By Jess Carnprobst
One of my new favorite quotes is, “the world is a book, and those who don’t travel only read one page.” To me, this couldn’t be more true. Traveling broadens your horizons and helps you to grow as a person. Summer is the perfect time to travel, so start planning your next trip and get out there! Here are some tips to make this your most exciting summer yet.
Don’t let the money stop you. Even though we have college tuition to worry about, traveling doesn’t have to be a huge expense. There are plenty of sights to see close by. I just found out that there’s a Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and it’s only about 2 hours away from where I live! It’s OK to just take a day trip or only stay one night. Sometimes that’s all you need. If you’re traveling far, you can always opt to take a road trip instead of flying. Take little stops along the way to make your car ride more exciting. You can also look into staying with relatives or friends if you can’t afford a hotel. Another option is to sign up for a rewards program because that will definitely save you in the long run!
Stop planning and just go. This is something I really need to work on. I’ll sit at my computer and dream up all of these places that I want to go but then never book the trip. If you want to go somewhere, simply book the trip. It won’t do you any good to look at pictures from your living room. Find out a time and price that works for everyone and make it happen! You’ll be glad you did in the long run.
Step out of your comfort zone. This is what traveling is all about. Go places you’ve never been and try things you never have before. Eat crazy exotic foods, go on the longest hike of your life or backpack around Europe for a month. I try to step out of my comfort zone at least once during each trip; that’s what makes it so exciting and memorable!
Travel with the ones you love. Everything is 10 times more fun when you’re surrounded by the people you care about. Whether you choose to travel with your family, friends or significant other, you’ll be glad you did. It creates a bond unlike any other, and you’ll be left with unforgettable memories to be shared at reunions or get-togethers for years to come.
Don’t forget that life is about the journey, not the destination. I know it’s hard to be patient when you’re waiting in a line that seems to go on forever, or when you have unexpected car problems, but moments like these will (hopefully) give you something to laugh about later. If every trip you went on went exactly as you planned, it wouldn’t be as much fun. Try not to get impatient the next time something unexpected comes up. Just hold on and remember that the ride is beautiful as long as you’re sitting in the right seat.
Make traveling a priority this summer. Find a new place to go and some new sites to see. It’s easier than you think to be the person that is always posting exciting pictures instead of the one who is constantly living vicariously through others.
Follow Jess on Twitter at @jess_carnprobst
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