How to stop worrying about the ‘right’ way to travel
Jul 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Shahnaz Habib, an author and global nomad, dives into the essence of travel versus tourism. She questions societal norms that dictate the 'right' way to travel and encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations. Habib emphasizes the importance of embracing local cultures rather than rushing through tourist traps. She also suggests that 'internal travel' within familiar environments can be just as enriching. Ultimately, she advocates for a mindset of wonder and humility, transforming travel into a meaningful experience rather than a mere checklist.
Shahnaz Habib emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional travel expectations to prioritize personal preferences over popular tourist attractions.
The podcast discusses the historical influence of the Grand Tour on modern travel, contributing to a checklist mentality that limits genuine exploration.
Deep dives
Reevaluating Travel Expectations
The podcast delves into the complexities of modern travel experiences, highlighting the internal conflict many face between visiting iconic tourist destinations and seeking authentic local experiences. The discussion emphasizes that travel is often portrayed as a transformative journey, yet it can come with feelings of discomfort and pressure to meet certain expectations. The guest, Shanaz Habib, recalls her personal journey of writing about her travels, which eventually led her to explore the discomfort that comes with the disconnect between the idealized vision of travel and the reality. This reflection encourages travelers to question their motivations and understand that it's acceptable to forgo popular attractions in favor of personal preferences.
The Historical Context of Travel
The conversation touches upon the historical origins of modern travel, particularly the concept of the Grand Tour historically pursued by European aristocrats seeking educational experiences. This rite of passage established a template for contemporary travel, where individuals often feel the need to check off a list of 'must-see' places, reflecting a legacy that has persisted in tourism practices. The guest reveals that the origins of travel literature contributed to a checklist mentality that prescribes what should or should not be experienced while traveling. By tracing these roots, it becomes evident that many current travel expectations are remnants of a bygone aristocratic perspective that does not align with the diverse realities of today’s travelers.
Traveling with Curiosity and Humility
The podcast encourages exploring travel as an opportunity for internal reflection instead of a race to accomplish tasks on a checklist. Shanaz Habib shares an experience of staying curious and embracing the simplicity of local exploration, such as taking aimless bus rides around neighborhoods. She underscores the importance of approaching travel with a mindset of wonder and humility, recognizing that understanding a place fully is impossible and appreciating the mystery of new experiences. This perspective not only enriches the travel experience but also fosters a deeper connection to the places visited, promoting a healthier relationship with the act of traveling.
Author Shahnaz Habib has lived all over the world from Kerala, India to New York City, and being at home and a visitor in so many places made her wonder: what’s the difference between a traveller and a tourist? And where did we get our ideas about the right way to travel, anyway? In her new book, Airplane Mode she asks these questions and delves into the history of travel writing, ultimately looking for a way to jumpstart our imaginations to go beyond rigid itineraries dictated by outdated guidebooks.
-------
Want to take our survey for a chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones? Here’s the link, and here are the terms and conditions.
We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. We’re on X @lifeandartpod and on email at lifeandart@ft.com. And please share this episode with your friends!
-------
Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):
– Airplane Mode: an Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib is available now in the US and comes out on August 7 in the UK
Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart
