Why do we really travel?

Why do we Travel? Well before I attempt to answer that question let us first take a look at its meaning, and history. Travel simply means to go on a trip, tour or Journey, to move from one place to another.

So historically mankind has always been on the move. Mankind was made to move, we were created with the capabilities to move, or travel from place to place for different reasons, such as food, climate, exploration, trade, relocation, etc.

At the time of the Neolithic Age the first sailing vessels were invented along with the wheel, they both were designed to move us around in different ways, one on the sea and the other on the road. Both inventions assisting in the process of travel in early times.

The nomadic tribes made up of hunters and gatherers moved in search of food which was during the appropriate season. They searched for animals, plants and special stones to carve out their weapons.

Ancient man had begun to construct roads to make it easy for the movement of caravans of merchants as well as soldiers through kingdoms and villages. Traveling for the main purpose of commerce and trade inspired explorers to go to unknown lands in hopes of encountering other people living there. They were able to make trade and business, which eventually enriched their wealth.

The freedom of travel in the Roman Empire brought many other travelers to progressively, developed lands in ancient times. According to Christendom Jesus was amongst those travelers.

After the demise of the Roman Empire durning the fifth century, many common Europeans lacked knowledge of the world around them their knowledge was limited to their local area and to maps provided by the religious leaders. Geographers of the Muslim (a human that worships Allaah) world inspired much exploration within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. So travel for the Muslims was essential to geographical exploration.

The Muslims were skilled explorers, they were inspired by the wisdom of the Qur'an (The Holy book of the Islamic religion). It is commanded by Allaah (One Deity or God in Arabic) that Muslims make a pilgrimage (hajj) to Makkah(the land and birth place of Islam) for those who are healthy, and financially capable to make the pilgrimage at least once in their life time. Thousands of pilgrims traveled from far distant lands to Makkah. Many traveled in groups and some traveled alone. Later on, written guides were made available to assist pilgrims during their trip. The "Hajj" (pilgrimage) was very important to the Muslim each year it influenced further exploration beyond the Arabian Peninsula. During the eleventh century, Muslim traders had reached much of the eastern parts of Africa. Eventually they made their way across to West Africa.

As we can see travel was a major part of their lives. This showed the importance of travel in early times.

During the Industrial Revolution was a time that leisure travel was introduced to Europe more.

During this era the new middle class, which consisted of factory owners and managers. They were later able to take time out for travel, thanks to industrialized production with efficient and faster machinery. They had more money and more time to relax and take part in recreational activities.

Knowing this later became a new trend of traveling for leisure besides war or trade.

The modern era brought in new modern forms of vehicles used for transportation such as the passenger plane.

Air travel which was more affordable contributed to international mass tourism. Today people enjoy vacation and business traveling more now due to modern forms of transportation.

As years progressed many things changed in tourism and the way we travel, such as technology, safety, security, costs, social changes, convenience etc.

The pioneers of tourism from centuries ago reflect upon today’s type of travel. Whether it be a business man or a student who are not happy with just traveling through one continent, instead they continue to travel throughout the entire world today. This is all thanks to modern transportation. Hooray for Modern Travel!

After taken a look at the meaning of travel and its beginnings with mankind, we can now move on with the answers to “why do we travel?”

Well there are many reasons, here are some that may fit your reasons:

Leisure - Many people travel for this reason especially today. Many people desire a break from their regular life, which makes them want to escape their everyday lives. They want to take what we call today a vacation away from their daily lifestyles. Throughout the years traveling for leisure has become one of the main reasons of travel.

Family -Many people travel because they want to see their families and friends who live far away. Families in these trying times finds it hard to get together especially when they live so far apart. Therefore they are eager to travel to see their loved ones.

Marriage Partners - People travel seeking out marriage partners. Some people feel that maybe their area isn't the place to find their bride or groom. They realize to look beyond their doorsteps or place of birth. So they travel seeking to find that perfect partner where ever they may be.

Work - People travel to look for work because they want to experience how to work in another place. These days economies are struggling, so people are looking for different ways to make money. Some people look beyond their locale and search for work in other lands. Other places pay higher salaries than their own place of residence. We may also say that their expertise is not favored in their own land. Unfortunately they have to leave their families for awhile for job opportunities abroad.

Cultural - People travel to learn about other cultures. They want to see the difference between their culture and other cultures. They want to learn others culture, because for them traveling is interesting and exciting while learning. One of the main things about others culture is the food. They want to know how food is prepared and how it is done differently. All cultures have differences as well as similarities.

Writing - People travel for the purpose of being motivated and inspired to write. They want to give the readers relevant articles that pertain to their reader’s interest, particulary when they are making a story on a specific place that their reader’s are interested in traveling as well.

Scenery - People travel to see the beautiful scenery of different countries. Many people take pictures which can be used for business and family albums.

Business - This is a great reason for travel today. The chance may come for any business person to offer their products or services over to another country, which the market may be open and free for them to seize the opportunity. Some businessmen or women would rather set up business in other places, because they want to gain more profit. Business is nothing without profit. So they either relocate, or set up a business in the land that they feel will be more lucrative and profitable for a business.

Traveling is not just restricted for rich people. Whether you are poor or in the middle class, you can travel as long as it fits your budget. Some travel for their goals, some travel for fun and relaxation and some travel for experience. So lets get out there and travel.

Now that I have given some reasons, I hope that the reader will get inspired to really think on why they would like to travel somewhere in the world even within their own country. That’s right get out of that seat of that stressful job of yours or that hum drum T.V. sofa or chair. Get some of that money you’re saving, plan a trip to get out, and see the world. Don’t be a prisoner in your own home. Humans were not only made to live day to day working, studying, eating, sleeping, and just staying in one isolated area (home or local area) . Man was created with a blessed tool called the mind, plus two eyes, arms, hands, legs, and feet. These were all given to move around from place to place, to travel. So let’s just get out there and travel! Don’t be afraid! just do it! All you need to have is one good reason.