Chandigarh, June 3: Travelling is no longer just a leisure activity; it has become a powerful tool for personal growth, mental well-being, and cultural understanding, say experts and seasoned travellers alike. As more people seek meaningful experiences over material possessions, the significance of travel is becoming increasingly pronounced.
“Travel opens up the mind in ways no book or classroom ever can,” said Radhika Mehta, a travel blogger from Chandigarh who has visited over 20 countries. “It teaches you to be patient, tolerant, and more accepting of the world’s diversity.”
According to tourism professionals, travel provides a break from routine and helps people reconnect with themselves. “When you travel, you step away from the chaos of daily life,” said Ajay Pal Singh, director of a city-based tour company. “This shift in environment allows you to reflect, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective.”
Mental health experts also highlight travel as an effective remedy for stress and burnout. Dr. Neha Mahajan, a psychologist at a private clinic in Sector 17, explained, “People today are burdened with work pressure and digital fatigue. Travelling helps them detox mentally. Even a short weekend getaway can uplift mood and improve emotional resilience.”
The COVID-19 pandemic may have put brakes on international tourism for a while, but it also revived interest in domestic travel. Many residents of Chandigarh explored lesser-known places in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the lockdown period. “We realized how little we knew about our own country,” said Mohit Arora, a software engineer who travelled to Chamba and Kinnaur. “I was stunned by the beauty and simplicity of these places.”
Cultural immersion is another critical benefit of travelling. Meeting people from different backgrounds fosters empathy and mutual respect. “When you sit down to eat with someone from a completely different culture, you stop seeing them as ‘other,’” said Priya Dutt, an anthropology researcher who frequently travels for fieldwork. “This kind of grassroots interaction promotes harmony in a world that’s increasingly polarized.”
For young people, travel can also be an education beyond textbooks. Several Chandigarh-based schools and colleges are encouraging study tours to enhance students’ understanding of geography, history, and sociology. “Experiencing a historical site first-hand has far more impact than reading about it in a chapter,” noted Professor Maninder Kaur of Panjab University. “We’re seeing more educational institutions take this approach seriously.”
Even the local economy benefits when people travel. From small homestays in remote villages to handicraft sellers in tourist towns, travel generates employment and sustains livelihoods. “Tourism has helped our family-run homestay survive through tough times,” said Meena Devi, who hosts visitors in her home near McLeod Ganj. “Most of our guests come from cities like Chandigarh, and they appreciate staying somewhere authentic.”
However, responsible travel is equally important. Environmentalists are urging tourists to be conscious of their ecological footprint. “We must travel in ways that don’t harm local habitats,” said Gagandeep Singh, an environmental activist. “Respect the places you visit. Leave them better than you found them.”
Chandigarh itself has seen a rise in eco-tourism groups promoting sustainable travel practices. Bicycling tours, nature walks, and bird-watching expeditions are gaining popularity among residents who want to explore the natural beauty of the region without contributing to pollution or overcrowding.
As summer vacation season approaches, travel agencies in the city report a surge in bookings. “We’re seeing high demand for both international and domestic packages,” said Nidhi Sharma, who runs a travel consultancy in Sector 35. “People want to make up for lost time. They’re investing more in experiences that bring joy and meaning.”
In a world where digital interactions often replace human connection, travelling remains one of the few activities that nurtures the soul and brings people closer to themselves and to others. As Priya Dutt summed it up, “The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.”
