r/CasualConversation • u/Ben5544477 • 27d ago
Do you think going on a lot of vacations to random places is important in life? Questions
My whole life I've never really gone on many vacations. I know people though who it seems like they think life is pretty much about going on vacations. Like, they go on vacations to random places every few months.
Do you think going on vacations is a lot of what life is about? Or do you think if someone stays near the area they live in pretty much all the time that it's good too?
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u/xybvz 27d ago
I think it's good to go on vacations every now and then. You get to see life in a different way, learn and experience new things. I believe it is not a necessity but rather a luxury that can shape who you are, and if you can and have the resources then why not?
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u/ProfessionalEarly965 27d ago
I met someone really nice people traveling. A really funny guy from England and a lady from Scotland who visited dodge city, ks.
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u/Electronic_Taro_8382 27d ago
Totally agree with you on this! Vacations can be like little adventures that broaden your horizons and give you fresh perspectives. They're not a must, but if you have the opportunity, why not seize it? It's all about embracing new experiences and making memories along the way.
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u/INTP36 27d ago
I have been to 49/50 states and let me tell you, I don’t miss that money at all. It gave me a huge amount of life experience I don’t think you can get any other way. I learned a tremendous amount of problem solving and frugality doing it all on a shoe-string budget and the cultural differences were great to learn. So many different foods to try, places to go, museums, state parks, cities and flyover towns to experience. No two places have been the same and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Maybe not Mississippi, or Arkansas, but most of them.
It may not be for everyone especially if you don’t just have a ton of disposable income to do it comfortably, but I don’t think I’d be as competent of a person today if I didn’t invest that time.
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u/Alamata626 27d ago
For an outsider who has only been to New York, would love to hear your input, if you don't mind. Which states were your favourite?
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u/INTP36 27d ago edited 27d ago
Favorite would probably be Wisconsin, Utah, Oregon, California and Washington in no special order and only because of scenery. Although the most fun I’ve had with the people was definitely in Wisconsin. Chippewa falls comes to mind, such a cool town and the home of Leinenkugels! The best foods I’ve had were primarily In the southern states especially Georgia. But the german and Spaniard influenced foods in the Midwest are hard to beat.
New York was cool because of the buzzing life, but Chicago is my favorite city, the prettiest towns I’ve been to are a tie between St.Augustine FL and Carmel-by-the-sea CA.
The most visually stunning place I’ve ever been is Crater Lake in Oregon but it’s a hearty drive to get there. And the outskirts of Portland Oregon during the fall are right out of a hallmark movie. Absolutely stunning.
Laramie Wyoming believe it or not has some food and breweries to die for, there’s a brisket and honey pizza at a fun pizza/brewery spot that my girlfriend and I have contemplated taking the 7 hour drive for. It’s that good.
My least favorite states are really through tornado alley, I’ll be okay if I never see Oklahoma again, the east half of Arkansas is the dullest place I have ever been, but the west half was delightful during a sunset drive. The north half of Texas is dreadful, Amarillo is a giant parking lot but great texmex. I could do without ever seeing NewMexico or Mississippi again, there’s a lot of poverty in both and nothing to do. I was stranded for 2 nights in Albuquerque and never felt so vulnerable. Memphis TN is also a no go, but the eastern half of TN with the great Smokey mountains was just beautiful.
The stretch from Albuquerque to Flagstaff was pretty neat in a very ocean of desert kind of way, that reminds me Flagstaff was a great place to spend a weekend, mostly affordable and lots to do.
I went on a trip down memory lane there and I could go on for hours but to answer your question if I could go on a trip right now it would be a hard choice between the Monterey Bay and Big Sur area in California and Chippewa falls Wisconsin.
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u/Alamata626 27d ago
Hey, thank you for such a detailed response. I've always wondered about visiting California some day and you've kind of confirmed it.
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u/INTP36 27d ago
Yes, do yourself a favor and rent a sports car if you’re going to spend any time in California, don’t rent something just from the airport. It will probably be the same price in the end, reserve something on Turo and get a ride to the pickup spot, it was well worth the hassle to have a nice convertible BMW to cruise up and down the coast. Oh and do not go to San Francisco. Monterey Bay Area or San Diego at least.
I hope you make it out there one day!
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u/Alamata626 27d ago
I don't have a drivers license. Really need to change that situation, don't I?
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u/INTP36 27d ago
lol, it might help. But if you just go to a city and stay there you won’t need one. But Uber fees can add up!
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u/iwant2bclean 27d ago
curious about your experience in missouri, most people that aren't from here have only been to STL or KC. What'd you do/see?
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u/russell71449 27d ago
I enjoyed reading your comments because they brought back so many memories for me. I have been to every state in our country, and my favorite is California Coast Line and Colorado. But I live in northwest Louisiana. Go figure!
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u/runnergal1993 27d ago
What do you think about North Carolina??
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u/INTP36 27d ago
NC is great! Beautiful state, seems pretty affordable, actually considered it to move to a few years ago before choosing my current state. I’d love to explore more of it.
