Are human beings born to travel? The latest series of Race Across the World has just reached a thrilling end. Its popularity is a measure of our obsession with travel.
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Modern-day pilgrimage is ratings smash hit
Are human beings born to travel? The latest series of Race Across the World has just reached a thrilling end. Its popularity is a measure of our obsession with travel.
X
PreviousNext
After 50 days and more than 15,000 kms, the two leading teams were both within touching distance of victory. Friends Owen and Alfie sped towards the IndonesianThe country consists of over 17,000 islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. island of Lombok in a speedboat. Mother-and-daughter team Eugenie and Isabel followed in another close behind.
Just eight minutes ahead, Owen and Alfie arrived on a beach to find at a table with a book on it. It told them they had won the race and £20,000.
The show has been a huge hit, attracting audiences of over 7 million.
Contestants are not allowed smartphones or bank cards, and can only travel by land or sea. They are given a map of the world, a small amount of money and have to earn more as they go.
Humans have travelled since the birth of our speciesA set of animals or plants with similar features. Members of the same species can breed with each other. .
One of the most famous travellers of all time was Marco Polo, who left VeniceA seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands. in 1271 at the age of 17 and travelled to Shangdu in ChinaA country in East Asia, home to 1.4 billion people..
Throughout the ages, finding tradeThe activity of buying and selling goods. routes and new lands to live in have been major reasons for travelling. Religion has played an important part too. In the Middle AgesThe Middle Ages was the period in European history that came between ancient and modern times. It lasted from about 500 to about 1500. many Christians made their way on foot from England to Rome. Muslims today are encouraged to visit MeccaIslam's holiest city and the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Only Muslims are allowed into the city, and millions make pilgrimages there. .
Are human beings born to travel?
Yes! Staying at home means you will only ever have one view of the world. Travel means you see the wonder of the Earth and all of the variety of different places and people on it.
No! There is a reason that most humans around the world live in cities. Why give up the easy life, with everything you could possibly need nearby, for the uncertainty of travel?
Indonesian - The country consists of over 17,000 islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Species - A set of animals or plants with similar features. Members of the same species can breed with each other.
Venice - A seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands.
China - A country in East Asia, home to 1.4 billion people.
Trade - The activity of buying and selling goods.
Middle Ages - The Middle Ages was the period in European history that came between ancient and modern times. It lasted from about 500 to about 1500.
Mecca - Islam's holiest city and the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Only Muslims are allowed into the city, and millions make pilgrimages there.
Modern-day pilgrimage is ratings smash hit
Triumphant: Alfie and Owen, a football referee and a trainee pilot from Hertfordshire, were this year's winners. Glossary
Indonesian - The country consists of over 17,000 islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Species - A set of animals or plants with similar features. Members of the same species can breed with each other.
Venice - A seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands.
China - A country in East Asia, home to 1.4 billion people.
Trade - The activity of buying and selling goods.
Middle Ages - The Middle Ages was the period in European history that came between ancient and modern times. It lasted from about 500 to about 1500.
Mecca - Islam's holiest city and the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Only Muslims are allowed into the city, and millions make pilgrimages there.