Adventure In a new country, even walking down the street can be a journey. Being able to explore somewhere completely new and unique anytime you want is such a treat.Flexibility Travelling gives one the ability to see the world as refreshing and new. When the city or country you're in becomes too routine for you, just pack the bag, and off you go to a brand new place full of new discoveries.
Appreciation Being abroad makes one value and appreciate their background, culture, country, and life by experiencing how others live their lives so much differently.
Simplicity "When I travel, I feel free of my everyday routine. I become a simpler person that needs little to be happy, all I need is my backpack and my beloved wife. It is coming back from traveling that I feel out of place with everything that surrounds me, it is upon returning that I realize that life tastes better when simplified." - Cote Cordova. When you have your home in your backpack, you don't worry about petty things like what to wear, how you look, bills, being late for work or how messy your apartment is.
Food "I am definitly one of those people that lives to eat as opposed to the other way around. It's amazing sometimes how the same ingredients that we have at home can be cooked so differently and taste somehow better and unique. Trying the local delicacies is a major part of traveling for me and can even influence which countries I might travel to next. Having a stomach made of steel comes in handy because street food is my favorite. Despite all of the ice cubes and fresh fruit salads I consumed abroad I never got ill...not to say that I recommend this for everyone to try." - Jessica Siebenmorgen
Serenity "Even the most stressful day in India is worth the overwhelming sense of serenity upon witnessing the more extraordinary things this planet has to offer; The Taj Mahal, The Himalayas, or The Golden Temple of Amritsar." - Dave Jackson
People "Meeting new and different people is one of my favorite aspects of traveling. Whether it is locals or fellow travelers, connecting with people in a new place is always important for me. Fellow travelers and locals can be invaluable resources when working out your next destination, what to see, and what to skip. There is nothing nicer than after a long day of sightseeing to sit down with a beer and gripe/rave with others about the days events" - Dave Jackson
Culture "I love cultures. Having studied cultural anthropology I am fascinated by how people function within their individual societies - what different forms of subsistence, economy, and religions emerge in various regions throughout the world." - Shannon Hogan. When visiting different cultures, befriending locals can give one an insight to their lifestyle as well as insider advice on visiting remarkable sites, or festivals that made their culture what it is.
The Unexpected It is always the unexpected that is remembered the most about a trip, no matter your travel style. Planning every step before you leave or figuring it out as you go, the unexpected is what keeps most traveling. It may not be a great experience at the moment it is happening...like when your motorbike tire pops and you have to push it for 5 miles to get it repaired, but it is something you will always look back on with fondness.
Variety - Every country has such a wide variety of people, flora, fauna, architecture, tastes, smells, geography and so much more. Spending your whole life in the same place, even with the most gorgeous surroundings or eating the same food everyday no matter how delicious will eventually turn mundane, variety is the spice of life.
Photography "Being able to take away beautiful shots of life and places around the world is a huge part of traveling. Bringing these images home to family and friends and sharing my experiences is very important for me. Getting a great shot is like a little game I play with myself. I don't claim to be some great photographer, I just really enjoy it and love being able to look back at my photos and remember it all." - Jessica Siebenmorgen
The Great Outdoors We love the outdoors! We love hiking and getting out of the big cities when traveling. Going rural gives one the opportunity to see more authentically how people live. People tend to be more excited to see a foreigner and engage in conversation and maybe even invite you into their home.
Nomad "I have a nomadic spirit and always have a sensation to be somewhere else, discovering and visiting a new place or culture, even when at home; in the past year I have moved cities four times just to be someplace new." - Cote Cordova
Soul Food "We have travelers souls. In order to feel internally whole, we must be on the move." - Cote Cordova. When we can't visit new cultures ourself, we let travelers from around the world into our home from Couchsurfing to exchange cultures and experiences.
Inspiration "Travelling provides a great source of inspiration, which enriches your life" - Shannon Hogan.
Lastly Travel fosters goodwill, understanding, and peace. Experiencing a variety of culture and other people's way of life gives one a far more open-minded view of the world.