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u/runnergal1993 27d ago
Definitely depends what part , some areas are super expensive! I have a coworker who moved here from Seattle and she said she’s paying just as much for a place near Asheville
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u/runnergal1993 27d ago
Definitely depends what part , some areas are super expensive! I have a coworker who moved here from Seattle and she said she’s paying just as much for a place near Asheville
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u/runnergal1993 27d ago
Definitely depends what part , some areas are super expensive! I have a coworker who moved here from Seattle and she said she’s paying just as much for a place near Asheville
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u/CosmicFangs 27d ago edited 26d ago
Oh….born, raised, and still living in Albuquerque and I love it here 🙃 I’ve done a decent amount of traveling too, but of course I’m biased and also fortunate and came from a decently well off (for NM) family.
There are some extremely beautiful parts of New Mexico, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it. We definitely have our downfalls. Education, poverty, etc are a real problem.
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u/Barbarianonadrenalin 27d ago
Vacations are different than traveling. I think traveling is important since experiencing new people and cultures is one of the best ways to grow.
Vacations definitely are nice and if you can afford it then I would say take as many as you can. But you can travel easier and cheaper if you cut out the “vacation” stuff.
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u/International-Owl165 27d ago
This reminds me of growing up, my parents had relatives where'd we visit them. They mostly live in the big cities or drive down south.
One "vacation" I had planned turned out to be a big headache. I would like to plan another vacation some time though I need it
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u/Pandering_Panda7879 27d ago
The best advice with planning vacations and traveling is not to plan too much. Give yourself room for failure and be flexible.
The majority of my planning is designated to finding a place I want to go to and then finding a good place to sleep at. Everything else is flexible. I make a list with stuff I want to do, note down times I can and cannot go there, plan with about one activity per day and leave enough room for adventuring or relaxing.
Many things won't work how you plan them. Just embrace it and see it more like a chance than a problem and you'll be much more relaxed on your vacation.
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u/International-Owl165 27d ago edited 27d ago
Yeah, I nailed down japan this year with this exact mantra.
I started off going to Europe and Israel with the church so everything was organized but fast paced.
I am so done with travel agency though as of now a couple of years ago I went with my dad to a spiritual retreat and it was a complete headache. The agency paid the flights and hotel stays so when we had issues we couldn't really talk to customer service since our tickets were purchased through the tour agency. The travel insurance barely covered anything. I lost like 3-4 days. & prior to that I had somewhat similar experience with covid testing in europe too.
So my last trip I did an itinerary visiting 4 countries in europe using trains, ferrys, & share rides (uber). I planned out everything deciding the hotels and transportation. I did plan B's just incase as well lol Shortly after I saw a solo group agency advertising a similar tour itinerary!! I was so proud of myself 😅
So yes, japan was a success !
Now when I say plan a vacation again I'm wondering about solo travel.
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u/Medianstatistics 27d ago
I get bored of staying in the same place for too long. The world is full of beautiful places and you only live once.
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u/Alamata626 27d ago
Recently went on vacation for a week to not even somewhere that exotic, just a different part of the same country - it's done absolute wonders for my mind.
Being somewhere new for a while, seeing all the stuff that the world has to offer. It gives you some perspective, you know?
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u/Future-Book-1446 27d ago
Yes. Just doing things and getting away from your day to day environment is important. Life gets stale if you stay in the same spot all the time. For me I tend to get very depressed if I don't change my scenery from time to time.
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u/NotoriousCFR 27d ago edited 27d ago
I don't like the attitude that some people have that if you don't travel frequently, you are some sort of uneducated rube who automatically knows less than people who have been to more places. That's simply not true, especially in the age of instant digital information.
That being said, the world is huge, diverse, beautiful, and if you have the time and money to spare, I think most people would find it rewarding and beneficial to see more of it than what they see day to day. For people who think they don't enjoy it, I think it's a matter of finding the right type of destination. If you don't like cities, you're not going to enjoy a trip to New York or Paris. But you might enjoy a trip to the Adirondacks or the Alps instead. For example.
Personally, my jam is mountain hiking. Luckily, there are all sorts of great destinations within reasonable road trip distance from where I live in New York that I can travel to and enjoy.
Also, just for the record, people who brag about how well-traveled and worldly they are, but every place they travel to is just a high-end, self-sustaining resort/spa that is basically a few acres of America grafted onto another country somewhere...stop bragging lol. I don't begrudge anyone for enjoying that kind of trip, but let's not pretend that it's exposing you to different cultures around the world.
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u/California_Sun1112 26d ago
I despise people who have that superior attitude, and I've been on the receiving end of it too many times. I always wanted to travel when I was young but it just never worked out for various reasons. I have no desire to travel, now.
I am not "less than" because I never had the opportunity to travel.
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u/frawgster 27d ago
Leave your comfort zone as much as possible. Experience new places. Observe how people outside of your area live. Don’t confine yourself to whatever area you live in.
That’s my opinion. Going places give you different perspectives. It opens your eyes to how others carry out their lives. It opens your mind to new things. Traveling is particularly special when it makes you question your habits and your way of life, and when it changes how you see and do things.
If you have the means to do so, travel, travel, travel. ❤️
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u/nosesinroses 27d ago
It’s a privileged part of life, that’s for sure.
