The Transformative Power of Curiosity in Travel

Can curiosity truly enhance your travel experiences? How can you ask more insightful questions to the people you encounter—whether at home or abroad? What does it mean to lead a life centered around curiosity?

Scott Shigeoka is a curiosity enthusiast, designer, and the recent author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World (Hachette, 2023).

Shigeoka appears to be perpetually intrigued by the world and, more importantly, by its diverse inhabitants. In 2019, he set off on a cross-country road trip aimed at engaging with people who were vastly different from him—a “city-dwelling liberal Asian American queer professor and researcher from Hawai‘i,” as he characterizes himself. Guided by his curiosity, he planned stops and activities that not only fostered connections with new individuals and viewpoints but also allowed him to test the relationship-building techniques he had been studying at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. Consequently, he found himself at a Trump rally in Minnesota, connecting with small-business owners in Arkansas, and visiting a convent in Northern California that accommodates both Catholic nuns and those who identify as non-religious (“nuns and nones,” as they refer to themselves).

This journey inspired Shigeoka to write Seek, which combines his personal experiences with additional research to present practical strategies for incorporating more curiosity into our daily lives. For example, in a chapter titled “Cancel certainty culture,” he champions the idea of being an “admitter,” someone who embraces the reality of their mistakes. He then provides actionable prompts to help individuals sidestep embarrassment and focus on learning instead of being right.

Travel for me is an opportunity to challenge my assumptions and learn continuously. I cherish the moments when I connect with people and gain insights into their lives—especially when their experiences are vastly different from my own. It’s a reminder that, much like there are various routes to the summit of a mountain, there are countless ways to create a fulfilling life.

With this perspective, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shigeoka via email to explore how cultivating a mindset of 'deep curiosity' can enhance travelers’ experiences, both while exploring new places and upon returning home. Here are some highlights from our discussion, condensed for brevity and clarity. Enjoy.

Your book opens with your choice to embark on a road trip, spending time with individuals who differ from you. Could you elaborate on this experience?

Fifteen years ago, after graduating from college, I embarked on a cross-country hitchhiking adventure driven by my passions and curiosity. During this journey, I encountered fascinating individuals and visited states I had never seen before, such as Ohio and Kentucky. This experience shattered my preconceived notions about the country as I stayed on people's couches, shared meals with those leading lives vastly different from my own, and enjoyed vibrant nights out with them.

My 2019 trip, which took me thousands of miles to places like Minnesota, Alabama, and Arkansas, was marked by a clear purpose. I aimed to address the current moment we are experiencing. We exist in what I describe as the 'era of incuriosity,' a time filled with disconnection and division. This feeling is not just a collective sentiment; it resonates on a personal level as well. Be it on social media, at parent-teacher meetings, in workplaces, or within families, relationships are fracturing and conflicts are escalating.

I felt the emergence of a creative endeavor—though I was unaware it would evolve into a book—aimed at fostering healing and unity despite our differences. I discovered that our innate curiosity is the most powerful tool for fostering healing and belonging in a time of division and polarization. While my previous road trips focused on enjoyment and adventure, this journey was centered on gathering stories and insights to share that collective wisdom.

You stated: 'At its deepest levels, curiosity has the power to do much more than provide us with interesting anecdotes for social gatherings. It can transform into a catalyst for meaningful connections and personal transformation.' What are the best ways for someone to transition from what you call 'shallow curiosity' to 'deep curiosity'?

Curiosity is often perceived as an intellectual endeavor. We might wonder about the type of tree in our yard or how many people were captivated by Beyoncé during her Renaissance Tour. However, curiosity is also a pursuit that comes from the heart. It allows us to learn more about ourselves and the people around us—even those who are very different from us. Rather than merely gathering facts about someone's life, we engage with their values, stories, and what makes them human. This process helps us discover shared experiences.

To forge this kind of connection, we must delve deeper into our curiosity. I refer to this as 'deep curiosity.' It’s a heartfelt practice where our aim isn't merely to know, but to truly understand. I often use this metaphor: if traditional, shallow curiosity is like peering through a door’s peephole, then deep curiosity is about turning the knob and stepping through to experience what lies beyond. While this approach requires more vulnerability and openness, the risks involved offer the greatest potential for personal transformation.

