TRAVEL
The Joy of Travel
Does Travel Make You Happier?
The Challenged (Writing Prompt July 10): Nancy Oglesby — Make a list of all the things that make you feel happy. Now, pick one and write about why it makes you happy.
Countless things bring me joy, but one stands out above the rest: travelling, closely followed by writing.
As Ibn Battuta once said, “Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Eiffel Tower, its delicate iron latticework, or climbing the ancient stone steps of the Rome Colosseum, feeling the weight of history beneath my feet. And, standing before the majestic German Alps, their snow-capped peaks reach into the sky, left me awestruck.
But it is also the kindness of strangers, like the Italian family that invited me to join them for a Tuscan feast. Under an ivy pergola, we shared an antipasti spread of grilled vegetables glistened under olive oil, pungent local cheeses mingling with the aroma of aged sausage sliced on rustic wooden boards. The laughter seemed to amplify with every sip of wine.
It’s in these travel moments I find myself smiling from the inside out.
Research tells us that travel evokes happiness by exposing us to new cultures, customs, and ways of life, triggering the pleasure centers in our brains. It pushes us outside our comfort zones, rewarding us with experiences that become our most cherished memories.
Travel is a gift that keeps on giving.
One of the most profound effects of travel is how it strengthens our bonds, whether with family, friends, or through meeting new people along the way. These shared experiences forge deep and lasting connections.
When we return home, the benefits of travel continue. We’re often more creative, drawing inspiration from the sights, sounds, and experiences we encounter. This newfound creativity spills over into work and personal lives, preparing us to tackle new challenges with fresh perspectives.
Travel is a journey of self-discovery, revealing more about who we are and what truly brings us happiness. Each trip teaches us something new, making us more resilient and self-aware.
For me, travel and writing are intertwined — they ignite my soul and bring me the greatest joy.
Writing has become my way of preserving the memories and emotions that travel evokes in me.
As I continue to travel and write, I am reminded of Ibn Battuta’s words. Travel leaves me speechless, yet it also transforms me into a storyteller. Through my stories, I hope to leave a lasting impact on those who read them, just as travel has profoundly impacted me.
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For practical travel destination guides and itineraries in Europe visit my blog, DreamPlanExperience.com.
