal or perfect place is often a deterrent that puts people off. Like many seasoned travellers will tell you: it’s never the right time to travel. Just go.