Summary
“Why We Travel” is an essay written by Pico Iyer that explores the motivations and benefits of travel. Iyer argues that travel is not simply a way to escape from the stresses of daily life, but rather a means to gain perspective and understanding about oneself and the world.
Iyer draws on his own experiences as a world traveler, explaining that travel helps to break down cultural barriers and broaden one’s understanding of the world. He also suggests that travel can help individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world, as it allows them to step outside of their familiar surroundings and see things from a new perspective.
Additionally, Iyer contends that travel can help individuals develop empathy and compassion for others. He notes that through travel, individuals can witness the hardships and struggles of people in different parts of the world, and this can lead to a greater appreciation of the diversity and richness of human experience.
Overall, Iyer’s essay argues that travel is a powerful and transformative experience that can help individuals grow and develop in numerous ways. He suggests that by stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Icebreakers on Why We Travel Std 12
Views on How Traveling Can Be a Hobby:
1. Exploration: Traveling allows you to explore new cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles, turning it into a hobby of continuous discovery.
2. Adventure:For thrill-seekers, traveling offers a variety of adventurous activities, making it an exciting and adrenaline-pumping hobby.
3. Learning: Every new place provides an opportunity to learn about history, art, and different ways of life, turning traveling into an educational hobby.
4. Relaxation:Some consider traveling a hobby for relaxation, as it offers a break from routine, allowing individuals to unwind and rejuvenate.
Benefits of Traveling:
– Teaches carefulness and caution.
– Promotes organizational skills and preparation.
– Encourages promptness and quick decision-making.
Expectations When Traveling:
(a) Food should be delicious and available whenever hungry.
(b) Immersive cultural experiences.
(c) Safe and comfortable accommodation.
(d) Opportunities for memorable adventures.
Various Types of Travels:
- Solo Travel: Embarking on journeys alone, promoting independence, self-discovery, and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace.
- Group Travel: Travelling with friends, family, or organized groups, fostering shared experiences and creating lasting memories.
- Adventure Travel: Catering to thrill-seekers, it involves activities like hiking, rock climbing, or extreme sports in exotic or challenging environments.
- Cultural Travel: Focused on immersing oneself in the local culture, including visits to historical sites, museums, and participation in traditional activities.
- Luxury Travel: Involves high-end accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences, emphasizing comfort and indulgence.
- Business Travel: Undertaken for work purposes, often involving meetings, conferences, and networking, with limited leisure time.
- Backpacking: Traveling on a budget, staying in hostels, and prioritizing experiences over comfort, often associated with longer durations and extensive itineraries.
- Educational Travel: Centered around learning experiences, such as language immersion programs, study abroad, or attending workshops and seminars.
- Cruise Travel: Exploring various destinations while on a cruise ship, offering a combination of travel and onboard luxury amenities.
- Ecotourism: Traveling responsibly to natural areas, promoting conservation and sustainable practices while enjoying the beauty of the environment.
- Road Trip: Exploring by car, allowing for flexibility in destinations and the opportunity to discover hidden gems along the way.
- Volunteer Travel: Combining travel with volunteer work, contributing to local communities and causes while experiencing a new culture.
- Medical Tourism: Traveling for medical treatment or procedures, combining healthcare with leisure in different global locations.
- Digital Nomad Travel: Working remotely while traveling, taking advantage of technology to explore different destinations while maintaining professional commitments.
- Heritage Travel: Visiting ancestral or heritage sites, exploring family roots, and connecting with one’s cultural history.
Activity Set 1on Why We Travel
A1. Write down the views of George Santayana about travelling.
A2.Differentiate: (02).
Differentiate between Tourist and Traveller.
A3. Interpret: (02).
Interpret the statement, “whose riches are differently dispersed.”
A4. Personal Response: (02)
“Travelling broadens our perspective”. Do you agree with the view. Justify your answer with suitable examples.
