Travel often…as much as you can. It is the best way to learn about the world as well as yourself.
Hello all! My husband and I recently returned from our two-week trip to Scotland and Ireland. We have been planning this trip for a while and we were so excited the day we were able to finally board that plane! It was a beautiful trip. We began in Edinburgh, Scotland and took a short plane ride to Dublin, Ireland. From there, we drove through the countryside hitting every stop possible along the way.
The unplanned stops were, of course, the best. For the most part we stayed in local B&B’s, the big treat however, was our final stop on the trip: Ashford Castle. This was something beyond my wildest dreams. The views throughout the trip were breathtaking and the memories are certainly unforgettable. At this time, I realized the true value and importance of this lesson.
My mother has always told me that traveling and seeing the world with your own eyes changes you. These experiences allow you to grow, to adjust your perspective, and to make new connections that would otherwise not be possible. She expressed the significance of meeting new people and emphasized her appreciation of being introduced to new cultures, architecture, art, and traditions. When she told me her stories of travel I became inspired.
I realized my passion is similar to hers and sometimes we all need a “break from reality.” Though traveling has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and depression in the past, I realized firsthand that traveling has several therapeutic benefits and can produce positive mental health outcomes. These benefits are listed below.
Travel sets you free, allowing you to disconnect from daily stressors and truly relax.
By physically removing yourself from your world, you are able to truly separate from common forms of anxiety and pressure. You are able to take a step back from concerning relationships, work obligations, and personal responsibilities…all because you are physically not present.
With this opportunity to disconnect, travel allows you to search within your self and discover new internal meanings and values.
This new understanding that accompanies new experiences allows you to readjust your belief system and way of understanding the surrounding world. You have the ability to gain or regain a sense of awareness of the new and unfamiliar life that surrounds you as well as the life you left behind. You have the ability to be a completely different person and therefore you, yourself, are forever changed.
You have the chance to reconnect with your genuine self as well as your loved ones.
When you travel with a partner, a friend, or a family member, you have the perfect opportunity to grow and strengthen your bond and the relationship between. You may find that you learn new things about that person. Similarly, if you decide to travel alone, you may gain a new understanding of the relationship you maintain with yourself – obtaining an even stronger understanding of your mind, body, and soul.
Travel allows you to return to your life feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, therefore, increasing your level of motivation and performance.
Though most would argue they do not want to return to work after a vacation, others may be eager to redevelop their routine and return to their work, family, and friends. Many may even develop a new appreciation and sense of purpose for their own life.
The best souvenir one can bring home after an extraordinary journey are the memories that will be treasured for years to come.
These memories will allow you to look back at happy times and bring you joy in times of stress or sadness. This then may lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face when you least expect it.
Overall, travel can have positive effects on one’s personal health, relationships, and occupational performance. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of travel, please feel free to take a look at these articles: 1. LA Times, 2. Virtuoso Blog, and 3.Health Fitness Revolution. Below are some scenic photos I captured from our trip. I hope they inspire and motivate you in some way. Please share your thoughts and any future travel plans you may have, I would love to hear of them!