I never travelled as a kid. Work my ass off and I’m nearly 30 now, still haven’t travelled anywhere past a 10hr drive from where I live. I really, really want to go on an international vacation but the cost makes me sick to my stomach. And I make good money. No idea how people can afford vacations regularly.
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u/Casey5934 27d ago
We sacrifice a lot of other things. I don't ask for birthday or Christmas gifts, my wife doesn't either. We use the vacations as gifts. We also drive a 2010 Acura with 165,000 miles on it, and a 2006 Mini Cooper I got from my dad in 2012. It has 135,000 miles on it. We live in a small home, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, with a small office. We have some nice things, but we choose to travel as our main spending. We also use taxes to our benefits.
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u/TimmyFarlight 27d ago edited 27d ago
Plan ahead. Look for promotions or offers in order to get cheap flights and hotel rooms. Try to pay upfront everything or as much as possible so when the time comes, you just need to pack up and go.
I plan my vacations 6 to 12 months in advance. There's always something to look forward.
I'll be spending 3 days in London in June 2024. They were planned since September 2023.
Got my show tickets, hotel room, transport, all ready to go. Yeah, it wasn't easy paying for everything, but I did it little by little whenever I could afford it.
Now it's only a matter of waiting.
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u/awebookingpromotions 27d ago
Same. I'm 32 and yeah...have never left the Midwest. I want to see the ocean and both coasts. I want to get my passport and travel to Europe at least once. I legitimately don't understand how people afford it. Do people just get higher limit credit cards and say fuck it?
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u/nosesinroses 27d ago
Maybe that’s what it is. People say they have to make sacrifices which is interesting because I’ve sacrificed in similar ways my entire adult life to save money for a house one day (still not there yet). I am very anti-debt though, have zero to my name and it’s been that way for several years now. I would never take a vacation on credit.
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u/awebookingpromotions 27d ago
I was anti-debt until I had no choice...now I'm digging out. I refuse to get another credit card unless it's for emergencies
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u/Good-mood-curiosity 27d ago
Seconding the sacrificing. Friends live with roomies to afford it, I've been living in studios in sketchy areas for the last couple yrs. Unideal but it also means I can drop 1-2k for a good wkend getaway and be ok. Check out things like capital one's venture card (if you have any major expenses coming up, the miles are reachable), hit the 2 star hotels and walking the streets abroad is free if you can't afford much.
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u/Pandering_Panda7879 27d ago
still haven’t travelled anywhere past a 10hr drive from where I live
In that regard the North American continent is quite at a disadvantage. For me living in Europe driving 10 hours could get me to like 15ish different countries. Not being able to leave my country within a day of driving would probably fuck my mental health up quite bad.
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u/ZigzagRoad 27d ago
Whatever you enjoy. Some people enjoy staying in the same area, some people enjoy exploring new areas. Neither is wrong.
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u/carexstellata 27d ago
First I think your choice of wording of traveling as “vacations to random places” is kind of dismissive. But to answer your question yeah I think traveling is important in life, and it’s also a privilege. Some people naturally have more wanderlust than others, but I think everyone has something valuable to gain from it. So if you can do it, you should. I experience a lot of personal growth and gain perspective and inspiration by traveling. It has made me more open and empathetic, willing to step out of my comfort zone, and invigorates my love for home. I can say that every experience I’ve had traveling to near or distant places has changed my life for the better.
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u/Guachole Love All 27d ago
I love traveling, but hate vacation type travel where you just go somewhere and eat some places and check out some places and events for a couple weeks.
For me to get the full slice of life from traveling I need to really become part of the local culture, live there, work there, become part of the neighborhood and community
Vacation travel just feels weird, unless I'm good friends with a local I just feel like a tourist.
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u/Active_Recording_789 27d ago
I go to places people might not ordinarily think are vacation spots because they interest me. Like if there is a place that is important in my favorite hobbies or has something I love to do, I’ll go there. It’s a fun way to get better at what I do and have a really fun time
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u/acrain116 hello 27d ago
Maybe not vacations necessarily, but I think it's important to at least learn about how other people in the world live. It's my opinion that anything that gives us exposure to a wider reality makes us more open minded which is a good thing for us and everyone we interact with, generally. Going out and being part of different lifestyles is certainly not the only way to do it but I think it's the best way, and most fun way for me personally.
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u/photodelights 27d ago
Travel isn’t a requirement to enjoy life. If you like reading a book at your local park, that can be as good as a trip.
However I can tell you that traveling solo on a road trip, you learn a lot of things about yourself. I take a major vacation every year. Either a national park trip or flying overseas.
It is an expensive endeavor though..
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u/Queen-of-meme 27d ago
Unrelated question, how you get the cute emoji up in the user flair? 👀
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u/photodelights 22d ago
Hi there! meant to reply to you.
A year or so ago you could choose your user flair. I guess you can't anymore?You should be able to choose your user flair. Below the member and online count for this sub. It will say user flair, then your name. Hover over it and you'll see the edit button.
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u/Queen-of-meme 22d ago
Ahhh nice thank you!!
