10 Reasons Why I Travel (My Answer Is Complicated)

Recently, someone asked me why I travel and what my purpose was. He said I was always gone, exploring national parks and other far-off places.

I had to think about it, because I was never asked like that. I mean, I just like it. Isn’t that a good enough reason? 

It’s too deep to give a simple answer, so I’d reflect on my answer in a blog post. In case you know someone who’s always on the go like me, this might give you insight as to why. 

Why People Like to Travel

Well, we travelers have our different reasons for doing what we do. But I’m basing this on my experiences.

I have both inner and outer reasons. Sometimes it’s a feeling inside or more of a tangible thing.

1. To Cure Boredom

I think one of the main reasons I travel is because I get bored of the same thing. If I get in the same routine for too long, I get restless, and I don’t like it.

When I was younger, one of my supervisors told me I get “antsy” when I’m not out and about. I guess she was right.

There’s something inside of me that doesn’t like to sit around. When I watch videos of unique landscapes, I think, Ooohhh, I need to go there.

I always have this need for some kind of challenge. Some of us just get bored very easily, and have used travel as a vice to relieve it. Hey, that’s just me.

2. Life Experiences

When I visited Europe for the first time, I stayed in hostels and met many other people. In France, I shared a room with two 15-year-olds from Kentucky.

I was a few years older than they were, and traveling on my own. However, I soon found out their parents were back home.

They wanted a chance to see what it’d be like to leave home and live without their parents. Just like me, they wanted to experience life on their own accord.

Although their parents financially supported them from a distance, they planned out where to go and what they did. 

From what they told me, they were doing it all safely and had learned a lot about growing up. After all these years, I haven’t forgotten about that.

3. For Inspiration

Yes, I’m a writer, but also a creator in other ways. I’m an artistic person.

I know people who like to travel for inspiration. No matter if you’re an actor, painter, nurse, or bookkeeper, going on a journey can get you to think beyond.

The greatness of nature can stimulate the mind. I get more creative when exploring beautiful places such as the Grand Canyon or swimming in the ocean. 

And I’m motivated to pick up my pen or take action due to the feelings that come up. And I easily find myself in a flow state.

4. To Think

Let’s just say you have a lot on your plate, and your world seems so heavy. You might have many decisions to make about your future, and you don’t know what to do.

Well, travel can help clear the mind. It has helped me think about my next steps because I’ve gotten away. 

Sometimes it’s hard to see how tall the trees are when you’re right in the midst of the forest. But stepping outside and looking from afar allows you to see the big picture.

That’s exactly what I did after college. I didn’t like the job I was in, and didn’t like the people I was around. 

Then I went to Europe and stepped away. I was able to think and surround myself with new, positive influences. I ultimately got rid of the people dragging me down back home.

5. To Reset

On the same note, some travel can help me do a total reset. I’ve had situations where I just had to leave the scene to clear my mind.

The trip that comes to mind is when I went to Europe. I didn’t like my job, and I had always wanted to go.

So I packed up my things and did a solo trip. And I made a friend in London. That’s not Europe, but I stopped in the UK before heading to Europe. 

He didn’t like his stressful accounting job or his life. He was totally burnt out.

Anyway, he took it a step further and quit his job. He used the money he had saved up to travel the world. 

He literally went around the world and stayed long periods in countries he liked the most. I’m telling you, he was living off the grid, backpacking in jungles! 

I wasn’t doing that, but during my reset, I saw the world differently. After a year, he returned home and got a new job, with a new perspective.

Mine wasn’t as long, but it was a nice long period. And I returned to my old job, but I had a fresh outlook that helped me view things from a different angle. 

6. For Work

I’ve had to travel for work, but I didn’t really like it. Some people love these types of jobs, as they get out more.

But I’ve had jobs where I had to travel between states. Although work came first, I was still able to explore during downtimes.

I enjoyed that aspect of it, but I’d rather travel with the freedom of going where I want. 

But it’s led to networking opportunities and friendships. I’ve seen places I wouldn’t have normally gone to.

I once contemplated joining the military or working as an airline attendant for that very reason. I wanted to see the world, but not necessarily pay for it.

But after doing some research, I thought I’d be better off traveling on my own accord. That way, I could choose exactly where I wanted to go. 

7. To Meet People

When I reflect on how many people I’ve met all over the world, it’s a lot. They’ve all taught me about their cultures and traditions.

And that in itself is better than reading about it. This isn’t the main reason why I travel, but I know people who do just to grow their circle of friends.

I live in a big city that’s pretty diverse. But I don’t think the inhabitants are very friendly.

So it’s nice to get away from this place and meet people you can actually have a conversation with. 

8. Learn About Culture

Traveling has given me opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions, and food. You might encounter some that are very different from yours.

This always gives me a new appreciation for life.

For example, in Italy and other countries, they take a siesta in the afternoon. Many stores and businesses close for a couple of hours because people go home to eat with family. 

Well, I had to adjust to that because you won’t find many people doing that in the US.

When I went to Bermuda, people greeted each other in passing, and not doing so was considered rude.

But where I live, most people walk past someone and do not acknowledge them. I can’t believe that’s the norm here!

9. Step Back into History

I love exploring historic places because most likely I’ve read about them. It’s one thing to learn about different places in books, but to actually see them in person is a treat.

I feel more of a connection to the past when I actually go there.

If you’ve explored places like Rome, you’ll know what I’m talking about as far as seeing ancient history. Although the US is a rather new country, we still have many preserved areas.

You might not have to go far. There are historic landmarks all over. Some might be in your backyard.

Discovering remnants of the past is one of the highlights of my travels. That’s why we like going offroading deep into the heart of the backcountry.

10. See Different Landscapes

Another main reason I love to explore places is to see different landscapes. I can’t put into words how beautiful the world is.

And you don’t need to leave your country to see this. In the US, there are so many national parks and forests, with the most stunning views.

The country is so vast, and you could spend a lifetime exploring it all. When I’m able to see different sites, it awakens my mind.

Nature has so much to offer. Plus, it’s enlightening to see the geological differences going from one place to another. 

If we have to live on Earth, might as well explore all it has to offer, right? You’ll never know what you might find.

Final Thoughts

Although people have different reasons for traveling, I do it because I overall love it. And providing one quick answer just won’t be enough.

So if anyone else asks, I’ll have my list ready. And if someone asks you, you might send them right here.

More About Travel

I have many other related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out. 

• You’ll want to know how I got a travel education when my elementary school teacher quit.

• I’ll tell you why I’ve taken time off work to travel.

• I’ll give you different ways I meet people while traveling.

I’d love to hear all about your travel adventures!

Originally published: October 23, 2025