The Travel Bug

Why is it that some of us, once we have travelled, simply cannot get enough of it? Well, believe it or not, but I may have an answer for you!

A recent report in The Wall Street Journal (March 12, 2008; Page B1)
discussed internet addiction and the brain. Apparently, our brain rewards us whenever we experience something new, on the condition that the newness requires interpretation. We 'feel good' with new experiences, and therefore seek out more new experiences, as in an addiction. Now, you know where I'm going with this, but here me out.

Internet addiction can be a bad thing, like food or drug addiction. In this day and age, we avoid boredom, and seek constant thrills. What better, and safer, way to do this than to travel? Think about it: visit someplace you've never been before, and everything you see, and many things you smell and hear, will be new. The more foreign to you, the better. A natural thrill occurs, as your brain is stimulated by all of your senses, which explains why travel can be such an adventure.

Of course, too much of a good thing isn't good either. There is such a thing as culture shock, and expanding on our theory here, too much exposure to new things can simply overwhelm the mind. On my third trip to India, in a familiar place, surrounded by familiar people, culture shock hit me bad. My mind literally realed, and I was quite shook up. Going further, now, perhaps we can seek a cure for culture shock?



I discussed this in the afterword of my book, 3 Knights in India, and advised anyone travelling to a new place to start out slow, and seek the familiar. Even if you can't afford to stay in a fancy hotel, you can walk into any hotel in the world, and have a seat, a drink, or a meal, and relax. These places look pretty much the same anywhere, and can be a great 'home base'. However, all you really need to do is sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, or read a book.... something to trick your brain into thinking it's experiencing the familiar. Then you can set out for adventure, and let those new experiences be the fun that they should be.



So, if you have the travel bug, now you know why. But don't let the science of it spoil anything for you. Just look at it as improving your mind, and having fun while doing it!

Thanks for visiting, JOHN :0)