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3 WAYS THAT TRAVEL ENHANCES SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

Traveling has always been an opportunity for me to pause, reflect and soak in beauty -simple luxuries that city life doesn't often afford me. Whether meditating on an 11-day silent retreat in the hills of Grenada, Spain or biking through the sleepy villages of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, traveling has shaped me into a more spiritual because of these three things:

1. It urges you to live in the present moment Hopefully none of us go on vacation to be consumed by the future. For me, traveling has always been about absorbing the best of what another country or culture has to offer on a moment by moment basis. While promenading through the dusty alleys of Venice and licking my refreshing gelato, my mind is on nothing other than what is before me, my senses consumed by reality. This is where I am most connected to myself and beyond, in the present moment.

2. It pushes you to transcend the familiar Travel gives us the opportunity to bypass the familiar so to become acquainted with cultures, worldviews and beliefs that are vastly different from my own. Slowly but surely, I have Iearned not to judge but to embrace. I have begun to why I shouldn't seek to compare but rather, to understand. The droning chant escaping out of a Buddhist monastery in Laos, the heavily veiled women out shopping in Qatar and the thundering bells of a Hindu temple in Thailand all prompted me to reflect on and expand my perceptions of prayer, of the sacred and of service.

3. It forces you to relinquish control It's a lot easier to control every detail of life in our own personal settings. But when we're faced with newness all around, control has to be traded in for a really good time. While on a tour to see the famous Shipwreck in Zayknthos, the tour guide asked my husband and I if we wanted to be dropped off on a private beach instead. Normally, I find it difficult to deviate from already-made plans but on vacation, spontaneity comes easy. So the two of us found ourselves on this lone beach, truly the most beautiful one I've ever seen. As yes, when we relinquish control, we discover beauty.

SPOTLIGHT: A Travelous Tour in Italy

By Anna Yu

I was lucky enough to spend 10 Travelous days in Italy experiencing Rome, Tuscany and Venice. There are too many amazing things to recount into a few short paragraphs, and perhaps I should write an essay about it one day. But for now, I'll tell you about my favorite experiences:

1) Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

I saw the Pope! If you wish to catch him you can book free tickets in advance where he blesses the audience every Wednesday when he’s in town. http://www.papalaudience.org/ Besides being blessed by his Holiness, Pope Francis, which is fantastic; seeing the sheer number of religious masterpieces housed in the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica was almost a religious experience unto itself. The paintings and sculptures interpreting stories from the Bible and the life of Jesus are astonishing in detail and impressive in scale. The facial expressions and the depiction of movement makes the figures come alive. I don't consider myself very religious, but seeing this caliber of talent that seems beyond the ability of humans makes me wonder if there was a higher force guiding Renaissance artists to create these masterpieces.

Photo Credit: Anna Yu

2) Uffizi Gallery – Florence, http://www.uffizi.org/artworks/

For the art lovers, check out the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the finest Renaissance collections in the world. To fully appreciate how all this artwork came to be, it is helpful to know a little about the Medici family. The House of Medici became wealthy in the 13th century as successful bankers. Through their rise into political power, they were a force to be reckoned with. Over three centuries, they produced four popes and spread their lineage into royalty. Perhaps most importantly, they played an instrumental role in Florence becoming the cradle of the Renaissance movement, as they were extremely dedicated patrons of the arts. When Cosimo I Medici moved to the administrative offices (Uffizi means office in Italian), he began collecting pieces of art, known today as the famous Uffizi gallery. In 1737, with the decline of the Medici family and no heirs, the last surviving Medici, Anna Maria Luisa generously donated the family's vast priceless collection to the people of Florence. I feel very fortunate to have been able to visit this gallery. One more fabulous fact, the Uffizi Gallery and all state-ran galleries are free on the first Sunday of each month.

