Humans have long been perceived as animals of habit, but when it comes to travel, humans are creatures of curiosity, eager to learn about the next adventure, culture, or place on the bucket list if we're fortunate enough to be able to do so. Although familiarity can breed dislike in life, there is something wonderfully reassuring and enticing about returning to a location you've visited and loved.
The sentimental memories of a much-loved journey, whether at home or abroad, can be seductive, especially in times of a pandemic. You're scrolling through old images when the scents, sounds, tastes, and sights suddenly burst to life, and you're transported back in time. The occasional over-sharing of throwback memories hold testament to well-spent travel journeys in pre-pandemic times. The longing to relive or create better memories whilst travelling comes naturally.
Without a doubt, there are numerous advantages to returning to the same destination time and again. Meaningful travel - getting to know a place and connecting with its people - can inspire and be the cause of lifelong memories. This can have a number of other advantages as a traveller, as well as for the local community and the environment.
The risk-averse among us will relish at the prospect of revisiting our favourite vacation spots. Like with anything, a person gets better at doing something the more we tend to do it. In a place you’ve been before, figuring out public transportation comes easy because you’ve done it before. When conversing with the locals, your language might be rusty at first, but the fundamental terms gradually return, and before you know it, you're able to order from the menu at your favourite restaurant. The same restaurant might be more improved, which is an added bonus as a third time visitor.
It's a great honour to return to a destination that’s been visited before and reconnect with its community, culture, and landscape that holds a special place for the individual. It could be a restaurant you’ve visited that initial time, it could be a special corner at your favourite beach in that destination. Whatever it may be, to reconnect with an experience you once had, could provide an introspective view of the reason you might have visited the place to begin with a fresh perspective.