Book Summary: Why We Travel by Alain de Botton

If you can’t read right now, here’s a 3 minute video “The Point of Travel”, narrated by Alain.

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Following the book (or this summary), it will become clear why we spent so much time crafting the Africovery Travel Journal. The journal gives a clear structure to the below mentioned journey of discovery which travel takes us on. Each day of the trip contains thoughtful and relevant prompts to gently elicit the insight which may end up freeing us; be it resolving an internal conflict, or surfacing the clarity we've been yearning for.

Our favourite highlight of course is when De Botton presents the idea that travel is as much about exploring the internal world as it is about exploring the external world.

Summary of Why We Travel by Alain de Botton

1. Anticipation vs. Reality: Travel often begins in the imagination, where we construct idyllic visions of our destination. The anticipation is fueled by glossy photos, guidebooks, and daydreams, but the reality can sometimes be underwhelming. De Botton reminds us that the disparity between our dreams and actual experiences is inevitable because we cannot anticipate the mundane or the frustrations of real life.

Quote: “Anticipatory pleasures highlight the contrast between the ideals of travel and the often ordinary realities of being abroad.”

For instance, the allure of a tropical beach can vanish when faced with sand in your clothes or loud tourists. Yet this disconnect teaches us to embrace imperfection and reframe our expectations.

2. Seeing with Fresh Eyes: One of the profound gifts of travel is that it refreshes our perception of the world. By breaking free from the familiarity of routine, we notice details that would otherwise escape us. De Botton emphasizes that cultivating this perspective doesn’t require leaving home; it is about paying closer attention.

Quote: “The pleasure we derive from journeys is perhaps dependent more on the mindset with which we travel than on the destination we travel to.”

The lesson here is simple but powerful: we can be tourists in our own city or even in our daily routines, seeing them anew with curiosity and wonder. See our article on The Benefits of Nature on Our Wellbeing

3. The Role of Art in Travel: According to De Botton, art acts as a lens through which we can better understand and appreciate our experiences. He highlights the influence of artists like Van Gogh and writers like Baudelaire, whose works illuminate the beauty in landscapes, light, and everyday scenes. These artists teach us to look at the world with intention.

Quote: “What we find exotic abroad may be what we hunger for in vain at home.”

For example, Van Gogh’s paintings of Provence show how vibrant and alive an ordinary wheat field can be, prompting us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Check out How a Trip to The African Wilderness Invokes Creativity

4. The Unexpected Joys of the Mundane: Travel need not always be grand or adventurous. Some of the most meaningful moments arise from simple experiences, like sitting in a quiet café or watching the sun set in a foreign land. These seemingly trivial moments can be deeply nourishing, fostering reflection and connection.

Quote: “Journeys are the midwives of thought. Few places are more conducive to internal conversations than a moving plane, ship or train.”

In these quiet intervals, travel creates a space for introspection that is often absent in the busyness of everyday life.

5. Why We Travel: De Botton explores the deeper reasons behind our urge to travel. Beyond leisure or relaxation, travel satisfies our innate need for change, inspiration, and self-discovery. It allows us to temporarily escape the constraints of routine and offers a chance to explore other ways of living.

Quote: “What we remember of our journeys is often something other than what we went in search of.”

For example, someone traveling to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower might instead cherish a spontaneous conversation with a local or the taste of a perfectly flaky croissant.

6. Travel as a Reflection of Ourselves: The destinations we choose often reveal our inner desires and aspirations. A traveler drawn to bustling cities may seek connection and energy, while another who prefers remote mountains might yearn for solitude and contemplation.

Quote: “Our responses to the world are shaped by the books we have read, the paintings we have seen, the music we have heard, and the people we have loved.”

De Botton’s insight highlights that travel is as much about exploring the external world as it is about understanding ourselves.

7. Coming Home: Travel doesn’t end when we return; it changes how we see home. Familiar places are imbued with fresh meaning and new appreciation. De Botton suggests that the true value of travel lies in this transformation of perspective.

Quote: “The home we return to is not the home we left behind.”

After traveling, even the mundane aspects of daily life can feel richer, viewed through the lens of a refreshed mindset. This is even more amplified upon returning home from a trip to Africa, where witnessing how millions of people live can bring us a sense of perspective and gratitude for our good fortune. 

Notable Sections

1. On the Sublime (Edmund Burke) De Botton explores the concept of the sublime, where nature’s vastness—such as towering mountains or endless deserts—dwarfs our personal concerns. These experiences provide a humbling sense of perspective, reminding us of the world’s immensity and our place within it. #savannah

Quote: “There are moments on journeys when something takes us by surprise and it becomes worth the price of admission.”

2. Baudelaire’s Urge to Wander The poet Charles Baudelaire captures the restlessness many of us feel: the desire to escape the monotony of daily life. For Baudelaire, travel is not just about reaching new places but about seeking inspiration and renewal.

Quote: “A traveler is at heart someone who has lost their sense of rootedness.”

3. Edward Hopper and the Solitude of Travel Painter Edward Hopper’s works illustrate the beauty and melancholy of solitude. De Botton connects this to travel, noting that being alone in unfamiliar places can foster deep self-awareness.

Quote: “To stay in a strange hotel room is to inhabit a space without history, where one can remake oneself.”

Takeaway

The Art of Travel is a reflective guide to understanding the true nature of travel. De Botton challenges us to look beyond the surface of destinations and instead focus on the internal journeys they provoke. By cultivating curiosity, embracing imperfections, and appreciating the small moments, we can transform not just how we travel but how we live.

If you are looking for that journey, deep in nature, with all your needs and wants met - Contact us today to design your journey. 🫶