As we are finishing up Spring Break, I want to discuss the importance of traveling and getting out of town every once in a while. Mark twain, a famous writer, says, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” I know everybody’s financial situation is different and not everyone can afford to travel out of country every year, but it is not about the money it is more about the experiences. Even visiting a place that is only an hour or two away and spending some time away from your everyday routine is good for you. I live in the Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania, traveling only about two hours to New York brings me happiness, and driving an hour to one of the New Jersey beaches allows me to be in a different environment. Experiencing different scenery and engaging in new activities in these areas that you are not spending your everyday life in gives you time to relax, re-energize yourself and be stress-free for some time. A weekend getaway is just as beneficial, studies show that after a vacation even if it is only a couple of days, an individual will feel happier, their health will improve and will see greater productivity.
Choose to travel alone or travels with others, both are just as good. Traveling alone will get an individual to step out of their comfort zone and boost their confidence. Think about it, if you are lying on a beach alone you will be forced to think about certain things that your mind would not address while you are around others. Therefore traveling alone creates well-needed reflection and growth. On the other hand, traveling with others allows you to become closer with individuals. Sharing experiences and making memories with your friends and loved ones creates stronger bonds. In my opinion traveling with others is always better, but step out of your comfort zone once in a while and take the chance to travel by yourself you never know what it may lead to.
On top of deciding on the company that you will be traveling with, choosing a location is always the fun part. Traveling to new and foreign cities opens the mind, challenges the brain and creates flexibility. You are forced to engage all of your senses when traveling away from your immediate world. Starting with trying new food, learning new languages, visiting favorite local restaurants and maybe having to adjust to the new, different smells. Traveling to new places allows opportunity to learn about different culture and customs that you are not familiar with and gives you a chance to understand the community development. So do not just travel to the same place every time you get a chance to get away. Even for myself, whenever I go to New York I automatically book my hotel in Manhattan and have a fascination with Times Square. Next time I will be sure to stay in Harlem or Queens, something different that I have not yet experienced.
So, next time you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or you are just bored go take a break. Book a getaway even if it just for the weekend so you can come back with a new refreshed mind. Trips do not have to be stressful if you do not make them so. About two weeks before you leave, create a list of everything that you need to take so you will not forget anything. Complete research on wherever it is that you are traveling to so you can find any places that locals recommend or any useful tips. Lastly, be flexible. Have a “go with the flow,” type of attitude and do not be scared to take chances. You only live once!