Comments on: Is travel self-indulgent? http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/ Planning, preparing and packing for a round-the-world trip Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:46:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: Traveling The Blogosphere December 2009 | Travel News Tips - Top Destinations http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1833 Traveling The Blogosphere December 2009 | Travel News Tips - Top Destinations Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:18:53 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1833 [...] do we travel. Two Go Round The World ask if travel is self-indulgent, commenting: Kathryn and I believe that one of the most important aspects of travelling is a [...] [...] do we travel. Two Go Round The World ask if travel is self-indulgent, commenting: Kathryn and I believe that one of the most important aspects of travelling is a [...]

]]> By: The Wander Project | What I’m reading: Week of April 5th, 2010 http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1786 The Wander Project | What I’m reading: Week of April 5th, 2010 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:40:53 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1786 [...] Is Travel Self Indulgent? An endlessly intriguing topic and a solid bit of writing from twogoRTW [...] [...] Is Travel Self Indulgent? An endlessly intriguing topic and a solid bit of writing from twogoRTW [...]

]]> By: marta http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1496 marta Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:58 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1496 we decide to backpack around the world cause we wanted to experience, feel, learn something different from our "standard" 9-5 world, get to know different cultures something we wouldn't probably be able to do within our short "touristy" trip we decide to backpack around the world cause we wanted to experience, feel, learn something different from our “standard” 9-5 world, get to know different cultures something we wouldn’t probably be able to do within our short “touristy” trip

]]> By: Pamie http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1380 Pamie Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:31:13 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1380 one can easily travels all over the world through blogs now. 'the experience' exponentiate with how 'personal' the blog is per se. one can easily travels all over the world through blogs now. ‘the experience’ exponentiate with how ‘personal’ the blog is per se.

]]> By: Traveling The Blogosphere December 2009 | Taking off Travel blog http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1088 Traveling The Blogosphere December 2009 | Taking off Travel blog Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:06:33 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1088 [...] do we travel. Two Go Round The World ask if travel is self-indulgent, commenting: Kathryn and I believe that one of the most important aspects of travelling is a [...] [...] do we travel. Two Go Round The World ask if travel is self-indulgent, commenting: Kathryn and I believe that one of the most important aspects of travelling is a [...]

]]> By: Daniel http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1040 Daniel Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:41:42 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1040 "Now the destination is just an excuse to keep on moving" — I like that, Flip. Sometimes what we crave is the locomotion! “Now the destination is just an excuse to keep on moving” — I like that, Flip. Sometimes what we crave is the locomotion!

]]> By: flip http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1039 flip Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:16:41 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1039 when i started traveling, i just wanna see stuff, like places, monuments, mountains, beaches etc... but after backpacking for more than 6 months on my own, i realize that there's more to traveling than going to the usual tourist spots... i love it... now the destination is just an excuse to keep on moving (though im stuck here at home for the moment) -flip when i started traveling, i just wanna see stuff, like places, monuments, mountains, beaches etc…

but after backpacking for more than 6 months on my own, i realize that there’s more to traveling than going to the usual tourist spots…

i love it… now the destination is just an excuse to keep on moving (though im stuck here at home for the moment)

-flip

]]> By: Nomadic Matt http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1024 Nomadic Matt Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:26:32 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1024 I travel because I like it...all the ups and downs....it's why I love to travel...airports, flying, figuring out where to go- amazing. I guess I do it b/c it's for me....i'm just selfish! I travel because I like it…all the ups and downs….it’s why I love to travel…airports, flying, figuring out where to go- amazing.

I guess I do it b/c it’s for me….i’m just selfish!

]]> By: Daniel http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1017 Daniel Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:51:58 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1017 Thanks for the perspective, Nico. I find that the bulk of blogs aren’t meant to be polished communications — they are merely blogs to keep family and friends abreast of one's travels. I prefer blogs that function — as you suggest — as references or sources of information to help or to inspire other travelers visiting the same places. There's such a variety — a multiplicity — of blogs out there. And I'm just learning how to find the 'good' conversations, ie the ones I like!. Every time I find a high quality blog. I see who they link to; see who links to them, etc. Thanks for the perspective, Nico. I find that the bulk of blogs aren’t meant to be polished communications — they are merely blogs to keep family and friends abreast of one’s travels. I prefer blogs that function — as you suggest — as references or sources of information to help or to inspire other travelers visiting the same places. There’s such a variety — a multiplicity — of blogs out there. And I’m just learning how to find the ‘good’ conversations, ie the ones I like!. Every time I find a high quality blog. I see who they link to; see who links to them, etc.

