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- - Why Do We Go? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/why-do-we-go-143055/)

I almost didn't open this thread. Silly moi! Thanks s' and you probably already know my answer. But I won't repeat it, simply because you and Dr. Betty have said it more eloquently than I ever could. God bless you both! J.

Perhaps, it is genetic! My parents loved to travel. As a child, I remember them coming back laden with gifts and seeming exhilarated by their trips. My widowed mother, even into her late 70's always traveled to visit her children or to parts of the world that interested her; taking some of us with her. Nothing held her back, not even chemotherapy. She got married again at age 78 and went to Capri and Provence on her honeymoon. With her as inspiration I GO... I once had a dream where I was in this wonderful, white washed mediterranean-type village, with sweet sunny light and air, neighbors sat out on the porches and were very friendly, and I was wearing some really cool clothes, strolling with sweet, loving friends!! The feeling was one of wholeness and love. I long to find that place and settle there for at least part of the year. So, perhaps that's why I travel. Always, wondering where that place is or if it's even in a physical location....

I'm thinking about this question as I look around at my slightly shabby living room furniture and wonder whether my car will last another 2 years and I have to ask myself, why are we spending almost $10,000 on a family trip to Italy this summer? All of you people reading this understand.. Partly to add excitement to a normal 9 to 5 life of course. I find its very important to me to have something to look forward to--a reward for all of the mundane days spent at work that will involve a complete change of scenery,adventures, new cultures to explore, etc. Why do I pick the places I travel to? Some are places, that for some reason, I've always wanted to see, like Greece which I've wanted to see since I was a teenager (haven't made it there yet, but I will), other destinations come from movies or books I've read. Some I revisit because of the great times I've had there and the knowledge that there's so much I missed last time. Yes, I guess it would be more "practical" to buy a new car or replace some furniture, but our time on this planet is very short, and what a shame it would be not to experience as much of it as we possibly can while we're here.

Cindy expressed some of what I feel. My regular life is pretty routine, and I love the feeling of laying it aside and doing something completely different. Also, I have always been an avid reader and used to enjoy those old damsel in distress mysteries--Mary Stewart, Helen MacInnis, etc. I finally figured out that what I liked so much about them was the settings rather than the stories. There are so many places I still want to see, and then there are so many places I have seen and would like to go back to. How much was that lottery?

I can't bring my money, house or car with me when I die, but I can bring my memories. And what better way to collect those memories than thru travel?

Wayne-well said! I think you hit it right on the head..You can sit around your home and collect "things" and look at them and sometimes show them off-or you can take the same money and spend it traveling,meeting the people out there in the world,seeing the way the rest of the world lives,eats,worships,speaks,thinks,etc-etc-and be soo much richer in mind and spirit!(and so much more interesting yourself!) At least that is MOHO~

Why do I go? I think because I have to. There is some force inside of me that will allow nothing but going. Still, I think I can provide an explanation of its development. When I was growing up, we traveled very little, except for trips to the beach, mountains, places in Virginia, and one big trip to Florida. My parents still have never been out of the country (except Canada), but they always have had at least some urge to go see things. My father actually drove to Alaska and back from North Carolina a few years ago. I think most of my interest was developed around the age of 5-7 years. I used to pore through the encyclopedias at my grandmother's house where I stayed during the day, I was fascinated by my mother's old school report cut to the shape of Japan, and my grandmother brought me a Mexican newspaper and Mexican flag from a short excursion across the border on a visit to Texas (I was thrilled). I developed a love of history at this early age, and the most exciting places to me were Civil War forts, Jamestown, and other historic sites. Just driving across the border to Virginia (only 20 miles or so from home) was exciting to me because it was somehow different. I think part of it also comes from a love or interest in things that are different. I love trying different foods, I despise routine, and I don't get trying to be like everyone else. I guess I just have a real sense of and need for adventure. I can enjoy myself and find something interesting most anywhere I travel; I didn't like Cancun or Las Vegas, for example, compared to other places, but I certainly made the most out of my trips there (the latter was for work). When I travel for work, I do and see 5 times more than most of my co-workers. They say there just isn't enough time, but I make the time and plan ahead. Even if it means getting up at 6:00 to go out and take some photos so that I can be at work by 8 or 9 and on my feet all day, well then up at 6:00 it is. The feet can rest later. I guess I come back to what I said at first. It is just an irresistible, but partly understandable, urge to go.

Reading these replies, I am struck by the similar themes, such as dan's-I think I have the answer! Some of us have Travel Genes! and some do not:)

Kate I definitely have travel genes (and travel jeans!) and that's probably the starting point. My parents, particularly my father, are mad mad travellers, now they are retired I can't even keep up with them! So when others in my class were visiting Majorca or some other beach resort in Spain, (not that I am putting those down), we were off to Alaska, Peru, India, Europe... I got the bug early. I travel because I can't NOT travel... I get too agitated at the thought of not having anything to look forward to. Like Cindy there is that element of being transported out of one's everyday life. My everyday life isn't bad, infact it's pretty good, I am generally happy at work, though waiting to find out this week whether I will be made redundant, I have a great husband (who is my ideal travel companion, thinking about that other Fodorite theme which often gets asked) and I enjoy my social life immensely. But there is still something to be said for the excitement of the new location, exploring, being on holiday and not having to work, enjoying the whole experience. And I savour the anticipation of a holiday booked and eagerly awaited almost as much as the holiday itself. Paris 9th Feb Pas de Calais 23rd Feb (I know they are so close, but oddly they are two seperate holidays with a week at work in between) Venice 27th March Anglesea (Wales) 28th June !!!! Happy Travelling!

kavey-there is mail coming regarding paris with a 13 yr old~