The Point of Travel

We travel more than ever but rarely pause to ask ourselves why we’re going - or what we should be trying to change about ourselves by taking off.
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[@Daph909]

Having just come home from a solo backpacking trip, I promise you that it's not really the destination that will turn you into a better version of yourself, it's challenging yourself and opening up to all possibilities that'll do that:)

[@user-hi7ze4bt8r]

Almost 100% with you on that. Traveling solo depends much on your ability to overcome somewhat uncomfortable situations and face whatever odds you find in your way. But I really do think that the place and timing have influence on that as well..

[@Daph909]

Marco Yamada That's very true, every place offers different challenges and situations, which also depend on timing :-)

[@Herethereevery]

I tend to agree with The School of Life. Trips to the Utah desert or to Porto Seguro are obviously completely different and will knock on different parts of your soul.

[@Daph909]

Good point! However, you still need to open yourself up to change first.

[@Herethereevery]

Sure! I've been to Porto Seguro but Utah is on my list... ; )

[@RobSmith2016]

Traveling broadens the mind. It keeps us from living in a bubble.

[@RobSmith2016]

If we could somehow treat travelling religiously (metaphorically) like the old pilgrimages we can gain insight into ourselves.

[@stemdan6270]

Watch a documentary. Learn history. Philosophy. Psychology. No need to transport my meat sack to another place to achieve what you suggest.

[@joelopez7080]

@@stemdan6270 yeah there is something known as therapy. Its what one actually requires to improve their quality of life

[@joelopez7080]

@@RobSmith2016 ..

[@makotonarukami7468]

I used to be the type of person that locks myself up in my room, and now all I really want to do is solo travel.

[@msheehandub]

This is a great opinion on why we should travel! I feel pity towards the travelers/tourists who go to a destination, snap photos, and remain shut off to the experiences that could change their perspective.

[@joelopez7080]

travelling is basically a rip off compared to therapy lol

[@SomethingSomethingg]

​@@joelopez7080Traveling is a form of therapy. I could sit on a couch and talk to someone about my fears or I could actually go on a vacation and confront them head-on and that's what I do. It's the most enriching thing in the world.

[@vincenzocapuzziello3466]

Travel is one of the ways to appreciate life: it means to value our world, esplore it and admire the beauty of differences between peoples in the world✨ :D

[@synodiane852]

That's how I think of travel too. Which is why I disagree with the idea that travelling as a way of running from your problems. While this can be our main intention in the beginning, it doesn't last long since travelling (at least for me) makes us reflect on ourselves, be aware of who we are and put things into perspective by comparing our behaviors and actions with what others do.

[@joelopez7080]

travelling is basically a rip off compared to therapy lol

[@altofctrl107]

I stumbled upon this video, and wow, it describes exactly my life in the last 2 years. Headed to a trip and i still cant measure the impact of the experiences i have had, but certainly i came back with a completely different perspective of my life. And funny thing is, i'm just the example in the video (dealing with anxiety in Ireland). To travel is to feed one's soul!

[@theroomnumber5210]

This is such a great video! Thank you, you have helped answer lot of questions for me. Ever since I was a teenager, I have always had this urge to travel, sometimes to the point that I would get frustrated that the life I imagined travelling wasn't transpiring as expected. I would be angry with myself about it too. I would be jealous of people who traveled as if they were having some experience that I craved. I looked at people who traveled as the most successful. But in last 4 years, I have taken up to meditation (guided and mindfulness) and I was surprised that the urge I had to travel slowly vanished. I still like travelling but I don't get angry or frustrated if it doesn't happen. After watching this video, I realize that it was that need to grow and understand myself but not really knowing HOW is what made me so angry. But now that I found a tool, I am more at peace.

[@karinamarambio1799]

Thanks for making the time, effort and certainly love, in making this videos. Have a lovely day!

