Is Traveling A Hobby? Here Are The Answers You Might Be Looking For

Is traveling a hobby? If you’ve been asking yourself this question, then you’re in the right place! I’ll share with you various arguments to help you answer that question!

A few weeks ago I had a heated discussion with a group of friends on whether traveling is a hobby or not!

It all stemmed from one person asking a newbie in the group what their hobbies are and she said it was traveling, and what followed was a 2 hours discussion on why she was right or wrong!

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And what was our conclusion? You’ll be surprised! Part of the group agreed that indeed traveling is a hobby while the other said it’s not and each side came up with valid reasons to support their belief!

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably also here to determine if traveling is a hobby, and my hope is that I will provide you with the relevant info you need to decide on the right answer!

Is Traveling A Hobby Or Interest?

Is travel a hobby? This seemingly simple question might stir up a lot more debate than expected.

To properly address this query, it is crucial to first understand what we mean by “hobby”.

A hobby, by definition, is a regular activity done for pleasure or relaxation, typically during one’s leisure time. So, does traveling fit into this category? Let’s find out!

What is Traveling?

According to Wikipedia, travel, in its most basic form is the movement of people between distant geographical locations whether it’s for pleasure, business, or necessity regardless of how they get there, be it on foot, bus, train, or airplane!

The concept of travel has evolved considerably over time, from the dangerous and lengthy journeys of ancient times to modern airplane travel that can transport us across continents in a matter of hours.

So now that you know what a hobby and travel are, let’s discuss if travel is a hobby!

As per the discussion we had with my friends, the best way to come up with an answer is to look at both arguments, i.e. traveling is a hobby and traveling is not a hobby!

Is Traveling a Hobby?: The Arguments

To fully understand if traveling is a hobby or not, here is a detailed discussion!

Arguments for Traveling as a Hobby

Here are the points that prove that traveling is a hobby!

Traveling Brings Pleasure

One of the defining characteristics of a hobby is that it provides pleasure to the individual, and travel often fits this description perfectly.

For many people like me, traveling is not merely about reaching a destination, but about the experiences we gather along the way.

Whether it’s the scenic beauty of a tranquil beach, the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, or the peace of a remote countryside, the pleasure derived from these experiences can be immense and deeply personal.

This pleasure is the driving force that prompts us to save money, take time off work, and embark on journeys that may often be arduous.

Skill Acquisition and Development

Like any hobby (e.g. painting, cooking, reading, etc), travel also involves a learning curve and skill development. I know the way I travel is different from my first international trip, thanks to all the experiences and skills I’ve learned along the way.

This could range from learning to communicate in a new language, understanding and adapting to cultural norms, to becoming adept at navigating new and unfamiliar places.

These skills can enhance your personal and professional life, just as mastering a musical instrument or photography would.

Consistency and Dedication

Many people travel regularly and consistently, demonstrating a level of commitment and dedication associated with traditional hobbies.

They spend considerable amounts of time planning their trips, researching destinations, accommodations, local customs, and attractions.

This engagement goes beyond the actual travel period, extending before and after the trip, similar to how a hobbyist would invest time in their hobby even when not actively engaged in it.

Investment of Time and Resources

One of the disadvantages of traveling is the financial strain it causes.

The commitment to travel often requires a substantial investment of time and resources.

Much like an artist investing in high-quality materials, we travelers save money for months or years for our trips.

The planning process, which could include creating itineraries or learning about the history and culture of the destination is a significant time investment that further strengthens the case for travel as a hobby.

Personal Fulfillment and Satisfaction

Travel often provides a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that mirrors that of a hobby.

Reaching a mountain’s peak after a grueling hike, successfully negotiating a transaction in a foreign language, or finding your way in a new city can bring about a sense of accomplishment.

This satisfaction is akin to the feeling a hobbyist might get when completing a complex piece of art or improving their performance in a sport.

Arguments against Traveling as a Hobby

Here are some arguments that support the idea that traveling is not a hobby.

Inaccessibility and Privilege

The argument against travel being a hobby often begins with the issue of accessibility and privilege.

Unlike hobbies such as reading, drawing, or cycling which are largely accessible to anyone regardless of their socio-economic status, traveling often requires a substantial financial investment that many people cannot afford.

This economic barrier makes it difficult to classify travel as a hobby, a category that traditionally includes activities accessible to a wide range of people.

Infrequency

Hobbies are typically activities that individuals regularly engage in during their leisure time.

However, due to its high cost and the time commitment involved, most people do not travel frequently.

Many save up for one or two trips a year, which is a considerably less frequent engagement compared to most other hobbies we know.

Purpose

The purpose of travel also plays a significant role in this debate. There’s a distinction between traveling for leisure, for business, or out of necessity. Not all forms of travel can be classified as a hobby.

