I’m Outta Here! Now, Where Should I Go…?
According to Forbes magazine, traveling gives you the opportunity to step away from the daily grind. “Apart from the obvious fact that you don’t have to go to work (and can legit eat pizza for breakfast)…the new events and experiences help rewire your brain, hence boosting your mood and self-confidence.”
If you need to decompress…
Spend a weekend in nature. A hike in the woods can cure what ails. (It doesn’t have to be full-on camping…find an Airbnb or rental cabin and glamp up the experience.) Then, bring a journal, turn off your phone, pack a picnic, and prepare for a sense of calm. Whether heading for the Red Rocks of Utah, the Pacific Northwest rainforest, or a long weekend in the Adirondacks, stepping away from the stresses of technology and into the wild does wonders.
If you need fun in the sun…
Obvs the beach is calling. If the weather’s warm, a seaside sojourn scores you plenty of playtime in the ocean, boardwalk meals, outdoor music, and SUN. In cooler months, you get to walk in the sand, listen to crashing waves, drink toasty beverages, collect driftwood, and take cool, moody selfies.
If you need an adventure…
Try a sport- or hobby-related activity; like wine tasting in a nearby region; going on a bike tour; a sailing trip; ziplining trek; or even a cross-country train ride. According to recent academic studies, “People who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones better than those who stick to a lifetime of routine.”
If you need pampering…
A spa is clearly on the menu. Doesn’t have to be some prohibitive week at a swanky resort involving a plane flight and credit-card debt. Check out day spa offerings in your own town; or weekend specials that are driving distance from where you live. It’s amazing how much relaxation can be gained from two days of massage, facials, hair treatments, and meditative zen-time.
If you need a dose of culture…
Hankering for citified travel? Consider a trip to the Big Apple, LA, or even book a couple of nights in a nearby metropolitan city of interest. Then, put an itinerary together so you’re not at the mercy of tourist season: Make some good dinner reservations; score tickets to the theater; check out museum hours (and the requisite shopping destinations). As one travel author describes it, “Big cities act like a magnifying glass. Everything seems to be condensed, dynamic, and ones impressions can be very diverse.”
