There’s something about packing your bags and leaving town that just feels refreshing. Whether you’re jetting off to a foreign country or taking a quick road trip close to home, exploring new places is a great way to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. In fact, studies have shown that people who vacation regularly are far more happy and productive than those who don’t.
There are plenty of good reasons to pack your bags and take a trip, even if you don’t think of yourself as the adventurous type. There are also steps you can take to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about why you should travel, and if your wanderlust is just beginning, be sure to check out ourBeginner’s Guide to Traveling as well.
The Top 5 Reasons to Travel:
Getting Active
From sightseeing and outdoor adventures to navigating giant airport terminals, traveling usually involves a lot more walking and activity than your normal work-a-day life.
You might even get your heart rate up with a little hiking or paddle boarding, and that's a good thing. Research shows that physical activity can help improve your overall mood and well-being, both during and after your trip.
Challenge yourself to up your fitness by using your phone or watch to count your steps, and notice how much more you move while traveling.
Stress Relief
Taking a trip can be a great way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. You escape your daily routine, experience new things, and interact with new people.
If stress relief is your main goal for getting away, consider booking a day at a spa when you get to your destination.
Be sure to plan ahead to minimize any preventable hassle. For peace of mind, buy travel insurance, so that if any snafus occur, you are covered for unforeseen emergencies.
Staying organized and packing well will also help make your journey more enjoyable. Invest in travelsolutionsthat help you stay organized and prepared for all your adventures.
New Cultural Experiences
Encountering different lifestyles and customs is something that can't be matched in an office or on your couch. Even reading about places is no match for actually visiting them.
Whether you're visiting a different country or just exploring a new city, there are always new sights and sounds to be experienced.
Immersing yourself in a different culture is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and doesn’t require long distance travel or even learning a new language. You can probably find destinations within driving distance where you can experience a lifestyle and culture completely different from your daily life.
New Cultural Experiences
Encountering different lifestyles and customs is something that can't be matched in an office or on your couch. Even reading about places is no match for actually visiting them.
Whether you're visiting a different country or just exploring a new city, there are always new sights and sounds to be experienced.
Immersing yourself in a different culture is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and doesn’t require long distance travel or even learning a new language. You can probably find destinations within driving distance where you can experience a lifestyle and culture completely different from your daily life.
Culinary Adventure
When you visit new places, you have the opportunity to experience dishes made with unique ingredients, spices, and even cooking methods. For example, you will find vast differences in barbecue, whether you are in Mississippi, St. Louis, or Korea!
When you travel, eat like a local.
Dine at locally-owned restaurants, and order the special. Sample street foods, ask locals where they eat, and try the regional dishes. This is also a great way to meet new people while tasting some of the best flavors that each location you visit has to offer.
Lasting Memories
Creating new memories is one of the most rewarding benefits of travel. Sharing new experiences, discovering things, and even getting lost can be a ton of fun when you’re on vacation.
Whether you go solo or travel with loved ones, the memories you make will give you souvenirs that money cannot buy. Plus, you are sure to have much better stories to share than you will by staying home and watching Netflix.
Now that you know some of the reasons why traveling is important, there’s no excuse not to jump on the next plane or train out of town. For a bit of inspiration, here are some of the top travel destinations of 2022 to get you dreaming about where in the world you might go.