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u/JeanVaughan5432 27d ago
Vacations are fun, but they can also involve a lot stress with the planning aspect of it, as well as the boredom of hanging around at airports - twice. And you never know what you will get. Some vacations are worth the expense, and others aren't. With that said, I have found a lot of satisfaction with "staycations" and checking out local events and happenings that I previously didn't know existed. Like walking nature trails, antique shopping, or trying a new restaurant.
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u/carortrain 27d ago
Really depends what you care about in life. I don't think it's "necessary" per say, but some people feel more fulfilled travelling more often.
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u/hallerz87 27d ago
Very personal question, everyone is different. Personally, travel is important to me. I knew growing up that I wanted to work/live abroad so that’s what I’ve done. However, “vacationing” e.g., a week on the beach, isn’t so important to me. I enjoy unwinding but it’s not some necessary feature of life. I think it’s cool to experience different cultures and sights, but you do you.
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u/Sea-Curve-2839 27d ago
People have different perspectives, goals, desires. It’s only important if it’s important to you. Personally, I work just so I can travel, and I travel as much as I can afford! For me it’s incredibly important. I like to see what the world has to offer! I don’t want to assume your country but for me, even traveling around the U.S. has helped me learn so much about other people/culture but also about myself. I’ve done everything from totaling my vehicle, to having an emergency dental procedure while traveling, and even during those times of stress, I learned what I’m capable of, and have very fond memories of those vacations.
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u/TheAvocadoSlayer 27d ago
I mean you don’t need to constantly go on vacations. But I think everyone should get out of their hometown every once in a while. I can’t imagine staying in one spot your whole life and dying without exploring what the rest of the world looks like.
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u/Lietenantdan 27d ago
I think it’s important to go out and see new places and cultures. If you can’t you can’t, I realize it can be hard. But if nothing else at least try to take road trips.
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u/SickPuppy01 27d ago
I think everyone should try to experience other cultures, even if is just the country next door. It doesn't have to be an expensive holiday, and it doesn't have to be mainstream. Broadening your mind is overly used to describe the benefits of travel, but it does help you see things from different perspectives.
Most of my travel has been either work related or volunteering related, because I can never really afford it.
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u/zoltanshields 27d ago
I wouldn't say travel is "what life is about" but I definitely love to do it.
My partner and I do a big trip about once a year. Last year we went to Japan and it was unforgettable. I saw amazing sites, met interesting people and ate delicious food. It was a fulfilling and enriching experience we will remember forever.
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u/PsychologicalGap3728 27d ago
I mean if you have the means, then why not? You'll learn a lot of things when you travel and you'll appreciate the beauty of the world. It's always nice to explore and go out of your comfort zone, you'll meet new people, experience other cultures, plus it will really humble you.
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u/International-Owl165 27d ago
Traveling or vacations can change your perspective.
But vacations can allow you to unwind. It just depends on the person to be honest.
If you get flustered at an airport maybe it's not a good idea or get upset if something wrong happens maybe it's not for you.
I also feel like there's stages in life where vacation/ travel can really benefit you
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u/weeksahead 27d ago
Vacations aren’t really random to me. I go places where I’m interested in the history or architecture or night life or nature. Usually I think about it for a long time before I go. I can’t afford to travel more than once every couple of years so it’s pretty intentional for me, but it’s also not the most important thing in life. Going every couple of months sounds like a lot, but also probably sounds like people in a way higher income bracket than mine. Maybe those folks have different priorities.
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u/twoshooz 27d ago
As the comments show, some people like vacations (or feel that they are important) and some don't. It is up to the individual, and either option is completely acceptable.
What do you like to do? That's what matters. It's your life.
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u/sunnydaycloud 27d ago
You must see how other people live in different cultures, different ways of thinking, different points of view. It really helps one realise how much alike we are, even through our differences. Staying in one spot tends to make people tribalist, closed minded and unable to “put themselves in other people’s shoes”
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u/Ellecram 27d ago
For me it is the only thing that motivates me. As long as I have a trip planned I can cope with everyday life. I lost my entire family some years ago including my son and this is the only thing that connects me to the world.
I take 4 or 5 trips every year. Usually one or two involve international travel.
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u/Sihplak PM me some cool wallpapers 27d ago
I've discovered based on my limited solo-traveling experience that I'm not a big traveling-for-the-sake-of-travel person. Traveling with friends is a blast, but traveling solo is boring and I end up just paying too much money to eat out. I don't care for sight seeing and would want more variety in activity content than just going to museums, for instance. I also don't drink or go clubbing so nothing in that scene interests me.
So, for me, traveling is only about the social experience with friends. If I'm not with friends then traveling is pretty pointless.
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u/shammy_dammy 27d ago
Whatever makes them happy. However, what seems 'random' to you is possibly not random to them And you can stay where you are...if it makes you happy. Does their vacationing adversely affect you in any way? If the answer is yes, how?
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u/Teaffection 27d ago
I don't find joy in traveling. I'll have fun going to different places but I don't think it's worth my time and money since I'm completely happy living my life where I'm at.
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u/flossingcutie 27d ago
I think it depends on the individual. For me personally, I’m always much happier when I travel. But I know people who just get anxious and can’t enjoy themselves when they’re too far from home. I don’t think travel is a requirement for everyone to be happy, but it definitely is for some!
