In many parts of the world, city life is on the rise while the countryside remains relatively untouched by the wonders of modern technology. This is especially the case in emerging economies where huge cities occupy a massive portion of the land, leaving the rest to the elements – although the elements are taking their toll there too.
While many people are choosing to leave the hustle and bustle of the big cities behind, those who live in smaller towns are discovering the pleasures that come with a more traditional way of life. A 2018 report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) found that human beings are migrating from urban areas to towns and smaller cities due to limited available farmland, the cost of living, and ease of access to infrastructure. In many cases, people are leaving urban areas in search of a better quality of life. In some instances, climate change is also playing a role in the decline of urban areas.
More Than Meets The Eye
The need to travel to other places is increasing, both for a change of pace and to access better quality services. However, this doesn’t just apply to day-to-day travel to nearby towns and cities. People are seeing the benefits of travelling to other parts of the country for festivals and other special events, such as weddings and sporting activities. The rise of Airbnb and other shared accommodation means that people can now travel to areas that they wouldn’t normally consider reachable by public transportation.
The desire to travel far from home is driven by several factors. One of the major ones is the increase in life expectancy. People are seeing the benefits of a longer life, which in turn means they want to take more holidays and explore more places. Additionally, more people are choosing to downsize their lives and live a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. For these reasons, rural travel is becoming more popular.
Less Crowds And Fewer Discomfort
Being in a place where the only sound to be heard is that of the wind chimes and birdsong instead of the roar of traffic and the grinding of buildings is a feeling that many seek to experience. There’s a sense of peace and relaxation that comes with being in a place where there’s no eye-level street harassment or harassment by other road users. Fewer crowds mean fewer people to bother you, and everyone likes to feel that they’re contributing to a better cause – helping other people have a better experience. In some instances, people are choosing to work remotely from a café or a bookshop, rather than in an office. The rise of the sharing economy has made it easier for people to work remotely, and therefore reduce their carbon footprint. Travelling to other towns and cities to access services isn’t always the most convenient option, so working remotely is becoming popular.
More Authentic Travel
If you’ve been to other parts of the world, you’ll know that not all towns and cities are created equal. Some are larger and more developed than others, which can make a big difference in terms of the sights to see and the amenities available. The more you know about a place, the more you can do to improve your experience while there. In terms of authenticity, it’s all about location, location, location. If you’re in a place that feels like it’s been ripped out of a fairytale, you’ll have a better time believing in the magic that surrounds you. This doesn’t just apply to travel – it can make a difference in terms of finding enjoyment in daily activities too.
A Better Connection To Nature
People are choosing to live more connected to nature, and for good reason too. One of the major factors driving this trend is the impact that urban living is having on the environment. As previously mentioned, people are moving out of urban areas in search of greener pastures. This means that they’re putting more space between themselves and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, which has a knock-on effect for nature. There’s less pollution and fewer creatures vying for your attention as a result of living in smaller, more intimate groups. Travelling to other parts of the country means you’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature in a way that most people don’t experience in their daily lives.
A Change Of Perspective
Imagine if you will, a world where the only sound you hear is the wind chimes and birdsong. There’s no cars driving by, no horns honking, and no people yelling at each other. Now, picture the same scenario, except this time you’re surrounded by thick fog. While it might not seem like much, the change in scenery can have a profound effect on the way you see the world and the situation that you’re in. The fog lifts, and there, in front of you, is a bustling city. What would you say differently about the place you find yourself in now compared to that first image?
The main point of this hypothetical example is that changing your point of view can have a significant effect on the way you see and interact with the world around you. People are choosing to do this more frequently as a result of the information age, which places more emphasis on individual perception and experience than on physical factionalism. In today’s world, everyone is a broadcaster, everyone is a creator, and everyone is an observer. This creates the opportunity to see the world through a different lens, which in turn leads to a more creative and satisfying experience.
More Opportunities
The more opportunities there are for someone to travel, the more likely they are to do so. With more people choosing to work remotely than ever before, the opportunity to travel abroad has never been greater. Additionally, many larger towns and cities have a wealth of historic architecture and culture, which means there’s lots to do and see. If you love history, why not take a bus tour around this incredible city, or wander around the lanes of a quaint, small town in search of that authentic, country feeling? There are lots of opportunities for everyone, regardless of where you choose to go.
Many people are choosing to leave the hustle and bustle of the big cities behind, and for good reason too. Not only is there a greater sense of peace in smaller towns and on rural routes, but the cost of living is often less, which in turn, makes it easier for everyone to enjoy a new place. While the benefits of urban exploring are numerous and significant, for those seeking peace and relaxation, travelling to smaller towns has never been more appealing.
