Vital Importance of Travel as a Basic Human Pursuit

In these unprecedented times, the world of travel has seen a significant shift. Only a quarter of Americans are planning to leave home for Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest travel period (source). This trend is reflected in the broader leisure travel landscape, with only slightly more than a third (38%) of Americans likely to travel for pleasure by the end of the year, according to one report (source).

Yet, the allure of travel remains undiminished. Travel, as Henry David Thoreau observed while living in Concord, Massachusetts and observing Walden Pond from various perspectives, entails wishful thinking and demands a leap of faith and imagination (source). This essence is echoed by Pauline Frommer, a travel expert, who emphasizes the benefit of meeting new people through travel.

The U.S. Travel Association is keenly aware of this, launching a national recovery campaign called "Let's Go There". The target audience of this campaign is American travelers, encouraging domestic travel within the United States (source). Scientists suggest that planning a trip is good for one's well-being, making the specialness of travel not in the place itself but in what we bring to it and how we interact with it.

However, it is crucial to consider the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Sustainable tourism values should be embraced to ensure that the love for travel does not come at the expense of our world. The pandemic has rekindled our affection for the quiet beauty of our analog world, reminding us that the specialness of a place is not in its popularity but in the memories and experiences we create there.

Despite living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, James Hopkins, a Buddhist living in Kathmandu, could not change his travel habits during the lockdown. My friend James Hopkins, on the other hand, is growing restless and longs for his old travel schedule of 10 countries a year. James Oglethorpe, content with gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains, finds solace in the beauty that lies within his own backyard.

Paris-based journalist Joelle Diderich canceled five trips last spring, but the longing for travel persists. The author is bullish on travel's future, believing that it is not about the destination or the journey, but about finding a new way of looking at things. The long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome is a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, but the spirit of exploration remains undeterred.

In conclusion, the future of travel may be uncertain, but the desire to explore and connect remains strong. Whether it's a road trip across the United States or a journey to a far-off land, the spirit of travel is about embracing the unknown and finding new ways of looking at the world. As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember the power of travel to bring us together and to broaden our horizons.