Why You Should Travel Now Before It's Too Late
Each year, just before the new year, do you catch yourself complaining or having negative self-talk? Do words like, “ I should have traveled,” “If only I did” or “I wish I did not postpone that trip”, cloud your mind?
Studies show that only eight percent of those who had New Year’s resolutions accomplished what they set out to do. If you're tempted to postpone your trips again, here’s why you should travel now before it’s too late:
1. Travel stimulates the mind and increases vigor
Roman philosopher and statesman, Seneca (born 4 BC) said: Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. The word “vigor” means physical strength and good health.
It is common to feel uncomfortable when traveling to a country with a different culture and language. Getting out or our comfort zone helps stimulate the mind. An article by Harvard Health Publications
Mental Strain Helps Mental Maintain a Healthy Brain, said getting uncomfortable, out of rut and out of your comfort zone from time to time challenges your mental skills. Quoting the article:
One stereotype of aging is that young people are bold explorers but older people are timid homebodies who “know what they like.” Stereotype though it may be, it is easy to get in a rut. Getting out of your comfort zone from time to time challenges your mental skills. An example of this would be traveling to a city that you haven’t been to before, which forces you to navigate unfamiliar surroundings.
So travel will encourage you to learn new things and stay active.
2. Everything balances out
Author Daranna Gidel quoted: You lose sight of things... and when you travel, everything balances out.
A balanced life isn’t easy to accomplish. The old adage “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” will also leave Jack a very uptight and stressed out boy! Americans don’t take enough vacations. According to a report by
Market Watch, American workers left 658 million vacations unused. 55% Americans didn't take their vacation in 2015.
Imagine, going on a jet ski and enjoying the warm breeze of the Caribbean. Or drinking coffee and drinking coffee at a cafe in Paris just the way you had envisioned. Wouldn’t these experiences take away your stress?
Vacations will surely help you find a more balanced life - a life or work, play, and new experiences.
3. Brings love back into your life
Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet said: Travel brings power and love back into your life.
They say the family that plays together stays together. Of course, travel is not the only way for families to play together. But it allows families and couples to find new ways to stay connected.
In some cases, travel may be the only chance for families to heal strained relationships and find new purpose in life together. It may also open the window of opportunities for families and couples to
- Volunteer in an orphanage and learn about compassion
- Learn to have gratitude for the life they have
- Discover a hobby together - cooking, tango dancing, art appreciation, diving and more
- Learn a new language
- Start a charity or support a charity
- Be less selfish and know life is not about “you” but is more about “us”
4. With travel comes understanding
With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding. - Sandra Lake
Have you ever wondered what’s the secret to long life in Nagano, Japan? A trip there would show you how residents live and eat.
5. Life without regrets
According to National Institute of Health (NLM),
What We Regret Most…and Why article, the top six biggest regrets in life center on (in descending order) education, career, romance, parenting, the self, and leisure.
Don’t live a life of regrets.
Here are 3 helpful tips to help you plan your trip:
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