artlover . . .I'm a she, but perhaps was once a he :-)

Glad you are kindred spirit.

Artlover: for me, sometimes travel is to go to your fair city for a 3-day weekend in February (dead of winter in AK). We love to sit on the roof of the Inn at the Market and watch the ferries go in and out at sunset.

Job816...maybe...yes, and I think we're all pretty much kindred spirits on this board...we share something so special...

hopingtotravel,
if you like Seattle in Feb., you are truly a fan!

:-/ coz, it keeps me from going postal. O-)

why not?

For all of the above reasons so beautifully expressed---and because when I'm travelling, I don't have to cook!

Lady, I'm with you. That's why I never rent an apartment. On vacation, no cooking, no cleaning. Maybe if I could afford a month's vacation I might try to rent a place.

Well said...all of you. And thanks to the internet I am sitting here having my coffee this morning with all of you "kindred spirits". Another reason travelling is so thrilling for me...I love to read, and have loved books for as long as I can remember. It is like a dream come true, when I can actually visit those places I have read about.

Ray and I travel to jolt us from our routine. We enjoy settling into a different place and culture and lingering long enough to pick up the rhythm of the place. The day to day becomes quite stressful for me and I very much enjoy dipping out of my routine. I could go on and on about how travel rejuvenates my soul!

Now I must head to bed. Ray and I are to Little Rock to visit a friend and then on to Memphis for a long weekend trip. Must see the Leonardo da Vinci drawing at the Pyramid in Memphis! (wonders.org, just in case you're interested.)

- Sharon

Because I don't know what I don't know.

Travelling makes me wish I could live to be 200 years old. That's the only way I'll have time to see and do everything this earth has to offer.

Have you ever been doing something - anything - and caught the slightest of scents in the air that completely brings you back to a place filled with wonderful memories, laughter, amazement? This is why I travel, to build and collect those tiniest of scents for my memory.

I think probably most people travel for the "intellectual" reasons already stated - to broaden experiences, learn about other cultures, learn about art and history in a more real way than is possible from books, meet new people, etc. But I think the real travel "addicts", which includes most of the regulars on this board, also travel because of something deep inside that compels us to travel, something that really can't be explained to people who don't have that need. The best example I can give in my own case is that as a kid, when kids tend to play at being in certain jobs, like doctor or teacher, I used to "play" flight attendant. What does that say?

Love him or hate him, Rick Steves has a great summary of why I travel. There is a page at the beginning of each of his books (I only check them out from the library as needed, so I can't quote from it) that begins "travel is living intensified." I get a tear in my eye each time I read it!

MonAmy- I agree completely about the scents. I mistakenly bought the scented version of my moisturizer for a trip to Paris, and kept smelling something unfamiliar on the first day while walking along the Promenade Plantee. Then I realized it was my "Oil of Old Lady." Now, on stressful work mornings, I put some on and am immediately transported to the exact feeling of being there.

OK, I've read every post in this thread. All my reasons for traveling have already been given.

I think P_M and Isabel have reflected my feelings precisely. P_M said, "For me it is an inborn inclination, sort of like being right handed. And Isabel said, "I think the real travel "addicts", which includes most of the regulars on this board, also travel because of something deep inside that compels us to travel, something that really can't be explained to people who don't have that need."

I just could not express my love for travel any better!

So i can answer those Jeopardy question? Go Ken!!!!!

Update. Recent literature suggests that humans have an inherited gene which encourages migration. You are now a resident of where ever because an ancestor succumbed to that instruction! Present travel may be a limited response to that genetic urge. Comments please!

I see a lot of responses referencing the need to "get away from the boredom of everyday life", or something similar. Most of us who visit this site have felt the excitement that comes with embarking on a new journey. Personally, I find that excitement both intoxicating and addictive. But that is only one of the reasons I love to travel.

>>"Why is it exciting to do things that you can do at home when you are away?"

Because you ARE away. Your surroundings are fresh and new, the people are different, the weather is strange, the smells, tastes, sights, sounds...all are familiar and yet unfamiliar. You feel like an explorer off on an adventure. It's a lot like reading a novel...and finding yourself suddenly in it. That's pretty heady stuff.

I suppose that is as far as I can explain it.

I love history, the art, the architecture and the different cultures.
But most of all, I love that when I'm traveling, I leave my work behind (for the most part)and my office can't find me.

Maybe we travel because we are bored with our regular environment.