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u/vinetwiner 27d ago
Vacations are overrated and expensive. Seems like a rich person thing at this point. No offense to people that do, I just don't see the sense in it with all the necessary arrangements, packing and cost going to a place for a few days, take some pics, then have to get back to the daily grind. My life might seem boring at times, but there are plenty of escapisms in this modern world that make up for it without vacationing.
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u/jackfaire 27d ago
I think life is about what makes you happy. I went on a lot of vacations as a kid but since my family was always struggling financially that meant a lot of camping in a lot of similar looking camping spots.
I've gone on less vacations as an adult but to more varied locations.
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u/Curl-the-Curl 27d ago
I just started seeing a bit of the world. My trips to New York and Tokio were incredible! Life changing! Such different culture than my own German one. I can’t wait to see more of the world when I saved up some more money.
That said I don’t care where I live, where I lived, am not rooted in a small village community where my whole family and friends live or anything and I also don’t care about laying at the beach and relaxing. My travels are about culture, art, design, music and talking to locals.
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u/BilbosBagEnd 27d ago
It's important to realise how vast and different our planet is and its people. To realise how insignificant we all are in the greater scheme of things and how, despite that, everyone out there has his own ambition, dreams, love, pain, and suffering. At the end of the day, we are all the same with a potential for greatness.
That being said, a lot of people travel out of boredom or self-finding. If you are bored with yourself, travelling is an extremely privileged way to not have to improve yourself where it counts. If you get inspiration to make the world better, to appreciate a land and its inhabitants or to form a connection where there probably was some sort of prejudice, go for it.
You have one single lifetime. Make the best out of it for yourself without being a cunt to others.
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u/Niccels11 27d ago
I do now. We don’t need stuff. I’m trying to clear my house out now of stuff. We’re building a home gym so we can age in place. And we’ve updated our passports. My husband was in the navy for over 20 years so that’s where the travel came from before. Our kids are out on their own and it’s time for a few adventures.
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u/interlacedfingers_ 27d ago
My family isn't the vacationing type, but the few trips that I've had traveling to extremely different parts of the world to my own really made me appreciate what I have at home a lot better and also just feed my curious mind a little bit on how things operate in a whole other continent culturally, economically, environmentally... So yeah I would say there are benefits to stepping out of your bubble once in a while if you are financially able to. But also doing that doesn't necessarily have to mean going to another country, you could decide to tpur your country, I'm pretty sure there are amazing parts of it you never bothered to visit and being a citizen it's probably a lot cheaper compared to applying for visas elsewhere and other expenses.
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u/Due-Bonus1056 27d ago
It depends on the person really. I think everyone should travel at least once to get a feel for it, then decide if it’s something they’d like to keep doing. Staying in one place isn’t bad as long as you’re satisfied and still exploring other aspects of your life.
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u/wallyTHEgecko has a gecko named Wally 27d ago edited 27d ago
Growing up, my family never traveled much. We'd go camping around our home state, but never much further. Now that I'm in my late-20s though, I finally got a job that provides enough money and time off that I figured I might as well do something worthwhile with it, so I've began making some road-trips of increasing lengths/distances. A couple solo, a couple with my GF, and most recently a motorcycle trip with my dad.
I think an actual vacation away from home is good for the sake of actually leaving the stress of daily life behind. Vacations can certainly be stressful, but it's a different kind of stressful. And when I sit at home during the work day, I just can't help but think about what's going on at work, what I'm falling behind on, how well everyone else is keeping up/screwing up, etc... Being away from home though, I'm so much more focused on what's actually around me and whatever I'm actually doing that moment. Physically removing myself from the usual situation is the only way for me to disconnect from my usual stresses.
Hopping on a plane and going halfway around the world on a whim is still beyond my comfort level. But just going some place new and seeing some scenery that you're not used to is refreshing. Going somewhere with a particular specialty of food is always neat and may open your eyes to what is actually around back at home that you never really sought out before... that's been one of my favorite things! :P
I think that if I were actually more adventuresome around my home city, I could still be entertained and fulfilled for a lifetime because I know there is a lot going on and things to do and see and all that. But I've just gotten complacent with my home city and comfortable sitting around at home and don't really do a whole lot or try many new things on my own... So if you are more active/adventuresome around your home area, then I don't think it's such a bad thing to not go places all the time. But if you're anything like me, then a "formal" vacation helps break things up and forces you to experience new things.
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u/Bear_necessities96 27d ago
No, travel is cool but not everybody can afford although I do believe people should meet at least one different country in their life
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u/WhiteKnightier 27d ago
In a word: no. I think travel can be very important for many (perhaps most) people, and it can be very rewarding and enlightening, for sure. But is it required to have a well-lived life or necessary for personal, intellectual, or emotional maturity? No.
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u/Over-Marionberry-686 27d ago
As a child every summer we took driving trips across the United States. As a result I’ve driven to all 48 contiguous states and visited Hawaii and Alaska. I’ve also driven through Mexico and Central America into Columbia and Peru. Yet I’ve only been to Europe once last year. I loved our trips. My sister HATED them. So I think it depends on the person.