[@murr395]

I went to the U.S. as a student to develop my independence (living far away from home) and my extraversion (basically the culture of the U.S. and how they speak). So far it's been going great. :)

[@somethingtodiefor1]

There is one more interesting thing that seldom gets pointed out.. I think the reason why I would say that traveling is important is that it helps us unlearn. All throughout our lives, we are conditioned by the society that we grow up in - this consciously and unconsciously shapes our thought process, by traveling however.. people go to places where their previous beliefs are tested, broken and reformed. Through constant/periodic traveling - one might say, that the very foundation of our personality is given a chance to re-evolve. This iteration of beliefs is important and necessary because it lets us find the bedrock of our very being. In other words - it finds us a home; it's this home where our heart truly resides.

[@24rushi]

Perfectly written

[@AlejandroMaagno]

The very first time I traveled solo to a different area (Europe), I was 32 years old!! Even then, a whole new world of experiences opened up-made new friends, lived crazy cool experiences, and realized just how vast our world really is. Travel makes you realize how similar yet unique we all are. The younger you travel, the better. That being said, there are great experiences for all independently of where you find yourself-old and new, single or married, gay, straight, or whatever. Just go! It’ll become addictive😮

[@SeekerStories]

Interesting perspective, love it

[@AtomicYamaka]

There are still spiritual pilgrimages today to Jerusalem, Mecca, Rome, The Ganges River and Sri Pada, albeit different reasons than before. The days of massed organized religion is fading and personal spirituality is rising! But remember the wisdom of the community is important.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Beautifully said +TheSchoolofLife -- as always. Keep up the great work :)

[@Chantieluvs]

Agreed. I clicked on the video with the expectation that the answer to why we travel is for the experience. In a way, I was right, but School of Life surprised me with the novel (or at least, new to me) notion that one could travel to a specific destination that would fill a certain void in one's life. Now I'm encouraged to do some more introspection and then figure out where on the map I should plan to go

[@LonelyPlanet]

Well said Chantieluvs. A completely new mentality in terms of choosing a destination where you want to go. Almost more about, where you 'need' to go.

[@FrancisRoyCA]

"The ruins of Detroit" Don't expect to find the Parthenon.

[@FrancisRoyCA]

***** _"oui, je deteste le noir!!!"_ On s'en fout.

[@iJesters]

I'm from Detroit. The Parthenon is actually a delicious restaurant in Greektown. I highly encourage anyone to seek it out if you're here.

[@FrancisRoyCA]

Alexander Thomas LOL! Good one :)

[@Andrea-lt8kt]

Right, as much as i enjoy living in the 'ruins of Detroit' i still don't see why someone would vacation here

[@athosbarreiros9857]

Travelling is not just going around places, it helps us stay healthy of body and mind.

[@felixstahlkalen4580]

True I travel all the time within my city

[@migara1]

Man, how glad am I to have found this channel!!

[@royscarbrough7593]

Some dark Italian woods and a roman poet for a guide was the thing for Dante.

[@nicholasdranfile9312]

Wow but what is the reason behind such a combination for Dante especially?

[@LeriObba]

Well this actually is mostly just an opinion on what the video's maker thinks travel should be for.

[@LeriObba]

Fair enough. Thanks for the reply!

[@GodDamnit7711]

And your comment is actually mostly just an opinion of what you think that the video maker has created. And as you can see, this is just as useless a comment as your original one.

[@SSladfingers]

Cool name

[@LeriObba]

GodDamnit7711 It's an opinion confirmed by the writers.

[@GodDamnit7711]

Bob Jones I don't follow.

[@ela_seo]

That's a very interesting and thought-provoking way of looking at travelling. Thank you for sharing.

[@yaldahamidi9779]

I found my dreams come in reality when I started traveling.....unbelievable

[@johnpleung]

thank you for increasing the volume!

[@SeekerNetwork]

Incredibly interesting way of thinking about travel. Awesome video!

[@BecomeYourStrength]

What a great idea! Love these videos :) They`re so easy and interesting to watch.

[@tomcamfield]

These are just incredible videos.

[@coweatsman]

I like it. Travel as therapy.

