What Motivates you?
We'll all been asked this question at one point in our lives. Maybe in a job interview, from a school counselor, or even a friend/family member. I always freeze when I hear this question. My first instinct is to say, "my family." Which is ultra cliché and not at all detailed enough to really unleash what motivates me. I'm motivated by many things.
What does travel mean to me?
While I didn't grow up with a family that traveled, I did grow up with curiosity. I wanted to explore to learn and grow as a person. All it took was one trip abroad to instill the fierce motivation to travel and experience the world that most of us only get to see via social media platforms. Travel allows me a break from reality, to clear my head and renew my energy so that I don't get burnt out from my full-time job. This is most of us, and trust me when I say, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
So when it comes to travel, I will ask you - What motivates you to travel? There has to be at least one reason you want to travel. Is one reason enough to really motivate you to actually plan your dream trip and make it happen? When does dreaming become a reality?
Top 10 Things That Will Inspire YOU To Travel This Year
1. Travel to.... Check off that bucket list item
The good old bucket list! Dust off that piece of paper from years ago and see how many boxes you've checked. One of the most fulfilling things is to cross off an item after you've accomplished it. Is there a destination that is on your bucket list? Somewhere you've always wanted to go, no matter how out of reach it may seem? Let's focus on that destination to motivate and inspire you to GO.
2. Travel to.... Learn
The best way to learn all about another area of the world is to fully immerse yourself in it, by traveling there. Travel is the greatest teacher, far better than any textbook or web based application. Your brain will be lighting up by how many new things you'll be learning. Culture, language, atmosphere, history, religion, food, and more. Travel touches all 5 of your senses and enriches your mind, body, and soul. I recall a trip to Thailand where we went hiking and landed in a village in the middle of the jungle. The villagers made us a floating raft out of bamboo. Watching them put it together in less than an hour baffled me. It was unbelievable to watch how they constructed it so quickly. A new skill that I learned simply by being fully immersed in another geography.
3. Travel to.... Understand other cultures
Being from the United States, the most developed country in the world, it can be easy to underestimate just how different other countries are, especially third world countries. You've probably heard of Culture Shock - and yes, it is a real thing. Learning a new culture can leave you jaw dropped and speechless. This teaches you so much about yourself, acquiring new skills, and figuring out how to adapt. It also opens your eyes and teaches you humility, a valuable key takeaway.
4. Travel to.... Change the scenery
You wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, and repeat it the next day. The monotony is crippling some days, but we do it because we have to in order to provide for ourselves and/or our family. How does a lounge chair on the beach or a sunset over a mountaintop sound? A change of scenery is necessary to break up the monotony of your daily routine. Variety is the spice of life. So spice it up and change the scenery.
5. Travel to.... Escape reality
Daydreaming is one way to escape reality. The other is to completely fall off the grid and away from your day to day activities. When you travel, you have the ultimate freedom to do whatever you want, wherever you want, and be whoever you want. You are anonymous. Enjoy the time where you are truly at ease, without responsibilities.
6. Travel to.... renew your romance or relationships
Why do people take honeymoons and anniversary trips? To celebrate their bond and keep the fire going. Seeing and experiencing new sites together nourishes your relationships and helps that bond grow stronger. There is something to be said about watching the sunset over the ocean, in complete silence, with someone important in your life. Romance and pleasure are huge travel motivators.
7. Travel to.... share memories with friends
Whether traveling solo or with people, shared memories create life long friendships. Just like exploring new places with your significant other builds your bond, traveling with friends or making friends along the way solidifies friendships as well. We took a backpacking trip with two close friends 4 years ago, and still talk about it to this day. Those are memories we will never forget, and will always bond our friendship.
8. Travel to.... get out of your comfort zone
We get very comfortable, being comfortable. There are so many of us that never follow through with travel plans due to the fear of the unknown, i.e. going out of your comfort zone. I challenge you today to book non-refundable plane tickets and accommodations to incentivize you following through with travel plans. The most exhilarating experiences are waiting for you. You can thank me later!
9. Travel to.... relax
Let's be honest, when is the last time you took time for yourself? Time to really de-stress, relax, and break away from our technology-driven world that calls on us 24/7? Travel encourages us to unplug, de-stress, and recharge. Even a quick weekend trip and refuel your mind, body, and soul.
10. Travel for.... your health
An investment in travel is an investment in your health. There are so many transformative travel destinations, like the healing properties of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, or grounding yourself in Bali, Indonesia. Yogis know how important relaxation is for your body and mind. Dipping into geothermal hot springs and mineral-rich lakes have many healing properties for your skin, digestion, inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce stress.
So I'll ask you again... what motivates you to travel? If your body is craving a renewing experience, give it what it needs. Decompress, relax, recharge. Travel for YOU.
CHEERS, my friends.
