This topic has been the subject of a protracted argument. Perhaps years, decades, or centuries. People are Continually asking the same question, even now. Are vacations a hobby?
Many different viewpoints will surface if you Google the question. The idea of travel as a hobby is strongly opposed by many people.
Equally as many people assert the complete opposite. For me, it makes more sense to approach the issue “Is travel a hobby?” logically.
Checking the definition now
In a disagreement like this, looking to the official definition is the best place to start. I checked the dictionary and turned to my go-to resource, Google, for that. This is the end outcome.
A hobby is “a regular, enjoyable activity one engages in during leisure time.”
I see no grey area in this. Is travelling a pastime? The official definition makes it seem that way.
At first glance.
Yet, there are numerous reasons why it MIGHT not be. And therein, in my opinion, lay the differences of opinion.
If…, traveling May be your hobby.
In a disagreement like this, looking to the official definition is the best place to start. I checked the dictionary and turned to my go-to resource, Google, for that. This is the end outcome.
A hobby is “a regular, enjoyable activity one engages in during leisure time.”
I see no grey area in this. Is travelling a pastime? The official definition makes it seem that way.
At first glance.
Yet, there are numerous reasons why it MIGHT not be. And therein, in my opinion, lay the differences of opinion.
You Clearly enjoy traveling!
I’m aware that was exactly the life I was leading before I started working as a full-time travel blogger. And I was continuously going through incredible trip pictures on Instagram
I was constantly searching on Google for the best locations to visit in far-off nations on the other side of the globe. I had travel and travel-related thoughts running through my head at all times.
Travel IS your pastime if this describes YOU.
If… traveling may not be your hobby.
There is a lot to say on this side of the argument. For instance, I think I fit well into this category personally.
You see, I work in the travel industry. I write travel blogs. It was different when I used to work full time in an office, get paid once a month, and could only travel on weekends and holidays.
Traveling was my hobby at the time. Now that it is my work, despite the fact that I adore it and don’t really see it as a job, it is a profession nonetheless.
Yet I’m not the only one who’s in this predicament. Let’s examine a few of the reasons why you MAY NOT want to make travel your pastime.
You are a tour guide, bus driver, flight attendant, or travel blogger in the tourism sector.
Do you fly in and out of your office when you travel for work?
Are you a remote worker? But traveling FOR THAT is most definitely NOT a pastime.
You travel frequently as part of your employment, such as when you’re an international businessperson, politician, or sportsman.
Some occupations need you to fly across the globe. It is not for fun; it is for business.
You lead a wandering existence – How you define this will depend on WHY you do.
If you picked it because you enjoy traveling, then it’s possible that you already consider it to be a pastime. Yet, for the most part, traveling is now just a way of life.
It’s possible that you already view it as a hobby if you choose it because you want to travel. However, traveling has mostly become a way of life.
Or are you a different kind of collector who enjoys going to museums as a hobby? a mountain climber who hikes to far-off places?
Why the subject “Is travel a hobby?” generates so much discussion is beyond dispute. Consider THIS for a moment.
What do you do in your leisure time IF you travel for a living? Do you take vacations? If so, then during that time travel turns from a vocation into a hobby.
Are vacations a hobby? The Advantages
What are the advantages of traveling as a hobby? Since travelling has so many advantages, there would most likely be a lot of them. Let’s look at it.
It would be simple to start a hobby in travel. Consider your hobbies and how difficult it is to begin.
Many hobbies require years of dedication before you notice any progress. Booking a trip is as easy as booking it!
You get a lot of knowledge. How many pastimes can instruct you in different cultures? various languages?
You can unplug – Many people take annual vacations while traveling.
only so they may flee. Staying at home can make it difficult to unplug from your hectic lives.
Similar to detaching, vacation is an excellent way to relieve stress. Go away, leave your issues at home, and relax while sipping cocktails on a tropical beach.
Your issues are postponable!
Getting to know like-minded people – Traveling is the best way to get to know others and share experiences..
I could wax lyrical about travel all day. The tension has decreased for me since I quit my full-time job and started traveling and writing about it.
I am at ease, and even while traveling itself can be difficult and stressful at times (especially currently), it is nothing compared to the burden of working a 9 to 5 job for a large, soul-destroying organization.
Are vacations a hobby? The Negative
A drawback to traveling? You must be living under a rock right now if you can’t think of a drawback to traveling as a hobby. But here are a few for your reference.
Sure, let’s start with the obvious: pandemics. There IS a drawback to traveling abroad and contracting a virus in light of the recent global events.
Not to mention the potential cost of a quarantine upon your return!
There aren’t many pastimes that would cost more money than travel. Simple weekend getaways can go into the hundreds of dollars. A weeklong vacation typically costs thousands of dollars!
The Time Factor – Only on weekends or during annual holidays can you actually actively pursue a pastime. Contrast this with other pastimes you can engage in during downtime at home.
Most definitely NOT my hobby is travel!
In addition to being a travel blogger, I travel voluntarily. I travel primarily for THAT purpose. AndI will STILL blog about my travels, even if I am only there for me. I continue to work.
I used to enjoy traveling. It isn’t my hobby anymore, which is kind of sad. I no longer plan getaways or think about traveling simply to unwind and have fun.
Now, I travel everywhere and consider all of my options with the thought of blogging about that location.
There must be another significant reason WHY I am going there if I am going someplace that I don’t need to blog about.
Final Reflections
I’m positive about it. Yet, each person would travel with their own distinct methods, purposes, and goals. Consider these factors while deciding whether you travel for fun, as a way of life, or as a job.
DID you enjoy this article? Use the link below to view more of my trip blog, or fill out the subscription form to be the first to learn about new posts!