[@HDMAKER92]

+coweatsman Tweek you seem nervous , i'll make you some coffee that'll calm you down.

[@joelopez7080]

therapy as therapy. travel wont solve anything

[@EpiPanYo1123]

I subscribed recently and I really enjoyed your videos. Insightful and influential. Great job!

[@brownsnob]

Amazingly insightful! And I feel really sorry that you have to deal with such ignorant schmucks in the comments section. Love from India. Namaste 🙏

[@Juan-ws9sy]

Very insightful! A new topic for discussion with the ol' therapist!

[@timcook3410]

this, by far, is the best channel on youtube

[@jojonpasar138]

a very good point indeed!

[@leia.m]

I love this! So deep.

[@sam-jg9zt]

I love traveling because I can experience new things different weather countries that are better than mine

[@JonnyRocketfingers7]

I love the animation in this one!

[@sterlthepearl1000]

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be who you want to be. Because you only have one life, and one chance to do all the things that you want to do.

[@angfilms18]

Beautiful perspective

[@yohanesliong4818]

Wow, that's insightful. Thank you

[@sassasdfghjkl]

I was just thinking that I want to travel somewhere with a more friendly and community-based culture so that I could experience what that's like, as opposed to the US where it feels very competitive and individualistic. I would like to learn how to connect with people better, and was hoping that experiencing firsthand how people connect with each other in other countries could teach me how to do so in my own life.

[@Chip_Doubledip]

Maybe for some people it's beneficial. I imagine it helps to be worldly if you're wealthy and highly educated. As for me, I have more realistic expectations, my hometown is all I need.

[@nonameneededd]

There are many reasons to travel: It’s broadens your mind to different prospectives, the vast ways on a humans experience here on earth. Endless possibilities to what you can learn and integrate and adapt to your own life, be it ways of living/structure/social dynamics. The way you see things change expeditiously. I really think some people who travel and yet choose to stay in a bubble of their own minds have a level of ignorance attached to them.

[@BramAPoe]

Have to respectfully disagree here SOL. I think travel can purely be for enjoyment and the sake of seeing somewhere new or opening up new horizons. It doesn't have to 'fix' anything in you (though it can) it can just give you new places to see. Life is short, and we only have one world. What better excuse to travel then wanting to see as much of that world as is possible in your life time? Or you may not like where you currently live and wish to see somewhere else to see if you have better outlets there.

[@johntravers2321]

That’s not traveling. That’s exploration. Exploration is a result of curiosity, while traveling is a result of man’s search for meaning.

[@nandakabembot]

That's what essentially any today's leisure activities are reduced to: for pure enjoyment. While I don't think it's wrong, I feel that we're missing out on a big opportunity to ameliorate ourselves in this short life - especially if traveling is a luxury, which is the case for most people.

[@MazDelaCerna]

really interesting! Love your work!

[@jeromtenson4438]

I am watching this in class

[@sterlthepearl1000]

Another cool unique edutainment Motion Picture from the One and Only The School of Life. The other side of this coin is to beware of destination addiction. That's a pre-occupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, with the next job, and with the next partner. And until one gives up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where they are.

[@modelflugzuegsamlung]

Most school of life videos I've seen hit the nail on the head. Not sure I agree with this one though. Isn't it a bit negative to say that we are travelling so we can solve our inner problems? If we don't have any problems does that mean we shouldn't bother travelling? Maybe you could argue that everyone has some kind of problems. But always thinking in terms of problems is not going to help solve them. Have a positive mind. For me, travelling is not about specific attractions that you go and see. It's about the journey. Just travelling long distances makes my mind feel free, and I enjoy seeing how things are different in other places, not the big attractions but just little everyday things that are different. We need to visit attractions to give us a goal and purpose but really the journey is the important part.

[@gtabigfan34]

That was amazing... I hope one day to visit Everest or "The Seven Pillars"

[@joelopez7080]

@@TTC1979 ikr. no need to go far away

[@arielsong1289]

Damn, what a masterpiece.

