Welcome to this exciting episode of Me and the Magic, where we’re diving into the top 10 reasons why now is the perfect time to travel and not wait! I’m your host, Amanda Bauner, and today, I’m here to inspire you to pack your bags and embark on an incredible journey of self-discovery, adventure, and connection.
We all know that time is precious, especially when life throws unexpected events our way. But that’s precisely why it’s crucial to seize the moment and explore the world while we can. In this episode, we’ll uncover how traveling can be an enriching learning experience, help you de-stress, boost your creativity, and even lead to deeper connections with people around the globe.
Whether you’re considering solo travel to build confidence or looking to capture unforgettable memories, I have compelling reasons to convince you that there’s no time like the present. So, get ready to be inspired, and let’s discover why you should start planning your next adventure today!
Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Travel Now.
Reason #1: Time is precious.
Let’s face it, time is the one thing we can’t get back. Every moment you spend dreaming about travel is a moment you could be out there experiencing it. There’s no time like the present to explore new places and create unforgettable memories.
You never know when suddenly, you will be unable to travel. It’s so easy to take it for granted, until it’s gone. Remember the early days of COVID, when travel was virtually impossible? Then what happened? As travel restrictions started to lift, what did people want to do more than anything? Travel! Because they hadn’t been able to, and they were stuck at home, with all that time to dream of where they’d like to go. Now, the travel industry is reporting record amounts of travel, and it’s on trend to continue that way into 2025.
Reason #2: The world is your classroom.
Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about different cultures, histories, and ways of life. You gain knowledge and perspectives that you simply can’t get from a textbook or from watching a TV show or a movie. When we travel, we step out of our familiar environments and immerse ourselves in the many different ways that people live their lives all around the world. Experiencing this first-hand helps us understand, appreciate, and respect cultural differences.
One of the main ways travel educates us about different cultures is through direct interaction with local people. Engaging with locals allows us to experience their daily lives, traditions, and customs firsthand. Conversations with residents can reveal insights into their values, beliefs, and social norms.
Another significant aspect of cultural learning through travel is the opportunity to participate in local festivals, ceremonies, and rituals. These events are rich with cultural significance and offer a glimpse into the community’s history and values. For example, attending the vibrant Diwali celebrations in India or the colorful Carnival in Brazil provides an immersive experience of the cultural heritage and communal spirit of these places. Observing and participating in such events allows travelers to witness the cultural expressions that define a community’s identity.
Traveling also exposes us to different languages, which are a crucial component of any culture. Learning basic phrases in the local language not only helps with communication but also shows respect for the host culture. Language learning through travel can be more impactful because it involves real-life usage and context. I encourage you to not rely solely on Google translate and to at least learn a few phrases yourself. Locals will overall appreciate your efforts.
Also, visiting historical sites and museums during travel is an excellent way to learn about a culture’s past. These places showcase artifacts, artworks, and documents that tell the story of a culture’s evolution. For instance, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, which I’ve talked about in previous episodes, offers insights into the civilizations that built them, their architectural ingenuity, and their religious beliefs.
Culinary experiences are a fun and delicious way to learn about different cultures. Each region has its unique cuisine that reflects its history, geography, and lifestyle. Tasting local dishes allows travelers to appreciate the flavors and ingredients that are integral to the culture. Cooking classes or food tours can further deepen this understanding by explaining the preparation methods and the cultural significance of certain foods.
Reason #3: You deserve a break.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Traveling gives you a chance to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. It’s a perfect way to practice some self-care and treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation.
Taking a break to travel doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a large amount of vacation days accrued. If you feel like you need a vacation, then you probably need a vacation! Maybe you’re saving up vacation days for a long overseas trip or for an extended visit with family, and I totally get that. So then take a microadventure for at least a shorter break and some self-care. I shared tons of ideas for a micro-adventure in Episode 124.
Let’s talk for a moment about the importance of taking a break for your well-being. I hope that after you take a vacation, you feel refreshed and recharged. Do you notice a difference in how you approach your work when you return to it after going on vacation? There’s a reason for that! Our brains are not designed to constantly be at work. Plus, work can be a major source of stress. Taking a break and changing your environment can work wonders for reducing stress levels. Imagine lounging on a beach, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a new city—all those worries and deadlines will seem a lot less pressing. Plus, lower stress levels are great for your overall health, so it’s a win-win.
