My name is Dmitry. I've been to 45 countries and already know where I'm going next.
I've been to some places once, and returned to others. I've spent a day in some, and stayed for months in others.
I am a digital nomad. My office is wherever there's a laptop and Wi-Fi.
I've often asked myself: why do people travel at all?
From a scientific point of view, there are several reasons.
Firstly, since ancient times, people have traveled because that's how their ancestors survived. They sought new territories, were not afraid of the unknown, explored the world, and did not stay in one place. As a result, they obtained more resources, more chances of survival, and the development of offspring.
Curiosity + a thirst for the new = an evolutionary advantage.
Therefore, this “setting” is turned up higher in some people.
Secondly, novelty is directly related to dopamine - the hormone of motivation and interest. Every new city is new smells, routes, faces, languages, and rules. The brain literally says: “Oh, something new! Here's a reward for you, give me more!”
Therefore, traveling invigorates, days become “longer,” and everything around feels like a reset.
When you stay in one place for a long time, the brain starts saving energy: it turns on autopilot, and the days merge into a monotonous whole.
Travel, however, breaks patterns. You think consciously again, make more decisions, notice new details. Hence the feeling that “I feel like I'm really living again”.
For me, travel is a quick way to rethink views, check your values, and understand where you feel good and where you don't.
To compare different cultures, see alternative ways of living, and realize what else this world can be.
Travel has taught me not to panic, to quickly adapt to new conditions, and to always make backups!
So, I continue on my path.
Do you dream of going somewhere beyond your usual habitat? Let's share ideas for new routes 🌏