Some of us love the idea of jetting off to a new destination. Others of us can’t think of anything more stressful. But however you feel about boarding an airplane, traveling occasionally is extremely important. And I would like to expand the definition of travel beyond passports, carry-ons, boarding passes, and hotel reservations.
One of our favorite local botanical gardens!
Travel is any activity that takes you outside the context in which you are comfortable.
That’s right– traveling does not have to mean spending thousands of dollars to hang out in a shark observatory or trek through the Himalayas (though it could certainly mean that). Instead, it simply means taking yourself to a new place. It means exploring the unfamiliar. It means engaging with people you do not see everyday.
Sea urchin in Japan– I admit to loving it.
Travel could mean taking a walk through the other side of town and sitting down at a cafe or restaurant there. It could mean allowing the public transport route to carry you to a new neighborhood. Perhaps there’s a museum you have been wanting to visit for years and have never gotten around to it. Or, there’s a town fair or flea market that happens nearby that you rarely ever visit.
Yunnan Province in China
The most important thing to remember when you’re traveling is that discomfort is natural. In fact, I think it is good for me to traverse across scenes and cultures in order to see my own context more clearly. In those moments of discomfort, I am able to reassess my preferences and why I prefer those things. And when I return to my own context, I find myself more flexible, more accepting, and less rigid.
A local winery tour!
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!
Still wondering why you should travel more? Here are a few good reasons!
1) To be inspired.
Taking ourselves to new places reminds us that what we consider to be ordinary can be extraordinary. Not everyone lives, works, or thinks like we do, and seeing someone else’s home or context can help us expand our understanding of the community around us. Furthermore, we can be inspired by the beauty we see to create something new in our everyday lives– whether it’s trying new recipes, making great art or building new relationships.
2) To be challenged.
It does not require traveling far in order to confront something that is difficult for us. Sometimes there are scenes and realities in our own backyard that cause us to shudder. Perhaps it is a cultural norm that we find offensive, or a living condition that is less than ideal. When we enter into those spaces, we are forced to face our own reactions. Those are great opportunities to dig deep and ask ourselves, why do I feel this way? Is there something I can do about this– either in that community or in my own heart?
3) To connect and reconnect.
There is no need to travel alone, or to remain alone once you get there! Traveling is a wonderful way to get to know someone better, or to rely on the friends you make along the way. While at times this can bring a bit of tension and stress, relationships often grow deeper once taken out of their usual context. Experiencing something new with another person can be the most rewarding thing for your friendship with them!
4) To change and be changed.
When we experience contexts and communities outside of our own, we can’t help but be affected. In addition, we leave an impact on that place, whether great or small. Think of your travels as an opportunity for different worlds to collide. In addition to asking yourself what you have gained, you might also consider what that place has gained because you were there. Travel might mean leaving your own context, but it ultimately brings people together. And you’ll have stories to share once you return!
[Tweet “4 reasons to travel more: why exploration is good for you via @daisylinshih”]
Yes, yes, and YES! I feel the same exact way about traveling. You have so many amazing travel adventures!! You’re so fun. 🙂
Thank you Charity! I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 I also enjoy going to new restaurants as a means of just experiencing something new every once in a while. I don’t know about you, but we usually run into some interesting characters at restaurants 😉 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Thank you Chelsea, I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you do go somewhere fun soon 🙂
I couldn’t have explained it better Daisy! We have traveled a lot, even with the kids, and I am so grateful that we have had the opportunity to open their eyes to new places. I always enjoy trying new restaurants in different parts of Houston as well. Great post!
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
I could not agree more with what you have posted above. You hit the nail on the head with your reasoning and now I cannot wait to pack my bags and get on the road!
Chelsea
http://www.gingersideoflife.com
Thank you so much Naima! I’m off to check out your post! And England sounds incredible over the holidays– lucky you!!
Thank you so much Jasmin! I do hope that changes for you soon, I’d love to read about your adventures 🙂
I just found your blog and I’m loving it!!
I totally agree with you on all levels. I actually just wrote something similar but about taking friendship vacation (they’re so much fun!). I’m planning to be in England over the Holidays so I’ll keep what you said in mind! 🙂
Naima
http://www.MilkStripes.com
What a great article. Looks like you’ve seen so many beautiful places already. I couldn’t agree more with every single point you made. Sadly, I haven’t had much opportunity to go travelling to far away places for the past few years, but I’m confident that will change soon 🙂
Jasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com
Haha thanks Heidi! Glad you’re on the same boat 😉
I know right?! Thanks for stopping by Laura!
Haha thanks Heidi! Glad you’re on the same boat 😉
Thanks Deniz! And WOW– lucky lucky you, I’m jealous already!! Please eat a ton of croissants for me 😉
Thank you Brittany!! So glad it resonated with you, thanks for sharing about your experience traveling 🙂
Thanks so much Emily!! I’m so glad this resonated with you:)
Thank you Rachel!! I think in order for travel to be possible for everyone, it needs to not just be about going to international destinations! Sometimes our own towns can feel foreign to us, hence the exploring and adjusting. I do hope you get the opportunity to go somewhere new in the near future! 🙂
Thank you so much Becy! You are so sweet 🙂 I’d love to know where you’ve traveled to!
