Why we travel
When, and
With Whom,
Shapes the Journey More Than We Think.
When we reflect on travels, we tend to think of the sights, sounds, the restaurants, the people, or the uniqueness of a place. But often, it’s not the setting alone that defines our experience; it’s the stage of life we're in, the people we’re with, and how we feel in that moment. The magic of travel is often based on *when* we go, *why* we go, and *who* we go with.
Familiar Places, New Perspectives
A story that comes to mind, about a honeymooning couple visiting the same destination together. One of them was returning to a place for their third time, they had loved their previous visits, with memories of the food, sunsets, and hidden streets they’d come to cherish. But on that third trip, the first-time traveler saw the place differently—finding it underwhelming, lackluster, and wondering what the fuss was about.
The difference? For one person, the destination was tied to memories and meaning that had nothing to do with the place itself. Meanwhile, the first-timer, without the same personal connection, didn’t see it in quite the same light. It’s a reminder that often the significance we attach to a destination has as much to do with what we carry into it as with the place itself.
When Atmosphere Transforms the Ordinary
I found myself on a Hawaiian rooftop with friends celebrating a big milestone. One of my friends had just landed a new job, and as we raised our glasses to toast her success, she took a sip of her drink and couldn’t stop raving about it. She marveled at the taste, snapping photos, and even asked for the menu back to get the recipe. But her reaction wasn’t only about the drink—it was about everything surrounding that moment. She was surrounded by people she loved, celebrating a personal victory on a beautiful rooftop.
If she had tasted that same drink alone in a quiet bar in Alberta, she likely wouldn’t have had the same enthusiastic response. The flavors were tied to the energy of the moment. She was holding on to the experience, hoping that by recreating the drink, she could somehow revisit that feeling. But you can't.
Why the Timing of Travel Can Make All the Difference
Moments like these show us how travel is often about connection and timing. A familiar destination or a favorite drink can feel different depending on the setting, company, or season of life. When a place or a moment resonates, it’s usually because it finds us at the right time, bringing out something within us that needs expression or celebration.
More Than Just a Place on a Map
Returning to these meaningful places can give us more than just another trip; they’re reminders of who we were when we first discovered them. A rooftop drink, a familiar city, a chef that remembers you, or a return visit becomes more than just a location—it becomes a touchstone to our own growth and experiences. So next time you’re planning a trip, remember it’s not just the place you’re going to. It’s where you are in life and who you’re with that will often mean the most. Enjoy it!
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