“Travel” has many descriptions when you ask different people. It’s, therefore, approached differently in ways such as the; mode, destination, length/duration and type to name a few. Some people are looking to escape the everyday grind and looking for a beach chair with an “umbrella” drink & not much more. Others are looking for adventure with lots of activity, or new cultural experiences & all that that encompasses.
“Nobody comes back from a journey the way they started it” Author Unknown
……No matter what your style or mode there are many health benefits, both physical & mental, to travelling! Many references have been made to the fact that “Travel makes you younger” – which may perhaps be very true when considering the benefits below
TRAVEL…..
..SHARPENS THE MIND
Getting away from your daily routine & being dropped into a new environment engages a dormant part of your mind. Being required to navigate unfamiliar places; the need & trying to communicate in a country whose language is foreign to you – trying new things, such as food and beverages, making quick decisions will give your brain quite a work out. Your Social and Communication Skills will improve as well, as you try and navigate your way, learning to communicate with all manner of different people, especially in countries where your native language is note widely used.
…PROVIDES A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE
Stepping away from the stress and tension in our lives, by travelling, forces us to disconnect; if only temporarily! This time spent in a new, or old favourite destination, helps us to appreciate others and things around us more by bringing us a peace of mind. With broadening our horizons, learning new things about ourselves through the “eyes” of the locals we encounter, and more than likely our life styles are very different, will enhance one’s tolerance for uncertainty. Especially with adapting or tweaking our navigation and communication skills.
…ENHANCES CREATIVITY & CONFIDENCE
The above two benefits, often lead to becoming a well-rounded individual which boosts ones self-confidence. For example learning and seeing firsthand how people from other cultures live, their customs, unique culinary choices, historical sites, religions etc. provides you with conversational materials for striking up/or participating in conversations in social settings.
… WILL STRENGTHEN ADAPTABILITY & SELF KNOWLEDGE
We are never too old or young to learn! I’ve always thought of Travelling to New and Foreign Places as the best classroom one can be a part of. If there is one thing we can do for our children (as well as ourselves) is to help them become well rounded adults with unbiased attitudes, and to teach them about cultures and places foreign to us. What better way to do so, then to travel! In doing so, I always encourage my clients whom are embarking on a Family Vacation to get input from their children so that when creating a holiday package we are including everyone’s “wish list” into the itinerary. Encouraging adaptability, awareness not only of ourselves but others, history of people and places (including family heritage). These are some of life’s best lessons, which quite frankly cannot be taught in a classroom setting!
…IMPROVES PHYSICAL HEALTH
Exercise, Fresh-Air & Sunshine – what better non-medicinal way to benefit your health! Exploring cities & trails, walking between places of interest, hiking, swimming and soaking up that Vitamin D will do wonders for not only your physical but mental health as well. When we find ourselves stressed, tired and overworked, our overall health and personal relationships all become affected. Sometimes the best solution is a getaway to rejuvenate and put life back into proper prospective.
…EXPANDS YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
“A Journey is best measured in friends, not in miles” Tim Cahill
Striking up conversations with locals, fellow travellers within your group, and/or other tourists may lead to lasting friendships with people from all over the world. Thus opening the potential for new obtained knowledge, adventures to new places and giving you a chance to invite & host others in your homeland! So remember when you are travelling, or milling about your own city/province, you never know who is next to you…..this could be someone who shares the same interests as you and could very well turn out to be a very good friend!
Due to all or in part due to the above factors, when we return home to our daily grind we return with renewed energy. Perhaps this re-boot will help you to take on the next big challenge or project. Or you may return with a new outlook on life and learn to delegate and step away from being that “workaholic” that caused a lot of your stress in the beginning. Speaking from personal experience, when we remove ourselves from our daily routines and stressors, we return with a better and enhanced attitude, which in turn increases our personal, as well as, professional productivity/relationships! Thus, how Wanderlust Excursions came to be!!
In closing, you will never be the same when experiencing these multiple benefits. All the while, you are creating Memories of a Lifetime which are priceless!! Please do remember, that one can also create negative memories and/or have disadvantages rather than positive outcomes if not planned carefully. To ensure that you get the most benefits from your well-deserved vacation, it is recommended that you seek the services of a Travel Consultant.
“Once a Year, Go Someplace you’ve Never been Before” Dalia Lama
As always, I look forward to sharing my experience, expertise and knowledge with you.
Kathy M. Blois, Owner/Principal Travel Designer
Travel Expert