The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of life’s greatest pleasures: traveling. While the idea of navigating crowded airports and highways might seem daunting, the rewards of holiday travel far outweigh the challenges. Here are seven reasons to pack your bags and embark on a holiday adventure that will create lasting memories and warm your heart.

1: Festive Atmosphere: One of the most enchanting aspects of traveling during the holidays is the festive atmosphere that surrounds destinations worldwide. Cities and towns decorate their streets, shops, and landmarks with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and intricate displays, creating a magical ambiance that’s sure to ignite your holiday spirit.

2: Cultural Immersion: Traveling during the holidays offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures’ festive traditions. Whether you’re savoring traditional holiday dishes, witnessing local celebrations, or partaking in age-old customs, experiencing the holidays in a new place can be both enlightening and heartwarming.

3. Quality Time with Loved Ones: The holidays are a time for reconnecting with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by planning a family or friends’ getaway? Traveling together creates shared experiences and cherished memories that can strengthen your bonds and make the holidays even more meaningful.

4. Escape the Winter Blues: For those in colder climates, the idea of escaping the winter chill can be a compelling reason to travel during the holidays. Head to a warm and sunny destination to bask in the glow of the sun or opt for a snowy retreat in the mountains for a cozy, winter wonderland experience.

Since Neal and I live in the desert, we have Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners outside. We travel to cold places to see family where we wear actual shoes and coats. And when we are really lucky, we get snowed in for a day or two and play games around the kitchen table.

5. Unique Holiday Shopping: Exploring holiday markets and boutique shops can be an exciting way to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones. You can discover handcrafted treasures and support local artisans while adding a personal touch to your holiday gift-giving.

6. Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Many travelers choose to engage in acts of kindness and generosity while on holiday. Whether it’s volunteering in a community, participating in charity events, or donating to local causes, traveling during the holidays allows you to spread the spirit of giving far and wide.

7. Start the New Year with Fresh Perspective: Traveling during the holidays provides an opportunity for reflection and introspection. As you bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, you can gain fresh perspective on your life, set intentions for the year ahead, and return home rejuvenated and inspired.

When I travel with grandchildren, I remind them that you have not traveled (or had fun) if you have not gotten lost and then found your way. Getting lost, and then found, boosts my confidence like nothing else. Granddaughter Phaedra and I had a great time with spontaneous activities while lost in Australian for an entire day. We had experiences we would otherwise have missed. It was fantastic! And boy were we proud, and relieved, to see our hotel in the distance (because our feet were exhausted and we’d had enough excitement for the day!). So, go get lost somewhere!

Don’t let concerns about travel logistics hold you back—pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and make this holiday season one to remember. After all, the world is waiting for you to explore its festive wonders.