Every journey embodies its absolute necessities—tickets, accommodations, food, entertainment—as well as added value in the form of adventures, experiences, and stories to share. While the former is easily measurable, tied to numbers, the latter is subjective, based on personal perception and experiences. Whether a trip is a reward for hard work or a lesson in life doesn't have a definitive answer, despite the prevailing majority.
Results from a survey on travel motivations show a split:
Booking a trip to a new destination offers an escape from daily routines, away from screens and work conversations, sparking an industry worth billions. Approximately 10% of the EU's GDP comes from tourism-related activities. While travel expenses can be seen as barriers, they can also be strong motivators for better work and higher achievements, leading to better rewards, part of which can fund the next adventure.
Encountering diverse cultures, visiting new places, and tackling organizational challenges can change one's perspective significantly, an experience schools cannot replicate. As the Chinese proverb goes, "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
Of course, there are risks—superficial journeys, crises, logistical problems—that can diminish the added value. Sometimes time or circumstances may not allow for adventurous choices. Then the trip may be viewed as a semi-packaged experience, raising doubts about its benefits upon quick inspection.
The role of travel sparks broad discussions. Is a weekend in a European capital sufficient reward for a week of hard work? Should a tourist return laden with branded goods or with memories captured in phone galleries? Should every experience be shared, or are lessons from geography textbooks and travel blogs enough?
Travel is more than just a series of reservations and check-ins. It's about discovering oneself, embracing new perspectives, and creating lasting memories beyond the material aspects of the journey.