When we talk about travel, the first thing that comes to mind is the renowned Moroccan traveler, Ibn Battuta, one of the most famous figures in world history. His travels spanned nearly 30 years, and he documented his journeys in a book titled "The Rihla" (The Journey), describing the places and cities he visited and the diverse cultures he encountered.
History has also preserved the stories of many who gained fame through their extensive travels and explorations. Among them is the Italian explorer Marco Polo, who wrote about his journey from Europe to China in a book called "The Million." There's also the English explorer James Cook, who was the first to chart the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. The Chinese monk Xuanzang is known for his 17-year overland journey to India. The famous discoverer of the Americas, Christopher Columbus, undertook multiple voyages. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first to establish a sea route between Europe and Asia. These and other explorers from around the world contributed significantly to the discovery of new parts of the world, which would have remained undiscovered without their love for travel and exploration.
"To see once is better than to hear a hundred times." Traveling and experiencing new and diverse cultures is better than staying in one place without a real experience that allows you to see the world and other people realistically, far from stereotypes and preconceived beliefs, which can change your perspective.
The renowned Islamic scholar Imam Shafi'i explained the benefits of travel, saying, "Leave your homeland in pursuit of higher aims, and travel, for in travel, there are five benefits: relief of distress, earning a living, gaining knowledge, manners, and noble companionship." Travel offers several advantages, such as:
Expanding Your Knowledge: Improving your general knowledge in various fields, including how to communicate with people who differ from you in language, thoughts, and culture.
Broadening Your Worldview: Navigating unfamiliar places, experiencing new types of food, customs, and traditions, and accepting and respecting them.
Learning New Languages: Travel facilitates learning new languages as you engage with native speakers.
Making New Friends: Interacting with people from different nationalities and cultures enhances your ability to deal with diverse personalities.
Strengthening Your Character: Traveling alone allows you to build self-reliance, manage personal affairs, and develop problem-solving skills.
Creating Lasting Memories: You can create lifelong memories of places and people you encounter during your travels.
Reducing Stress: Travel can help you relax and improve your mental state, even if it involves work-related travel.
Positively Affecting Mood: Psychological studies have found that travelers tend to have stable mental health and a strong self-identity.
However, not everyone has the opportunity to travel due to financial constraints or emotional attachments to their home. Some may feel insecure when away from family and friends. In such cases, reading travel literature can compensate for the inability to travel, satisfying one's curiosity and knowledge about new and different places worldwide.
The Arab literary heritage boasts numerous authors and books that document their journeys. Some notable works include "Around the World in 200 Days" by Anis Mansour, "Al-Asfar" (The Travels) by Jamal al-Ghitani, "Where Do Ocean Birds Go" by Ibrahim Abdelmeguid, "South and East: Journeys of Visions" by Mohamed Al-Makhzangi, "Seven Skies" by novelist and journalist Saad al-Qirshi, and "Legends of the Seven Journeys" by writer and traveler Sherine Adel, who specializes in travel literature.
While travel can be invigorating and provide an energy boost for some, it may not be suitable for everyone. Challenges like lack of sleep, disrupted daily routines, and interactions with strangers can be overwhelming. Language barriers and unfamiliar laws and customs can lead to problems for some travelers. Nonetheless, the benefits of travel, in terms of knowledge, cultural understanding, and personal growth, are undeniable.
Dr/Ameema Abu Alwafa
Master's in Public Relations and Media