]]> By: Daniel http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1016 Daniel Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:36:12 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1016 Thanks Brian, and Pico Iyer would agree. In a a speech entitled "A New Kind of Travel for a New Kind of World" (given at the Key West Literary Seminar om January 5, 2006) — <blockquote>In some ways, I think travel is about learning how to see, learning how to pay attention. It’s an alarm clock in some ways, and it’s a jumpstart to putting our senses on the setting where they’re universally receptive. I think theoretically we could do that at our homes, and yet somehow, surrounded by familiarity and the routine we know too well, our eyes tend to close and we don’t notice the things that are so wondrous for a visitor. But as soon as we physically start moving we awaken to the beauties around us.</blockquote> Check out the full text <a href="http://www.vagablogging.net/travel-is-about-learning-how-to-see-in-a-new-way.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Thanks Brian, and Pico Iyer would agree. In a a speech entitled “A New Kind of Travel for a New Kind of World” (given at the Key West Literary Seminar om January 5, 2006) —

In some ways, I think travel is about learning how to see, learning how to pay attention. It’s an alarm clock in some ways, and it’s a jumpstart to putting our senses on the setting where they’re universally receptive. I think theoretically we could do that at our homes, and yet somehow, surrounded by familiarity and the routine we know too well, our eyes tend to close and we don’t notice the things that are so wondrous for a visitor. But as soon as we physically start moving we awaken to the beauties around us.

Check out the full text here.

]]> By: Emily @ Maiden Voyage http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1002 Emily @ Maiden Voyage Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:59:04 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1002 I love the thoughts brought up by this. I think travel can be self-indulgent, especially if you are the type of person who just goes to touristy places to enjoy all-inclusive resorts and drink endless amounts of daiquiris on a generic beach. But I think that the people who choose to seek out the real culture, real food, real history, and locals are those who really open up their minds and have the transcendent experience. I think travel can be a great way to find yourself and learn to appreciate other cultures in addition to where you came from. I love travel because it pushes me out of my comfort zone, helps me appreciate home, and helps me feel like a better global citizen. I love the thoughts brought up by this. I think travel can be self-indulgent, especially if you are the type of person who just goes to touristy places to enjoy all-inclusive resorts and drink endless amounts of daiquiris on a generic beach. But I think that the people who choose to seek out the real culture, real food, real history, and locals are those who really open up their minds and have the transcendent experience. I think travel can be a great way to find yourself and learn to appreciate other cultures in addition to where you came from. I love travel because it pushes me out of my comfort zone, helps me appreciate home, and helps me feel like a better global citizen.

]]> By: michelle g http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-1001 michelle g Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:48:04 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-1001 I travel because I belive I was born with wanderlust. I have a great desire to travel and see the world around me, I don't want to just be a tourist, standing on the side lines, I want to experience the life of the locals. I travel because I belive I was born with wanderlust. I have a great desire to travel and see the world around me, I don’t want to just be a tourist, standing on the side lines, I want to experience the life of the locals.

]]> By: JoAnna http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-998 JoAnna Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:49:35 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-998 Though I travel for a number of reasons, I wonder if maybe the question of self-indulgence is a little too deep. For the RTW traveler or someone who is 100% focused and set on traveling, yes, the reason for travel is probably on a deeper level. But for the weekender who just likes to get out of town or the family that takes a road trip to visit someone else, can't travel be just because? Just because it's nice to getaway and take a vacation? Just because it's fun and interesting? Though I travel for a number of reasons, I wonder if maybe the question of self-indulgence is a little too deep. For the RTW traveler or someone who is 100% focused and set on traveling, yes, the reason for travel is probably on a deeper level. But for the weekender who just likes to get out of town or the family that takes a road trip to visit someone else, can’t travel be just because? Just because it’s nice to getaway and take a vacation? Just because it’s fun and interesting?

]]> By: Daniel http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-997 Daniel Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:18:31 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-997 Something that I neglected to consider was the discipline required to save, plan and execute a trip greater than a few weeks. Thanks for the perspective! Something that I neglected to consider was the discipline required to save, plan and execute a trip greater than a few weeks. Thanks for the perspective!

]]> By: Gourmantic http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-995 Gourmantic Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:42:36 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-995 To explore, to live, to have a particular experience, to relax to be inspired, my reasons are varied and they're not the same for each trip I take. I think the flaw rests in the question; it's too generic. Is travel itself self-indulgent? It's up to the individual. When you work hard to save, plan and hopefully reap the rewards, I don't see anything self-indulgent in that. Touching on a point AirTreks Nico made above, there are people who brag about travel vs those who relate (and sometimes swap) travel stories. It goes down to the individual and what their motives are. To explore, to live, to have a particular experience, to relax to be inspired, my reasons are varied and they’re not the same for each trip I take.

