Just about everyone lists travel as one of their passions in life.
We’re enamored with the idea of travel — getting away, doing something fun and adventurous, seeing cool things, and meeting different people. It all sounds so exciting.
But when it comes to actually planning a real trip (something more than visiting Grandma or going to the beach for a week), it’s too easy to find a reason not to go, not to make it happen.
Our lives are so damned busy and complicated. Between our jobs, kids, pets, commitments, and responsibilities, taking time out for a trip (or even doing everything that must be done to prepare for one) is enough to make you hyperventilate with anxiety.
It feels like too much work to get a trip off the ground and yourself out the door. I think that’s why many of us spend so much time dreaming about traveling rather than actually doing it.
But traveling is one of the most life-affirming things you can do for yourself. Aside from the obvious fun involved, traveling can transform you on so many levels. It provides happiness and satisfaction long after the trip is over.
Why Travel?
Through travel, you will . . .
- become a more interesting, engaging, and educated person;
- have an appreciation for and perspective on different cultures and lifestyles;
- challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, providing a sense of accomplishment;
- share experiences with people you care about;
- meet new, interesting people;
- take a break from the everyday stresses and demands of life by stepping into something entirely new and different.
There is much research and evidence that experiences trump material possessions when it comes to sustained feelings of happiness and positive memories. Travel is one of those peak experiences that you can revisit in your mind for a lifetime.