Vacations also boost your creativity. When you’re stuck in the same routine day in and day out, it’s easy for your thinking to get a little stale. Experiencing new places, cultures, and activities can spark fresh ideas and new perspectives. You might come back with an innovative solution to a problem that’s been bugging you for months or with a brilliant idea for a new project. Sometimes, the best way to find inspiration is to step away from your usual surroundings.
Reason #4: Meet new people and make connections.
Do not wait for others to be available to go with you on your travels. My friend, you can do it. Go by yourself. Have a blast. Do not wait until your friend can get time off work or until your sister figures out her plans. Go now, live your life, and immerse yourself in our wonderful world.
When you travel on your own, you’re more approachable and more likely to strike up conversations with locals and fellow travelers. This can lead to meaningful connections and friendships you might never have made otherwise. Plus, locals often love to share their culture with solo travelers, giving you a more authentic experience.
Travel expert Pauline Frommer says that “One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view.” I couldn’t agree more.
Reason #5: Step out of your comfort zone.
Traveling pushes you to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s tasting exotic foods, navigating a foreign city, or learning a new language, these experiences help you grow and build confidence.
Do you feel like you lack confidence? Well, I have great news for you! Solo travel is a fantastic confidence booster. When you’re out there on your own, navigating new cities, figuring out public transport, and managing your itinerary, you quickly realize just how capable you are. It’s empowering to know you can handle whatever comes your way. Each small victory, whether it’s finding a hidden gem of a café or making it through a language barrier, builds your confidence and independence.
Speaking of stepping outside of your comfort zone, I know many people who put up a roadblock to traveling until they reach a certain milestone – reach a certain weight or look a certain way. Trust me, as a plus-size woman, I’ve played this game. I don’t enjoy flying because it’s uncomfortable. But not once have I taken a trip and then regretted it. Quite the opposite – I was so glad that I did it. If you want to be at a certain physical point for a trip, of course then you need to have a plan to work out, whether that’s walking each day to get ready for the miles you’ll walk each day in Disney parks, or bicycling more to get ready for a cycling trip. It’s all doable! Put that plan into action right now, and set the date for that trip!
And let’s not forget the joy of being seen out in the world. Traveling solo is a bold statement of independence and curiosity. It’s a way of saying, “I’m here to experience life to the fullest, on my own terms.” It can inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their own adventures. Your solo journey can be a powerful reminder to those around you that it’s okay—and even wonderful—to explore the world alone.
Reason #6: Capture incredible memories.
Whether you are traveling alone or with others, capturing your memories is very important. Think of all the amazing photos, stories, and souvenirs you’ll collect from your travels. These memories are priceless and will bring a smile to your face every time you look back on them. Plus, they’ll make for great stories to share with friends and family.
So, how can you capture and share your vacation memories? Here are some fun and creative ways:
- Photos and Videos are the classic way to capture memories! Use your smartphone or a good camera to snap photos and record videos of your favorite moments. Don’t just focus on the big sights; capture the little details too, like a unique street sign, a local dish, or a candid shot of a new friend. I like to also take photos of menus, hotel directories, and other items with information so I can use them as reference later on.
- Journaling: Writing about your experiences can be very rewarding. Keep a travel journal where you jot down your daily adventures, thoughts, and feelings. This can be as detailed or as brief as you like. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind at the end of each day. Or do what I did on my Hilton Head trip, and record voice memos at the end of each day.
- Social Media: Share your journey in real-time with friends and family on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for posting photos, videos, and stories. It’s a great way to keep everyone updated and excited about your trip. Just be sure to use safety as far as what information you’re sharing about your exact location. As an example, if you share a room tour, make sure your room number isn’t visible in the video.
- Next is one of my favorites… Scrapbooking: After your trip, create a scrapbook with photos, ticket stubs, maps, and other mementos. This is a fun and creative way to compile all your memories in one place. Plus, it’s a beautiful keepsake to look back on.
- Photo Books: Create a photo book online with all your favorite pictures from the trip. There are many services that let you customize layouts and add captions, making it a perfect coffee table book to share with visitors. If you want to share photos with others but not post on social media, then you can create an album in a Photos app or on Google drive, as an example, and share photo and video files with others that way.