[@chicsolflipdow]

Excelent Video, now is there a guide as to which región or country help different people and in what way?

[@zelataino1768]

What a frikkin awesome idea!

[@abelbognar8101]

Thank you

[@slowpoke6743]

You make kick ass videos!

[@willferrous8677]

the point of travel seems awful similar to the purpose of art.

[@3yearshardcore1]

And the purpose of drug use (not drug abuse).

[@stemdan6270]

So, totally pointless?

[@joelopez7080]

@@stemdan6270 yes lol. the vid says travel is therapeutic.. but do uk whats much more therapeutic? Actual therapy

[@SaMuSo85]

Comenzaré con la agencia de viajes ahora mismo!

[@shresthaditya9731]

Travelling Earlier was done according to the needs of the person. So know what you need or desire or what you want to change and plan the trip according

[@MrMongomoryST]

I love how they used arches as an example. I live in Utah and have been a couple times xD

[@MrMongomoryST]

***** Totally is. Its way pretty. The arches are a lot smaller than you'd think though suprisingly.

[@jamesosullivan3654]

A week long trip to Dubrovnik is hopefully on the cards with the missus. Espressos in the morning, beers at night, seafood for dinner and relaxing at the beach. I don't know what exactly I'll be curing for myself but my god I fucking love holidays so much!

[@jamesosullivan3654]

On a side note I would most definitely recommend the west coast of Ireland. The cliffs of moher are a cracking experience.

[@manuelfcasas3472]

Replacing travelling with reading makes the message on this video even.more compelling. Reading can take you to the psyches or souls of those who wrote, something much more interesting than any other destination, a travel that no travel agency can offer but a library..

[@austinchettiar6784]

Reading is a scam imo

[@sunnymeee]

Comfort zone is for LOSERS just travel

[@doniolhaha]

Unfortunately there are a few small towns in the Welsh valleys you could visit that would fit the bill just as well as Detroit. I'm sure there a few in the north of England but I don't know that area so well.

[@donotsettle]

cool videos. nice graphic. perfectly dubbed. congrats!

[@leonardodavinci4259]

Interesting. So you say we should try to choose a destination that solves a problem for us. Will keep that in mind :)

[@Ekvitarius]

Didn't there used to be a video on this channel called "Advert for Staying at Home"? Shame that one's gone. 'Twas a good one.

[@Healthtrekkernet]

This one is better than "The Problem With Travel". -Or at least a more encouraging counterpoint.

[@haveless]

Hi The School of Life great content, just subbed for more

[@rochelles6595]

How do you keep that liberated energy, mental stimulation and self belief going internally when you return to the material world? Home, work, politics etc?

[@snoopl2898]

What about us homebodies who are just as happy hearing a nice story about or seeing pictures of a remote location? Does this imply that we are not on our own internal journey? Perhaps we're just a little more in tune with our internal destinations. #HappyHermit

[@ericfingerman]

Snoo Pl , it looks like there's a video for that too ("Advert for staying home"). I just put it on "Watch Later."

[@gur123noor]

Can you share the link to that video? Thanks.

[@sanekabc]

Cool idea!

[@iartit8353]

Some travel because of experience. Some travel to get away from there troubles. Some travel because they want change of scene. Some travel to grow and learn about other culture or visit sombody. Some love it - some don’t. Some have a point of traveling - some don’t.

[@hannahmeek1923]

What about being aware of your impact on culture and the environment when you travel? Seems like everyone's traveling to "find themselves" and just taking, taking, taking and giving nothing back to these places.

[@gur123noor]

Great video. What are some alternatives for people who don’t have the time to travel for more than a week?

[@KydaIndie]

I go to a school called Cascia Hall. It's named after Saint Rita of Cascia, and a majority of the parents here are divorced so I find it ironic that Saint Rita is the patron saint of marital problems.

[@Thandiel3791]

I've never gone more than 200 miles from my hometown. I've never been on a plane. I honestly can't even imagine what it would be like to go on vacation.

