Movies have a funny way of inspiring us to travel and change our lives. You see the girls in "Sex and the City" taking a trip and learning more about themselves and their friendship; "Eat, Love, Pray" literally told us to travel and live throughout the world; "Girls Trip" told us that our friends are the greatest people in our lives and we get ourselves into crazy situations with them.
But maybe there is a point to be had here. We all need some time with our girlfriend's, away from our significant others and families, just to hang out and do something different.
It may not be smooth sailing at the beginning. One of you might be the planner of the group, with the itinerary set for the entire trip while someone else may be the laziest of the group and want to lounge around all day. Not everyone will have the same budget or travel dreams. While you might want to hit the beaches in Mexico, your best friend may want to visit the ruins of the Aztecs. It's okay for everyone to have different ideas and goals for their travel!
It's so important for us to take the time to be ourselves with our friends. We can act as goofy and silly as we want, judgment-free because we know our friends are going to be right behind us. We tend to open up more about our lives and relationships, which is very helpful in coping and releasing stress and anxiety.
When we focus on the fun to be had, whether we're on a weekend glamping trip or cruising away in the Caribbean, we're too preoccupied with all of the activities and new and exciting things to try to be worried about our home life or work. Our friends are constantly encouraging us to be better and relax and unwind. All it takes is that friendly push to get us out of our shell and have the time of our lives.
Our friends are looking to have just as much fun as us and they're happy to be doing it with us. It's different traveling with a significant other or family. Traveling with friends opens the door to new experiences, things you'd never try alone or with others. For the first time in your life, if your friend jumps off a cliff, you're probably going to do it too! No one can stop you!
There are so many exciting places to go with your besties, so many new cuisines and cultures to experience, and nothing is stopping you. If the budget is tight, you can plan a weekend road trip to the next town over, crash at an Airbnb, and hang out in a place close to home. If the sky is the limit, you can travel to Bali or Morocco or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Grab your friends, put your minds to it, and travel shamelessly this year. Do it for your health, not for the gram.
