The Deeper Meaning of Travel: Insights from Travel Consultants

The Deeper Meaning of Travel: Insights from Travel Consultants

The essence of travel goes far beyond being just a tourist. While taking a cool snapshot in front of the Eiffel Tower might be enticing, what sparks the desire to journey to France in the first place? Perhaps it’s the longing to explore the homeland of loved ones, or maybe it’s rooted in a history class you took back in college. Whatever the reason may be, it becomes your “why.” We’ve reached out to those most closely connected with travel—the travel consultants—to unveil their “whys.” Fair warning: their responses might leave you even more eager for your next adventure than before!

1 | Becoming the Best Version of Myself

‘My mother was a lifelong traveler. As a child, I would flip through brochures in her office, play with her globe, and unravel various travel posters supplied by vendors. In 10th grade, while working as a house cleaner, I saved money for an exchange opportunity to Japan through my school. During that experience, I fell in love with travel. It wasn’t just the beautiful pictures I had seen as a child; it was an encounter, a sense of freedom, self-awareness, a way of life! I truly believe travel can educate our souls and create identity. Travel has nurtured my growth!’ — Darcy

2 | Personally Exploring History

I’ve never been one to read history books! I’ve always enjoyed getting out there and experiencing it for myself. Through travel, I can see, touch, taste, and feel history along with our remarkable planet. Whether it’s inside a mosque in Turkey, wandering through the ruins of Rome, or watching ballet in St. Petersburg, you get a sense of what it was like years ago while simultaneously feeling what it’s like to live in another country today. — Ross

I love history, and I love where history is touchable, audible, smellable, and tastable around you. I’ve touched letters carved by Peter the Great on a small ship he made as a teenager in St. Petersburg, my fingers have brushed against the sandstone of the Sphinx in Egypt. The rushing waters at Villa d’Este near Rome have soothed my ears, and I’ve tasted cuisine and wine that harken back centuries. As a part of stories spanning centuries, all these things tether me firmly to my planet. — Diana

3 | Maintaining Humility and Openness

Sometimes, staying in one place… seeing life through a pair of eyes… can be dangerous. Because sometimes, we need to be reminded that we’re just a speck in the vast universe. Travel keeps me humble, it keeps me open to new ideas… new landscapes, new sounds, new scents, new tastes, new perspectives, new cultures, new ways of seeing life and the world we live in.— Scott

4 | Appreciating Other Cultures and Lifestyles

“Travel not only allows us to experience other cultures, traditions, and cuisine, enjoying the moments of beauty within, but it also lets us understand why and how people live in their own unique ways. We learn so much about compassion, tolerance, and an appreciation for diverse walks of life. Planning and embracing such journeys is truly remarkable.”

• Grace

“Travel provides people with the opportunity to slow down, discover new experiences wherever they go, freeing us from the rush of our daily lives. When I travel, I’m dedicated to fully immersing myself in the places I visit. Dining at local eateries, savoring authentic dishes and wines of the region, exploring the splendid historical estates of France, and the waterfalls in the jungles of Costa Rica! These experiences are impacting and changing me as well. Travel can open your mind by experiencing the culture of where you visit.” — Stacy”

5 | Stepping Beyond My Comfort Zone

“Travel makes me feel more alive than anything else! It’s unpredictable, delightful, and inspiring! We have no idea what tomorrow holds. I relish the thrill of experiencing things for the first time, whether it’s hot air ballooning in Egypt, hiking up to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Temple, or snorkeling around icebergs in the Arctic. I enjoy encountering the new and unexpected, embracing challenges, and learning to adapt to discomfort. Travel encompasses all this and more!” — Kathy

6 | Seeing the World Through Others’ Eyes

“I travel to connect with people, to see the world through their eyes and homes. I travel because I don’t want to be stuck entirely in the American bubble. I want to be a guest in other people’s countries so I can better understand how to treat visitors in my own. And most importantly, I travel to bring joy to people all around the world in my own life.” — Brian

7 | Connecting with Loved Ones

“I choose to travel because it brings people together. No matter how it may seem, travel is an opportunity to bond with family and deepen friendships. We love traveling with our children; they eagerly soak in every new sight, sound, touch, taste, and scent. Exploring the world with our descendants rekindles our passion for adventure. I believe as you grow and learn more about the world, all the positive experiences you had as a child become the cherished memories of your life.” — Robin

8 | Gaining Fresh Perspectives

“Travel has always been a significant part of my life. It’s contributed to shaping who I am today. Immersing myself in different cultures and traditions while traveling has shaped my worldview. Whether it’s bargaining over street art in Rio, tasting new cuisine in Reykjavik, or connecting with nature on Central American beaches, each destination has become a new lens and fresh perspective on almost everything.” — Roger

9 | Helping Others See the World

“Because the world is so vast and infinitely creative, with its ideas, cultures, and beauty impossible to confine merely to storybooks, articles, or pictures, travel lets me provide personal descriptions up close as I curate journeys. I love expanding my knowledge base while elevating my brand! It gives me the chance to share with clients what they might expect from a destination that I’ve traveled to myself. Familiarity is invaluable when planning for others!” — Geneva