Dreams of travel are often different from actual trips, mostly because you can’t travel away from yourself
The reality of travel often has little to do with what we fantasize it to be. I remember being stuck at the office wrapping up a stressful day at work and fantasizing about being somewhere else. However, the idea of travel is usually a great deal more enjoyable than the reality of it.
In his book, The Art of Travel, Alain De Botton explains that, by taking greater pleasure in little things, be it the miracle of air travel or the beauty of nature, we can find more enjoyment in our travels.
As humans, we are all in a quest for happiness. Some find it through money, others through love. Then there are those of us who seek happiness and meaning in travel. The truth is that travel isn’t the best way to escape from your problems, in fact, wherever you go, there you’ll be — and so will your problems.
While I agree that travel is less glamorous than our fantasies of it, I still believe that it has a world of wonders to reveal. It’s just a matter of adjusting our approach to it.
Let’s face it, the modern means of transportation are much more impressive and mind-boggling than the frigates and steamships of centuries past.
To me, air travel isn’t just amazing. The rush and excitement of being inside a Boeing 747 as it leaves the ground can literally change my perspective. It is a moment that breaks through indifference. Flying higher and watching houses, cars and even my country, become smaller and smaller, is a psychologically healing experience. From up there, everything seems relatively insignificant.
Next thing I know I am among the clouds and their undeniable beauty and three-dimensionality.
The first time I traveled to Europe- which I considered a far-flung destination, I found myself delighting in seemingly mundane things, such as the signs at the airport in French. This was confirmation of an exciting fact: I was in a strange land — an exotic place to me.
According to Botton, exoticism promises an escape from drudgery and boredom. An escape from tedium.
In the old days, travel used to be about exploration, something that modern travel usually isn’t. This is partly because the world has already been explored and the dry facts are offered by a guidebook, leaving people cold. For example, while visiting the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande in Madrid, I might ask the following questions: What first drove people to build churches? Why don’t all churches follow the same design? Why did the architects that designed this church become so successful? Questions like these can promote curiosity that the guidebooks don’t include.
Many people often choose to vacation in the natural world to heal and relax from pollution, traffic and unsightly buildings. Nature is both beneficial to both body and mind. According to William Wordsworth, the British Romantic poet, a critic of city life, humans have a lot to learn from nature, which gives us many examples of patience and endurance. I can attest, after hiking through the north of Spain — the spectacular views made a profound impression on me. I still consider these to be views capable of comforting us for the rest of our days.
Travelers today can benefit from this technique. Look at the beautiful views and really take them in. Later on, when the stresses of city life set in, recall that moment of peace and, hopefully, feel relaxed as you did back then.
For me, writing prods me into paying close attention to every detail. It is this state of focus that helps me appreciate where I am.
Even if you are unable to travel right now, take a walk around your neighborhood. You’re sure to discover parts that you never noticed, forgot about, or failed to fully appreciate. Happy travels!
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