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5 Reasons to Travel Around the World

Þingvellir National Park 2
On the edge of adventure

I’ve been asked several times why I’m planning to travel around the world; what’s a good reason to travel? Everyone has a different reason to travel. Some of many, some have few. Some have no reason at all. There’s no single reason why I should travel, so here’s my best list:

1. To get inspired.

As a graphic designer, I’m always thinking creatively. As a person, I’m always interested in understanding and seeing new things. Lots of people travel the world on a budget to “find themselves” or gain some higher truth about their being. Sure, that’d be nice. But I’m really just looking forward to discovering inspiring stories, histories, cultures, and art.

Traveling to new places and seeing new things can inspire ideas and influence you in ways you never even expect. Inspiration comes in many formats. Whether it’s a new cuisine you experience while traveling, or the street art spotted in some back alley—there’s inspiration everywhere. And traveling everywhere gives you an opportunity to discover.

2. To prove to myself that I can do it.

If I can do this, I can do anything. Maybe it’s a dangerous philosophy (and I don’t doubt that I can do it), but I’d like to come out of this round-the-world trip with the affirmation and knowledge that anything is possible.

Traveling isn’t always easy. And big trips which require a lot of investment (time, money, resources) are an opportunity to prove that anything is possible.

3. To see and experience different cultures.

I’ve always been a reader. And sometimes a dreamer. Now I’d like to be a do-er.

Borders are a strange idea. Culture can and does spread beyond borders, but traveling and visiting those places where a cultural idea or symbol originates can offer up an opportunity to see and experience something new.

4. To eat.

Food’s important. A boy’s gotta eat, right? I’ve always been a believer in experiencing the culture of a place through its food. That’s why supermarkets and grocery stores are some of the most interesting places to visit when in a new city or country.

So much of culture is based on cuisine—and eating new foods and trying food you never knew even existed is such a unique and special way to travel the world. And in those times when it’s not possible to travel (like during the pandemic), food often serves as a placeholder for a trip—offering an opportunity to experience somewhere new through its food.

5. To meet new and interesting people.

Something I’ve figured out recently is the value of talking to strangers. Everyone’s got a story and who’s to say it’s one not worth listening to? It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals such as all the other travel writers & travel bloggers out there on their own big trips.


Are you planning to travel around the world? Read my summary post after I traveled around the world with $20,000 for over 15 months: How far will $20,000 take you?

  1. Stephanie says:

    Those are all fantastic reasons to travel! Meeting interesting people is one of my favorite things about traveling. And the excuse to eat out all the time. I'm sure you will not be dissapointed.

  2. Keith says:

    Sounds like very good reasons to me! You will be inspired, you will be able to do it (easy!), you will see the world through different eyes when you're done, the culinary experiences will be diverse & you will be meeting loads of people! All the best!

    Cheers,
    Keith

  3. Adam says:

    I eat out all the time already (bad Adam!) but the excuse to do it now is definitely a good one!

  4. Adam says:

    Thanks Keith. I'm definitely more than excited!

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  6. Cornelius Aesop says:

    Great list, but I think4 is the best. I'll be interested to see what cultural culinary conquests you embark on during your travels.

  7. Walter says:

    I wish I can have that option. Maybe in the future to come. :-)

  8. Adam says:

    Yeah food always makes for an interesting experience. One thing I can almost categorically state I will NOT eat would be monkey brains. So you're safe!

  9. Cornelius Aesop says:

    Sweet, I don't even want to think of such evils in the world. You humans eat each other, you are vicious savage cannibals. Yet if you eat a monkey you are eating some culinary delicacy? I still say savage monsters they don't count as #5

  10. Adam says:

    haha calm down little monkey. You're all good in my book.

  11. Candice says:

    #2 is my favorite. Whenever anybody says I can't travel for life, I feel compelled to prove them wrong. And then punch them.

  12. Adam says:

    Punching is an important part of any conversation I have where someone tries to tell me something I can't do. And a kick to the shin. Or a headbutt.

  13. Abbie says:

    Reason #6 – Why not????
    I find it funny that so many people ask me why I'm traveling somewhere, as if it's not enough to just want to go :)

  14. Adam says:

    So true! Though I think that's less likely to convince my parents I'm doing the right thing.