Photo credit: Uffizi.org

3) Private walking tour - Venice

Venice is a group of 118 small islands connected by approximately 400 bridges and 150 canals. I had an amazing private tour guide who took us off the beaten path to explore some beautiful sites and gave us a lot of fascinating history and facts about Venice. I learned that the foundation of Venice is made of wood that drifted down the water from Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. I also learned that it is banned to have anything with wheels in Venice, so it is purely a pedestrian city. Amusingly, it was rumored that Venice would ban the use of wheeled suitcases, which set tourists into a panic, but that never came to fruition. Another fun fact is that the masks that were made for Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut were actually crafted in a store in Venice called Ca’ Macana. These beautifully crafted masks are worn during Carnival, an annual event that runs for a few weeks leading up to Lent where Venetians would mingle with each other in anonymity.

Photo Credit: Paolo Vercesi

The most important thing I learned is the Venetian way of life, which as my guide explained, is to take things slow and to enjoy every moment. I looked around after she said this, realizing that no one was rushing around and nobody seemed stressed. People were enjoying their coffees in the mid-afternoon sun on a patio or sauntering through the market for fresh ingredients. Shouldn’t we all be living this way? To revel in the pleasure of the small and simple things?

La Dolce Vita… This is perhaps the most precious thing I took home with me from Italy that I'm going to incorporate into my life.

#italy #travelouslife #travelous #mytravelouslife #worldtravler

The 3 Tourist Traps that You’ve Probably Fell Into

1. Visiting Places that aren’t Worth your Time

I unfortunately need two hands to count the tourist hot spots that I’ve visited which consequently led me to question my tour book, tour map or fellow tourists. My last entirely pointless visit was to one of the thousands of temples in Bangkok, this one in particular (Wat Satham) housing nothing interesting a scam artist who tried to sell us questionably authentic sapphire diamonds. What was frustrating about this experience was that we planned to check this site out along with the Giant Swing, which was another huge waste of time. So we spent a good two hours seeing very little and also got stuck in traffic but at least we weren’t weaving our way through a fake floating market under a blazing sun. These places are everywhere and the best way to avoid them is to do your homework, book a guide, or better yet, have a tour operator like Travelous plan it. They won’t put you through this.

2. Staying in Chain Hotels

Not only are chain hotels pretty expensive but they’re also standardized, offering little or no insight into the local culture, cuisine or art. It’s easy to choose the Best Western or Hilton because we know exactly what’s coming but easy isn’t the most rewarding, nor is it the most price-effective. Stunning hotels such as the Awasi Patagonia may not be known to the common tourist but a seasoned traveller would be able to provide a rich description of the intricate, unique details decorating each room or the breathtaking scenery showcased through every window. When choosing hotels, staying safe when choosing accommodation will not result in the unforgettable, soul-enriching and entirely affordable vacation that you’re dreaming of!

(Awasi Patagonia Villa)

3. Tourist Restaurants

To illustrate a simple point, I was in Bergamo, Italy, a few years back. I saw a pizza shop and walked in, lured by the crowd of people swarming inside. I chose a humble slice and the smiling lady behind the counter gave me a ticket that said 9 Euros on it. Despite her smiling face, I felt entirely insulted and walked straight out. I knew Italy enough to know that I was robbed. I walked to outside of the town center and found a cozy, little bakery where I got a similar looking slice for 1.50 Euro. That is the reality. Prices for locals and prices for tourists are as chalk and cheese. The quality is questionable, the prices are jacked up to the max and the line ups in tourist restaurants are unreal. Stay local!

This is the reason we started Travelous. We’re here to help with your trip planning needs. Avoid the escorted groups and design your own private guided travel experience today.

Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

You’ve checked your luggage and have bypassed security, now you just have to prepare for the long flight ahead of you. If you’re a newbie to traveling, a long flight can be extremely grueling if you are not prepared. You want to be in great shape for your vacation, so that you can fully enjoy the sights and settings around you, instead of landing with neck problems.

Here are a few tips that will allow you to survive a long flight, without the groans and pains involved:

1. Bring a Neck Pillow

Photo cred: https://gethappillownews.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/largest-collection-of-unusual-pillows/attachment/143/

You can find a cute neck pillow to keep your neck comforted for the entire flight. If you have a 12-hour flight and no pillow, the amount of knots in your neck when you land will be unbearable. You will need to spend money on a massage when you land, instead of spending your money on activities that you’re excited about. A neck pillow will keep your neck rested, while keeping the kinks and the knots away. It’s the perfect solution for long flights with limited options for comfort.