[@Kingding6]

This is true, but not exclusively so. Of course, one could travel simply for the inherent value of exploring a place one has never been. The "inner" benefits that might arise from travel are valuable, but probably are not, I'd wager, the main motivation for most people who travel.

[@kathleenmae3362]

now if only i could pay for plane tickets that would be great

[@lightowl3934]

Travel is freedom to witness life as is our destiny on earth

[@D13GOR]

I was born in porto seguro!!

[@Lildizzle420]

its not too often people travel for mental health reasons but what's interesting is that people travel to get away from their problems like vegas might be fun and help you forget but its only going to last as long as you put money in the machine... instead you travel to a cabin in the forest and break your gambling addiction. actually get to the root

[@JamaicanTeeth]

Please do a video on Camus

[@croft4746]

I’m 18 and have been doing a lot of solo travel since turning 18. I am currently in Cagliari, Sardinia, it’s absolutely beautiful but I find myself anxious here. I had the most incredible time in Greece where I was last, and I have this fear of disappointment, or not doing to much or seeing enough, or my travel not being enriching enough and I’m just wasting my hard earned money. For as long as I can remember I’ve seen travel as my ultimate life goal. And I’m just worried it’s not everything I thought it would be, if so, I don’t know my purpose. Maybe this is a sign a need to try a new kind of travel that isn’t just about seeing beautiful places. Any recommendations on where that might be?

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Books, story to amuse, To travel in another sferes

[@VirajKrishaman]

This video is recommended by the International Air Transport Association for their students to get inspired

[@zeerymez]

If I have problems with procrastination, time management, and organization, should I go to an organized country (e.g. for example Germany), maybe live there. Will that help me overcome those habits?

[@leexiong2128]

What's the outro song? Beautiful tune.

[@room2491]

Your life is sweet. Any tips?

[@AlmogMalul]

I think people travel to achieve more fun freedom and fullfilment, also to meet new people and make new memories

[@pellepelledk]

Im here to take action on the idea. Where might one to (insert need)... Irland for the anxious, greenland for the restless. Any ideas? Please share

[@Jessica-bx1xp]

In St Rita da Cascia, the sound "scia" is read "sha". Good video though

[@Herethereevery]

These Tai Lopez ads before the School of Life videos are just hilarious...

[@nivh4060]

Can I crowdsource some travel consulting here ? What destination would you suggest to someone who is seeking her "calling" in life. I'm happy and grateful to have a job/career, freedom and a somewhat carefree life in my early 40s (in India). But remain stuck on the idea of finding my true calling/vocation/place in the world. Big fan of +the schooloflife and Alain de Botton Thank you for what you do!

[@ChunWong]

Interesting

[@joeber3869]

The farther you go, the less you know.

[@janabakunina2300]

Let's open TSOL travel agency!

[@theheartofsouthernitaly8378]

If you do it, we want to be one of your TSOL destinations! We are on the old-fashioned pilgrims routes and already working following the TSOL "philosophy"!!! thank you for contributing with your videos

[@MrM3rios]

I find travel to be a very egoistical institution. Mostly, it is for people to expand their curriculum of life and confirm out of narcissistic desire that they "achieved" something tangible. To add to the superficiality of it all, we attach to the word a very consumerist definition; in order for one to legitimately say he did travel one has to go outside a preconceived border that others can relate to. I could argue walking down two blocks from my house is travelling, even if it's a path I've taken before. Of course, this would sound silly because to the majority of us travelling means going out on a trip using certain means of transportation or moving across national/geographical frontiers. We're being sold the idea that travel is only something you can buy yourself through planes and hotels. From an existentialist point of view, travel is not viable to me. If everyone would travel it would remove any authenticity to the nature of the act. There wouldn't be this exotic village in Asia/Africa/South America to travel to because their residents would probably let go of their archaic traditions in favor of global ideas. This is just one example, but the point is that we associate travel with something that is very bourgeois/capitalist/colonialist even when we pretend it's okay because it's ecotourism. People would rather visit the slums of other countries then the slums in their own cities out of shame and lack of compassion. It's also very easy to travel, let's say to Europe, and then close your eyes to the harsh reality behind the scenery: illegal migrants working/living in poor conditions, economical disparity, ultra-nationalist laws ... You don't have to travel to become a better person, otherwise you're just spitting at the faces of those who can't afford it or don't travel out of personal unwillingness. You want advice on how to become a better person? Don't judge others by whether they travel or not and don't enforce the idea that in order to fully experiment life one has to travel. I don't say "you shouldn't travel" or "thinking you like to travel makes you a bad person", I'm just trying to offer a counterview to this video.

