Capitalist culture creates any consumption a form of status. The more you consume, the higher your status. We see this in people buying status through Rolexes, Lamborghinis, and travelling.
There is some inherent value in traveling. It expands your horizons. It gives you new perspectives.
So it works for both capitalist and less capitalist culture.
"China, a country that hasn't invaded another country in 50 years, is going to invade this country" said the country that invades a country once a decade.