After some reflection, I now realize how important and amazing of an experience traveling is, no matter where you go. Traveling is healthy, relaxing, and inspiring. Traveling allows you to take a break from reality and relax in your paradise, whether it be a city or an ocean. It can interrupt your typical routine, which may not sound good but it is the best form of self-care. Many people agree that even planning a trip can reduce stress and feel rewarding. According to jerseyislandholidays.com, 80% of U.S. citizens agree that after they have traveled they noticed a significant drop in stress. Traveling also exposes you to new experiences and cultures that you may not know anything about. I believe this is one of the coolest and most beneficial parts of traveling. While I do love living in Westport and the community within it, I find so much joy in seeing and trying new things.

The only downside of traveling is the expense, and I understand that not all vacations are affordable but there are some alternatives that I enjoy just as much. If you are looking for a relaxing experience or getaway, think about going to a local spa to get beauty treatments, massages, and more. If you prefer a more activity-filled vacation, look for the museums near you. Many museums nowadays have interactive features too, like the MoMa’s video game exhibit that allows you to play many vintage video games and look at some of the oldest technology. I find that museums also are a great way to expose yourself to new cultures and traditions because they often contain art from all around the world and have exhibits on different eras of time, artists, and cultures!

Lastly, I think that if it is possible, travel internationally at least ONCE in your lifetime. Traveling within the United States is still very enjoyable and entertaining because it has so many states that have so many unique tourist attractions and features, but traveling internationally helps you acquire a deeper understanding of the world and other cultures. In fact, Americans take 93 million international trips every year (condorferries.co.uk).  Traveling internationally exposes you to diversity that you may not have in your own community. It also helps you develop cultural sensitivities, which in my opinion is very important because even if you don’t travel often, you should be aware of what is going on in other places and within other cultures. Being aware of what is going on in other countries and cultures is inspiring and can open you up to a whole new lifestyle or ideas. Some of the most popular countries to visit are France, Italy, Spain, China, and Mexico, but there are a lot of hidden gems around our world that are slowly becoming popular like Greece, Morocco, and Portugal! Never underestimate the power of traveling, because “travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”.