2. Bring an Eye Mask

Photo cred: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/551057704378075609/

Some people find it difficult to fall asleep on the plane, and if you are one of those people it is best to bring an eye mask. An eye mask will shut out any light and bring nighttime to your flight—no matter what time of the day it is. You can also find unique eye masks to entertain your seatmates, while traveling the same flight together for hours on end. It’s the perfect solution to recreating your bedroom on the plane, without rearranging the furniture.

3. Practice In-Seat Exercises

Photo cred: http://www.fitnesssutra.com/2015/01/01/5-simple-exercises-to-do-on-the-plane/

Sitting for long periods of time can become painful. This is why it is suggested to do in-seat exercises when cooped up on the airplane for hours and hours. Point and flex your feet to keep the circulation going, and roll your shoulders back and forth to keep your joints loose. You can also bring your knees into your chest to stretch out your legs. These exercises will ensure that you stay as active as you possibly can in your seat, while preventing the stiffening and locking of your joints.

Long flights can be extremely draining, but by bringing a neck pillow, eye mask, and doing in-seat exercises on your flight—you ensure that you arrive at your destination in a good state. It’s time to fly to your destination in style, while keeping positive and getting as much rest as you can on the way there.

Sources: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-survive-a-long-haul-flight-2015-8

The Travelous Spotlight: Destination Uruguay

Explore Montevideo’s Mercado del Puerto

The wafting smell of top-grade asados has lured hungry bellies and curious eyes to the Mercado del Puerto for over a hundred years. This bustling food market, buzzing with activity both day and night, also exudes history and cultural flavor as handmade goods, artisanal paintings and live music showcase the vibrant traditions of Uruguay. Mercado del Puerto is where visitors can experience exquisite Uruguayan seafood and an assortment of expertly prepared meat, made over charcoal pits and seared with fierce flames. From endless meat laden stalls to a vast assortment of the finest and most flavorful Tannat wines, Mercado del Puerto visitors are in for a feast.

Savor the chivito, the World’s Best Sandwich

Although each chivito is one-of-a-kind, the main ingredients to this decadent Uruguayan sandwich are invariable, guaranteeing that each bite is memorable and utterly satisfying. The essentials usually include fresh crusty bread, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, roasted red pepper basted with olive oil, a hard-boiled egg and the signature item, slices of beef tenderloin grilled to perfection. Most locales offer an additional amount of tasty vegetables and other ingredients you can heap on, such as ham, bacon, cheese, and a myriad of homemade sauces. These intricate flavors promise to unravel themselves in your mouth, delighting every part of your pallet. A sandwich like none other, it will leave you with a want for nothing other than maybe a cold beer.

Discover Colonia del Sacramento

This sleepy city located in the south of Uruguay has been forgotten by time and dismissed by the waves of industrialism. When Portuguese colonialists settled this stunning peninsula in 1680, they were unaware that Colonia del Sacramento would one day be listed as a World Heritage Site and acclaimed for its unspoiled historical center-the one they created! Four hundred years later, the fortress walls they once built are still standing and the narrow cobblestone streets bear the marks of their footsteps. Colonia is a city that not only boasts endless opportunities to relive history but it also offers visitors to the chance to embark on beautiful riverside promenades and stroll through verdant, breezy parks. Best of all, when day turns to night, there is no scarcity of options as restaurants, pubs and coffee shops come to life on the lantern-lit streets.

Hang out on Punta del Este Beach

The gorgeous beaches and spectacular scenery of Uruguay's Garden City, Punta Del Este, have attracted international visitors for decades. The coastline is vast, the waves are perfect, the sunsets are fiery and the abundant nightlife caters to various age groups and crowds. Everything is possible in this beach lover's paradise; from flashy casinos to classy nightclubs and from adrenaline-inducing sports to lounging in the sun on quiet beaches. Punta del Este promises a beach vacation that is unforgettable and customizable, tailored to meet your every whim.

