Haley Furguson

10/3/2015
UWRT 1102

Extensive Inquiry Proposal

Subject: For this paper I am very interested in researching the effect of traveling has on the
individual. Throughout the book, Into the Wild by John Krakauer, Chris Mcandless traveled
across America and met numerous people while experiencing the many natural beauties that the
country has to offer. These travel experiences positively impacted Chris life. From my traveling
experiences, I have almost used it as a therapy. I feel completely relaxed and at ease when I am
on vacation and learning about new areas and cultures that are surrounding me at the time. The
effect of traveling on me as well as on others interests me greatly; I am very passionate about
travel and believe that everyone should travel outside of their state in their life.
Pre-Knowledge of Subject: Before researching this topic I am aware of some facts and
information about travel. I understand of the costs of travel and how expensive one area may be
in aspect to another. I know that many people plan an annual vacation with family or friends
during a school or work break. These breaks help a lot with escaping reality and relaxing without
worrying. All of my experiences of travel I also know and can use for this project.
Questions to Answer:
1. What area that is most visited yearly in the world?
2. How many people travel at least once out of their state a year?
3. What are the depression/anxiety rates of those who travel vs those who do not travel?
4. How many people travel alone?
5. Is travel or vacation beneficial to ones health?
6. Do people that travel have more cultural intelligence than those who dont?
7. Why do people travel?
8. Can travel be therapeutic?
9. What are the overall effects of travel?
10. Why did Chris McCandless travel as much as he did before his final trip to Alaska?
Research Methods: To find the answers to these questions, I will look at many scholarly
articles referring to the effects of vacation on people. I believe that many psychological
studies have been done on people who travel and it is proven to be beneficial to mental
health. I also have many acquaintances who have traveled many times in their life to different
countries. Websites that support travel will also have information on travel and the reviews of
those who experienced it.
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If my topic does not have abundant results, then I will widen my original topic. I can
possibly have it widened to the effects of taking time off of work, school or life in
general. Chris McCandless had taken time off of his life basically, so I could research
time off rather than just travel.

Haley Furguson
10/3/2015
UWRT 1102
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If my topic has too many results when researching, then I will narrow It to the research of
extremists travel (going into the wild or nature)