7 Signs You
Need a Vacation

Recognizing the Side Effects of Wanderlust

Have you caught yourself staring wistfully daydreaming about faraway destinations? Or maybe you've Googled each place on your bucket list so many times you could practically write a guidebook on one or two of them. You may have even dug out and dusted up your luggage, finding little things to pack that you should have on hand for your next trip. These are just a few symptoms of wanderlust.

Definition of Wanderlust

wan·der·lust /ˈwändərˌləst/
noun, early 20th century: from German wanderlust
: a strong desire to travel
: a strong longing for or impulse toward wandering

While a serious case of wanderlust isn't something you need to see a doctor for, it is something you should try to keep in check. The best way to sate your desire, of course, would be to take a trip somewhere, anywhere, you really want to go. 

If you're still on the fence about whether or not you've got a case of wanderlust, here are seven more signs to keep an eye out for as tell-tale markers that you're ready for a vacation. Consult your Travel Specialist immediately if you exhibit any of the following...

1. You’re Tired of the Same Old Views

Whether it’s your office or living room window, you’re tired of the same views and day-to-day routines. You want to see the world with fresh eyes, journey to new places, and take a break from that routine. Experiencing new landscapes, cultures, and environments can rejuvenate your spirit and provide a much-needed change of scenery. Traveling can inspire creativity, offer new perspectives, and give you a chance to relax and unwind. A vacation allows you to break free from the monotony, embrace adventure, and return home with a refreshed mindset and renewed energy.

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 cerulean Adriatic 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 Great Pyramids of Egypt 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. 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. Celebrate the holiday season where it all started. Add a Resplendent Quetza to your bird life list in Costa Rica. See Old Faithful blast skyward higher than you ever imagined. The world is full of new experiences that lead to new memories and incredible stories to share. 

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!

The Health Benefits of Travel

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 Any Letter of the Alphabet

When it comes down to it, travel is good for any and 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.