Sometimes when life is beating you down, the best thing you can possibly do is get away.
What is travel therapy?
‘Travel therapy’ simply means using travel as a way to help alleviate a problem or situation in your life. For example: Are you just getting over a break up? Travel… out of sight out, of mind. Feeling the need to break out of your box and shake your life up a bit? Be fearless and take an adventurous trip. Are you in dire need of some rest and relaxation to calm the stress that’s been building up inside? Go on a vacation, even a short one.
There are a myriad of destinations and trips you can take based on what kind of ‘therapy’ you need. If you’re feeling like a zoned out couch potato in your big city apartment, get fit and de-stress by taking a vacation to a national park. Go hiking, biking or something outdoorsy that gets your body moving. And if you’re totally frazzled from your corporate job, be kind to yourself (and those that interact with you daily) and take a mini retreat at a nearby spa for some much needed pampering. Have you ever felt that you’d like to give back a little more but not sure how? Volunteering while on vacation is a great way to give, both to yourself and others at the same time.
Treat Yourself
If you’re worried about money, consider travel therapy as an investment in your health. If you can gain invaluable experience, heal yourself, learn something new, shed something old, and find out just how big and fabulous the world can be outside your own little life… I’d say that’s money well spent, wouldn’t you? You have to be kind to your body and mind and allow yourself the pleasure of traveling.
Now I’m not knocking traditional therapy, as it can definitely be helpful. But sometimes what you need is not to sit in a stranger’s office and talk about your problems, but to go out into the world and realize that your problems are small in comparison to millions of others. Or that you don’t care quite as much about what your ex thinks about you when you’re out meeting interesting people and seeing beautiful new sites every day. Besides, wouldn’t you rather spend your hard earned dollars on say, a two week trip exploring Costa Rica rather than on 5 sessions in the dark living room of someone who listens and nods once in a while?
Create Your Own Trip
There is a great book that just came out titled ‘Travel Therapy’ which inspired this post and got me thinking about the kinds of trips I take and why. For me, travel is the best kind of therapy, and the most fun! Depending on what’s going on in my life, I book different kinds of trips. For example, last April, I had a free Southwest ticket to anywhere in the U.S. I went to San Diego just as spring was approaching because it was the farthest destination from Raleigh and I was really feeling the need for some sun and the ocean. It was completely rejuvenating and just what ‘the doctor’ (me) ordered. I also realized that when major and/or traumatic changes occur in my life, my mom and I will often take off on a trip. This always helps to take my mind off the ‘big situation’ and is a sharp reminder of how big the world is, all the good people it holds, and how I can always choose to participate and have fun if I just allow myself.
What kind of trip do you need right now? Get in touch with how you’re really feeling. Then look through magazines and travel web sites to see what jumps out at you. Oftentimes, that is exactly the kind of trip you need to take. Try not to censor yourself about what kind of trip you think you should take. Be creative. Don’t book another week at the beach this year if you’re really yearning to take off and explore the vastness and beauty of Montana. Don’t start thinking ‘it’s just not possible right now’ either… it is. You just have to put yourself first and make it a priority.
Next month I’m traveling again. I just quit my job and am heading to Central America for a while. This city girl has been locked up in a cubicle for the past 3 years, and in serious need of some nature therapy. Honduras has lush tropical rain forests, Mayan ruins, marshy wetlands, and sandy islands to go snorkeling upon… ah, just what this city slicker needs.
What’s going on in your life? What kind of trip do you need at this moment? I’d love to hear about it.
Then go and book it. Now. You deserve it.
Related posts:
