10 reasons why you should travel

There are few things in the world more powerful than the connections us humans make with one another. But connecting with travel is a whole different thing entirely.

While travel may never be the plus-one at your next family wedding, the connection you make with it is incredibly pure, honest and almost spiritual. In my opinion, it’s one of the most reliable and powerful relationships you can make in your life. Like any good partnership, travel will continue to support you, surprise you and, above all, bring out the best in you. It’ll probably piss you off a few times too.

1. Travel always keeps things interesting

Never a dull moment, a relationship with travel ensures excitement at every turn. Rather than feeling tied down to one place or one way of living, you can always move on to the next adventure. Everywhere you go, the next adventure is waiting for you, and you can take as long as you need to get there.

2. Travel will always be there for you

Whether you’re pining for the one that got away or bouncing back from a long-term relationship, there is no denying that saying goodbye to love is tough. With travel, however, this dynamic is entirely different. You can be as committed or as casual as you want. Whether you dive into a nomadic life on the road or choose to spend a couple weeks a year in a foreign land, travel will be there waiting with open arms.

3. Travel grows with you

We all go through phases in our lives—some more regrettable than others. Rather than telling you, “you’ve changed,” travel loves you in all your shapes, sizes and hairstyles. It is unconditional, understanding, and tirelessly accepting.

4. Travel surprises you

Walt Disney said it best: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Our greatest joys come from life’s little surprises. On our travels, there are new paths waiting at each and every turn.

5. Travel doesn’t disapprove

Let the “meet the parents” stage be a thing of the past. Say goodbye to that awkward dinner at which you try to convince your loved ones to see what you see in them. The group drinks where you turn to your best friend and say, “Aren’t they great?” We are drawn to places for reasons beyond our control, reasons we shouldn’t expect any one else to understand. And that’s absolutely okay.

6. Travel keeps you humble

No matter how great or terrible the events of your life may seem, it just takes getting lost in a distant destination to put things in perspective. Somehow, travel will remind you of your tiny place on Earth, while being careful never to make you feel small. It builds you up whilst simultaneously keeping you humble.

7. Travel is the perfect match

They say true love has no face. We can’t help who we fall in love with, and the same goes for travel. The adventurous-type may seek thrills in the Andes or Himalayas, while the die-hard foodie may find solace in Italy or Spain. In travel, we have boundless freedom to seek our perfect match. There is no settling when faced with an endless amount of incredible options.

8. Travel connects

There are places on this earth have a profound knack for staying with you forever. Whether it’s the sun rising over Angkor Wat or the temples of the Taj Mahal, there are places you recount over and over again, soliciting the same level of excitement each and every time.

9. Travel is honest and authentic

Travel is patient, kind, and will not hide itself from you. You may not get to know a destination right away—like any good relationship, it takes time and work before you reveal yourselves to each other. But once you do, you know you’ve found something honest and authentic: your one true love.

10. Travel lasts forever

Old or young, this love is truly timeless. At first we may find our young hearts running wild for months on end with nothing but our backpacks. As our love matures, we may find comfort in the canals of Venice or the islands of the Galapagos. Regardless, this love is ever lasting and will be by your side at any age.