Sure, gas and food prices are skyrocketing. And crazy shit like fees for boarded luggage put a damper on the party. Yet the benefits of travel outweigh the negative. Here are ten reasons why you should get yourself out of town, NOW.
1. Travel is good for your health. As discussed in the New York Times, the United States is the only industrialized country that, sadly, doesn’t mandate paid vacation. We are Puritans to the extreme, unfortunately, brainwashed by the idea that work is life. Event the Calvinist Dutch are huge fans of taking time off. As one who lived and worked in the Netherlands for over five years, I can vouch for the benefits of receiving 26 days of paid vacation, in addition receiving an extra month’s pay (vacation money) every June. Obama, put that on your list. Vacation is not a luxury, but a necessity.
2. It’s summer, for God’s sake. Yes, that means if you haven’t already done so, you need to book your travel plans to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. The San Francisco Gate offers some smart tips about planning, such as using the Canadian carrier service Flyzoom to cut down on transatlantic flights, and renting European apartments (instead of pricey villas). And don’t forget that September and October are great times to fly to Europe, when prices are generally lower.
3. Air prices are high, but not to all cities. Cheapo Air has great deals, and Expedia is currently offering fares from $56 each way to a variety of cities.
4. Travel clears your head. What better way to forget your troubles than in Belize or the Yucatan? Great travel activities for washing away the old, awakening the new: hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming, and mountain biking.
5. Perspective. It’s always when I’m leaving for a trip that I get homesick. Yes, just the idea of going away makes me appreciate my surroundings and life that much more. When I return I’m bubbling with ideas and filled with renewed energy.
6. For the romance and possibility of new friends. Spending time away with your honey will enrich the relationship, even if it’s just for a weekend. Being single is an even better reason to take off and meet new people. Trek America has some exciting package tours for singles.
7. Because you deserve to be good to yourself. Travel is money well spent. Sure you can splurge on new shoes or the new 3G iPhone, but in the end, you can’t take it with you.
8. To create memories. Nothing makes me feel more alive than traveling. Ok, sex and chocolate are up there, but those are temporary highs. The experience of traveling stays with you.
9. It’s a good way to kickstart your work, project, life. Vacations actually help not hinder productivity. As Denise Landers notes on her website, annual vacations are interconnected to a reduced death rate for men with heart disease. And women aged 25-75 who fail to take a vacation at least once each year leads to psychological health risks.
10. Summer is short! So get moving, book that trip, even just a camping or hiking weekend if that’s all you can afford, and reap the benefits.