That is so cool Chelsea!! I have heard amazing things about the Grand Canyon, and despite living so nearby I’ve never been. And you should DEFINITELY go to Greece for your honeymoon. It is mind-blowing and so romantic!
I love local travels!! We’re not jetsetting much in the next few months at all (had a big travel summer due to the passing of a family member), but I do love exploring nearby! It’s helped me develop a more compassionate heart towards my new community 🙂 And I also love coming home!
Oh yes, I would hate to get lost in China… and I actually kind of speak the language! Local adventures are always great though; I find that it changes my posture towards living in a certain area.
That’s so cool! I can see how traveling into a big city can be intimidating (we live in LA so sometimes I’m not motivated enough to fight traffic), but it’s so worth it. I’m really glad this resonated with you 🙂
It sure is a refreshing and humbling experience! And haha, I’m glad it gives your attitude a facelift too 😉
That’s so neat! Thank you for sharing! I’ve heard wonderful things about Germany… would love to visit one day! Good luck finishing college– senior year is a special time!
Thank you Jana! Getting out there all the time is tough, but occasionally it can be just what we need! I hope I still feel this way if/when I have a child… haha!
That’s awesome that you’ve already got a few things planned. The trip to Europe sounds epic! I can’t wait to hear about that!! 🙂
Thanks Anne! Sometimes I’m reluctant to step outside my comfort zone but I always end up feeling refreshed and inspired!
Oh yes you do! You inspire me!!! 🙂
Thanks so much Gina, glad you loved it 🙂 And you have been to lots of fantastic places, I’ve really enjoyed following along with you on your blog! I still have tons of dream destinations for the future… one day!
Thank you so much Jaelan 🙂 Travel really can be quite uncomfortable. I personally get motion-sick pretty easily so that’s usually happening…
Thank you so much Shannon! Haha sometimes I’m so tired on the weekends that all I want to do is sleep… but once I actually go to a new place I’m actually rejuvenated and happier! Let me know if you guys end up going somewhere fun!
Thanks so much Shannon! I feel you… we don’t get to getaway a ton but we like doing local things every once in a while 🙂
Thank you so much Joanna! And I love traveling with my husband too 🙂
Thank you so much Michaela!! Ahh, Ireland is incredible. I’d love to go there one day 🙂
Yes, I do! I live in a place called Ciudad Real, it’s about 2 hours south of Madrid. I would be more than happy to give you any advice or help you need when traveling in these parts! 🙂
Wow Alaska sounds incredible. I’ve never been there! Do you have photos you can put up on your blog? because I would love seeing them 🙂 And Europe is always a great place to visit, in my opinion!
Thank you Carli!! Love that you’re exploring the area more; it’s something we really have to set our minds to!
Ooh that sounds wonderful!!! The Italian Coat is so breathtaking, please book your honeymoon there 😉
Haha thanks girl! Sea urchin is kind of buttery and salty! It’s not the first sashimi I would try, but I really love it.
Ooh a beach vacation sounds wonderful right about now! Please pass the mint mojitos 😉
Aw but you live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world 😉 I am jealous…
Thanks girl!! And yes, I think I need to start making a list of places I want to travel to, near and far!
Thank you so much Cami! And that is AMAZING that you studied abroad in Spain 🙂 Do you live there now? Whereabouts?? If and when I travel there I am looking you up for recommendations!
Isn’t that photo beautiful? It was a gorgeous winter day there. I understand about getting around your own city. We live in Pasadena which is its own urban center, but I’m finding myself less and less interested in going into LA (also it’s just not really my scene…). I’m trying though! I know there are hidden gems in there somewhere! And Tibet sounds amazing; I’d love to visit Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan one day….
Now I want to go on a trip
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
These are great and I agree with all of them but I didn’t need any convincing!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I love this! I couldn’t agree more (: I’m a huge fan of traveling – in fact I think I’ll be spending the last semester of law school in Paris. Learning about new cultures, discovering great spots, and eating amazing/different gives me SUCH a thrill – nothing compares to it.
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Love this post, and couldn’t agree more about the importance of traveling and exposing yourself to other cultures and places!! I have grown so much since i started traveling more!! Its such a great way to be inspired and have a better appreciation for people who are different than you are!
Brittany
accordingtobrittanyblake.blogspot.com
I love this so much! You hit the nail right on the head. I completely agree that travel is all about exploring whether you’re going to a different country or town. Such a great post!
20somethingfashion.blogspot.com
Wonderful post! I do love traveling, but I very rarely travel, unless we’re going back to our home state, Louisiana, to visit family. It’s just not something our life allows at this time, but it seems as if that might change soon!
I really like your definition of travel. I tend to think of traveling as going at least a couple hours away to a place you don’t often get to see, but I can agree that it can be a closer location. Love the photos!
Super cute post! I too love to travel, it’s all we do on our vacation days. Great blog, Beautiful!