Surf and Play in Punta del Diablo

A surfer’s paradise with no flashy hotels in sight, Punta del Diablo is a fishing and artisanal village that whispers of delicious afternoon siestas, evening walks under starlit skies and life’s simple pleasures. The golden sands and high waves attract surfers from all over South America and although it boasts awesome waves year round, surfing is not all that Punta del Diablo has to offer. In this sleepy village, eco-tourism is picking up as five species of turtles leave the cost of Africa and come here to nest. The artisanal market is also a must-see; situated right on the beach, it is a rustic collection of booths and stalls that showcase various forms of traditional art.

16 of Our Favourite Instagramers That Will Satisfy Your Wanderlust in 2016

At Travelous, we are dedicated to transporting you to moments that will define your life—so that your story can continue growing and weaving into life-long memories. If you were warming an office chair all-throughout 2015, or need inspiration for life-altering travel plans, these Instagram accounts will awaken the travel-bug inside of you in 2016. It’s a new year, a fresh day, and a renewed perspective—so what are you waiting for? Here are 16 of our favourite Instagramers for 2016 that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust, turning you into a travel-obsessed being:

1. Alex Strohl @alexstrohl Photographer, Tree-Hugger, Stargazer Los Angeles/Whitefish/Vancouver 1m followers

This outdoorsman explores the beauty of the natural world, climbing to the depths of the undiscovered nooks and crannies. You absorb the atmosphere of each photograph, breathing in the fresh cold air, soaking in the euphoric sights, and sleeping under the stars. Alex Strohl is a wilderness adventurer, relaying his journeys through his lens on life. He inspires us to treat nature as we would like to be treated—and explore!

2. Stay & Wander @stayandwander Adventure Inspiration 73.9k followers

Photo by @shortstache

Stay & Wander, created by Alex Strohl and Maurice Li, reaches into a collection of the most awe-inspiring nature photographs from the Instagram world. Each photo pauses a moment in time, a moment so arresting, you can’t possibly look away. This account makes you want to run home, pack a bag, and discover the splendor awaiting.

3. LUMBERSEXUAL @lumbersexual Beards, Tatts, Flannels, Boots, Grooming, and more. 55.1k followers

Photo by @dearth

The description of this account says it all: “beards, tatts, flannels, boots, grooming, and more.” There’s nothing like a lumber jack wearing plaid, a rustic appearance, and an unkempt beard to keep him warm in the woods. If nature is filled with these grizzly bears, then all the more reason to start trekking.

4. Matador Network @matadornetwork The web’s largest travel magazine. 152k followers

Photo by @onlyhappywhenitravel

Matador Network is a travel magazine filled with crystal blue water, overpowering views of the Northern Lights overhead, and desert sand explorers. With a mix of multifarious architecture, ocean views, and underwater snapshots; this account encourages you to see each view from the same perspective—outside of your computer screen.

5. Max Muench @muenchmax Ready to travel the world. 140k followers

Max Muench is out there, getting face-to-face with the creatures and the comforts that earth’s wilderness has to offer. Every photograph tells a complete story, focusing on a memory in Max’s life manuscript. Aren’t you impatiently tapping your foot just staring at Max’s memories? If so—it’s time to create your own in 2016!

6. AKUsepp @akusepp Ruhr Area I Germany 299k followers

AKUsepp is a photographer capturing the gripping, edgy underground. Instead of focusing on a typical breathtaking view, he takes snapshots of street art, electronic dance music, dumpster alleys, and everyday working-class people. It’s a snippet of raw life that finds the grit and the beauty in each day.

7. Foster Huntington @fosterhunting That’s just like your opinion man… 1m followers

Have you ever dreamed of living in your own treehouse? Well—we have! And, Foster Huntington is out there building his dream house from scratch. Check out his Instagram feed and absorb the hippie vibe, rolling through the forests with friends, vans, and skateboards. It’s time to find your calling, and act on it—no matter how ridiculous it sounds to someone else!

8. Gareth Pon @garethpon A seeker of wild innocence, believer, photo/filmmaker. 260k followers

Gareth Pon has an abstract-style, using nature, street art, and people as his mediums. From the photographs and films, you can see that Gareth acquaints himself with each culture as he travels from place to place. Every human being has their own story to tell, and you are exposed to a profusion of stories when traveling. It’s time to get out there and start weaving the stories you find into your own!

