8 Reasons Why you Should be Motivated to Travel

Travel- to describe the meaning of this profound experience extends well beyond the official dictionary definition.  The adventures of traveling often result in compelling events, which are endured beyond returning from an incredible journey. For this blog entry we are sharing 8 Reasons Why you Should be Motivated to Travel based on a collection of views from seasoned and novice travels. Bon Voyage!!

 

1. Experience: Try new customs and new cultures. Seeing something first hand brings a healthy dose of reality and broadens views.

2. Meet: Get acquainted with new people and learn the stories others have to share, while experiencing the places they have been to and sharing your own experiences.

3. Desire: Have a desire for an adventure, get away and do something just for you.

4. Movies: Have a goal to visit new places such as featured destinations in movies: Empire State, Golden Gate Bridge, Cape of Good Hope, etc.

5. Inspiration: Turn the pages of the book 1,000 Places to See Before you Die, by Patricia Schultz and get inspired.

6. Food: New flavors. There’s nothing like trying authentic cuisine and even stepping outside of your palate’s comfort zone.

7. Self-Discovery. Traveling is a wonderful opportunity for inner reflection.

8. Exploration: Set out to explore the countless wonders of the world and create an epic journey you will cherish for a lifetime. Be spontaneous! 

Travel Tuesday: Belgium, a Tour of Brussels & 5 BVF Favs to do

Belgium is a BVF Fav! Brussels is a vibrant, eclectic, and exciting city. As the capital of the European Union, the city is filled with nationals from throughout Europe. Sitting at a cafe nearby the EU headquarters and listening to the chatter from patrons, one can easily feel they are in multiple countries at once. 

Although we traveled to Belgium on separate occasions, we have wonderful memories from our visits!  Mon's friend Mike has lived in Belgium for a few years and has embraced the beautiful city as his second home. He participated in a team building retreat for works and each team had to blindly taste chocolates and identify which chocolatier made them. Yummmmy!! 

Prior to Mike's fam visiting Brussels, he created a simple and enjoyable tour that covers a mix of food, culture, and history. Mike shared his custom tour and we hope you get the opportunity to try! 

See Mike's walking tour at the end of this post.

It's always wonderful catching up with friends and extra special when it's far away from home. Mike and Monica toured the city and had a delightful dinner at Nuetnigenough. The ambiance and food were equally amazing.

Fast forward a few months later and it was Di's first visit to Brussels. The trip was even more meaningful with her dad and brother (extra bonus, Di was an expectant mum at the time). They also enjoyed a delicious meal at Nuetnigenough. Delicious!!

We love going to places recommended by locals and sharing fab places with others. 

BVF's Top 5 Favs in Brussels

Mike's Mapped Walking Tour 

Nuetnigenough Restaurant
Bakeries 

Elisabeth Chocolatier 

Brussels Mainsquare

Bon Voyage! 

Mike's Mapped Walking Tour 

Adventures: New Year's Resolutions for New Travelers

I

The beginning of the New Year brings countless possibilities of travel adventures for the year.  All new travelers...it's time to seek new places and enjoy the priceless experiences of traveling. Here are 5 BVF New Year's Resolutions for new travelers. Bon voyage! 

1. Just go. If you've been thinking about traveling, do it! There's no better time than the present to venture out and explore a new city or country. 

2. Mix with the locals. Get a bit of the local currency before arriving as it takes the pressure off finding an ATM the moment you land, and gives you the freedom to sort out transportation and food. Go to a restaurant off the beaten path and strike up conversations with the locals. As with all travels- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are a solo traveler.  

3. Discover tastes. Be bold and sample different cuisines around you,yes...trying foods you wouldn't normally eat is part of the adventure. Embrace unique flavors available to you. Bon appétite! 

4.  Just a SEC.  Search, Experience, Culture.  This is a BVF fav! Do some research before your travels to prepare for your destination. After you settle in and it's time to venture out-Search and enjoy the environment surrounding you. Experience as much as you can in the city you're visiting. Culture, embrace it and do something that is specific to the city. 

5. Record memories.  Wether you take pen to paper or keep notes in your mobile phone. Make it a goal to capture your special travel memories as a nice keepsake for the future.