Why We Travel

Why We Travel was The Independent's Travel Book of the Year 2024

Travel is the world's most popular pastime — we spend more on our holidays than on any other activity, and tourism is experiencing rapid growth. But some travel damages our planet and communities, and we've all had disappointing experiences. So how do we do it better?

I've travelled as a pilgrim, backpacker, raver, soldier, ski instructor, journalist, grieving son, and husband. I realised that my most fulfilling travel had nothing to do with where I went or what I did. Good travel happens when we understand why we leave home in the first place.

In Why We Travel, I delve into the psychology and neuroscience of wanderlust, exploring motivations including Curiosity, Inspiration, Serendipity, Hardship, Empathy, and Hope, all brought to life with stories from Sudan, Ukraine, New Zealand, Nepal, Japan, Uganda, and outer space.

Why We Travel helps readers to understand their motivations, and use them to drive our action in the right direction.

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Awards & Recognition

  • The Independent Best Travel Book of 2024

  • Smithsonian Magazine Top Ten Best Travel Books 2024

  • Toppings York Travel Book of the Year

  • Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Travel Books of 2024

  • Good Housekeeping Travel Book of the Month

  • A LoveReading Best Book of 2024

  • Top Ten Books of the Year by Eastern Eye

  • The Guardian’s “Best Christmas Travel Gifts"

What people have said about Why We Travel

  • “In an era where many travellers are simply keen to scratch of another section on a foil-backed map, it’s a call to action to consider the benefits of thinking about what we want to achieve from our travels.”

    — The Independent

  • “This is no breezy self-help book. Instead, he ponders how a pastime that used to be associated with relaxation became all about what we can gain.”

    — Wanderlust, Top Travel Books of 2024

  • “This is a travel book like no other.”

    — TalkRadio Europe

  • “A thought-provoking book with the power to change how you see travel - and life.”

    – Pip Stewart

  • “Underpinning the tales of derring-do, high adventure and reportage in this carousel of a book is a deeper tale – of how travel became a profound journey of self-discovery for the author, drawing him closer to loved ones and offering a philosophy for life.”

    – Jini Reddy, Wanderland

  • “Packed with lucid insights that cut to the core of human experience, Why We Travel will have committed travellers smiling and glowing in knowing agreement, and inspire all readers to think about travel in a fresh, life-changing light.”

    – Love Reading

  • “Fabulous exploration of finding life lessons in world travel… shatters the glossy veneer of travel brochures by delving into the human desire to explore.”

    – Eastern Eye