I think the flaw rests in the question; it’s too generic. Is travel itself self-indulgent? It’s up to the individual. When you work hard to save, plan and hopefully reap the rewards, I don’t see anything self-indulgent in that.

Touching on a point AirTreks Nico made above, there are people who brag about travel vs those who relate (and sometimes swap) travel stories. It goes down to the individual and what their motives are.

]]> By: AirTreks Nico http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-993 AirTreks Nico Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:38:26 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-993 I should clarify that last statement. I think it's okay for people to blog publicly about their travels. Definitely. But I also think blogs should try to be informative to help other travelers visiting the same places. I should clarify that last statement. I think it’s okay for people to blog publicly about their travels. Definitely. But I also think blogs should try to be informative to help other travelers visiting the same places.

]]> By: AirTreks Nico http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-992 AirTreks Nico Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:45:14 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-992 I personally don't believe traveling is a self-indulgent process. Not for the people traveling or the people they meet along the way. People generally pay good money and sacrifice a lot to take long trips to foreign lands, which I think should forgive any selfish motives for doing it. A great deal of good comes out of it too. The tourism dollars travelers bring into regions is oftentimes irreplaceable, the sense of goodwill generated between cultures is of vital importance to international relations, and any personal growth and intellectual depth brought back to the home country intrinsically betters their own culture. What I do believe is self-indulgent is the practice of blogging to your friends back home while traveling. I see it as flaunting your good fortune to be able to take trips in the first place. Of course it's up to the non-traveling person to choose not to read it. Great post, by the way. Made me think. :) I personally don’t believe traveling is a self-indulgent process. Not for the people traveling or the people they meet along the way. People generally pay good money and sacrifice a lot to take long trips to foreign lands, which I think should forgive any selfish motives for doing it.

A great deal of good comes out of it too. The tourism dollars travelers bring into regions is oftentimes irreplaceable, the sense of goodwill generated between cultures is of vital importance to international relations, and any personal growth and intellectual depth brought back to the home country intrinsically betters their own culture.

What I do believe is self-indulgent is the practice of blogging to your friends back home while traveling. I see it as flaunting your good fortune to be able to take trips in the first place. Of course it’s up to the non-traveling person to choose not to read it.

Great post, by the way. Made me think. :)

]]> By: brian | No Debt World Travel http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-990 brian | No Debt World Travel Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:25:58 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-990 It is self-indulgent, but no more self-indulgent then splurging on Kobe beef vs. 80% ground chuck or a Mercedes Benz vs a used hatchback from '83. I travel because I love to learn. I think all travelers, whether they know it or not, do it for the same reason. Learn a language, learn about new foods, learn about new people and cultures. It is self-indulgent, but no more self-indulgent then splurging on Kobe beef vs. 80% ground chuck or a Mercedes Benz vs a used hatchback from ’83.

I travel because I love to learn. I think all travelers, whether they know it or not, do it for the same reason. Learn a language, learn about new foods, learn about new people and cultures.

]]> By: Victoria http://www.twortw.com/2009/12/08/is-travel-self-indulgent/comment-page-1/#comment-989 Victoria Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:18:52 +0000 http://www.twortw.com/?p=1278#comment-989 I agree with all the things you've said, travel helps you to work out who you are, to understand your home and its people better, to understand the world around you. But ultimately I think it's self indulgent, which is something I struggle with. The world is not changed for the better by my travelling, usually for the worse cos of flights etc. I realise I can make a difference when I travel by helping charities along the way, but I could just as easily help equally worthy causes at home. I think it can definitely make you a more rounded person, but it's still about you as an individual, not about the greater good for society on the whole, you can still be a good member of society without travelling. Not that any of this is going to stop our RTW trip! I agree with all the things you’ve said, travel helps you to work out who you are, to understand your home and its people better, to understand the world around you. But ultimately I think it’s self indulgent, which is something I struggle with. The world is not changed for the better by my travelling, usually for the worse cos of flights etc. I realise I can make a difference when I travel by helping charities along the way, but I could just as easily help equally worthy causes at home. I think it can definitely make you a more rounded person, but it’s still about you as an individual, not about the greater good for society on the whole, you can still be a good member of society without travelling. Not that any of this is going to stop our RTW trip!

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