Why Travel Should be Part of Your Happiness Strategy

There are many different kinds of travel experiences:

Visiting ancient cities;

Hiking iconic trails;

Wildlife safaris;

Relaxing at an exotic resort;

Photographic adventures;

Road trips,

the list is endless.

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But several things all these journeys all have in common is

A sense of adventure;

A healthy pause in our routines;

Discovery of the unknown;

Exposure to different people and cultures

and most importantly, a profound reminder of and enhanced appreciation for the beautiful and diverse world we live in.

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As with attaining anything of value, there is effort involved. In the case of travel, it often requires research, planning, reservations, preparation and often a strict adherence to an imposed schedule.

But once you are there, once you can settle into and become immersed in the experience, there are few activities more life affirming. 

Ironically, through the immersion into history, art, food and cultural traditions, we learn more about ourselves. And as I have written extensively, "self knowledge" is a fundamental prerequisite to personal development and ultimately, happiness. 

But travel is expensive! So much so, that many perceive they lack the ability to venture beyond their own county or state. And as a result, their personal growth is stunted and their understanding of the world around them remains one-dimensional and distorted.

So how can travel be made accessible to more people? How can we change the narrative of travel from one of being an experience only available only to the economically advantaged, to one that encourages more people to find a way too see as much of our world as possible?

It could be argued that travel is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

For how else can more of humanity come to understand the ways in which we are strikingly similar? How else will children and adults alike begin to appreciate the value of history, architecture and art in elevating our lives? How else will current and future generations be exposed to the stunning achievements of artists, engineers, scientists and leaders and then imagine what dreams they might aspire to?

To that end, it is my privilege and pleasure to share access to the many Intrepid Travelers whom I have become acquainted with via social media. This TRAVEL category of The Happiness Tree will be dynamic and growing, as I become aware of new travel stories and resources that may inspire you to get on the road or in the air. So please, take some time to read and learn about these adventurers who live to experience, learn and then share with us their joy of travel. 

-Shane Eric Mathias