Why is traveling such a big deal for people?

Disclosure: I've traveled and I've lived abroad in two different countries and been dozens of places outside of my 'home'. But I don't get this…

Because its about the experience.

Whatever you buy now, you won’t give a shit about in 5 years time. But you will remember the experiences.

Counterpoint: buy a motorycle.
Go to bjj classes, that is also a new experience
Whatever I buy now has a good chance of improving my day-to-day life.

I’m not saying buying things can’t improve your life.

I’m saying if you’ve got the financial freedom and you have a choice between an experience or a thing, personally I’d choose the experience

I’ve thought about this a bit and think it comes down to mental wiring. Some people focus more on “peak” experiences, while others focus on average day-to-day life.