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Do you love to travel? Although it may be more difficult these days due to the virus, there is hope that the world will open up more in the near future. The good news is that new research shows that traveling can improve your mental and physical health, improve your romantic relationships, and even increase your financial and career opportunities. Our delightful guests on Love University, Dave and Deb (the planetd.com), Forbes Top 10 Travel Influencers, shared some of their secrets for happy travel that can change your life (traveling saved their marriage). Here is what we learned from Dave and Deb:
*Traveling can improve your confidence, self-esteem, and career/business prospects. Dave used to be more Introverted and self-focused and Deb used to lack confidence (she was intimidated by all of the stars she worked with in the entertainment industry). After traveling to over 100 countries, they have transformed their personalities. Dave is now more empathetic and outgoing as he feels for those who are less fortunate in the world, and appreciates what he has back home. Deb is more confident because she feels like she is a more interesting person and can talk about more things because of her travels and life experiences. Also, when they return from their trips, they find that they have more business opportunities; they get great ideas while traveling and are more creative when they return. In the same way, traveling can improve your confidence, creativity, and relational skills. Start planning your future trip today.
*Traveling can save your marriage. After ten years of marriage, Dave and Deb were overworked professionals in the Canadian entertainment industry, and on the verge of divorce, until they discovered traveling. Heeding a friend’s advice, they traveled to Thailand and fell in love with the country, as well as the idea of seeing the world and making a living out of it. Now millions of people read their comprehensive and entertaining travel advice blog. Their most romantic destination? Maldives, a chain of islands off the coast of India and Sri Lanka. Going there is like being transported to a beautiful island paradise, where there is turquoise water, and each hotel its own island. It was made for romance (get your couples massage). Their best couple traveling advice? “When you’re fighting with your partner on a trip, let it go. Say to each other, ‘I don’t want to fight anymore,’ and find something you like to do in common. Remember: One huge argument doesn’t have to ruin a great relationship.”
*Take care of your health, safety, and security when you travel. According to Dave and Deb, it’s important to get travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance—for any emergency you will be flown back home. Also, make sure you get your vaccines—certain countries require proof upon entry—and avoid eating food that can make you sick. Dave and Deb say that eating street food is OK if it is properly cooked, but don’t eat things that are peeled (an orange is OK if not peeled). Also, be wary of ice and make sure you purify the water you drink. For ladies, Deb has this advice: “Take an extra credit card and cash, wrap it in toilet paper, and put it in your tampons. A thief probably won’t think of looking there for your money.” Dave and Deb add: “Make sure you split up your cards and money. Put them in carry-ons, checked luggage, and backpacks so you have money in different places in case some things get lost or stolen.”
*Learn and be compassionate. One of the greatest things about traveling is learning about other cultures and developing relationships with interesting and fascinating people. Deb says that one of her fondest travel memories is becoming friends with a tuk-tuk driver in Sri Lanka (drives a three-wheeled motor vehicle used as a taxi). He drove them everywhere and they got to know his family. During their friendship, they learned that, although he was poor by Western standards, the driver was a great humanitarian. He helped raise money for schools and brought shoes to children in poverty. They fell in love with his heart of gold. Dave and Deb advises that when you’re traveling, you should be patient, courteous, and empathetic to the people you meet, including service providers (be kind; realize how hard they work to make a living). If you have the opportunity, donate and volunteer (teach English) to help the people you visit. It’s a great thing to leave a loving contribution in every place you visit. You will uplift lives and you will feel better as a human being who loves others and contributes to their well-being.
Dave and Deb conclude by saying that you don’t have to be rich or a celebrity to travel. It is possible to travel on a budget (even seniors are staying at hostels these days; it’s a great social experience). You can enjoy your time without spending an enormous amount of money. Also, traveling with kids and pets can be a fun and rewarding experience, although it takes a bit more preparation and planning. In the end, traveling is a way to expand yourself, gain new memories and experiences (travel memories are among the most beloved), and create positivity, love, and new friendships. It’s true that traveling and meeting people from other cultures is what unites us as human beings. By traveling and connecting with others who are different, we realize that, deep down, we are all alike—we all live, we all laugh, and we all love.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON HOW TRAVELING CAN SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE, MAKE YOU MONEY, AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE: WITH DAVE AND DEB, FORBES TOP 10 TRAVEL INFLUENCERS