VelvetandVino.com
I love to travel, both my parents are in the airline/aviation industry. I think it is a necessity if you like to do it! I just got back from the Grand Canyon as one of my bucket list places, I am excited to hopefully go to Greece for our honeymoon!
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
I love to travel but we don’t have the money to go to faraway places! We love to travel to local cities and take them in! It takes us out of comfort zone for a while and then we get to come back to the comforts of home!
I don’t tend to see myself as someone who is in love with traveling–but I definitely value it. It is challenging, for sure, and takes you out of your comfort zone. When we explore new places here I have a fear of getting lost forever and ever because everything is so unfamiliar. But it’s always worth all the discomfort!
I’m also a big fan of local adventures–I don’t tend to live in one place for long, so I want to get to know that place really well while I’m there!
I so agree with all of this…my husband and I love to travel. We generally take one big trip every year but on free weekends we’ll explore our town. It always baffled me that so many of my friends never ventured out of their suburb especially when Chicago was so close! I’ve grown a lot through traveling…learning to be flexible is so essential.
I love travelling to recharge myself and also to open my eyes to other cultures and lifestyles. It’s always a refreshing and sometimes humbling experience. It makes me bitch a little less about life. 🙂
Reflection of Sanity
To change is why I travel. And to charge my batteries. I love spending my vacations in big cities. I’m totally in love with Berlin. Feels like home, people are so kind, I can’t believe it. I could travel every month if I wouldn’t go to college 🙂 but it’s my last year, so..:)
I love the way you wrote this! Since we have a toddler, we don’t really think much about travel–it can be kind of difficult with a kid, but your mentioning that travel comes with inherent discomfort but is worth it anyway made me think we might need to put more thought in to making some travel plans…even if it’s just to somewhere close by we haven’t been before. 🙂
I love your definition of travel! It proves that even if you don’t have a lot of money you can explore and experience things.
I LOVE taking trips and already have 2 planned for next year. One to Florida which is a place I’ve been a few times the past feay ears. So it’s moer familiar. I’m also going on a trip to Europe. We’re going to 2 places I’ve been (London/Paris) and 2 I havent!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
I agree with all of your reasons to travel…you learn so much about other cultures and yourself. A change of scenery is always refreshing and sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing new things is so rewarding!
You know me…we LOVE to travel:) xoxo Sending you an email now!!
yes, yes, yes! This post spoke to me 100%. Travel sparked my creative soul and my desire to change up my life, see something different and embrace the discomfort that some situations may bring. I think you defined travel perfectly and this is making want to travel so much more!
Those photos! How gorgeous.
You are right about all of this. Travel is important. It’s also important to realize that it will probably be uncomfortable. I’m glad you included that.
Such gorgeous pictures, Daisy! I am always telling my fiance we need to start taking my weekend/day trips, if not to just get out and change things up, buuut we rarely end up doing it. You’ve put a little spark in me though 🙂
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I love traveling but with my job it’s so hard to take off enough time to travel as much as I would like. Love all of these pictures! So beautiful!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Beautiful pictures. I definitely don’t do as much traveling as I would like to, but cherish any opportunity I have to go on a trip with my husband. xx
lovejoanna.com
Aw I love this! You are so right! Now can someone book me a plane ticket to Ireland please?!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
Wow Daisy looks like you’ve been so many wonderful places! I love to travel, sadly it’s been awhile. The most recent being South Carolina. My favorite place I have had the privilege to travel to was Alaska in 2009. I have never seen a place more beautiful in my life. Even the air is different. I felt as if I was one a different planet. Technically I’ve already been there but I’d love to take a family trip there someday. I’d also love to visit Madrid ( I have a friend who lives there), London, and Paris. (:
I love how you described travel as going out of your comfort zone. That is such a great way to look at it. I have been trying to explore different areas around me that I have never been before. It’s such a great thing to do!
xo, carli
http://www.puppiesandpolkadots.com
Aw I wish I were able to travel more often! The hubs and I are well versed in the states, but we have never been overseas together. Can’t wait for our honey moon … we’re thinking the Italian Coast!
xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com
:O Jesus! These photos are stunning! I am so jealous!!! What is sea urchin like?
DiscoverMe
You’ve got me ready for a trip, lady! I haven’t had a proper beach vacation in tooooo long- let’s book it! 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
I so wish I could ! Travel is essential, but I don’t have the time… Beautiful pictures !!
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
I completely agree with you! There’s so much more traveling that I want to do!x
I love this post. I have always loved traveling and I think it’s so important (your reasons were spot on!). I went to Spain to study abroad and ended up meeting my husband…and now here I am! Traveling really makes you appreciate your family and what you have at home, and for me now it’s just that much more special when I go home.
Cami
Camelldalynn.com
That photo of Yunnan is gorgeous! And I agree with you – I define traveling as getting outside of your comfort zone in some way. I always used to be preoccupied with getting out of my city and going abroad – but the truth is, there are a ton of places around here that I haven’t really explored, even though this is where I went to college, and it’s fun to see different parts of the city. My dream trip is still Tibet though – planned to go in June ’13 but they weren’t allowing permits at that time :/