Again With the Why Travel? (And Happy Anniversary!)

It looks like yet another blogger is questioning what the whole point of travel is.  Last month it was Jacob, this month, Penelope Trunk.  Actually, she's not so much questioning it as much as arguing that it's a total waste of time.

She gives people like me far too much credit though, citing three of the reasons people like to travel:  learning new things, learning about different cultures, and getting away to think more deeply.  Lofty goals, I would say, but not mine.  Mine are of the more shallow nature:  to go somewhere with better weather when it's cold where I live, to drink big martinis in a jazz club while overlooking the Manhattan skyline, and to get to wear cute dresses.  Clearly, deep thinking and learning about new things are not what gets me out of town.

But I must admit, one of her arguments got me thinking.  She contends that people that love their lives don't leave town.  Hmmmm, I do love my life, so why am I so eager to get out of town?  I've been thinking about this one all week.

For me, what it boils down to is a chance to kidnap my husband and make him spend a whole bunch of time with me.  Yep.  At home, he has other priorities, like fixing something, mowing something, or watching something on TV.  Or riding his bike with this friend or that friend or that friend.  Of course we have to have our own lives, and of course all that is healthy, but still, I love stealing him away from all of that and making him go see this park, that museum, or that movie, on a scorching day in Manhattan.

I'm pretty sure I like spending all that time with him a little more than he likes spending it with me, but for one month each year in New York (and as many other trips as I can fashion), he goes along for the ride.  And willingly.  And there's just no way I could get that at home.

Waste of time?  I think not.

(Happy anniversary honey.  Thanks for a very fun 25 years, and especially the last 17, that have made up this adventure called marriage.)

Comments

[Dreamer]

I agree with you Syd, I love going away, to get to spend some quality time with my DH and to be in a different environment, its good for the soul.

[morrison]

There's a reason why Penelope Trunk got fired from her last job. Her writings weren't sitting well with her previous boss. So, I wouldn't take what she says/writes to heart.

Why do we travel? The answer is simple:

Because we can!

I'm wrapping up my 3 weeks on the New England coastline and getting ready for my next gig: 11 days in Italy.

As for Penelope: she can go suck on an egg.

[Sara]

Well Syd...You are pretty sweet yourself. And I can definitely understand why you want that man all to yourself!

I also like that "because i can" reason...especially now that our destinations seem so uncrowded. It is a great time to travel! Where's your next trip?

My #1 reasons for traveling..to see new things, new cultures, and meet new people. We're off to ALASKA today!

[Retiredhubby]

@Sara - That man truly is pretty cool!

[Sara]

Syd: Two shallow reasons to go on a cruise: No food left in the house and unlimited bacon on ship!

Ret.Syd's Dad

[Imani]

To retired Syd's Dad, Too cool!

[pessimist]

I too find their arguments deeply foolish. It is like saying that if you love your spouse, you must now abandon all contact with other human beings, because you have found the perfect one. Silly.

And she sets up a foolish conflict. As if going for a walk everyday/meditating is somehow in conflict with taking a vacation. You'll take the vacation anyway -you might as well try a few things you cannot do in your quotidian life.

[RB @ Financial Samurai]

Hi Syd - Thanks for stopping by Financial Samurai earlier this morning. I'm glad to have discovered your site too! I'll have to do some retirement studying over here b/c I've got about 10 more years until I may very well call it quits and enjoy the retirement life in my early 40's.

Vacationing is the best, b/c experiences are the most rewarding! I imagining publishing one morning on a cruise ship to Rome and coming back and interacting with all the readers. I think it would be fantastic!

Best,

RB

[Chris]

At home I have lots of family nearby, regular activities, and housework. On vacation I get to partici[ate in activities not available to me where I live - like hiking in mountains, hanging out at the ocean... And my husband and I really vacation well together. Definately worth it.