9. Gary Arndt @everthingeverywhere Travel Photographer of the Year. CBS Podcast Host. Traveled to over 100 countries and all 7 continents. 134k followers

Gary Arndt is the definition of “well-traveled.” With his artistic vision, he is able to pause life at just the right moment. He’s been carrying his camera from Antarctica, to Thailand, to South Africa, to Ecuador. Gary’s Instagram feed translates his worldly knowledge to the new traveler, encouraging them to see the world for themselves.

10. Steve McCurry @stevemccurryofficial Steve’s body of work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions, and contemporary culture alike—yet always retains the human element. 975k followers

Steve McCurry is one of the greatest photographers alive today, as he explores the depths of cultural wonders in the spiritual realm. The faces of children from the world stare back into your screen, their eyes telling the story of their own journey in life. His perspective enlightens us, and shifts our micro-perspectives to be more open to what life has to offer.

11. Emily Thomas @emitoms Ca Huffington Post Contributor, Storyteller. 77.6k followers

Emily Thomas is not the lone-wolf kind of traveler, as she is always sharing her journey with her friends. Her feed is filled with picturesque landscapes, accounts that inspire her own travels, and the work captured by her travel companions. Maybe one day you’ll be shared among Emily’s feed—after your adventures begin!

12. Daniel Taipale @dansmoe Adventurer I Photographer I Based in Finland 102k followers

Daniel Taipale has a way of lightening up the sky with an array of colours and stars. It’s as if he curated a set and propped everything up perfectly, but it seems he is just always in the right place at the right time. The seasons of time are displayed, and you’re left questioning reality at the sight of every photo. Time for you to find out if these natural wonders are fact or fiction!

13. Andrea Dabene @andreadabene French photographer based in Los Angeles, currently in Montana. 327K followers

Andrea Dabene is a French photographer with a flair for exquisite travel photography. This wanderer is into portraits, cozying up next to the fire, and bright yellow raincoats to offset beautiful backdrops. Scrolling down her feed, a rainbow of colour presents itself, while you become inspired to add a little more colour to your own life.

14. Scott Sporleder @spoart Photographer // Wanderer // Filmmaker Creative Director at MatadorNetwork.com. 14.2K followers

Scott Sporleder is riding the travel wave, and making a wave for himself in the travel industry (and even photographing pictures of waves too!) There is nothing average about this Instagram account, but his artistic pains are well worth the artistic snapshots that litter his account.

15. Samuel Taipale @eljackson Photographer I Norway 205k followers

There’s nothing like two travelers in love, and this photographer loves to travel the world together with his partner in crime @eljackson. The two share a love for adventure and live life to the absolute fullest, basking in the glory of the universe. If you were to adventure the world tomorrow—who would your partner in crime be?

16. Caspar Diederik @storytravelers Visual Storytelling Artists Loving Travel. 14.1k followers

Caspar Diederik is the mastermind behind the lens on the @storytravelers Instagram account, but the real art is in the culture, view, and composition of every photo. Who says you can’t capture your travels with a trace of humour? Caspar adds a playful touch to his account, while shooting his full-life condensed into snapshots. What would your story look like?

Featured Accounts

Yvonne Zagermann @justtravelous Good girls go to heaven ✖ Bad girls go everywhere. Be travelous ✖ Go everywhere! 17.2k followers

Yvonne is the Brand Ambassador to Travelous and the definition of the word. Yvonne’s account breathes passion and life, exposing the mysterious underbellies this planet has to offer. Yvonne’s journeys have allowed her to check off skydiving over the Dead Sea, getting tattooed by a Buddhist monk, and falling off a camel in Oman off of her bucket list. If this traveler can’t help you out of your seat—I don’t know what will!

Travelous @travelouslife Your Private Tour Architects

Photo by @lailaloves

Use #MyTravelousLife and share your next experience with us. Stay Travelous!

YOU DREAM IT, WE PLAN IT. YOUR EXCURSION IS 100% CUSTOMIZED AND 100% PERSONALIZED BASED ON YOUR STYLE, SCHEDULE, AND BUDGET.