  15. Expat Mom says:

    Excellent reasons to travel. My big one when I left Canada was to prove to myself and everyone else that I could do it! I think people had bets out on how long before I came running home, tail between my legs. ;)

    You're going to have so many awesome experiences and it really will change the way you see the world and the people in it. Travel is addicting, though!

  16. Doug says:

    Very cool, Adam. All equally great points, in fact one doesnt out weigh the other! Looking forward to following your RTW trip.

  17. Joya says:

    I agree with every single reason. I found a career I love because I went to go live work abroad in London, love trying new foods and now have friends from all around the world, including one from Australia who is coming to visit me this week.

  18. Adam says:

    Thanks Doug! I could probably come up with another 100 reasons why it's a good idea to travel.

  19. Adam says:

    Sounds amazing! I hope my travels will provide me with as many exciting opportunities & adventures.

  20. Adam says:

    Yeah, I'm a little worried about becoming addicted to travel. I've only got so many funds! Plus, there's lots of things to still see and do here in the US.

  21. Adam says:

    What? You don't like to eat?!

    Just kdding. Also, I've never seen a crazy old backpacker lady. That would make for an interesting blog no doubt!

  22. nancythegnomette says:

    Awesome reasons. I think #1 and #3 are my top reasons. I hope to never stop traveling. I want to be a crazy old backpacker lady pushing her walker down the streets of Ulaanbaatar. lol

  23. Excellent reasons, and there's so many more that come under the “well, obviously” category. I couldn't help but write one of these great lists too, but I put 17 reasons down (went a little overboard). Have fun out there, Adam.

    http://news.airtreks.com/post/2009/10/why-trave

  24. Adam says:

    I could've written hundreds of reasons, but sometimes you really don't need a defined reason to just go and do something. It helps convince others that what you're doing is okay, though.

  25. Anil says:

    #4 is one of my favorite :)

  26. Adam says:

    Eating is important. And delicious.

  27. You don't need a reason to go traveling. But, these are good reasons.

    I particularly like #4. ;)

  28. Adam says:

    I'm with you – “you don't need a reason to go traveling” but it helps to lay 'em out just in case.

  29. Mark H says:

    I think your reasons capture travel well. In my humble opinion, it is all about broadening your horizons and your reasons say that well.

  30. Adam says:

    Thanks, Mark.

    Most of the time when people ask why I want to travel, I just say something along those lines, but for more pesky folks it's nice to have a clearly defined, point-by-point list!

  31. unbjames says:

    I'm gearing up for my trip to SE Asia to sample the end lifestyle (long-term travel when I desire it) I want as I begin to plan my internet business over this year.

  32. Adam says:

    SE Asia seems like a great place to stay & work on your dreams—whether writing a book or starting an Internet business.

  33. […] not sure if I’ve mentioned this, but one of the 5 reasons why I’m traveling around the world is to get inspired. And that’s why I ended up in […]

  34. Deirdre says:

    We are very part time neighbors of your relative, Ann P, in Middletown. Most of the time we live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Contact us if you're passing through there (we have a prospective BU student in our house, too):

  35. Adam says:

    Hi Deirdre! Thanks so much for getting in touch. I'll definitely contact you once I get to Cambodia. Cheers!

  36. Janice says:

    Since you've pretty much summed it all up, then mine is an excuse for shopping (http://siemreap.info/shopping/). I want to see what the other parts of the world has to offer. Just the thinking of our diverse cultures and tastes makes me very excited.

  37. Adam says:

    Shopping is a great reason to travel! But it can get expensive, yeah?

  38. Tel Aviv was a test | Travels of Adam says:

    […] before I started traveling I wrote 5 Reasons Why I Want to Travel Around the World. One of those reasons, “to prove to myself that I can do it” was important enough for […]

  39. Mel says:

    You are truly inspiring Adam! If you have any advice on Mexico please let me know as I am heading off there in one month on a solo mission!
    http://www.meltravelled.com.au

    -M-

  40. Connie Hum says:

    All great reasons! #4 is definitely my favorite reason! =)

  41. Istria says:

    For me its 3 and 4.

  42. travel for all those reasons that you’ve mentioned and most importantly, to enjoy life!

  43. Food in Berlin: the California Breakfast Slam! | Travels of Adam - Hipster travel around the world says:

    […] It makes sense, really, because so many cultures are all about food. Dude, even I wrote that one of my big 5 reasons to travel was the food. Didn’t somebody once say that “you are what you eat”? And, like I […]

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