Shallow curiosity provides only a superficial understanding of who someone is. You might learn their name, occupation, or where they live. These details are excellent conversation starters, especially while traveling.

However, once you’ve built rapport, trust, and a genuine connection with the person you’re engaging with, that’s the perfect opportunity to explore deeper. Begin asking more profound questions that dive beneath the surface, leading to a richer understanding of their true self.

Could you share some practical examples of how to cultivate this deeper curiosity?

To build on 'What’s your name?', you might ask: 'What’s the story behind your name? Who chose that name for you? How do you feel about the people who named you or who you were named after? Do you like your name? If you could choose a different name for yourself, what would it be?'

Building on the question, 'What do you do for work?', you might ask: 'What truly ignites your passion in life? What currently excites you? If money were no object, how would you choose to spend your time? What skills or hobbies do you pursue outside of your work for income?'

A recurring theme in your book is fear. In what ways do you think fear influences people's travel experiences? What strategies have you found effective for overcoming fear?

I dedicated an entire chapter to fear in the book because it is a significant barrier to our curiosity. We often feel apprehensive about visiting certain areas of a city or traveling to countries that the media portrays negatively. This fear can prevent us from embracing rich and meaningful experiences with people and places that have much to teach us.

I appreciate the distinction between bravery and courage. Bravery implies a lack of fear—acting without hesitation. In contrast, courage involves acknowledging the presence of fear but proceeding anyway, knowing that the experience will profoundly impact you.

Navigating our fears surrounding travel involves acknowledging their existence rather than ignoring them. We need to remind ourselves of the rewards that travel brings, why it’s worth the risk: it broadens our hearts and minds, invigorates us, connects us with diverse individuals and experiences, cultivates generosity and understanding, and sparks creativity through new insights. When we concentrate on these enriching aspects of travel, it becomes much easier to approach it with curiosity and courage.

One effective technique for managing fear is to focus on your breathing. Much of our fear is tied to physiological reactions, and we can influence emotions like fear through our breath. If you find yourself anxious during a flight or upon arrival in a new country, take a moment to inhale deeply five times. Pay attention to how the air fills your lungs and then leaves your body. Aim for long, slow exhales. Remind yourself of the joys of travel, repeating affirmations like a mantra. As you calm your breath, your emotions will begin to stabilize.

Another significant idea explored in your book is certainty. I appreciate how travel encourages us to question our established beliefs and reveals diverse lifestyles. In your view, what steps can we take to become comfortable with ‘living in the perhaps-ness’ you describe?

To live in the perhaps-ness means being open to possibilities, and there’s no better setting for this than travel. Rather than arriving with fixed ideas about the country you’re visiting, what would it mean to approach it with an open heart? Instead of adhering to a strict itinerary, how can you remain receptive to spontaneity and new relationships? You might discover experiences that are far beyond your initial expectations.

When we embrace the perhaps-ness, we acknowledge that nothing is guaranteed or permanent. Each day offers us the chance to learn from a variety of people, which can help us evolve into better versions of ourselves: more generous, happier, connected, and purposeful. If you navigate through life or travel with the mindset that you already know everything and that no one or no experience can teach you something new, you risk shutting yourself off from the true essence of life.

What makes your book essential reading for travelers?

Most travelers, like those who enjoy Dinogo, tend to be naturally curious individuals! When these inquisitive readers delve into Seek, they often express feelings of being seen and understood. They find validation in the pages, leaving them inspired and enriched by insights on how curiosity can enhance our relationships and overall lives. Additionally, the book equips them with new tools to embrace openness during their travels, allowing for unexpected connections and delightful surprises.

For those who don’t yet see themselves as curious, this book serves as a fantastic gateway into developing curiosity as if it were a muscle. It includes practical reflection prompts and exercises that readers can start using right away, allowing them to experience immediate benefits from their efforts!