I’m sure a lot of people will look at this and immediately assume this is an entitled world view but I urge you to read on before making your judgement.
I’ve travelled to many different countries and I can’t help but find it kind of boring. I think part of this is feeling like I want holidays to be a time to relax instead of rushing from one attraction to the next. I think the other big factor is that the world is increasingly becoming a global community where culture is freely shared beyond borders.
To me a lot of things simply seem ‘same-y’. I can see nature at home, there is a huge range of foods from diverse cultures in my home country, and there are many diverse communities as well. If there is little to no ‘new’ experiences to be had then how could I not find it boring?
Maybe my situation is priveliged, I have been fortunate in experiencing many cultures even at home and so the ‘novelty’ is not there. But I feel like I’ve met lots of people who have also had many rich experiences like this and travelled a lot yet still draw much joy from travelling.
This is a legitimate question and not intended to come off as arrogant. I want to here from others what they think. Is it my mindset?
Comments
Sounds like traveling might just not be for you – same as reading isn’t for some people, others aren’t enamoured by music, others don’t care for the internet.
I can’t say I’ve ever experienced the ennui you describe when traveling. I travel to different parts of the world primarily for music festivals, and enjoy exploring the local areas while I do so. This means going to the local pubs and cafes, and meeting the locals there. Going to see small local bands or performers. Getting the locals’ favourite drink. Of course it’s going to be a different experience everywhere you go!
If you see holidays as just a time to “relax”, well yeah, it’d get boring. Just relaxing is indeed the same everywhere. But rushing from attraction to attraction is boring too, in my opinion. I couldn’t care less about seeing the Eiffel Tower – I’ll be in a cozy little bar nearby watching a violinist and chatting to the locals (or trying to, in Paris!).S
o get rid of the “relaxing” versus “rushing from attraction to attraction” mindset, as both of those are pretty dull and would put anyone off traveling!
Yeah I’m with you, don’t tell my wife lol. She wants to travel and see the world. I grew up in a wealthy family and was on 20 planes before I was an adult. I’m kinda over it. Being on a passenger plane really sucks. Then you get somewhere and it’s hard to find the non tourist areas because you are literally a tourist and so you’re stuck with fake people. You see statues or buildings and get Paris syndrome.
I will say national parks are often as great as they seem. But you’re not going to see any animals like in the photos. But if you can appreciate a good view the parks can be cool, that and castles and a few other really old buildings actually were cool.
However, for the most part, I’d rather have a staycation. Having a week off and being home feels so good it should be illegal. I’ve gotten my wife to accept that we really only can travel once a year due to work and I can handle that muc and actually have a good time. But these people who are always traveling for fun, I don’t get it. Part of me thinks they don’t like the inside of their home so they try to escape and see new things. I’m high energy, lots of friends, play hockey once a week year round, absolutely not an introvert. But even i love just being home when I have the chance.