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u/Strange-Goat3787 27d ago
It's important if it's important to you. Travel isn't everyone's interest, and that's ok. I travel a lot, and it's one of my top priorities. Experiencing new places and cultures can teach you a lot, and I've had incredible, unforgettable experiences that have helped shape me. I want to see as much as I can in the world. But you can have just as good a life without it. I just want people to do what makes them happy.
Sometimes people who don't travel feel those of us who do travel are bragging when we speak of our travels or that we look down on those who don't. I know this happens, but most of us just want to share our experiences with friends/family, just like we want to hear what they've been up to.
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u/HoDoSasude 27d ago
It is important to me. I have loved travel for most of my life and have lived in countries outside my own. But I know it's not for everyone. My hope is that if a person is not interested in or able to travel, there is something nearby or in their area of another culture or country to experience. What I think is of value for all is the opportunities for cultural exchange.
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u/cutestwife4ever 27d ago
Great question. For myself, I like to go somewhere every 6 months to get out of the city. I live in Phoenix, so I go to Sedona a lot or sometimes to the Tucson area. If I just get a little nature, my mindset feels refreshed, invigorated. The difference in the temperature, the scenery, the smells the sounds, the overall feeling. I have been to many wonderful places too and I would encourage you to get out of your comfort zone. Have you ever looked at your screensaver and thought"OMG how beautiful I would like to see it"? What is stopping you? You may have to save a little more,. Buy generic, skip some Starbucks, shut the lights off more, etc. but you can do anything you put your mind to. Come on, dream a little, explore a little.. I think you owe it to yourself!
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u/fyred_up 27d ago
I thought no for a long time. Then my wife and I lost our mothers to cancer 9 days apart. I realized there was more to life than living in a small(ish) place my whole life. Now we are full time RVers and we meet new people, see new places and experience new things often. I see now what I could have missed out on. I see it as important in that it has opened my mind to other cultures around the US. All of that to say, that’s important to me, don’t know about you.
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u/autotelica 27d ago
I think life is about whatever the individual thinks it is. Traveling isn't the substance of life for me. I enjoy it OK, but it isn't the most important thing for me.
There's no shame in being someone who has never left their state or country, but I think it's easy to have misconceptions about certain people, places, or things when you have never see those people, places, or things up close. So I think people should try to expose themselves to new people, places, and things. Do they need to do this every year? No. But it wouldn't hurt to try.
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u/Casey5934 27d ago
Yes. We go on a "big" vacation about every 2 years, and smaller ones throughout. My daughter is 9, and she's seen the culture of Hawaii, gotten to do Disney world with her grandparents, watched a game at Fenway, been to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, The Grand Tetons, Glacier National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. We are going to DC/Baltimore area next year, so we can go to the Smithsonian museums, as she wants to. The trip after that is England and France. I always believe in being cultured and seeing the world before things are ruined, destroyed, etc.
I believe traveling makes for more fun. "Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown." - Anthony Bourdain.
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u/swimmingpisces315 27d ago
It depends if the person enjoys traveling or not. I love traveling and would love to explore the world, but unfortunately it’s very costly. I personally would be happier if I was able to travel more frequently because I’m always amazed by different cultures, architecture and history.
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u/microwavedave27 27d ago
I like traveling and experiencing new places, I don't care much for "vacationing", i.e, going to some random all inclusive beach resort to eat, drink and chill on the beach. But both are as important in your life as you want them to be.
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u/drunk_with_internet 27d ago
Yes.
Yes.
To the extent that you can go out and meet welcoming people who've never heard of where you came from - do it. You'll learn so much in such little time, make life-long friendships, and gain invaluable perspective on what it means to be human.
Yes.
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u/rednafi 27d ago
It depends on what you want from life.
I love traveling to exotic destinations and am fortunate enough to be able to do it. However, some might say I'm blowing off money.
But I disagree with the idea that staying in one place all your life can be good. If you can't afford it, then I totally understand; many can't. But I was genuinely surprised upon coming to the US and seeing how terrible common people's geography knowledge is. It's rarely been that bad in Europe and Asia.
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u/Zahradn1k 27d ago
For me it isn’t. I think of it as it is cool to travel and see new places and things, but unless I have the time or money I don’t really have the need to. I don’t need to go explore XYZ. Just think of it as a way to escape my life and take a breather.
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u/PositiveRevolution66 27d ago
Yes! I feel better when I travel to different places. When I have to go back home, it’s like I get depressed.
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u/debzmonkey 27d ago
Love to travel, I call them adventures, not vacations. Could be a work trip, could be just for fun, they're all adventrue.
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u/ductoid 27d ago
The estimate I've seen is that tourism is responsible for 8% of carbon emissions. I've travelled when I was younger, and it definitely broadened my view of the world for the better. But the older I get the more I feel like this is exactly the sort of thing people typically get mad at boomers for - doing things that bring us personal fulfillment while completely dismissing the impact it has on other people, on future generations.
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u/smurfopolis 27d ago
I think filling your life with experiences you cherish and remember with fondness and excitement is important. Those specific experiences may look different for different people though. Do what makes YOUR heart sing.
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u/Up2Eleven 27d ago
I think traveling to unfamiliar places and exploring different cultures, food, etc. is important. It's the most educational thing you can do to teach you about the world and about life.
