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Natural Awakenings Central Florida / Orlando

Ditch YouTube Armchair Travel ~ Real Travel Communities Offer Deep Connections

Nov 30, 2023 12:31PM ● By Erica Boucher
Thanks to the advent of the World Wide Web and social media, we humans are (in many ways) more connected than ever before. For the first time in the history of man, it’s easy to stay in touch with people you have not seen in decades—and we can have “face-to-face” chats with those thousands of miles away.

These advances served us well during the pandemic when the world shut down, and a large swath of the population suddenly transitioned into remote workers. Then add an uptick in online shopping (which replaced browsing through stores with friends) and even included grocery delivery services. Sadly for some, there is not much need to leave the house at all.

While it appears (on the surface) that the world is more connected than ever before, there is a new growing trend that has medical experts concerned: LONELINESS.  According to the Surgeon General, “loneliness is more widespread today than any other major health issue in the United States.” The health ramifications of this “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” can increase the risk of premature death in ways similar to those who smoke daily. In fact, a recent study indicates that loneliness may increase the risk of stroke by 32%, and heart disease by as much as 29%.

In short, whether we realize it or not, many of us are CRAVING true connection. And, this is something we cannot find on a computer or telephone screen.

Some of us depend heavily on social media for much of our community interaction (which gives us fewer and fewer reasons to leave home). Too many have stopped living the adventure of life altogether when we unconsciously choose to live vicariously through others. (This is something social media influencers have been capitalizing on now for years. They are making a living doing the living for others. And probably having a fun career?!)

This disconnect is not only affecting us personally—at home and in our communities—but it is impacting us on a global scale.

I recently heard someone say, “Travel Helps World Peace.” This is because it’s hard to see the rest of the world as the “alien-other” when you start to see yourself as a citizen of the world, not just as a citizen of your home country.

According to William Chalmers (author of America’s Vacation Deficit Disorder), only 5% of Americans have ever been overseas. And in a study published by Forbes Magazine, a whopping 11% of Americans have never left their home state!

We sometimes forget that these geographical boundary lines (which divide us) are not “real.” They are divisions created by man. Sadly, many of us have bought into these divisions, forgetting that (ultimately) we are all connected. We are all brothers and sisters of a single human race.

Travel educates us. It expands our minds and opens our hearts. We start to recognize that we humans are more alike than we are different. Because, ultimately, we all seek the same things: safety, belonging, connection, and love.

Another growing trend (that has both positive and negative ramifications) is Solo Travel. Yes, solo travel is empowering and liberating. When the decision is ours alone, we don’t have to wait for a commitment from others to start living our adventures. Let’s not be afraid to venture out into the world!

However, just because you can travel alone doesn’t mean you want to. As one woman shared, “I’ve tried traveling solo, but I just don’t enjoy it.” For some, traveling solo isn’t as fun as they thought it would be. There also seems to be a growing desire to plug into a community of like-minded others.

This may be why small group travel is becoming more and more popular. Other reasons for the growing popularity of small group travel is shared (often lower) travel costs, increased safety, more relaxation and less stress. (Someone else handles the details.)

Even if you are “single-and-loving-it,” others such as widows, divorcees and married individuals enjoy these groups, too. If your spouse prefers armchair YouTube videos, there is no need to limit your own real wandering.

Couples also benefit by meeting new people, expanding their circle of friends, and sharing experiences with others. Having just returned from escorting another small group on an overseas adventure, I’m reminded (once again) that what’s even better than the destination itself are the people we get to meet and the relationships which are formed along the way.

Everyone has their own unique motivations for taking these trips. There is a woman whose beloved passed (after a long battle with ALS). Since then, she has joined us on several European river cruises, and each time, she grows more outgoing and committed to living wholeheartedly. Her thirst for life is an inspiration.

Whatever the motivation and whatever the experience level, there is no reason you have to do any of it alone.

As we grow into The New Year, the best resolution we can make is: Get back out into the world. Invite more connection. Let’s put ourselves in situations where we can meet new people, have new experiences, and feel deeper connections. Because what the world needs now, more than ever, are more expansive minds and open hearts. These are the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves—and to mankind. Travel is one beautiful way we can get there.


Erica Boucher is a published author, yoga teacher, and full-time travel advisor specializing in small group travel. Her focus on relationships and connection over the past twenty years has resulted in an organically-growing travel community of like-minded men and women seeking friendship, connection, and adventure. For Natural Awakenings readers, she has extended a 20% discount on her July 2024 European Danube River Cruise. Be sure to mention the NA code! Details at: NACFL.com and www.InternationalYogaTravel.com or call 407-383-4196.

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