One of my highlights of Virtuoso Travel Week was attending a lecture presented by the esteemed travel writer, Pico Iyer, on “Why We Travel”. Prior to this event, I had not heard of Mr. Iyer but his talk was incredibly inspiring. I couldn’t find a video version of the talk he gave to us, but I did find this Ted Talk which is excellent:
Go here if you cannot view the video.
His essay on “Why We Travel” can be found here…it is definitely worth a read. And, if that leaves you wanting to learn more about this amazing writer, traveler and man, then check out his web site, Pico Iyer Journeys.
Now I ask all of you…Why Do You Travel??
(All photos are of Kyoto, Japan, Mr. Iyer’s adopted home and a city where I am thrilled to be visiting later this fall. )
The first quote says it all I think but for me, just to know more and see more – knowledge, indifference & seeing all the world has to offer is what travelling is all about. 🙂
Great post, Sandy! And such a very good question, especially since we just returned from our Scotland/Iceland trip. My husband and I make travel a big priority in our lives and our shared love of it was one of the things that brought us together. But why? I guess for me it's based in curiosity and a love of learning. And the desire for adventure – to find beauty in unfamiliar places. And… to have someone else make the bed! 😉 Just kidding (kind of).
Looking forward to catching up with all the blogland friends now that we're back! XOXO
Sandy,
Travel is the greatest eye opener. I have a travel journal and it is full of quotes that are so inspiring. One reads, "One must get away from home to know where they have come from."
I always feel inspired after travel to see things in a new way and then to come home with a souvenir or a memory that shapes my home.
pve
Travel makes life more interesting. I think the Mister and I travel to get away and relax. Have a wonderful week dear Sandy!
Love this post!! I think it is literally to escape from our lives for a bit!! Hope you have a great week!! Karolyn
Well I travel because I love to see the world, spread my wings, learn about other cultures and if I am to be totally honest also love to escape every now and then from every day life:)
Different types of trips obviously mean different things, going to Machu Pichu is far different then hitting the beaches of Cabos…but both are equally inspiring and stimulating. Sadly my severe claustrophobia holds me back from doing as much as I would like but there are many places still on my bucket list that I am determined to see!
My goodness, Japan at its BEST! Dear Sandy, these are amazing photos. I travel because I want to see what's on the OTHER SIDE…I've always been that way, ever since I was a kid. And I got to see "the other side" many times.
Here's to more great travel days. Anita
Thanks for the links. As you know, I'm passionate about travel. I'm so curious to see for myself the beautiful places and different cultures which I read about. Travel is exciting, inspiring and a break from our normal routine.
Beautiful images. I travel to experience other cultures and to learn. I love to visit beautiful places to get inspired. So many amazing conversations are born from our travels. I think I really love the dialogue traveling opens us.
Nothing inspires me to travel more than knowing that it is only through travel that I can get a better understanding of the world. History helps us learn and travel books inspire us, but nothing changes us like experience.
I love seeing new places and learning about different cultures, but there is nothing I love more than coming back home…