3 Reasons Why You Need to Travel

There's always a reason NOT to travel.

3 Reasons Why You Need to Travel {Now}

1. It gets you out of your bubble

Many of you reading this blog post may experience something that I do every day, #firstworldproblems. Whether our car radio breaks down, or we drop the groceries while walking into the house, or a nail breaks. We got issues.

And sometimes, we let those things get to us that in the grander scheme of things are quite inconsequential.

Sure, in context, they are a PITA (pain in the a$$), but in reality, there is often much to be grateful for.

Traveling opens your eyes to the way the rest of the world lives outside of North America. Things that we take for granted, are yearned for by people in other countries. 

Travel also shows us that beauty is everywhere.

Whenever I visit a new city, it's like a child seeing crayons for the first time.

I'm in awe at the architecture, the shops, the streets...everything. Bringing that perspective back to your home city, and sharing that constant state of gratefulness, enriches you.

Gratitude is inescapable when you travel. 

2. You open yourself up to meet new people

It's comfortable at home to stay within your circle of friends. Unintentionally, we often close ourselves off to new relationships and friendships because it's easier to stick with who you know. And trust.

Travel breaks down those barriers.

Sure, sometimes you meet people on the road that take advantage of your trust, but more often than not you meet incredible adventurers like yourself, that share new perspectives, and a contagious sense of life with you.

I remember when I first was single again a few years back, I had this irrational belief that I was THE only single person in their 30s. Because, at the time in my friend group...I was. 

As soon as I got out on an adventure to Spain, I met tons of solo travels, many of which had just left jobs, relationships, marriages. I was not alone.

I was just narrowing my view at home.

3. Stories trump stuff

The culture of North America is more is more.

The more money you make, the more stuff you should buy. Driving a beat up Toyota, got a raise? Time to get a Land Rover!

Got that big promotion? Definitely need a 60" TV.

When you travel, you truly realize how little you need. And how YOUR stuff you own doesn't comprise who you are.

I joke often about how I've fallen in love on the road with guys who own less than 5 t-shirts. 

But it's true. I've fallen in love with their personality, the adventures we shared together and the stories we made. Not the outfits they are wearing.

Live out of a small backpack for a month. Your stuff doesn't make you. You make you.

The richest moments in my life, the ones that have taught me the biggest lessons are usually the most unexpected and sometimes challenging, or fleetingly simple.

Stranded in NYC for Hurricane Sandy. Lost in the streets of Prague for hours. Drinking Bordeaux under the shadow of the Eiffel tower. Catching a 5-foot wave in Bali. 

These are the moments that imprint on our brains. These are priceless.

So, next time you are pondering if it is the right time, or if you have enough money, or guts to travel. Just go. You won't regret it.

With wanderlust,

Chief Fashionpreneur, encircled