As I reflect on the reasons we travel, I find myself drawn back to the universal truths that drive human behaviour. Travel, whether near or far, isn’t always about the journey itself but the deeper motivations that propel us.
Take my own story. While I don’t naturally enjoy the process of travelling—the chaos of airports, the strain of logistics—there are times when the reasons outweigh the discomfort. Why? Because, at its core, travel is an expression of motivation, and the nine motivators of our psyche apply just as much to travel as they do to any other aspect of life.
For me, the motivation to travel often begins with belonging. It’s what we at Motivational Maps call the Friend motivator: the need to connect, to be part of something larger than ourselves. For years, I didn’t consider belonging a particularly strong motivator for me. But after a near-death experience with cancer a few years ago, something shifted. Belonging became more than an idea; it became a feeling, a knowing. It’s what drives me to reconnect with loved ones, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone.
But motivations rarely exist in isolation. Belonging sometimes conflicts with a much stronger force within me: autonomy—or what we call the Spirit motivator. These two motivators lie on what I refer to as an axis of differentiation. For someone else, the very same act of travelling might represent the opposite impulse: the desire to escape belonging and embrace independence. The action may look identical, but the underlying motivation is entirely different.
And that’s a critical point, especially in the context of organisations. Many businesses remain fixated on behaviours—what people do—while ignoring the motivations that underpin them. But behaviours are symptoms, not causes. To make meaningful, mission-critical decisions about staff or strategy, we need to understand the invisible energies that drive people. If we focus only on symptoms, we miss the opportunity to truly engage and inspire.
Another axis of differentiation that comes into play with travel is the tension between novelty and security. The Creator motivator thrives on variety, innovation, and the thrill of the unknown, while the Defender motivator craves stability and predictability. Personally, I lean towards security when it comes to travel—I’m not naturally adventurous. But in certain moments, the need to belong can override that preference, pushing me to innovate and embrace new experiences, even if they’re outside my comfort zone.
When we consider the full spectrum of motivators, it becomes clear that each one offers its own compelling reason to travel:
- The Spirit: Are you seeking independence, adventure, or the freedom to explore new horizons? Travel can be a way to break free from routines and embrace life on your terms.
- The Friend: Is your journey about visiting family and friends or renewing meaningful connections? Travel often becomes a bridge to belonging and shared memories.
- The Defender: Perhaps security and stability are your priority. You might be travelling to oversee a project, ensure a situation abroad is what you expect, or protect something you hold dear.
- The Builder: Are you motivated by the opportunity to expand your wealth or resources? Travel can open doors to new markets, partnerships, and financial growth.
- The Star: Do you dream of gaining recognition, making your mark, or shining on a global stage? Travel can amplify your visibility and elevate your profile.
- The Expert: Is your trip about learning and mastering something new? For the curious mind, travel is a gateway to growth, discovery, and acquiring valuable skills.
- The Director: Are you drawn to leadership, influence, or the chance to take charge of an overseas opportunity? Travel can be a platform for responsibility and control.
- The Creator: Do you crave variety, innovation, and inspiration? New places, cultures, and perspectives can fuel creativity and spark transformative ideas.
- The Searcher: Are you on a mission to make a difference or contribute to a cause greater than yourself? Travel often connects us with purpose, giving us the chance to leave a positive impact on the world.
In the end, we travel because we’re driven by something greater than movement itself. Travel becomes a means of fulfilling our inner mission. And isn’t that, in many ways, the story of our lives?
If we are not pursuing a mission, can we truly say we have lived? Today, my mission might be to belong—to connect with my loved ones and create lasting memories. Tomorrow, it might be something entirely different.
So, I leave you with this thought: what’s your mission? And where are you travelling—whether literally or metaphorically—to fulfil it?
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