While a business trip might involve elements of sightseeing and personal pleasure, its primary purpose is work.

Similarly, travel out of necessity, such as for medical treatment or to care for a loved one is far removed from the concept of a hobby.

Environmental Impact

With the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, the ethics of frequent traveling have come under scrutiny.

The carbon footprint of frequent flying coupled with the environmental impact of tourism in certain areas has raised questions about the sustainability of travel as a hobby.

For some, the environmental cost overshadows the personal benefits derived from travel making it a less desirable hobby, especially when compared to more eco-friendly hobbies like gardening, crafting, or bird-watching.

In fact, the environmental impact is one of the main disadvantages of traveling.

Dependence on External Factors

Unlike many hobbies that can be pursued regardless of external circumstances, traveling is heavily dependent on numerous factors outside an individual’s control.

Factors such as political stability, health safety (as the COV*D-19 p*ndemic showed us in previous years), visa policies, and more can severely affect a person’s ability to travel.

These external dependencies can make it hard for travel to be considered a hobby in the traditional sense.

Is Traveling a Hobby: The Verdict

As I told you earlier, even in my group discussion, we didn’t fully conclude whether traveling is a hobby or not!

Instead, we agreed that traveling can be a hobby or not depending on how you look at it and the factors involved. So are you a travel hobbyist or not? Here are some pointers to help you decide.

Traveling is Your Hobby If:

You Travel for Pleasure

Travel is likely your hobby if you do it primarily for enjoyment and relaxation. You look forward to your trips as opportunities to unwind, explore new cultures, and experience different environments.

You Dedicate Time and Resources

If you spend significant time and resources planning your trips, learning about destinations, and saving money for your travel goals, these are clear indications that travel is more than just a sporadic interest to you but rather a hobby.

You Continually Seek Learning Opportunities

If you relish the opportunity to learn a new language, understand a foreign culture, or navigate unfamiliar terrain, travel might be your hobby. The desire to learn and grow is a characteristic shared by most hobbyists.

You Travel Regularly

If you travel multiple times a year or have a consistent schedule for exploring new places, this consistency suggests that travel could indeed be your hobby.

You Experience Personal Fulfillment

If your travels give you a sense of personal accomplishment, satisfaction, and fulfillment, mirroring the feelings hobbyists often get from their pursuits, it’s likely that travel is your hobby.

Traveling is Not Your Hobby If:

You Travel Only Out of Necessity

If your primary reason for traveling is for work, medical treatment, or other necessities rather than pleasure or interest, travel is probably not your hobby.

It may be an essential part of your life, but it doesn’t fulfill the criteria of being done for relaxation or pleasure.

You Don’t Dedicate Time and Resources Outside the Trip

If your involvement with travel starts with boarding the plane and ends with reaching your destination without any time or resources dedicated to planning or learning about the place, travel may not be your hobby.

Homesickness is one of the drawbacks of traveling.

You Travel Infrequently

If your travels are sporadic or infrequent — say, only every few years or so, it’s less likely that travel qualifies as a hobby for you. A hobby typically involves regular and consistent engagement.

You’re Indifferent to Learning Opportunities

If you’re not interested in learning new languages, understanding cultures, or adapting to new environments during your travels, this lack of interest in learning suggests that travel may not be your hobby.

You Do Not Find Personal Fulfillment

If you view travel as more of a chore than an activity that brings satisfaction and fulfillment, it’s unlikely that it is your hobby.

Hobbies are activities that bring us joy, relaxation, and a sense of personal achievement.

Is Traveling My Hobby?

Even after giving you both sides of this argument, you may wonder whether traveling is MY hobby!

Yes, traveling is my hobby! Even as a travel blogger who writes about places I visit, I still consider travel a hobby!

Yes, it brings along professional gains because I take pictures you see on the blog and my social media, and get insights I share on the blog, but I completely enjoy all the aspects of traveling as a hobby.

I plan my trips based on the places I genuinely want to see not because they’ll be great for my blog! I dedicate a great amount of resources (time and money) to traveling, and the joy and fulfillment I get from it are immeasurable.

So, yes, I consider traveling my hobby and I am not ashamed to mention it when someone asks what my hobbies are!

Final Thoughts on The Arguments: Is Traveling A Hobby Or Not

Is traveling a hobby? Truth be told is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

It ultimately depends on personal perspectives, experiences, and socioeconomic factors.

However, what is undeniable is the passion that many travelers share; a passion that is remarkably similar to those who pursue other activities defined as hobbies.

Whether or not we officially classify travel as a hobby, it will undoubtedly remain a meaningful and significant part of many people’s lives.

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