Why I Don't "Like to Travel"
Whenever I hear the phrase "I like to travel," I cringe.
It's not because I don't like to travel. I do! It's just that...who doesn't??
Of all the people I've met that have uttered the words "I like to travel," few of them share the passion I have for things like backpacking, bicycling, running, or hiking. You know, traveling. Most of the time, they're talking about flying somewhere exotic and eating out at restaurants frequently. In other words, mostly things you could do at home, but with a bunch of added expense.
I'm almost positive no one honestly means they like the act of traveling. No one enjoys sitting in an airplane or a car. If I had a choice, I'd rather spend a few hours at home with a big comfy sofa all to myself and 200 channels to dispose of, and then teleport to my destination, completely avoiding the act of traveling. Most people would even take that over flying first class for free. If people liked traveling as much as they say they do, there would be a lot more truck drivers.
So what do people mean by that phrase? When someone says, "I like to travel," what they really mean is "I like to be on vacation."
Again, who doesn't?? I like going on vacation too! It's like saying "I like to eat good food," or "I like to be happy," or "I prefer not being sick." Most people would agree, albeit perhaps some more strongly than others (I know a few people who seem to like being unhappy). Wouldn't everyone like to go on frequent vacations? I'm sure if everyone was able, most everyone would!
If you like to travel, great! Join the club. If there's something unique about where you go, how you get there, or the things you do when you travel, that's the part that's worth mentioning. As much as I like to travel, you'll never heard me simply state, "I like to travel." I like to hike, bike, run, and go outside in general. More broadly, I like to challenge myself, get away from crowds, find solitude, and try things many people don't. I like to put myself in vulnerable positions. I like to experience independence. I like to see the world up close! It feels good to remind myself that the world never seems like such a bad place once you get out in it.
And yes, I like a hot meal and a comfy hotel room as much as the next guy.
June
