Critical appreciation of the essay “Why We Travel” by Pico Iyer.

Pico Iyer is a contemporary British-born American author, essayist, and travel writer known for
his evocative prose, insightful observations, and explorations of cross-cultural experiences. Born in
England in 1957 to Indian parents, Iyer spent his childhood in various countries, including England,
California, and India, which greatly influenced his worldview and writing. Iyer's writing often delves into
themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in an increasingly interconnected world. He is
particularly renowned for his travel literature, which combines personal reflection with vivid
descriptions of the places he visits. His works, including "The Art of Stillness," "The Open Road," and
"The Global Soul," have garnered critical acclaim and earned him a reputation as one of the foremost
voices in contemporary travel writing.

"Why We Travel" is an essay written by Pico Iyer that explores the deeper motivations behind
human travel. In this thought-provoking piece, Iyer delves into the reasons why people feel compelled
to embark on journeys, beyond the mere act of visiting new places. Through evocative prose and
personal anecdotes, he examines the transformative power of travel, its ability to broaden perspectives,
foster connections, and facilitate personal growth. Iyer also reflects on the complexities and
contradictions inherent in travel, urging readers to approach it with mindfulness and responsibility.

The writer begins by stating that the primary reason for travelling is that it acts as a liberating
experience. One loses oneself in travel. There are no burdens of everyday life and no responsibilities of
our personal or professional life hold us back. So, there are no inhibitions while travelling. A traveller
leaves his beliefs and certainties at home and opens himself to newer possibilities. While travelling, we
are not recognized by our professions or our social standing, that is, we are freed of inessential labels.
Therefore, we freely follow our impulses while travelling.

He, further, assets that travel provides the much-needed respite from our busy lives. The hustle
and bustle of our hectic schedules drain away our spirit to live. Travelling gives us a renewed spirit to live
life to the fullest. We begin to pay attention to one spiritual needs. Each time we travel, we question our
beliefs and reconsider our opinions. Thus, travelling compels us to think and reflect on our notions.
Travel, therefore, enriches our knowledge of our own selves as it makes us explore the unexplored
recesses of our mind and understand our own moods. The quietude and tranquility that travel offers
helps cause a kind of spiritual awakening. That is to say, that when we travel outside, we also travel
inside ourselves. We explore the vast expanse of our inner selves.

When a person travels to unknown places and meet new people, we get exposed to their
culture. This gives us a deep understanding of humanity. Travelling makes us kinder and more
empathetic. The horizons of our thought process broaden and we gather multiple perspectives. We
begin to understand that our perspectives are not universal but are only limited to us. The writer cites
words of Marcel Proust who aptly said that travelling is not always about visiting new places but seeing
them with new eyes or simply through fresh perspectives.

Travelling does not only show us scenic beauty and breath-taking landscapes but also exposes us
to the harsh realities of the world. Only when we leave the comforts of our homes, do we see the
hardships of the other people in the world. Our misconceptions about their lives are done away with.
We come to understand that the terrains like mountainous or deserts which looks so pleasing
aesthetically, are actually difficult places to live in. We are thereby prevented from thinking of them as
mere abstractions. This way, we travel to rescue ourselves from such misconceptions.

When a person travels, he/she takes along with him not only a luggage but also his beliefs and
values. This enables a cultural exchange between travelers and the natives. The writer, for example, says
that he always takes Michael Jordan posters to Kyoto and brings home woven ikebana baskets.
Sometimes, it is not only cultural artefacts but even dreams that get exchanged or transported in
travelling. Our modern lives and the rat race for success corrupt our visions for life. But while travelling,
we tend to carry the basic minimum belongings with us. Hence, we discard all that does not seem
essential. This way, we get rid of our obsession for material possessions.

The writer says that as we travel, we are born again. By this he implies that travelling gives us
new purposes and motivation. We begin to appreciate life. Also, travelling brings out the child in a
traveler. Thus, the experience of travelling gives us the innocent eyes with which we see the world anew
and afresh. The writer believes that each time he returns after a tour, he keeps thinking of that place
and revisiting it through the photographs and his diary entries, just like a person in love. The confines of
our homes make life seem monotonous and dull. Travel provides the adventure and thrill that excites
us. In the words of the great writer Albert Camus, “what gives value to travel is fear”. And this fear
demands us to be more alert and active.

While travelling, a person visits many places and meets many people. He absorbs certain
elements of various places and its people. One’s identity, therefore, does not remain fixed or singular. A
traveler acquires a curious amalgam of identities of various languages and cultures. The writer quotes Sir
Thomas Browne who said that “We carry within us the wonders we seek without us.” This implies that
we carry multitudes within us and no human is confined to one singular identity

In conclusion, Pico Iyer's essay "Why We Travel" offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the
motivations behind human travel and the profound impact it can have on individuals and societies.
Through lyrical prose and introspective reflections, Iyer encourages readers to embrace the
transformative potential of journeys, while also urging them to approach travel with mindfulness and
responsibility. Iyer encourages a mindful approach to travel, one that respects the cultures and
environments visited, and acknowledges the responsibility travellers have in minimizing their impact. By
addressing these complexities, Iyer prompts readers to engage critically with the notion of travel,
fostering a deeper appreciation for its transformative potential while advocating for a more sustainable
and conscientious approach to exploration. "Why We Travel" serves as both a celebration of the human
spirit of adventure and a call to action for responsible and mindful travel practices in an ever-changing
world.