The Pleasures of Travelling
“What is this life if full of care. We have no time to stand and stare….” Said W H Davies, emphasizing the need of leisure in a busy, hectic life. What better way to spend one’s leisure time than travelling to places far and wide.
Travelling in the past was difficult and dangerous, but with the development of modern means of transport, it has become faster, convenient and much easier. Travelling has re-creative as well as educative value, for, it provides a first-hand experience which books and reading cannot provide. Travelling transmits more than theoretical knowledge. A visitor can imbibe the essence of the place he visits and bring back with him valuable information, which he may implement or amalgamate in his respective field.
The cultural value of travelling is immense. It provides exposure to varied traditions, beliefs and cultural practices. This can help a traveler analyze his ‘ own beliefs more objectively and intelligently. It gives one lessons in tolerance and broadens one’s outlook. It helps a person develop an affinity with other people. In other words, it is invaluable in promoting ‘universal brotherhood’. It enables one to give up the ‘frog in the well’ mentality Kid purges his heart of prejudices.
It teaches the traveler patience, for, one is forced to put up with inconveniences during travel and take them in one’s stride. It also satisfies man’s insatiable thirst for adventure; providing thrill and excitement.
Even if it is not feasible for one to travel abroad, one must travel within one’s country; this can surely go a long way in fostering integration and unity.
The government is fully aware of the importance of travelling and has set up tourism departments to encourage tourism.