A5. Language study: (02)
i. For seeing without feeling can obviously be uncaring. (Rewrite the sentence using the Infinitive form of the underlined word)
ii. We travel, initially to lose ourselves and we travel next to find ourselves. (Rewrite the sentence Using,” not only …. but also’)
iii. We travel to open our hearts. (Rewrite the sentence using the “Gerund form” of the underlined word)
A6. Vocabulary: (02)
Find out words from the extract which means the following.
i. Forced to ii. Difficult or unpleasant experience iii. Improper angle
Answers Activity Set 1
A1. Views of George Santayana about travelling:
George Santayana, a Spanish-American philosopher, believed that travelling is essential for self-discovery and personal growth. According to him, it is not only the destination that matters, but the journey itself. Santayana emphasized the importance of experiencing new cultures and lifestyles, as it helps individuals to broaden their perspectives and gain a better understanding of the world around them. He also believed that one should travel with an open mind and embrace the unknown, rather than trying to cling to familiar customs and beliefs.
A2. Differentiation between Tourist and Traveller:
A tourist is someone who travels for pleasure or leisure, often with a fixed itinerary and a limited amount of time. They tend to stick to popular tourist attractions and activities and may not necessarily engage with the local culture. On the other hand, a traveller is someone who seeks to immerse themselves in the culture of the places they visit. They may have a more flexible itinerary and are often open to new experiences and adventures. Travellers tend to be more curious and adventurous, seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and learn about the local way of life.
A3. Interpretation of the statement, “whose riches are differently dispersed.”
The phrase “whose riches are differently dispersed” suggests that wealth is distributed unequally among different people and regions. It implies that some people or areas may have more economic resources than others. The statement may also be interpreted to mean that there are different types of wealth, not just financial wealth. For instance, one may have cultural or social wealth, which can be spread out in various ways.
A4. Personal response to the view, “Travelling broadens our perspective”:
I strongly agree with the view that travelling broadens our perspective. By travelling to new places, we are exposed to different cultures, customs, and ways of life. This exposure can help us gain a better understanding of the world and appreciate the diversity that exists. Travelling can also challenge our assumptions and biases, forcing us to think critically and question our beliefs. For example, I once travelled to a remote village in South America, where I lived with a host family for a few weeks. This experience not only allowed me to learn about their way of life but also taught me to appreciate the little things in life and to live with simplicity.
A5. Language study:
i. Seeing without feeling can obviously be uncaring. (Rewritten using the Infinitive form of the underlined word):
To see without feeling can obviously be uncaring.
ii. We travel, initially to lose ourselves and we travel next to find ourselves. (Rewritten using,” not only …. but also’):
We travel not only to lose ourselves initially but also to find ourselves.
iii. We travel to open our hearts. (Rewrite using the “Gerund form” of the underlined word): We travel for opening our hearts.
A6. Vocabulary:
i. Forced to – Compelled ii. Difficult or unpleasant experience – Ordeal iii. Improper angle – Oblique
ii. The first great of joy travelling is simply the luxury of leaving all my beliefs.(From the given options find out „Wh‟ question to get the underlined part as an answer.)
a) What is the first great joy of travelling?
b) What was the first great joy of travelling?
c) What will be the first great joy of travelling?
d) What is joy of first great travelling?
A6. Vocabulary: (02)
Fill in the blanks with a suitable word from the given bracket and rewrite the sentence:
(Ignorance, essence, solitude, compassion, assumptions)
Activity Set 2
Read the extract and do all the activities that follow: (12)
But for the rest of us, the sovereign freedom of travelling comes from the fact that it whirls you around and turns you upside down, and stands everything you took for granted on its head. If a diploma can famously be a passport (to a journey through hard realism) a passport can be a diploma (for a crash course in cultural relativism). And the first lesson we learn on the road, whether we like it or not, is how provisional and provincial are the things we imagine to be universal.
We travel, then, in part just to shake up our complacencies by seeing all the moral and political urgencies, the life-and-death dilemmas, that we seldom have to face at home. And we travel to fill in the gaps left by tomorrow‟s headlines. When you drive down the streets of Port-au-Prince, for example, where there is almost no paving your notions of the Internet and a “one world order” grow usefully revised. Travel is the best way we have of rescuing the humanity of places, and saving them from abstraction and ideology. And in the process, we also get saved from abstraction ourselves, and come to see how much we can bring to the places we visit, and how much we can become a kind of carrier pigeon – an anti-Federal Express, if you like – in transporting back and forth what every culture needs. I find that I always take Michael Jordan posters to Kyoto, and bring woven ikebana baskets back to California.
