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by Joy Thrun
This article was featured in the Lansing Business Monthly, October 2009 Issue
This article was inspired by something I read in Conde Nest Traveler, it stated “Another chapter is now unfolding: More and more of us seem to be circulating throughout the globe with an ebullience, a sophistication and freedom of spirit that could well mark a New Age of American Travel. “ They recently conducted a poll where 84 percent of respondents said that the potential for “new and different cultural experiences” was highly important in choosing where to travel now. I think this is significant in the midst of a recession. Americans are finding travel not just a luxury, or desirable leisure but an essential life experience.
Geopolitics, finance, technology and communications have changed the way we live and travel. But Mark Twain wrote in 1869 “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely in these accounts.” America now has awareness that we are a great nation but not the only economic super power and it has balanced the world stage. So travel has never been more comfortable or interesting. This was best said by journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski, “travel is an addiction to wonderment”. Finally, a good addiction.
There is more good news; travel is good for your health! PPP A study by the State University of New York, Oswego which tracked male patients at risk of heart disease over a 16 year period. The results showed an association between taking an annual vacation and reduced risk of heart attack and death. Those who took fewer holidays were 30 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. If a drug company were able to make this same claim we would be lined up to get it! In 1992, a follow up study to the massive Farmingham Heart Study showed that participants who took the fewest holidays were the most likely to have a heart attack. Everyone knows the effects stress and depression has on health. There is nothing more depressing than thinking about 7 months of cold darkness that is known as Michigan winter, so do something about it, plan a trip. Just knowing you have a trip planned this winter or spring will change your outlook and keep you in shape. When you have a beach destination in your future it keeps you on the treadmill and thinking about calorie consumption.
If I have convinced you travel is good for your mind, body and soul (or any one of the three) SEEK PROFFESIONAL HELP. Travel planning is complex, especially with the merging of airlines, security, hotel options, weather and politics. One could spend hours researching a trip and still feel insecure about the right thing to do. If you have a good travel agent you know how valuable it is to any travel experience. If you do not have a good travel agent, ask a well traveled friend who they use. When you form a relationship with a travel professional the hard part is over.
I practice what I preach. I can’t imagine my life without travelling and never take any trip for granted, it is a blessing. When this article is published I will be in Rio de Jarino celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary. Perhaps 30 years late to stroll on Ipanemia Beach in a bikini, but better late than never.
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