Sometimes things are said which appear to blow people’s minds.

Like, for example, travel. Truth be told, I’m not fussed about travelling the world.

Admitting to this absence of international wanderlust often ignites contrary societal commentary. It’s so fulfilling, the globetrotters/travel industry tell us. It provides you with a greater awareness and enables you to become more cultured as a human being.

You’ll also experience a gamut of reactions from pity to incredulousness. “You don’t want to? Why? Oh, you’re missing out! You really MUST go!”. The implication is clear: we’re somehow lacking or less-rounded if we don’t.

Well I disagree. I don’t think I am missing out. I don’t want to backpack around the world. I don’t want to go Thailand or America or Australia or wherever.

I’m interested in these places but just not fussed about visiting them.

Being aware and cultured and fulfilled is about being open-minded, curious and tolerant. Travel can help with that, I guess, but it isn’t a defining factor.

We can become more cultured by reading, learning, meeting different people and trying new things – where ever that may be.

Being well-travelled doesn’t equate to being well-rounded just as not going doesn’t make you narrow-minded, unadventurous or parochial.

You’re choosing to live by your own map and compass. 

We all make choices about where we go. Can we play nicely and accept it? I’m not saying I’ll never go abroad, but I’d rather be spared the aghast expressions when I say I’m not fussed either way.

Saying you ‘must’ or you’re ‘missing out’ just throws shade on our choices and compounds the myth we’re less of a balanced person for not doing so.

And while we’re at it, let’s abolish the word ‘holibobs’. That’d be grand.

If you relate, leave a comment in the box below!