Have you ever considered that the sheer fun of traveling is ageless? If not, listen up. Just about every aspect of traveling makes me happy. And the prep can be almost as fun and beneficial as the trip itself.

Anticipation is delicious. So is preparation. Researching and planning are a blast, but one of my favorite parts of the prep is learning some of the language of the place I’m going. It helps keep my brain ageless and makes me more user-friendly. Whether it’s French or Spanish, “the act of” learning is multipurpose.

Learning another language retards aging of the brain. Same with learning a musical instrument or a new skill. The neuro-pathways created in the brain to achieve those functions causes the brain to grow, not atrophy. Mental exercise is an important key to living agelessly.

Planning a trip in advance gives you more time to benefit from “the act of.” As the anticipation builds, so does the excitement.  You’ve got that carrot dangling, which is fun. Your vibration level is higher, and you tap into different parts of your brain that help you think more creatively in all other aspects of your life. You turn up your glow-mode.

Traveling is also very enlightening. It shows you that for the most part, most of us want the same basic things out of life. Love, family, happiness and harmony are important for the majority of cultures. When we see how similar we live on a daily basis, we become more world friendly and more understanding.

Ok, I confess. I have multiple language programs at home. I would love to be fluent in at least three languages: French, Italian and Spanish. The romantic languages are most enjoyable to my ear. But I live in America. When will I get to use those? I don’t care! I want to be fluent in something other than English – just cause!

When I go to Mexico, I can at least say “más cerveza por favor” (more beer please) or “esa iguana quiere mi bebida” (that Iguana wants my drink) in Spanish. And trust me, I can buy clothes, get a hair cut and shop the street markets in Paris no problem! Knowing some of the niceties shows respect for the country’s culture and their people.  Obviously Mexico happens more often than France, but French is my language of choice. Go figure! It’s beautiful! It fits in my romantic world that I choose to live in. I’m always listening to french lessons in my car. I couldn’t find a radio station if I had to!

The fun of traveling is ageless for me. It gives me something to work towards, and all aspects of the process contribute to my living agelessly. It helps keep me in glow-mode. Life is too short to not explore the world. Create your bucket list, and start exploring.

Ageless living is only a trip away!

Until next time,

Happy traveling!

Christia