But more significantly, we carry values and beliefs and news to the places we go, and in many parts of the world, we become walking video screens and living newspapers, the only channels that can take people out of the censored limits of their homelands. In closed or impoverished places, like Pagan or Lhasa or Havana, we are the eyes and ears of the people we meet, their only contact with the world outside and, very often, the closest, quite literally, they will ever come to Michael Jackson or Bill Clinton. Not the least of the challenges of travel, therefore, is learning how to import – and export – dreams with tenderness
State whether the following statements are True/ False
i. According to the writer, we travel in part just to shake up our satisfaction that we seldom have to free at home.
ii. We imagine that provisional and provincial things are universal.
iii. The writer always brings woven ikebana baskets back to India.
iv. We Carry values, beliefs and news to the place.
A2. Explain: (02)
Explain the concept of cultural relativism.
A3. Interpret: (02)
Interpret the statement, “We are eyes and ears of the people.”
A4. Personal Response (02)
Do you agree with the views expressed by the writer? Justify your answer with suitable examples.
A5. Language study: (02)
i. Travel is the best way we have of rescuing the humanity of places.
(Rewrite the sentence using the “Infinitive form” of the underlined word)
OR
(change the degree)
i. We can become a kind of carrier Pigeon.
(Rewrite the sentence using a modal auxiliary which indicates,” possibility”)
A6. Vocabulary: (02)
Find out words from the extract which mean the following.
i. Regional
ii. Confusion/double mind situation
iii. Poverty stricken places
iv. A set of ideas which form a basis for political economic system
Answers Activity Set 2
A1. State whether the following statements are True/ False:
i. According to the writer, we travel in part just to shake up our satisfaction that we seldom have to free at home. True
ii. We imagine that provisional and provincial things are universal. True
iii. The writer always brings woven ikebana baskets back to India. False
iv. We Carry values, beliefs and news to the place. True
A2. Explain:
The concept of cultural relativism is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values, and practices should be understood and interpreted in the context of their own culture, rather than being judged against the standards of another culture. It recognizes that different cultures have their own unique way of life, and what may be considered acceptable in one culture may not be in another.
A3. Interpret:
The statement “We are the eyes and ears of the people” means that when we travel to other places, we can act as a source of information and knowledge for the people we meet. We can share our experiences, beliefs, and values, and in turn, learn from their perspectives and experiences. This can help bridge the gap between different cultures and promote understanding and empathy.
A4. Personal Response:
Personal response may vary. One possible response could be: I agree with the views expressed by the writer. Traveling to different places has helped me broaden my perspective and understanding of different cultures. For example, when I traveled to Japan, I learned about their unique customs and values, such as the importance of harmony and respect in their society. This helped me appreciate and respect their culture, and also helped me reflect on my own beliefs and values.
A5. Language study:
i. To rescue the humanity of places, travel is the best way we have.
ii. We can possibly become a kind of carrier pigeon.
A6. Vocabulary:
i. Provincial
ii. Cognitive dissonance
iii. Impoverished places
iv. Ideology
Report Writing from New Question Bank
Brainstorming on Why We Travel Std 12 English
Read the first two paragraphs and discuss the need to travel.
Discussion on the Need to Travel:
The first two paragraphs likely provide insights into the intrinsic value of travel, highlighting aspects such as personal growth, cultural enrichment, and the unique experiences that come from exploring different places. Traveling often broadens one’s perspective, fosters adaptability, and contributes to a deeper understanding of the world.
(A2) (i) Read the sentence ‘If a diploma can famously ………. in cultural relativism.’
Pick the sentence which gives the meaning of the above statement from
the alternatives given below.
(a) A diploma certificate can be used as a passport and a passport can be
used as a diploma certificate.
(b) If one has a diploma, he does not need a passport and if he has a
passport, he does not need a diploma.
(c) One can acquire permission to travel to foreign countries for educational purposes based on her academic achievements and travelling to foreign countries enriches one the most regarding the knowledge and wisdom of the world.