How to Truly Disconnect While Traveling

When traveling, it can be a challenge to avoid holding your phone in the air the entire trip, focusing on capturing the “perfect photo” for Instagram at every destination. Traveling is about experiencing every moment, every beach, every sunset, every breathtaking view, and every conversation. By holding your phone to your face, you block your journey and view the fantastical world around you through a superficial lens. There is no problem with wanting to document your adventure and the moments around you, but you might find your experience more rewarding if you truly disconnect during your travels.

So what does it mean to truly disconnect?

If you want to travel technology-free, ideally you will avoid bringing any phones, laptops, cameras, iPods, iPads, etc. but the choice is entirely up to you. If this sentence overwhelms you already, then you might not be ready for this sort of commitment. If that’s the case, then take a day or two from your vacation to really disconnect. This means going to the beach without your phone on you and soaking up the natural senses around you.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Meditation

If you are taking a beach day, or a rest and relaxation day on your vacation, meditation is the solution to disconnect from every thought and every distraction around you. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on the breath. Commit to at least 10 minutes of meditation to truly clear your head, while focusing on the sounds around you. Meditation is the key to complete and utter relaxation, while shutting off the buzz and dings of the cell phones we’re addicted to today. You will open your eyes with a fresh perspective, and open your mind to the beautiful world around you.

2. Reading

Reading is a great way to unwind and relax on your vacation, while taking you to a different world. Instead of reading on a Kindle, your phone, or an iPad—it’s time to pick up an old-fashioned book and sprawl out on a beach towel. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the sights and sounds in your vicinity, giving you serene time alone. Reading is also a great exercise mentally, as you take a break from the hectic activities in the day-to-day.

3. Journaling/Sketching

Journaling or sketching on vacation is not only great during the trip, but you have a personal keepsake to cherish forever after the journey comes to an end. By journaling at the end of the day, you fill up detailed memories of each activity, experience, lesson learned, or people you met on the pages. Drawings allow you to paint the pictures in your head directly on the page so that you never forget what the trip looked like to you. Instagram will never capture your vacation in the way a journal or sketchbook will, so committing to a journal is a great way to ditch the phone and record your experience with your own eyes.

Texting, “Instagramming”, and “Snapchatting” might feel like ways to unwind on your vacation, but sometimes technology takes away from the experience, as we become more focused on presenting the ideal vacation to other people. The focus is on other people, as opposed to your own experience, and you become lost in the social media façade. It’s time to find new ways to relax, while documenting your journey without the clicks, buzz, and haze of the screen. Meditation, reading, journaling, and sketching are all ways to soak up the experience of your vacation with a fresh perspective. It’s time to disconnect and truly grow on your journey abroad.

#travel blog travelblog

How Traveling Makes You a More Grateful Person

Gratitude is a way of thinking that needs to be practiced each and every day. We don’t all wake up feeling grateful on a grim winter morning at 6:00 am. Usually we are full of anxiety, fear, and have overwhelming to-do lists circling in our heads. Somehow unfortunate events seem to make us grateful for what we have in the moment, because they take us back to the present and erase our worries from the future or the past. So is living in the past and the future the problem? Yes. So there has to be a better way to experience gratitude, without experiencing any unfortunate events to get there—and it’s traveling.

Traveling allows you to focus on the present moment, because it is easier to take in your surroundings, breathe, and be grateful for everything, as it is when you are somewhere new. Here are five reasons why traveling will turn you into a more grateful person:

1. You begin to miss the comforts of home

As cheesy as it might be, traveling really makes you grateful for what you have at home. Somehow it takes a new place, different struggles, a different language, an uncomfortable sleep, and missing all of the people in your life to realize that home really isn’t so bad after all. You might awaken one morning expecting to wake up in your comfy down duvet, your old room looking back at you, finding yourself longing to be back at home. Traveling is an incredible experience that shows you another side of the coin, allowing you to appreciate what you have.