- Blogging: If you love writing and sharing your experiences, consider starting a travel blog. You can document your journeys in detail, share tips, and even inspire others to travel. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with other travel enthusiasts.
- Memory Boxes: Collect small souvenirs from your trip, like shells from the beach, local currency, or small trinkets. Keep them in a memory box that you can open whenever you want to reminisce.
Capturing and sharing your vacation memories not only helps you relive those wonderful moments but also inspires and connects you with others. So next time you’re on an adventure, don’t forget to take a moment to capture the magic and share it with the world!
Reason #7: Experience natural wonders.
From majestic mountains to pristine beaches, our planet is full of breathtaking natural wonders. Traveling allows you to witness these incredible sights firsthand and appreciate the beauty of our world.
Do you prefer beaches or mountains? Do you want to relax or do activities? Asking yourself those types of questions will help you pinpoint exactly what natural wonders you want to experience.
I prefer warm weather to cold climates, which is partly why I moved to Florida, but I am so excited to experience for the first time next July all the natural wonders in Alaska. The Me and the Magic group will sail on the Celebrity Edge out of Seattle, Washington for a 7-night cruise to Alaska. If you are free July 11-18, 2025, we’d love to have you join us. Visit MeAndTheMagic.com/AlaskaCruise2025 for the full itinerary and to request a quote from our friends at MEI-Travel.
Reason #8: Discover more about yourself.
Traveling alone provides you with a great opportunity for self-discovery. Being alone with your thoughts in new environments allows you to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You’ll learn what excites you, what comforts you, and maybe even discover new passions. It’s like a journey within a journey—exploring the world while also exploring who you are. And it builds up that self-trust and self-confidence that I mentioned a bit ago.
Meeting different people in any location also helps me to discover more about myself. Sometimes, I discover that someone’s behavior affects me in a way I don’t expect, and sometimes that’s not how I want to feel, so it highlights an area where I need to dig deeper, heal, and grow. And sometimes, I meet someone that has so much joy and light that they inspire me to be a better person. Isn’t that just the best feeling?
I love that aspect of traveling, to discover more about myself in so many different ways.
Reason #9: Gain a fresh perspective.
I found a great article from Forbes titled, “Why Travel Is More Important Today than Ever.” The author, Jonathan Look Jr., wrote the following:
“Sometimes our beautiful world seems like a scary place. The news that we are drip-fed through our devices often paints a biased and disproportionally terrifying picture. Technologically, we are more connected, but in many ways more isolated than ever.
Instead of using interconnectedness to seek out data that broadens our knowledge and understanding, too often we seek out information that reinforces our prejudices and fears. Politicians and others understand this trait well and weaponize it to manipulate and control our actions in ways that favor them.
Once ideas, even false ones, have taken hold, it is much more difficult to take in information that challenges those ideas. Challenging beliefs and preconceptions can be uncomfortable. For me, one of the best ways to overcome false information about the world is to travel.
Through traveling, you learn quickly that it is foolish to put people into categories and that the cartoonish impressions that others ascribe to other nationalities are invariably inaccurate. In fact, when you see someone thoughtlessly demonizing any group they do not know well, it says much more about the accuser than the accused.
Through traveling, we learn that people of all cultures share basically the same hopes and aspirations that we have. Yes, outside appearances are often vastly different. We pray to different Gods or no Gods at all. We dress in different manners and have different traditions and languages. Some cultures are outgoing and others are more reserved and stoic; but all cultures love their children, are proud of their heritage, want to improve conditions for their families and leave a legacy of some sort behind.
Through traveling our preconceptions are challenged and you will see other, perhaps better, ways of accomplishing positive things.”
Reason #10: Life is too short for regrets.
Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”
Imagine looking back on your life and regretting all the trips you didn’t take. Don’t let fear, procrastination, or excuses hold you back. Seize the moment and make the most of the time you have. Because none of us knows what the future holds or how much longer we have to enjoy our time here on Earth.
I hope this Top 10 list of reasons to travel now has inspired you. So go pack your bags, book that ticket, and get ready for your next adventure out in the world.
