Is Traveling a Hobby? Exploring the Reasons and Ways to Travel More

Have you ever scrolled through social media and stumbled upon the question, “Is traveling a hobby?” It’s a thought-provoking query that can spark a personal exploration of your own interests. Traveling can be a hobby, and this article will delve into the reasons why, along with tips to help you make travel a more regular part of your life.

What Exactly is a Hobby?

Freepik | tawatchai07  | Traveling offers a fulfilling escape, providing a unique way to unwind and explore the world.

There are many definitions of a hobby floating around, but for our purposes, let’s consider it an activity you do for enjoyment. Some people find pleasure in golfing, knitting, running, or scrapbooking. Traveling can be as fulfilling, offering a unique way to unwind and experience the world.

Some people differentiate between having an interest and having a hobby. For instance, if you travel and explore new destinations, travel could be your hobby. On the other hand, if you enjoy reading and learning about travel or different cultures, it might be more of an interest.

Your hobbies are what you define them to be. They are activities you pursue for fun and personal enrichment. Many people grow up thinking travel requires a specific reason, like visiting family or going to work. But, travel can be undertaken because you want to – because you’re curious about a new place and the experiences it offers.

Is Traveling a Hobby? Here’s Why it Absolutely Can Be

There are many reasons why traveling is an excellent hobby to cultivate. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

• Heightened Sense of Presence: Our daily routines can lull us into autopilot mode. Traveling to a new environment, where everything is unfamiliar, jolts us back into the present moment. Even mundane errands, like grocery shopping in a foreign land, become mini-adventures. Navigating a new city with its unique sights and sounds forces you to be hyper-aware of your surroundings, fostering a heightened sense of presence and appreciation for the little things in life.
• Expanding Your Horizons: Traveling is a fantastic way to broaden your perspective. Every new city or country you visit exposes you to different customs, traditions, cultures, and belief systems. You might discover places where breakfast consists of soup and vegetables instead of the usual eggs and pancakes. You’ll notice a culture that’ is highly family-oriented, contrasting with a more individualistic society elsewhere. Travel isn’t about judging these differences; it’s about embracing the rich tapestry of human experience and realizing the multitude of ways people live their lives around the world.
• Meeting New People: Social interaction is a big part of travel, even for solo adventurers. Traveling allows you to connect with people you might never have met otherwise. These encounters can be fleeting conversations or blossom into lasting friendships. Sharing stories and experiences with fellow travelers or locals is an enriching aspect of travel. One heartwarming memory might be cooking a family recipe with an Airbnb host in Costa Rica, learning about their life while sharing a delicious meal, and forging a human connection. Another could be a chance encounter with a new friend at a bar in Madrid, leading to future meetups and a lasting social connection.
• Making Lasting Memories: Travel often involves seeking out unique experiences, and creating beautiful memories that you’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure or a moment of quiet reflection in a breathtaking landscape, travel is a fantastic way to reconnect with yourself or your loved ones.

Freepik | davidpereiras  | Travel often means seeking unique experiences and crafting cherished memories that last a lifetime.

• Discovering New Foods: For many people, food is a major motivator for travel. There’s a whole world of incredible cuisine waiting to be explored, like in those captivating food-focused travel shows. Sampling the local delicacies is a delightful perk of travel, and it can even inspire your destination choices! For instance, the allure of Oaxacan cuisine might be the deciding factor for your next trip to Mexico. Beyond the pure enjoyment of delicious food, a city or country’s food culture offers a window into its broader cultural identity and way of life.
• Personal Growth: The most cited benefit of traveling as a hobby is the potential for personal growth. Stepping outside your comfort zone, learning and trying new things, and navigating unfamiliar situations are all aspects of travel that can lead to significant personal development. You might become more confident, more adaptable, and more self-reliant, especially if you travel solo.
• Seeing the World: The most captivating aspect of travel is the chance to see the world firsthand. The sheer diversity of human experience across the globe is astounding. Witnessing how people live in different parts of the world, and the similarities and differences in daily routines, can be a transformative experience.

How to Make Travel a Regular Part of Your Life (and Hobby)

Feeling inspired to incorporate more travel into your life and claim it as your hobby? Here are some actionable steps to get you started:

Identify Your Travel Style

While exploring new places for the sake of it can be a hobby in itself, you can also combine travel with other interests. Do you love trains? Plan rail trips around the world. Are you passionate about photography or food? Base your travels around capturing stunning visuals or indulging in culinary adventures. There are endless ways to personalize your travel hobby and tailor it to your specific passions.

Maximize Your Vacation Time

The two most common roadblocks to travel are often cited as time and money constraints. The good news is that countless budget travelers have proven it’s possible to explore the world on a tight budget, as long as travel is a high priority for you. Research online resources and social media platforms like TikTok for inspiration and advice on budget travel. About time constraints, some creative solutions exist.

For example, some people work as delivery drivers for six months, saving their earnings to travel for the next six. For those with traditional nine-to-five jobs, negotiating remote work options while traveling is becoming common. If these options aren’t workable, resources are available that explain how to maximize paid time off (PTO) by combining it with national holidays throughout the year, giving you longer stretches of time to explore.

Embrace Solo Travel

Another hurdle to travel can be the lack of a travel companion. Don’t let this hold you back! If you wait for someone else to have the same time, money, and desire to travel as you do, you might be waiting forever. Solo travel can be a rewarding experience, opening the world up to exploration on your own terms.

Craft a Destination Wish List

Spark your travel dreams by brainstorming all the places you’d love to visit. Set a timer for a couple of minutes and write down every destination that pops into your head, without any limitations. Let your imagination run wild and explore the corners of the world that pique your curiosity.

Freepik | Ignite your wanderlust by envisioning the destinations that fuel your travel dreams.

Start a Travel Fund

If you’re serious about making travel your hobby, consider dedicating a specific savings account for this purpose. Even if you plan on budget travel, some funds are necessary. Research your desired travel style and destinations to set a realistic savings goal. Then, make regular contributions to your travel fund and track your progress. Here are some tips to boost your travel savings:

• Use travel credit cards that offer points redeemable for travel bookings.
• Open a high-yield savings account for your travel fund, allowing you to earn interest while you save.
• Consider online platforms like Rakuten that offer cash back on eligible purchases. Every bit saved adds up!

Plan Your Trips (and Keep Planning!)

Have the funds and a destination in mind? Now comes the exciting part – planning your trip! Map out your itinerary, research accommodation and activities, and get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. And remember, if travel is your hobby, keep the planning process going. Schedule future trips and explore new destinations to add to your bucket list.

Claim Travel as Your Hobby!

 If you want travel to be your hobby, then declare it as such! There’s no need for external validation. Traveling is a fun, enriching activity that brings joy to your life – that’s all that matters.

Final Note- Is Traveling a Hobby? 

Travel can be a fulfilling and enriching hobby. Whether you embark on frequent weekend getaways or plan longer expeditions every few years, travel broadens your horizons, fosters personal growth, and creates lasting memories. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and get ready to discover the world – one adventure at a time!