Travel Motivation

Not all vacations need to end up around a pool with a cool drink in your hand. Don’t get me wrong, that scenario is just fine with me, most of the time. But when was the last time you took a vacation that catered to your special interest or hobby?

Are you a wine lover? Why not plan a week touring the vineyards in the Napa Valley or the south of Tuscany?

Are you a river rafter or a kayaker? There are literally hundreds of options that can take you down the river of your choice.

Is fitness your thing? How about a yoga experience in Greece?

Did someone say adventure? Skydiving? Scuba diving? Zip-lining? Cliff jumping? Hiking? Spelunking?

If you have a passion for history, how about a trip across Europe or a tour up the east coast visiting ancient historical sites in Europe, the Americas or Asia?

The options are as varied as you can imagine. If you have never taken a specialty trip, now is the time to look into planning one. Alone, with that significant other, or a group. This is the place to get started.

There is nothing wrong with working hard, but as the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.  Taking some time to sharpen the saw not only makes you happier but studies prove it also makes you healthier and more productive.

Here’s the JIFU challenge … get moving and take some time off.  Studies show that people outside the United States are twice as likely to travel away from home than Americans. The average American vacation is less than 4 days while Europeans average is nearly two weeks. How can you really give your body, mind, and soul the relaxation necessary to rejuvenate when after the first day or so you’re already thinking of what you need to do when you get back to work. It’s like like running down your iPhone battery to zero and trying to recharge it in just a few minutes. It might work for a little while, but not for long.

Take a minute and look at the calendar, mark out a 7-10 day period, write in big red letters “VACATION” then make it happen.

Winter seems to go on forever. Cold, rainy, snowy, dark, it’s a little depressing. Have you ever been talking to a friend when they say something like, “Oh ya, we’re heading to Hawaii for a few days. I can’t wait.” and not seen a smile fill their face? Me neither.

Why aren’t you that person? It’s not as hard or as expensive as you might think. Here are the top 5 destinations just to get you thinking:

1. Hawaii – The Big Island has something for everyone whether you want to relax, sightsee, golf, or something more adventurous like scuba diving.
2. Rome – Off season can make this a great place to visit. Avoid the crowds, take in the sites, and enjoy that legendary Italian sun.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands – Think 75 – 80 degrees, white sand beaches, and the sound of waves crashing. That makes it pretty easy to forget the cold.
4. Rio de Janeiro – Not too far away and yet worlds apart. Maybe a jungle tour or catch a football (soccer) match one night.
5. Costa Rica – A place to get up and go hiking, zip-line through the rainforest, mountain bike, or enjoy a leisurely day horseback riding.

It’s easier and less expensive than you may think. Get going.

I’ll answer the question with some questions.

1. Did you know that 76% percent of people want to travel more but fear of the unknown, financial angst, and just plain putting it off account for the problem?
2. Are you aware that 32% of people don’t own or don’t know where their luggage is or don’t own any?
3. Can you imagine that 13% of American adults have never been on an airplane?
4. Worst of all, is it really possible based on a recent New York Post study that 54% of Americans have been to 10 states or less and a shocking 11% have never left their state of birth?

The world is a beautiful place, full of cultures, people, and experiences that excite all five senses.  Travel can contribute to your good health, make you happier, and a more pleasant  person to be around.  Don’t believe it?  Do your own research or, better yet, put travel to the test. Try a quick weekend getaway or an international blitz.  Quit procrastinating, get moving, and enjoy life.  Travel is way more affordable than you think and a refreshing break from the same every day grind you’re settling for.