[@MrM3rios]

That's cool. Did you ever get any problems with the authority for trespassing (living in the woods)? Also, how did you get to travel the south Pacific without paying boat fares?

[@beneatworld7581]

You don't need lots of money to travel!! I haven't come from a privileged background at all. I have wholes in my shoes and no fixed address :) I work around the world taking any opportunity that comes my way. I stay in cheep hostels, I hitchhike when I can.. Traveling is the best Education you can have. It puts thing into perspective and helps to give you a balanced perspective of things. I also don't luck down at all on people who don't travel. Everyone is different.

[@mastermayne6757]

The people who can't afford to travel is very understandable but those close-minded people who just can't travel for some mental illness reason will NEVER prevail and if they know what's good for them, they will change from that stupid close-minded mentality and learn the value of traveling and stop giving themselves reasons to be retarded. Being different is NOT an excuse is anyway, legit fact. Try it with an open mind, legit fact.

[@MrM3rios]

Yeah? Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

[@amburrfershurr]

Both you and the video are both correct and incorrect, because it depends entirely on the person. I think in both cases it's best not to generalise.

[@lydiam3183]

I'm trying to find the courage to change my life, without knowing exactly how to do it. As I'm afraid I'll trigger a personal financial disaster, I'm thinking I should visit Mount St. Helens and see if disasters are all I imagine them to be.

[@Akaki1999]

"Little" late but How did it go ? did you muster up the courage ? was it disaster ?

[@mindsetketawa]

well...good

[@thevoid7770]

nice video

[@dcrice1999]

oh really, i feel like most people travel to different places to just have fun

[@LPSwimmer2011]

The ruins of Detroit, huh? That makes it sound like we're from some ancient civilization that got conquered and ransacked thousands of years ago. You know, there's still stuff going on around here, and unfortunately there are plenty of people surrounded by these "ruins" who are still way too concerned about the way they're seen around others.

[@ArtandKitchen_]

as I grow old I realized travelling is also wealth

[@eladbari]

~ ~ THATS why I never understand people who travel abroad just to lay on the beach..drink milkshake..and do nothing... ~ ~ zero action..zero journey...zero development..

[@TheSamuraiXX011]

You have to understand that some working stiffs only get 2 weeks (if that) of vacation time...I can totally understand why someone would rather take the family to Disney world or the beach rather than go backpacking or go to a foreign country.

[@AF-jp5vi]

You sound a bit judgmental, to be honest. Have you ever worked hard enough or long enough as to feel like you've become disconnected from your inner self, or feel that you've lost perspective on your life, because of too much noise/responsibility/pressure going on around you? Have you ever been stressed out long enough to feel the need to go somewhere far away, where you can only hear the waves, the rustling of trees in the wind, or birds chirping, and find a little peace and quiet to calm down your mind and body? Exploration is a wonderful thing, but finding your inner peace in a calming environment is important too.

[@joelopez7080]

@@AF-jp5vi firstly therapy would make you feel much better. u believe travel is a chance to escape your daily life so why cant u just improve ur daily life?

[@feelings-]

Most comments here are focus on the Rich people who travel but in actual fact it's not only the rich who travel, I know lots of students who saves up just so they could travel the world and gain more experience on how others live. Students for example who can't afford to travel every summer holiday would save for their travelling that is in 5 years for instance.