We all know that getaways are important for reconnecting with friends and family, as well as taking some much needed time off, but we bet you didn't know that travel is also a proven mood booster, a beneficial experience for your career, and one of the most effective ways to increase your self esteem.
If you need yet another reason to finally book a holiday, remember this: You only live once, so you'd better make the most of it! Here are the 10 most beneficial (and fun!) trips a woman can take in her lifetime.
1. A passion trip
Love coffee shops? Visit Seattle. Love cooking? Take a journey to Italy. Love flowers? See the tulip fields in Keukenhof, Holland, when they're in full bloom. Plan an unforgettable voyage to visit the mecca of your hobby or pastime, so you can further explore your interest.
2. A relaxing trip
Make it your mission to take some time to unplug and unwind by visiting a remote destination. Whether it be on a secluded beach in Cuba (above), or a cosy cabin tucked away in the forest, go wherever you feel most at peace.
3. A solo trip
At least once in her lifetime, every woman needs to experience an epic unaccompanied journey. This experience will forever boost your confidence and allow you to have the trip you want without anyone else taking away from your experience. If you're in need of some ideas, check out this list of the best places for women to travel solo based on safety, accessibility, and the number of activities available in one, centralised area.
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4. A heritage trip
Go back to the beginning and visit the place your ancestors called home long ago. A study at Emory University, Atlanta, found that children who knew more about their family history expressed higher levels of self-assurance and were better able to handle stress, according to CNN.
And the same can be said for adults. 'Family stories provide a sense of identity through time,' one of the researchers wrote. Talk to your relatives, do some research online, or get your DNA tested, so you know exactly where to go.
5. A train trip
Travelling by train is becoming one of the best ways to get around. It's inexpensive and you can cover a large amount of ground in a short time. Not to mention, you can sit back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery all from the comfort of a sightseeing carriage with floor-to-ceiling windows.
6. A last-minute trip
Make it a goal to take at least one spontaneous trip in the coming years. Pack a bag and head to the airport to see what's available, or use lastminute.com to book a flight from home. Don't plan anything for this adventure – see where the journey takes you!
7. A girlfriends' trip
There's no explanation necessary for this one, but here's a simple reminder: Time with your best friends is very important for your happiness and health – even the Mayo Clinic says so.
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8. An active trip
We all know that exercise is an important part of maintaining and boosting your health and wellness, so why not include it in your travel itinerary? Snorkelling, diving, biking, zip lining, hiking, sailing and surfing are some of the best ways to explore the most beautiful places on Earth.
9. A road trip
This one's practically a rite of passage. Why not take this famous road trip route across America, created by a data scientist?
10. A volunteering trip
In just a week, you can broaden your horizons, build on your world views and use your skills to help others – what could be better than that?
Images: Getty. From: Country Living
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