7 Signs You
Need a Vacation

1. You’re Tired of the Same Old Views

Whether it’s your home office or your living room window, you’re tired of the same views and the same day-to-day routine. You want to see the world with fresh eyes, journey to new places, and take a break from that routine. In fact, you're not alone in this. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans are feeling burned out and ready for a change of scenery.

2. Your Bucket List Is Getting Out of Hand

First - what have you checked off and what's still on your list? Have you seen the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Canyon? Floated on the canals of Venice and the waters of The Dead Sea? Always longed to go on an African safari? Maybe you want to walk on the Great Wall of China. Or, perhaps it's imperative that you stand in awe of the pyramids at least once in your life. Whatever places and activities are on your bucket list, the only way to cross them off is to go!

3. You Want to Be Inspired

Exploring new cities and engaging with different cultures opens your mind to fresh perspectives. If you want to expand your worldview, travel! On any trip, you won't know which moment or experience is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. It could be a story you hear from a local or something your Travel Director shares with you about the little-known history of a place.

As travelers, we know these moments happen on every trip, which is why we go. We're looking for the moment that teaches us something new — something that creates that "arch and spark" in our brains — and changes us for life, in ways big and small.

4. You Need Some New Stories

“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battutah

You’ve always been able to hold an audience, but lately, you notice you're recycling and retelling the same stories over and over. If so, it's probably time for some new ones. Why not create some new stories to share with friends and loved ones? Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have together and you'll make memories that last well after you arrive home. From meeting a real-life cowboy in Montana, or spotting wild monkeys in Costa Rica, to experiencing life as a gladiator in Rome, the world is full of new stories to tell.

5. You Need a Break

Numerous studies have shown that taking vacations can benefit your health. In fact, a Cornell study found that men and women who vacation at least once annually show a lower risk of heart disease. According to another recent study: Anticipating and planning travel makes Americans happy. Close to three-quarters (74%) of planners reported being extremely or very happy anticipating and planning vacations in the next year versus just four in 10 non-planners. Meaning, you can experience the benefits of traveling before you even head out the door!

6. You Want More Stamps in Your Passport

On average, residents of the United Kingdom visit 10 countries in their lifetime, Germans visit eight, and the French visit five. But, did you know that only 19% of Americans have only been to one foreign country and only 11% of Americans have been to 10 or more countries? Research shows that Americans are four times more likely to travel within the United States than internationally. While traveling through the very diverse landscapes and cultures of the states still satisfies and feeds that wanderlust, your passport has plenty of blank pages waiting to be filled with stamps! 

7. Your Name Contains a Letter of the Alphabet

When it comes down to it, travel is good for everyone. Taking a trip increases your happiness, expands your worldview, and creates new memories. Whether you prefer historic landmarks or exotic locales, traveling by rail or by boat, adventure or elegance - at the end of the day, traveling is an experience within itself. Take a chance and experience something new, you’ll remember your adventure long after your trip is over. Just don’t ignore the signs of wanderlust. It's best to start planning that trip you know you've always longed to take.