The Positive Connection Between Travel, Wellbeing, and Belonging
Sculpture by Portuguese artist João Cutileiro
I’m in a writing workshop with 6 amazing women. Each week we write a story from our lives based on a theme or writing prompt. This week’s story theme is BELONGING. While I’m still unsure what my story will be, I do know that the concept of belonging plays a significant role in our well-being. In fact, belonging hangs out, right alongside love in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Belonging is fundamental to us as humans.
Given that I also believe that travel offers people a way to foster well-being, I got curious about the relationship between belonging and travel.
What Does Belonging Mean?
I stumbled on an article that reminded me that the letters of the word belonging can be split and reframed as a “longing to be.” We search to be a part of something bigger.
Our fundamental need to belong motivates us to join clubs, faith groups, and sports teams. We seek out people who are similar to ourselves. The sense of belonging among the local crowd was palpable during my Spanish futbol experience, as well as observing a Catholic religious procession. But research says that this may or may not result in a sense of belonging. It’s not just about being with people, it’s about being accepted for who you are. Jeanine Stewart, from the Neuroleadership Institute says, “Being surrounded by other human beings doesn’t guarantee a sense of belonging... It’s the [quality] interactions over time which are supportive of us as full, authentic human beings.”
How Does Belonging Relate to Travel?
I certainly never assume that I “belong” in a foreign country or even a nearby town as a visitor. I can, however, begin to feel a sense of belonging when I take a big step back and consider that travel is an invitation to belong - not to a place - but to one another.
Travelling helps remind me that I am part of something much bigger than my small town and my Canadian way of life. When I interact with people in different countries, I learn about the local customs, traditions, history, and food. By doing my best to immerse myself, the experience allows me to understand and appreciate the unique aspects of the people in the places I visit. Research says that this understanding creates a sense of empathy, appreciation, and connection.
I remember a connection moment in Scotland when we came upon a performance by the Oban High School Pipe Band in the harbour square. It was a wonderful performance but what hit me with a strong sense of belonging was watching all the ‘band parents’ proudly collect their kids when it was over. I was a band parent for years, and observing this ritual halfway around the world struck me with a profound sense of connection.
In addition, when you travel you are likely to connect with other travelers. It’s fun to strike up a conversation when I hear English or see a Canadian flag on a bag. This type of community building helps me feel a sense of connection to a group of people who love to travel! Similarly, I imagine that is why expats (people who permanently move to another country) often create very strong networks and communities within a country. They can feel foreign together, and create a bond of shared experiences based on NOT totally fitting into their new home.
Belonging, Authenticity, and Self-Acceptance
Belonging relates to a need for authentic connection with others. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown reminds us that being authentic means we need to accept ourselves! She dives into this concept and suggests that belonging is, foremost, about self-acceptance.
My personal experience of belonging is a bit mixed up with wanting to fit in. New towns and new schools throughout my childhood and teen years had me working hard to fit in. In some places I never felt like I belonged and in other places I did. In some places I tried to conform to the other kids and in other places (especially after trial and error) I let go of that, and with an acceptance of who I was, found people that accepted me too.
Traveling helps people to step out of their comfort zones and experience new things. This challenge can have a positive impact on overall personal growth and can increase confidence and self-awareness. This personal growth often leads to a feeling of connection with oneself, which can help to create a sense of belonging.
“Because we can feel belonging only if we have the courage to share our most authentic selves with people, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
Brene Brown
When we search for belonging, we are actually searching for:
Acceptance
A chance to be a part of something
The experience of real connection
A sense of shared humanity
How Your Trip is Planned Makes a Difference
The reality is, however, that travel can also be isolating, especially if you are an introvert like me. Belonging requires us to feel understood, recognized and affirmed. Being in an unfamiliar place for too long or separated from your routines or the people in your life can make travel difficult as you feel the ill effects of not belonging. If your travels are quick, you’re not likely to notice, but if you are choosing a longer or slower pace of deeper travel, the design of your trip is important.
My husband had some hesitation about our 10-week trip to Spain and Portugal. In an honest guest blog post for TravelBugTonic, he wrote, “No matter how you say it, two and half months, ten weeks, 70+ days is a long time for me to be away from home.” But he discovered that how our trip was planned did not result in him missing home or feeling disconnected. We made an effort to design our trip based on who we uniquely are versus a cookie-cutter guidebook approach.
5 Ways to Foster a Sense of Belonging while Travelling
Show up authentically - be you!
Make an effort to connect
Look for commonalities
Be patient
Practice acceptance
The result is a willingness to understand, accept and appreciate a culture and place that will, in turn, inspire its people to welcome strangers into their lives, even in small ways. Take that attitude with you wherever you go. This understanding and appreciation can help foster a sense of empathy and connection, ultimately leading to a sense of belonging.
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