“ Collect moments, not things.”
- Author Unknown
Ever since I was a young girl, I have wanted to travel. Books were my inspiration. I would read, The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, and want to fly on a magic carpet. Man de La Mancha and want to travel to Spain and see the windmills Don Quixote fought. Wuthering Heights and want to explore the moors of northern England.
Books led me to travel, and with travel came very beautiful and magical moments. Moments of sheer happiness and exhilaration, seeing things I have always wanted to see and meeting fascinating people of different cultures.
As a young mother I wanted to take my children along on these journeys of wanderlust and during some difficult years these were some of the highlights of our lives. It created lifetime memories and to this day I take at least one trip with my family every year.
Traveling helps you bond with others and strengthens relationships. When you travel with loved ones, you connect.
Traveling is good for the soul and good for healing. Studies have shown it reduces stress, lowers anxiety and lifts depression.
Travel disconnects you from your daily life and helps you get perspective. While I was going through my divorce, travel helped me see there was life after divorce and I would be just fine.
Travel awakes your creative juices and inspires you. One of my inspirations for my book, Song of the Boricua was a trip to Puerto Rico.
Most of all, travel makes you happier. A recent study from San Francisco State University found that people who spent money on experiences rather than money were happier.
So in this season of holiday giving, think of the gift of travel for family, friends or a loved one. It’s a win-win for all.
