Part of me wasn’t sure if this needed to be written about, because do people really need a reason to go and travel? I’ve always had the travel bug. I went to school for Hospitality & Tourism for crying out loud. Whenever I hear someone say, “ugh, I am overdue for a vacation!” I immediately run over and agree and give them some options. Everyone needs to travel! Even if you’re just seeing something new close to where you live. You don’t have to go across the country, or across the world for a vacation. Sometimes just getting away for a weekend is all you need. This is for those of you who need reasons to travel more.

1. It gives you a break from life.

You’re getting away from work, or that weird ex-boyfriend that won’t leave you alone, or even school for a weekend. You have time to relax and breathe.

2. It’s easier than you think.

If you have friends around the country/world like me, then you always have a new destination to go to.

3. It can be an eye opening experience.

Being exposed to new place, with new surroundings, and new cultures, it makes you a more well-rounded human.

4. The stories are priceless.

When you come home and everyone asks how your trip was, you don’t even know where to start because there’s too many stories to tell.

5. Think of all of the food you’ve never tried.

I am such a foodie, and will sometimes only want to go somewhere specifically for the food. Trying new foods are one of my favorite things while traveling.

6. Prove yourself that you can do this.

Even if you’re on a budget, because let’s be honest who isn’t? There’s so many different ways to keep your trip in budget. First time flying alone? You’ve got this!

7. Travel while you’re young.

I get that all of your friends are either getting married and having babies or graduating college, but travel now while you’re young so be able to experience everything! We aren’t guaranteed old age, live in the now.

8. Traveling humbles you.

It’s not all about you when you’re traveling. Especially if you’re with friends, don’t just do what you want to do. Make a group itinerary of things everyone wants to see.

9. Traveling tests you educationally.

You may have not been a history major or maybe you slept through your history class in high school, but do yourself a favor and go see historical landmarks. Being in the presence of history really puts things in perspective.

10. Say goodbye to your comfort zone.

Be a risk taker. Fly across the country for the hell of it.

11. I’ll let Eleanor Roosevelt tell you.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

12. Don’t let yourself regret not traveling.

I’d hate for you in twenty years look back and tell yourself, “wow I really wish I had seen New York City when I had the chance to. Why didn’t I go?”

13. You’ll learn to make every minute count.

Time isn’t wasted if you’re enjoying it. Wasting time is not time wasted.

14. Just do it for the heck of it.

Why travel? Because you can!