CAN we really broaden our minds through travel?

Travel is oftentimes revered as a great manner in which we are able to get to know new cultures and expose ourselves to new mindsets that may shape the way in which we view the world. Since the democratization of flight, travel has become increasingly popular and affordable. Millennials have played an especially significant role in the spike in travel over the last decade – studying abroad has become very common and backpacking is a cost effective and popular means of travel. When we travel, we often tout that we enjoy going ‘off the beaten path’ and traveling in ‘non-touristy’ areas – a bit of an oxymoron in itself as we are tourists. As someone who personally loves to travel – I’m writing this blog from Oaxaca, Mexico as we speak – I propose not a solution but simply a series of questions: when we travel, do we really experience new cultures and open our minds to new ideas, or simply see a few sights, meet a few people, and come home with new stories to tell? Do we need to truly understand local cultures in order for travel to be worthwhile? Is there anything wrong with simply sightseeing?

Two Types of Travel

1. Traveling to see things

When we travel to see new things we simply pass through a location - we see the sights, try the food, maybe go to a few local places, and move on. This manner of traveling is the easiest to do, especially if we don't have a lot of time for a trip. I have done this plenty of times myself - a whirlwind trip of Europe several summers ago comes to mind, in which we visited 7 countries in 14 days.

2. Traveling to experience new perspectives

When we travel in this manner, we get to know people, their culture, and their ideas. Oftentimes, if we're not living in a city, the people we meet and the cultures we experience are those of fellow travelers. While this is not the culture of the place we're visiting, it still opens our minds to new ideas and perspectives on life. Truly getting to know a culture, however, takes time. Time to meet people who live there. Time to get to know a city or region - truly, not just the wealthy or historic part.

An Evaluation

Perhaps there isn't a right or a wrong way to travel. Traveling for the sights can be beautiful, meeting other travelers can be intriguing, and getting to know a new culture can be eye-opening. Each has its own merit, and we can always go further and deeper into them all. I simply find it to be an interesting way to segment travel while planning, enjoying, and reflecting on a trip.

Cheers,

- The Consultant

Pasochoa Trail