I haven't traveled as extensively as some people, but I've probably seen more than the average American. I've been to 30 states and 6 countries (Europe + Canada). I studied abroad in college. I'm now well into my 30s, and I've discovered something surprising: I don't really care for travel. I have no significant urge to travel and don't feel that it has been especially enriching.
I think for a long time I tried to deny this--because it's one of those things we are "supposed" to want, especially if it's valued/expected/respected in your social circles. You don't want to feel backward or insular; you want to feel like you are open to new experiences. And amusingly, one of the hallmarks of simple living is that it offers you freedom and flexibility so that you can do more of what you want--and for many folks that includes travel.
I was reflecting on the trips I've taken and the things I've seen, and while I don't regret any travels, I had an "I could take or leave this" feeling. I'm hard-pressed to think of anything, even beautiful or educational things, that I felt I had to see in person. Museums in New York, Acadia National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, hipstery Portland antics, old castles in Germany, historic sites in Philly, San Francisco haunts, the quiet beauty of Door County in Wisconsin, geysers in Iceland. I don't want to feel ungrateful, but I also feel that I could have experienced all of these things virtually and enjoyed it just as much. I love geography and history. I love reading about places I've never been and seeing film and documentaries, but I find that this is enough for me. I don't have to see it in person.
I'm not saying I will never leave my home again, of course. I'm not a recluse and do still plan to visit friends outside my city, but somehow--as with all aspects of simple living and minimalism--I've found that making my world smaller has paradoxically made it feel larger.
I guess I just wanted to share this because it is an unexpected realization, and it has taken time to admit it and accept it and deal with some of the judgment from others.
Submitted January 25, 2017 at 11:42AM by bartleby http://ift.tt/2kja5ay