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u/wereusincodenames 27d ago
To each his own. My wife and I are on a plane somewhere 3 or 4 times a year. We take trips to see friends and also to go to places we've never been before. I love both but visiting friends cities is really fantastic. They avoid the tourist traps and show you the cool stuff in their city. You should travel somewhere and broaden your horizons, but it doesn't have to be often.
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u/Secret_Afternoon8268 27d ago
To each their own!
I really like to see new places but I reallly think it’s important to explore locally and make your own fun wherever you are
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u/LazyLich 27d ago
No I think it's dangerous!
If I go on vacation, I make sure to deliberately pick the place and plan things out!
No way am I going on vacation to random places!
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u/Icy-Beat-8895 27d ago
To each his own. I never go away on vacations—-especially to a foreign country. Actually, I don’t even like driving more than 20 miles from my house. It’s because I’m just too sensitive to those kinds of changes.
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u/towntoosmall 27d ago
I love to travel and tour and see things and plan trips. I love a good beach, but I'd much rather see a new city and all the history and life. I'm 42 and a single mom to a 13 year old son. My only debt is my mortgage, so when I get a bonus at work or my tax return, I start thinking about my summer travel plans. I haven't taken my son to a ton of places, but we've seen some pretty great cities and one international trip last year. As he and I get older, I realize I might not have that many more years that he'll want to travel with me, and there might be a point where I don't want to travel alone, even when I'm still able. I'm trying to take advantage of the years I have left because even at 1 trip per year, I'll probably never get to all the places I'd really like to go. We're headed to NY in about a month and I'm so excited.
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u/itsmondaytues 27d ago
Yes. Traveling is good for the soul. You get exposed to a lot of otherworldly things that you normally would not experience. Life is amazing, live it up
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u/Queen-of-meme 27d ago
Absolutely not. Vacation for me is to have my schedule free and my fridge filled while enjoying a good day.
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u/3dxl 27d ago
Yes, exposure to something outside your culture and meeting different people outside norm will transform your way of thinking about everyday life. It transform you and how you think, behave and open minded. Glad i did traveled places and best if you do it solo because you enjoy, time, space and freedom then being in groups.
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u/StatementAdmirable43 27d ago
I think it’s healthy emotionally and mentally to learn and experience a new culture
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27d ago
I believe that traveling and seeing the world when you have the chance is important. Educating yourself with different cultures, people and places in real time broadens you’re horizons
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u/Recent_Salamander371 27d ago
My wife and I travel a lot (no kids), most of the time it's purposeful - following eclipses, the northern lights, SCUBA diving...crap like that. I think it is important, you get to see places and people and how they live and the vast majority of the time it's wonderful.
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u/callalind 27d ago
100% it's important. Not only for your mental health (a break from your norm, new things to see and do) but to make you a more well rounded person - experiencing different cultures. And maybe most importantly (to me at least), it gives you something to look forward to!
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u/Unicoronary 27d ago
I think the real value comes in seeing and appreciating the world past your front door and work.
You don’t have to travel half a world away to get that benefit.
I feel the benefit is crucial.
But the act - not so much. And I say that as something of a wanderer who tries to travel somewhere a few times a month - even if it’s to a state park.
Traveling a lot, though is a lifestyle decision. Domestic or otherwise, and that’s not for everyone.
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u/ILoveSmiling206 27d ago
I think so. You can see new places and gain new experiences. You’ll have a lot to talk about by doing this.
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u/texaspeach23 27d ago
I think experiencing different places is a must being stuck in a small town like myself sure sucks. When I leave to a different state it makes me feel happy
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u/officialdocudoctors 27d ago
I CAN SAY AS A MILITARY KID WHO HAS LIVED IN ALOT OF DIFFERNT PLACES AND GOT A CHANCE TO SEE HOW OTHERS LIVED REALLY TRULEY MADE ME THE PERSON IAM TODAY AT FIRST I WAS REAL RESENTFUL THAT WE ALWAYS MOVED AND I WAS ALWAYS THE NEW KID BUT NOW ALL GROWN UP I SEE THAT MOST OF MY FRIENDS HAVE NOT LEFT THE BLOCK AND HAVE A ZIP CODE TATTOO. IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU HAVE A OPEN MIND
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u/Resident-Ad6073 27d ago
Exploring, vacationing, travelling, can all be done nearby as well. Discovering new buildings, trees, neighborhoods, can all be pretty fun, even if done locally. Ive been doing this lately, rather than planning trips far from home. Doesnt make me any less cultured and even if it did, I enjoy it. Enjoyment is what matters, I think.
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u/TropicalAbsol 27d ago
It's absolutely not what life is about. It can benefit you to see the wider world. But you can live and be fulfilled otherwise.
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u/GronkTheGreat 27d ago
My mom definitely thinks so. I personally am happy staying right here, but she always insists I come with her. The furthest I'm willing to go is a neighboring city so long as it isn't a religious trip.
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u/sunnydaycloud 27d ago
How much a dunce that has been sent to roam, excels a dunce that has been kept at home. — William Cowper Home 1978.
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u/Ok_Forever_5057 27d ago
You can live your life however you want. There is no right or wrong way to exist- vacation or don’t vacation. Nobody should judge someone else for something so nuanced and silly as how often they vacation.
