Dream. Travel. Live. Repeat….
Assuming you’ve read Part 1, then you’re already familiar with Carnival. If not, I would suggest you click here to catch up lol. But, to save time I will bring you up to speed. Carnival is a event, celebrated throughout many Caribbean Islands. Masqueraders from everywhere come to together to hit the streets for the ultimate …
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jamaica??? The People? Beautiful sandy beaches? Reggae? Bob Marley? I mean I can go on and on. Even if you’ve never been, I’m sure you’ve probably heard of some of the things mentioned right?! Well for me, I’m reminded of something a little …
I was first introduced to Carnival while seeing Rio. Ok… no I haven’t been to Brazil; however, it was added to my bucket list after watching the movie with the kids lol. In many of the Caribbean Islands, Carnival is celebrated throughout the year. Each island adds their own unique spin, while still holding on …
I’ve always been the type of person to pay for what I like. If convenience is an extra charge, here’s my card. I approach travel the same way. However, being a family of five, sometimes that’s not so beneficial. No one stretches the dollar like a mother. You must cut corners and sometimes cheaper is …
One of my favorite movies as a child is Home Alone. My favorite scene was when the family was running through the airport trying to catch their flight. I can remember thinking, that looks so fun and exciting. I didn’t take into account the thoughts that were running through the McAllister’s’ mind as they were …
This year for Spring break/ Easter Holiday, the Outliers decided to hit the road again. What started out as a trip to Destin, FL ended up being a family trip in the opposite direction to New Orleans, LA, and probably one of the best vacations we’ve ever had! Here’s How it Happened Due to poor …
The universe has a way of showing us things that are destined for us. I like to think of them as little signals in the world. Sometimes, they’re presented very subtle and then there are those times where they practically smack you in the face. At that point, you can choose to receive them or …
As the all time great Jay-Z so eloquently put it:
Men Lie, Women Lie, Numbers Don’t.
At any give time you will find me quoting somebody’s rap lyrics or movie line. Really if you think about it though, it’s a very accurate statement. Everyone lies, some more then others, but I think you get my point. However, with numbers, we can count on the consistency. I’m a numbers gal, so I can appreciate consistency.
When will 2+2 ever be 5 ?
We even use them to prove our point. After all there is power in numbers, right? So I figure if travel is not a priority already, here are some numbers as to why it should be…
We can all benefit from more jobs. That’s why it’s number 1 on my list.
Travel is driven by you, me, and everyone else who participates. So consider it your economic duty to travel.
Did you know? The $$ you spend abroad is considered a Travel Import… And $$ spent by International Visitors here in the US is considered a Travel Export
So now that we have solved America’s economic crisis (not really but it’s start), lets move on to a more healthier reason. Studies have shown, traveling increases your chances of a healthy living!!!
“A vacation a day, will take the heart attack away”
I think one thing we can ALL agree on is Stress Kills!! It is one of the leading causes of death in America bringing alone the rest of the family like:
Just being able to take a break away from those “stressors in life” slows the aging process and can be used as a antidote to some of life’s ailments. That’s probably why 93% of Americans reported they feel happier after taking a vacation (obviously, right?). 82% believed they need a vacation even more during economic times.
Cognitive skills are those core skills your brain uses to do those simple things like: read, learn, think, reason, pay attention, and remember. Can you think of a time when all of those things happen at once??? Yep… Traveling
Those skills kick into over drive when your somewhere different. Think about it? Anytime we’re somewhere new, we forced to pay attention and even adapt in some situations. I mean really…..
“You have to keep your head on the swivel”
New smells, different languages, new foods, new surroundings, all of those things allow the brain synapses (nerve cells) to start firing and that tends to lead to creativity and inspiration. There’s a much deeper learning when you submerge yourself in a culture different from your own. Get those synapses firing (while snapping my fingers) and go somewhere Outlier!
“Travel is good medicine. Because it challenges the brain with new and different experiences and environments, it is an important behavior that promotes brain health and builds brain resilience across the lifespan.”
Dr. Paul D. Nussbaum, PH.D, ABPP
5. Self care
Simply put you deserve it. Studies show when surveyed, 100% feel like they need a vacation.
We worry about so many things that are beyond our control (something I’m working on myself), being able to just press pause, and leave your troubles behind could lead to a better lifestyle. Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t, and I like the odds traveling have. Who knows, you’ll probably come back with a better approach to whatever problem you were experiencing and it’ll be water under the bridge.
My original idea for this post was to give you the latest in flight deals, but then I thought… How can I give you flight deals without going over some of the basics!?… If your’re a frequent flyer and already familiar, this may not be the post for you (But don’t leave completely, browse some …
I’ve never been a fan of Sade’. I always thought the music was ummm a little depressing. My husband is a huge fan though. So today, for some reason as I was working, I decided to listen to the Best of Sade’.
Ok…
So to keep up with the mood of today, I had my r&b radio station playing while I worked. Sade happened to come on, and instead of turning it, I gave it a try…. I’m A FAN NOW!!!
I have been singing “this is no ordinary love, no ordinary love” ALL DAY … that and those are the only words I know.
but it got me thinking 2 things:
If you’re curious about the 1st question.. Check out the History below. It’s pretty interesting.
Americans spend $20 Billion on Valentine’s Day. Sheesh
As I scrolled through Instagram for answers to the 2nd question, it made me think about my own plans.
(Don’t forget to follow me by the way @The_Travel_Outlier)
For us, it was a Netflix and Chill night. It sounds simple but things are not always as they appear, especially with a 2yr old.
Today, my dollar did not go towards the $20 Billion. (Only because we’re headed to Charleston with the kids this weekend) So after work, I did my usual routine which involves picking 2/3 kids up from school, J brings Zoe home.
And like any love scene, with the music in the background right on queue, in walks J holding gifts for all his girls (Me, Jordan, and Zoe).
After eating, washing clothes, getting the kids (3) ready for the next day, and 3 unsuccessful attempts to put Zoe to sleep before she crashed on her own…
I ended up watching Netflix alone, with the smooth sounds of snoring in my ear from the mister.
My movie of choice was a new Chris Rock comedy special Tamborine. Definitely worth watching!!
About half way through, the tone started to get serious as he discussed his divorce. He advised the only thing a married couple should be doing is …..
But it was real and it was honest!!
I took it as a sign to pull out the laptop and start typing. As I look over at my honey and I heard….
and started to smile. Nope we’re not ordinary at all!!!
As always,