Write an email to your friends about your proposed trek. You can take help of the following points. You can keep your parents informed about it by adding them in BCC.
• A trek in the forest of Kodaikanal
• Time and duration
• Type of trek (cycle/ motorbike/ walk)
• Facilities provided
• Last date for registration
• Fees
Write an email to your friends about your proposed trek. You can take help of the following points. You can keep your parents informed about it by adding them in BCC.
• A trek in the forest of Kodaikanal
• Time and duration
• Type of trek (cycle/ motorbike/ walk)
• Facilities provided
• Last date for registration
• Fees
To : maheshraghav@hotmail.com
BCC: anilbhumare@gmail.com
Subject: Information about proposed treck
Hey everyone,
I hope this email finds you well! I am thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you. I’m planning a trek in the beautiful forests of Kodaikanal and would love for you to join me on this adventure!
Here are the key details:
Location: Kodaikanal Forest
Time and Duration: The trek is scheduled for [Date] and will last [Number of Days]. It’s going to be an amazing escape into nature, filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.
Type of Trek: We have multiple options for the trek—whether you prefer cycling, motorbiking, or a classic walking experience, there’s something for everyone.
Facilities Provided: We’ve got you covered! Expect well-planned routes, experienced guides, and all the necessary safety measures in place. It’s going to be a fantastic journey with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Last Date for Registration: To ensure everything is well-organized, the last date for registration is [Deadline]. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience—register before the deadline to secure your spot.
Fees: The fees for the trek are 5000, which includes accommodation, meals. You can make the payment by Gpay,Phonepay.
I’ve also taken the liberty of keeping my parents in the loop about this exciting venture. They’ll be receiving updates along the way.
Feel free to reply to this email if you have any questions or need more information. Let’s make this trek an unforgettable experience together!
Looking forward to embarking on this adventure with all of you.
Best regards,
Rahul Anil Bhumare
(ii) Prepare a list of the litterateurs and their quotations mentioned by the writer in the essay.
(iii) ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new places but in seeing with new eyes.’ – Marcel Proust. Justify with the help of the text.
Marcel Proust Quotation
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new places but in seeing with new eyes.” implies that true exploration goes beyond physical locations and involves perceiving the world with a fresh perspective. It emphasizes a mindset shift rather than just visiting new places.
(iv) Read the third paragraph and find the difference between a tourist and a traveller as revealed through the complaints made by them.
Difference Between Tourist and Traveler
The third paragraph likely outlines distinctions between tourists and travelers based on the complaints mentioned. Tourists might focus on discomfort and inconveniences, while travelers seek deeper connections and understanding.
(v) Write four sentences with the help of the text conveying the fact that travelling brings together the various cultures of the different parts of the world.
Cultural Integration Through Travel
Traveling bridges cultural gaps, bringing people from different parts of the world together.
It fosters a global understanding by exposing individuals to diverse traditions.
Through travel, various cultures intermingle, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences.
Exploring different parts of the world promotes cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
(vi) By quoting Camus, the writer has stated that travelling emancipates us from circumstances and all the habits behind which we hide. Write in detail your views about that.
Camus’ Quote on Travel
The writer, by quoting Camus, suggests that traveling liberates individuals from their habitual circumstances. This freedom allows for personal growth and a break from routine, enabling individuals to see beyond their usual confines and gain new perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we travel?
People travel for various reasons, including exploration, cultural enrichment, relaxation, and adventure.
Why traveling is important?
Traveling is important as it broadens perspectives, fosters personal growth, and allows for diverse experiences.
Why did people start traveling?
Historically, people started traveling for survival, trade, and exploration. As societies evolved, travel became a means of connecting cultures and exchanging ideas.
Why is everyone into traveling?
The popularity of travel is linked to a desire for new experiences, cultural diversity, and a break from routine. Social media also plays a role in fueling travel aspirations.
How do we travel?
Traveling can be done by various means, such as planes, trains, cars, or even on foot, depending on the destination and personal preferences.
How can I enjoy traveling?
To enjoy traveling, be open-minded, embrace local culture, try new foods, and plan a balance between exploration and relaxation. Flexibility and a positive attitude enhance the travel experience.
It was helpful to me thank you so much ☺