Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. This can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane or ship, with or without luggage, and may be one way or round trip. Travel can occur for many reasons including recreation, holidays and rejuvenation, tourism or vacationing, research, visiting family or friends, work, education, business, religious pilgrimage, or simply exploration of other cultures.
As you travel, try to be receptive to what the world is offering you. Accept the hospitality of strangers, and be open to new experiences, even if they are not on your “bucket list.” The things that happen when you least expect it are often the most fun, and they will be the stories you will remember forever.
You can learn a lot about the culture of a place just by watching its day-to-day life unfold around you. If you have the time, sit in a café or on a street corner and watch. Listen to the sounds, watch the faces, and smell the streets. This is the best way to really absorb a destination, and it’s a great opportunity to practice your Spanish.
In the past, travel was mostly a luxury for the rich. But in the last century, it has become increasingly affordable and accessible to more people. And as the world becomes more interconnected, it is also becoming easier and faster to travel.
Whether it’s that white-knuckle feeling of a plane taking off, or the sustained hyper-real sensation of arriving in a foreign city and letting your senses explode, traveling is the stuff that dreams are made of. It’s an escape from cubical drudgery, or a sun-soaked interlude from Real Life, and it is the cultural equivalent of surfacing for air.
The more you travel, the more you will learn about yourself and the world. You will grow as a person, and you will develop new skills that will help you in every aspect of your life, both personal and professional. You will learn how to adapt to new situations and to be more flexible. You will also have the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and share your own experiences with them.
Before you leave for your vacation, it’s important to prepare your home and your pets. Make sure your pets have food and water for the duration of your trip, and that any plants are well-watered. If you have a pet sitter or friend checking on your house, leave clear instructions and any needed supplies. Also clean your home, especially if you are going to be gone for a long period of time. You don’t want to return to a bug infestation or a stinky home! You can also prepare by packing your bag or preparing an itinerary. This will help you stay organized and keep track of your trip. And don’t forget to take pictures of your adventure, it will be a good reminder when you get home!
