Why We Travel: Lessons Beyond the Destination

When I was younger, I dreamed of visiting the places I saw in movies and on TV. I told myself, “One day, I’ll explore the world.” But as I grew older, I realized that turning those dreams into reality comes with a hefty price tag. Traveling abroad isn’t as easy as it looks—it can be very expensive if you don’t know the secrets to budget-friendly travel.

As I matured, I also noticed something: many people spend their entire lives in the same place they were born. Some never leave their city at all. Honestly, I felt the same way for a long time. I love living in Cagayan de Oro. As long as life is good here and I have work, I never saw a strong reason to leave. Still, every now and then, I take trips—to different parts of the Philippines and occasionally to nearby Southeast Asian countries. Why? Because they’re close, affordable, and don’t require a visa.

Now that I’m in my 40s, I realize I still haven’t set foot on the other side of the world. Part of it is the cost, but it’s also because I’m not much of a risk-taker. I tend to get anxious when I’m too far from home and family. Still, the passion for traveling never really goes away.

I’ve always admired those fearless travelers who seem to hop from one country to another as if it were just a weekend trip. Are they simply wealthy enough to afford it? Or do they have hidden travel hacks—like making friends abroad who offer them free accommodation? I honestly don’t know, but I do wish I did.

Maybe it also comes down to personality. I tend to be a bit shy, which makes traveling more challenging. Even asking for directions in a foreign place can feel intimidating. But I’ve learned that traveling isn’t just about reaching far-off destinations. It’s about the experiences, the people we meet, and the lessons we carry with us.

So, why do we travel? Because it opens our minds, introduces us to new cultures, and offers fresh perspectives on life. Even small trips outside our comfort zone can be life-changing, teaching us something valuable every time.

For now, I may not have traveled the whole world, but who knows? Maybe someday, I’ll find both the courage—and the budget—to go even farther.