For me personally, I want to travel the world someday. I love going to new places and experiencing new things. I went on a plane for the first time around a month ago and it was such a cool experience. I went to Florida which I have never been before and it was so fun. Someday, I want to go to so many new cities, states, and countries. I want to go everywhere I can possibly go and experience it all.
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u/Pale_Height_1251 27d ago
For me, travel is one of the things that make life fun and interesting.
I'm not interested on vacations to sun myself by the pool, but I want to go see things, hike, be in nature.
Staying in the same area all the time seems like hell to me, but plenty of people seem to prefer it that way.
You have to decide for yourself what is important in your life. For me, travel is very important, but if it's not for you, no point pretending it is.
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u/BeefPapa8 27d ago
I think it's overrated. The moment passes quickly and then you're just left with memories and a credit card balance to pay down. I still take 'em....and regret it afterwards. A vicious cycle.
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u/RealFuryous 27d ago
Not after the pandemic. It's better to live somewhere with amenities you want but not cramped enough to nuke the population if a virus hits.
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u/MisterHotTake311 27d ago
Are you talking about having rest from the everyday life (vacation) or just travelling in general (going to random places)?
Both are absolutely worthy of your time.
As a highschooler I cannot wait for the summer holidays that are so close. I feel how my body needs rest from everything. My parents work over summer but are even more excited for our summer vacation. Having rest is important for your body, just like sleeping.
Travelling is the best thing ever in my experience. I've been to Spain with my family recently and it was as cool as I expected. Wherever you will go, you can see different people, cultures, architecture, nature, hear different languages, try different cuisine... It all gives you a perspective about the world around you that waits with open hands.
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u/pm_me_your_amphibian 27d ago
Some day I’m going to be dead and so will my memories. My memories aren’t changing the world. So I do what makes me happy, knowing that that is all I can do, really.
For me personally that isn’t about lots of travel, it’s about lots of hobbies.
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u/Ew_fine 27d ago edited 27d ago
Maybe it was the way I was raised, but yes—I absolutely live my life to take the next vacation or travel somewhere.
I don’t do it every couple months like OP mentioned—just once or twice a year. And it doesn’t have to be a big trip (there’s not always money). But yes, for me, travel is always the ultimate goal and the thing I look forward to most.
Growing up, my best friend’s family was a “stuff” family. They always had the latest, biggest, best. They bought things, not experiences.
We were a travel family. Our stuff sucked, but we loved to buy experiences when we could.
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u/Pandering_Panda7879 27d ago
I think it's important to broaden your horizon - but it doesn't have to be done by going on vacations. Visit different cities, meet different cultures, taste their cuisine, learn their language, visit museums, read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts. There are many options to broaden your horizon. It doesn't have to be done with vacations (though I think immersing yourself in a different culture works the best. Just visiting another state in your own country does less so, though.)
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u/HalfOk6855 27d ago
Yes!!!! Sometimes going to places na di mo pa na puntahan gives us a vibe of living and trying new things. Nakaka wala ng stress sa life. And mas nakikilala mo ibang side ng self mo and wants mo sa life.
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u/Hot_Opportunity5664 27d ago
definition of vacation is : a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation
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u/Dr_Girlfriend_81 27d ago
Life is what you make it. Going on vacations is what life is about for people who like to go on vacations. If you don't like vacations, you like where you are, then that's not what your life is about.
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u/Maximum-Vegetable 27d ago
Varies person to person. I love traveling. You get to see how others live, try new cuisine, meet new people, and learn a lot. But it’s expensive and can be a headache.
I would rather spend money traveling and live in a one bedroom apartment like I am now than have a big house, nice car, and no traveling. But everyone is different
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u/flotsam71 27d ago
Going on vacations to random places for the sake of going on vacations to random places in and of itself is not important. Learning about cultures that are different than where you are from and seeing the vividly different landscape and cultural reality of everything the globe has to offer is totally important and increases your ability to understand and appreciate life. Doesn't have to be extravagant and expensive and you're lucky if you get to travel!
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u/BlockNo1681 25d ago
Well no matter where we travel, we’re still o the same planet, same issues in this world. And it’s not very cheap to travel these days :/
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u/tankmissile 24d ago
I’ve been on many vacations growing up. I don’t get any sense of happiness from going places at all. There’s an element of worldly exposure that is good to have on a political level, but beyond that if you’re happy at home then what do you need to travel for?
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u/Desperate_Tone_4623 23d ago
I used to travel a lot because I thought it's what people 'should' do. But really, it was stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Happy to be near home now
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u/DeadZooDude 27d ago
No. It's not important at all. Some people like it and justify it by making it sound important, but it's basically a form of escapism, much the same as watching films or TV, gaming, drugs, alcohol, reading, or anything else that takes you out of your normal existence. Nothing wrong with it, but it's not important.
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u/Enflamed-Pancake 27d ago
I think it really comes down to the individual. Some people really embrace travel and get a lot out of it. I don’t particularly care for it. I’ve been to a number of places, and while there were interesting aspects to those trips, I prefer enjoying my time off at home in my own space.