Why Traveling is Good For Writers: Unveiling the Creative Secrets

When was the last time you traveled, and where did you go?

For many of us, traveling isn’t just an escape from the daily grind—it’s a chance to spark new ideas and broaden our perspectives. As a writer, I’ve found that exploring new places can work wonders for creativity. Unfortunately, with work and life keeping me busy, I haven’t been able to travel as much lately. However, I still have fond memories of living in Japan as a child, and those experiences left a lasting impression on my imagination.

In this post, we’ll explore how traveling can fuel creativity, boost mental health, and discuss how some of the greatest writers were inspired by their travels abroad.

Fueling Creativity

Traveling is a great way to gain new ideas. Being exposed to different cultures and perspectives can inspire you in countless ways. From culinary cuisine to music and fashion, diverse cultures can help you step outside your comfort zone. As a writer, it can expose you to different writing techniques, such as:

- Haiku: A Japanese poem with 17 syllables arranged in three lines of five, seven, and five syllables.

- Magical Realism: A genre that emerged from Latin America, intertwining everyday life with fantastical elements.

- Oral Traditions: Common in many African countries, where stories are passed down through fables, mythology, and proverbs.

- Epistolary Form: A method of storytelling through letters and documents, offering a unique perspective into characters' thoughts. This literary device originated in France.

Traveling also teaches you that it's okay to take risks and make mistakes. Whether it's a language barrier creating an embarrassing situation or missing a flight and having to reroute your plans, travel helps develop your problem-solving skills, which can make you more creative.

When you're in a new environment, you're exposed to a variety of stimuli—different sights, sounds, and tastes—that can inspire fresh ideas. Traveling also provides lifelong learning experiences, whether you're learning a new language, discovering historical insights, or gaining a new perspective.

Improving Mental Health

Studies have found that people who travel are generally happier. A study from Cornell University discovered that traveling brings more lasting happiness than buying material possessions. While the joy from buying something quickly fades, the experiences and memories gained from traveling remain with us longer. These experiences become a part of our identity, much more than our possessions do.

Although traveling can sometimes feel isolating, it's also an opportunity to build new relationships. A Harvard study found that people who are closely connected to friends and family are happier and healthier. Traveling can reduce stress, giving everyone a much-needed break from work and daily responsibilities. Chronic stress and anxiety can take a toll on your mental and physical health, and travel offers a chance to recharge and return to your routine revitalized.

Writers Inspired by Travel

Many writers have drawn inspiration from different cultures and destinations. Let’s take a look at a few notable examples:

- Elizabeth Gilbert: In her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert embarked on a year-long journey of self-discovery after her divorce. In Italy, she indulged in the local cuisine and learned to savor life. In India, she deepened her connection with herself and spirituality through meditation and prayer. Finally, in Bali, she found balance and love. Gilbert’s travels inspired countless readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

- George Orwell: Best known for his books 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell’s experiences in Burma and Spain greatly influenced his writing. He worked for the Indian Imperial Police in Burma for five years, which inspired his novel Burmese Days. Orwell also fought in the Spanish Civil War, an experience that shaped his political views and inspired works like Homage to Catalonia.

- Oscar Wilde: Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author. After publishing his first collection of poems, he traveled to New York for a successful tour, followed by more tours in England and Ireland. Wilde’s travels through Europe greatly influenced his works, including his most famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Conclusion

Traveling is a fantastic way to fuel your creativity. It encourages you to break away from your routine, take risks, and see the world from a new perspective. Whether you're reflecting on your own experiences or connecting with others, travel offers benefits for both your mental health and creative growth. Many great writers have drawn inspiration from their travels—perhaps you will, too. Has travel inspired you to write or create something new?

Sources:

Johnson, C. (n.d.). How travel improves creativity. Carla Johnson. https://www.carlajohnson.co/how-travel-improves-creativity/. WebMD. (n.d.). How travel affects mental health. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-travel-affects-mental-health

Rainey, J. (n.d.). Travel and creativity: How new experiences stimulate the mind. Jenna Rainey. https://jennarainey.com/travel-and-creativity-how-new-experiences-stimulate-the-mind/

Miro, C. (2020, March 2). 6 authors influenced by travel. Miro from Cairo. https://www.mirofromcairo.com/2020/03/6-authors-influenced-by-travel/