Adding Colour to Your Life: Teal's Reasons to Travel

“Travelling is the only expense that will empty your pocket and fill your soul” - Kayla Bose

Travel can be expensive - but taking a trip (near or far) can be so much more rewarding than anything else you'll spend money on, I promise! There is something amazing about taking some time off from work or school to visit a brand new place, even if your destination isn't overseas.

Whether you're heading South with friends, taking a foodie trip through Italy, backpacking solo through Europe, or doing a road trip with your significant other, there is always something to learn, eat, or shoot (with a camera), and someone new to meet along the way.

• It's good for your mental health

Taking time away from your responsibilities to travel and focus on yourself can be a great self-love experiment. Instead of setting alarms for class at 8 in the morning, you can sleep in and wake up thinking "What do I want to do today? Where do I feel like eating?" As humans, we have an intuitive sense that taking a break or trip will make us feel recharged - and we aren't wrong!

In addition to coming back happier - a feeling that can last weeks past your return flight - it's normal to feel like you're more capable of handling your workload once you return to work or school.

• You come back with great stories

Travel is always a breeding ground for your next great story. Who else went skydiving last week? None of your friends, that's for sure! It's always fun being the most interesting person at a dinner party. Even your worst travel experience - missing a flight or losing luggage - will be a lesson learned or a laugh for your friends (at your expense). Plus, having unique experiences means you'll always have something to talk about with new people. Asking someone else about their travels can always lead to a great conversation, so go on, ask the cute girl in Chem where she's going for Christmas break.

• It's way better to experience it yourself

Anyone can watch the Times Square Ball Drop on TV December 31st, but there is no match to the electrifying feeling of thousands of people counting down around you if you witness it first-hand. There is an entirely different kind of satisfaction in knowing you saw something with your own two eyes.

• It gives you a new perspective

Everywhere you visit will teach you different life lessons. One thing all travel will teach you is to be grateful for what you have. Knowing you can afford to take time off and travel is a blessing on its own. Being apart from friends and family will make you appreciate the time you do spend together more.