[Banthum]

Another mode of travel doesn't seem to be accounted for: Travel for pleasure.

Not to score social points. Not for meaning. Just to relax and feel good for a week.

Weather can be a big factor. In the middle of five months of winter, daily snow, not seeing the sun in weeks, and working hard in an office every day, a week relaxing in the sun somewhere warm can be very beneficial - and not just in a trite or self-indulgent way. Seasonal mood disorders and work-related stress are real problems and time far away is a real solution.

Plus, if we're here to enjoy life, then self-indulgence is also one ingredient of a good life (accompanied by others). You don't have to be seeking "meaning" every moment of every day like a Terminator seeking his target.

[totalperspectiv]

I agree with you, live life, be happy. The point the author is making is that people aren't even doing it for the reason of pleasure. It's more a function of people fulfilling a fantasy that's been manufactured by society to make people feel as though they MUST travel, or they're boring and doing it wrong.

[slfnflctd]

The wool over my eyes was pulled aside on this particular illusion a long time ago, thanks to a buddy taking me on a semi-spontaneous road trip for a few weeks (during one of my worst depressions) that ended with us living in another state we'd never been to. At one point we sold grilled cheese and veggie burritos at a less-than-formal festival to raise road funds and it was an amazing experience of connectedness with others. Most office workers looking for some time away would never even consider such a trip.

When you really drill down into the reasons for your average consumer behavior, a lot of it is being pushed around by weaponized stories without recognizing or being honest with ourselves about it. It's a multi-faceted problem, but is probably most obvious with 'vacationing' activity. Think about what the highest costs of a typical leisure trip are-- getting there/back, food, and lodging. Unless you have a really compelling reason to be there, it's hugely wasteful on those points alone.