2. You live in the present moment

Living in the present is difficult when you’re home and have 100 things to do throughout the day. We tend to focus on what we have to get done, rather than what we are doing in that moment. Traveling allows us to take a break from our worrisome attitudes and zone in on the moment at hand. You might be looking at a breathtaking view, water rippling into the shore, the sunset painting the sky warm, vibrant colours, or mountains that coat every acre in front of you. These moments give us the ability to breathe, to relax, and to appreciate that very moment at hand.

3. You become grateful for the people in your life

At home you might be complaining about how your significant other always leaves his or her dishes in the sink, or how your best friend only wants to talk about him or herself, or how your mom doesn’t understand your lifestyle choices. No matter what the situation, complaining is not practicing gratitude. Complaining makes you resentful, selfish, and ultimately, ungrateful. However, when you are traveling with a loved one or friend, you begin to get to know everything about your travel partner. You learn to appreciate them in a new light, and appreciate the people you have in your life. But, above all, you learn that the people you love are home.

4. You learn what being grateful feels like

We often forget how amazing it feels to be grateful, and even take this perspective for granted at times. Complaining leaves us feeling toxic and fills us with negative energy that can linger for days. Even after traveling, practicing gratitude is important. Traveling helps you envelop this train of thought, instead of looking at the negative in your life. A good exercise is to write down three things you are grateful for every day in a journal. This practice will force you to focus on what you do have to be appreciative of in your life.

5. You’ll be grateful for your country

When you are living day-to-day in your country, it is easier to take life for granted. When you experience other countries, cities, and cultures when traveling you have a new perspective on your own country. You begin to see that the problems that once seemed to cloud your mind, the political debates you would become heated over, and the minor issues in your neighborhood become minuscule. Compared to the injustice and poverty that might open your eyes while traveling, your problems certainly become less overwhelming. When people have less to brag about, it is surprising how grateful they become for the things that they do have in their life. It is possible to have a lot and still be grateful, but it takes practice.

Traveling is an experience that is incredibly eye opening. You begin to see the world as it is and become more grateful for the life that you lead back home. Just by living in the present moment and absorbing the beauty of your trip in, you are able to shine a positive light on your own life.

#travel travelblog

About Travelous: Design Your Trip, Create Your Story.

The clock has been ticking, and your travel plans have gone to the wayside for too long. You’re tired of constantly putting your routine ahead of your wanderlust, and need assistance or don’t have the time to make your travel dreams a reality. That’s where we come in!

Travelous Tour Architects are adventurers like you, who specialize in tour management and itinerary design. We have a wealth of knowledge based on our own personal experiences, and a passion for helping people make their travel dreams come true. From leisure groups to luxury bespoke private guided travel, we are here to help you write your story and plan the trip you’ve always imagined.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Travel

The First step in organizing your travel plans is to ask yourself these key questions:

1) Where do you want to go? or what would you like to do?

You have the option of starting your journey by choosing from a destination in mind, or picking an option based on a theme. Location or theme - it’s entirely up to you! For example, if you’re already thinking that you would like to travel to Italy, the next step is to determine what you want to do when you arrive. Do you want to focus on a trip involving art and culture (Classics), food and wine (Culinary), leisure, or activities? Start checking off your bucker list by visiting, experiencing and tasting the sights in your country of choice.

2) When do you want to go?

You have the ability to choose travel dates that work with your schedule, so the date you start your story is entirely up to you!

3) How many people will be traveling with you?

We will make sure that your custom itinerary is suited to the size of your group. So, if you plan on bringing you significant other, a family member, or your group of close friends - we’ll ensure that you receive an itinerary that caters to each of your wants and needs.

4) Desired budget?

How Travelous are you? What type of accommodations are you looking for? Do you want shared excursions, private tours, or the full private guided experience throughout? You dream it; we plan it.

5) Are you interested in sample itineraries or a “Make me Travelous” (custom) option?

You have the option to pursue our “à la Carte” collection of suggested trip itineraries, or say the three magi words: “Make me Travelous!” We’ll completely customize a private journey that works for you, taking your style, schedule and budget into account.

So, ask yourself these simple questions because your journey is already beginning. We leave the “who, where and why” up to you, creating an adventure that is not only fabulous, but also Travelous!

#MyTravelousLife travel travelblog

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