Travel is a State of Mind not a Destination
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We planned to go to Argentina this summer. In 2017, a travel agent told me Buenos Aires was his favourite city in the world and everyone should visit once. I recalled this in January and bagged a British Airways bargain, but Covid’s complex traffic light system and the possibility of quarantine meant, like many others, we holidayed in the UK instead. We ended up in Buxton, not Buenos Aires in a flint cottage backed by a wild meadow. Derbyshire’s land of rolling dales, butterfly-filled hedgerows and sparkling springs made me want to break into Jerusalem. It was joyful to take ambling walks, explore local history and tuck into a full English at the local biker’s cafe, beneath a canopy of pines.
Although the pandemic dissuaded many from taking holidays abroad, it’s been a boon for the UK travel industry and reminded many, how rich, diverse and extraordinary the British Isles are. Something tourists worked out long ago. A niece who’d previously taken a year to travel the world before starting a family, had her inaugural trip to Devon, three decades earlier than intended. She’d been saving England for when she was “old” and was taken aback by its sheer beauty. Travel writer Paul Theroux (and Louis’ dad) made this point, ‘Travel is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with existence or the exotic. It is almost always an inner experience.’ Ergo, how we holiday is more important than where.
A holiday mindset, that of an open mind, curiosity, sense of adventure and awareness of our surroundings, will enhance any journey, even to a neighbouring town or unexplored street. It’s not where we go, it’s how we perceive, experience and process it. The familiarity of everyday environments and responsibilities of daily life means we often stop registering our surroundings. Repetition dulls our responses and flattens our energy levels. By contrast, being somewhere different jolts our senses and attunes us to differences, both large and small. We may become conscious of a different birdsong, spot unusual plants, see something unexpected, taste or try something new, spark up a conversation with a stranger. Even the potentially stressful elements of being in a new place, getting on the wrong bus, finding ourselves lost or having to deal with any number of unplanned situations, have mental advantages.
Neuroscientists support the idea that a change is as good as a rest. They believe travelling increases neuroplasticity and offers an opportunity to activate our cognitive networks. Our neural pathways are influenced by changes in our environment and will spark the synapses in our brain allowing us to become more creative and even prevent cognitive decline. Being exposed to the new and unfamiliar can freshen the brain as effectively as learning a new language or several rounds of Sudoku. So, wherever you venture this year, be it locally, nationally or internationally, just remember how lucky you are – and don’t forget to pack your holiday brain.
Discussion (16 Comments)
Joanna Owens says:
…….and for holidaying in the British Isles don’t forget as is often said ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices’
Ana says:
Dear Nilgin Yusuf,
I am a long time That’s not my age reader who lives in Buenos Aires and would be happy to show you around if you ever visit my town. I love and admire everything related to Great Britain, and it would be the perfect excuse to practice my english. Hopefully things will eventually go back to normal and we will be able to travel againHi Ana, thanks for your kind offer! I still hope to get there one day so touch wood, I may be able to take you up on this….
Rose says:
I love Nilgin’s post too and endorse each & every sentiment she makes. For such a relatively small island nation, made up of 4 countries including, of course, Northern Ireland, we have some of the most diverse landscape, culture, traditions, etc anywhere in the world! Although like a lot of people, I enjoy travelling abroad, I feel privileged to live on this beautiful island where there are plenty of mountains and you are never too far from the coast. And yes, stepping out of your usual area if only for a few hours, stimulates the mind. But when you do get to Buenos Aires Nilgin – have a fabulous time!!
Sara says:
As an ex-Devonian (by birth) and currently long-time Derbyshire resident, I was delighted to see both areas namechecked today. I too, would thoroughly recommend both for anyone interested in exploring our wonderfully geographically diverse country, in which I include all of the UK. I would never want to omit Scotland which can hold its own with almost anywhere. While I am also very aware of the maxim about unsuitable clothing and weather (how can I not be in Derbyshire?)I do have to acknowledge that, for me, weather can spoil not just holidays but ordinary days too. I have to rise above it, otherwise I’d hardly go out of the door, but sometimes it’s not so easy. If you are at the top of a hill, mountain, ridge, any high ground, and the often magnificent views are utterly obscured by rain/fog/mist, it can be hard to maintain one’s positivity! Believe me, this is the voice of experience.
Nilgin, I do hope you explored some more of the glorious Peak District while you were in Buxton; too late for recommendations but hopefully, you found some of its delights. If you plan a return journey, I’m sure there are many TNMA followers only too ready with insider info.LisaBee says:
Also global warming and pollution and waste associated with global tourism and flying. From the disposable airplane cutlery/tableware to the oceans of laundry tourism generates etc.
I made the best of staying at home while necessary, amusing myself with things nearby that I hadn’t seen and pretending I had new eyes to make it more fun. Am looking forward to going to the beach, though, and travel a little.
Angie says:
My husband often travelled for work and if I didn’t have any freelance work myself I would join him on the trips to keep him company. We have stayed in some of the oddest out-of-the-way places but never-the-less fascinating and always welcoming. There is always something new to discover, a cafe, a museum, a garden. I take a sketch pad, a notebook and a camera. No matter what you’re into there is always something surprising to grab your attention
I can recommend Walsall, Leatherhead, Nantwich, Ludlow, Stockbridge, Stoke-on-Trent……..the list goes on. Look out for market days, local farm shops, museums, churches and factory visits
No need to plan anything, see what you can find, let the experience unfold and you might be pleasantly surprisedWhat a brilliant list of places, normally just names you flash past on the the motorway. I will explore..thanks for those Angie.
Yasmine says:
I used to work for British Airways and Buenos Aires was one of my favourite places to visit – beautiful city, people and a party vibe. Having said that I live in South London and since the pandemic even visiting friends in the west or north of the city feels like a holiday. As you say – it’s all in the mindset!
Bronwyn says:
Very much enjoyed this post. In these ongoing ‘unprecedented times’ where pretty much nothing can be taken for granted, I am trying to approach more things with a sense of curiosity and gratitude. Here in Melbourne, Australia we are currently in our sixth lockdown. No date for when this will end. It bewilders and frustrates us all. But, early every morning I try to head out for a long walk in the green areas near my home. I feel fortunate and grateful for being able to do this and for living so close to such parklands where most days I can see kangaroos and many types of birdlife. I love to take note of their behaviours and smile at the wonders of nature. There is always something new to see out there if we all open our eyes, wherever we find ourselves.
Anna K. says:
Can I recommend mid-Wales for a UK holiday jaunt? I moved here from England 9 years ago to be nearer my daughter who married a local lad. It is the most heartstoppingly beautiful country, tranquil and uncrowded and welcoming. Yes, I love ‘abroad’ and relish new experiences, but looking at familiar surroundings with new eyes is an adventure in itself. I have a 35 mile round trip to the nearest Tesco’s and every journey reveals something new – the light falling on the larch trees on a certain bend, the kites (birds, not toys!) swooping elegantly overhead, the ever-changing skies…………….
Mrs Tonia says:
Very well expressed as ever Nilgin. Thanks for your perspective here.
I was spoiled and used to spend summers in the heat and beauty of Provence. But with lockdown, quarantine , testing regimes etc we have gone to the South Devon countryside instead the past two summers. Beautiful countryside, beautiful beaches, delicious seafood. But the climate and unpredictable weather with little warmth makes staycations a different experience. I don’t miss airports but I do miss the amount of travel we used to do every year without thinking about it. Now I appreciate how fortunate we were and take nothing about it for granted. We try to do holiday food at home. Cantaloupe and watermelon and artichokes and soft fruit. And buy french bread from an artisan bakery as a treat.
One has to go with the flow and appreciate all one can do without travelling far afield. I’ve been to the Arnolfini in Bristol, the Ashmolean in Oxford and Tate Britain in past few weeks. Uncrowded due to strict booking and social distancing policies but as a consequence a pleasure to look at art with so few people around. This is a boon for the gallery goer but a major headache for the financing of these spaces.
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What a lovely sentiment and for me a new way of looking at travel (I don’t enjoy all the hassle at airports etc) Thanks