14 reasons why travel is better than flowers this valentines day!

​Why is it that flowers are so popular on Valentines Day? Flowers are nice and all but the gift of travel can be even better. Keep reading to find out the many reasons why the standard flowers and chocolates may not be the ultimate in Valentines Day exchanges with the one you love.
​

---

1. Travel gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your significant other

This Valentines Day we know the flower companies will be slammed with delivery orders, chocolate companies will be in high demand with pink and red pedals flowing out from stores around the country. But, a gift that really says "I love you" more than all of these is the gift of time. Something that can be difficult to consistently give to those you love. ​
​

​One of the reasons we love travel so much is because it forces us to slow down and finally get that quality time with one another. There is nothing more refreshing for our marriage than just being with one another, sharing a conversation that isn't about a checklist or schedule but is rather about exploring or seeing a new place. Traveling together allows us to make memories together that will last a lifetime and since travel gives you the gift of time together with the ones you love that is why its the ultimate gift!
​

---

2. WHO DOESN'T LOVE TO LEARN NEW THINGS?

When you travel somewhere you are constantly being educated even before you begin the journey. The planning and preparation alone will teach you something new, and then as you go about your adventure there's no limit to how many things you can experience and learn from a new place, unfamiliar people and a unique culture. Learning something new can bring you joy this Valentines Day and it's something you can do individually as well as with someone you love. Flowers and chocolate probably won't leave you with a new depth of knowledge but travel sure can. 
​

---

3. Or to Taste a new menu?

I would argue that the most popular route to anyones heart is through their stomach. In our household good food is right up there with the five other love languages. When traveling, sure you will get to see a new place and learn new things, but you also get to try new foods and lets not forget that sometimes it's the sheer satisfaction of indulging in some of those tasty treats that we often feel guilty for eating when we're at home, not on vacation. This Valentines, will be slammed with customers, why not make it a a whole new food experience? I think it's an easy sell that food is a top romantic gesture. 
​

---

4. You get to explore a New Place

There have been so many studies that show that travel is the best gift you can give to someone because it's a gift that continues to grow the heart and mind. It leaves you with new information, priceless memories and an independency that can't be replaced with an object or thing. Not to mention, you get to experience part of God's creation that you may not have experienced before. The sheer awe of taking in a new place is enough to strike up that love inside of you this Valentines Day. 
​

---

5. You get to LEARN ABOUT A NEW CULTURE:

This can be intertwined with the reasons listed above but this Valentine's Day there is a lot of love in learning about a new place while embracing an unknown culture. Not only is the experience of visiting a new culture rewarding, but learning about it and being part of it offers a different perspective and appreciation that can only be found through travel. I not only challenge you to visit an unfamiliar culture, but also to dive into the lifestyles of that culture. The rewards will be a timeless memory and will leave you with a new heart for that place and its inhabitants. 
​

---

6. You can trade seasons 

Literally! You may be in the midst of a cold, gray winter desperate for sunshine and warmth, or you may just need a change of weather that's different from where you currently are. Either way, travel can offer this. You can jet off to warmth and sunshine, or snow-capped peaks and experience a different place than where you are currently. This not only can be refreshing for the soul, but also can also provide a romantic experience for you and your loved ones. 
​

---

7. Travel Helps You Learn More About Yourself

While this one may not sound romantic, it can indeed be the start of a great romance. One with yourself! Travel will force you into situations and moments that will challenge you and force you to step outside of your comfort zone and ultimately grow as an individual. These moments will allow you to learn about your personal strengths and weaknesses, something that we could all use, right? While this may seem like an individualistic reason for travel these life lessons will carry over into your personal relationships. So, ultimately this could be a great Valentines Gift for yourself and others. 

---

8. Travel has more opportunity for Adventure

This seems self explanatory. Nothing provides a great adventure like traveling to a new place. Some of the greatest adventures happen when you step into an unfamiliar scene and when you travel the adventure begins even before you leave. Sometimes half of the adventure is in the planning and preparation that goes into getting ready for a big trip. Something that can draw you and your Valentine together, unifying you both towards one common goal. Then, nothing can be more exhilarating than exploring a new beautiful place, hiking up to a magnificent view or feeling the rush of an adrenaline filled adventuresome moment, all things that you can do with those you love this Valentines day. Adventure is great for the soul every now and then and nothing provides an adventure like travel. 
​

---

9. Broaden Your Mindset & Perspective

It can be so easy to get stuck in our own world and forget that the rest of the world exist beyond it. The sweet thing about travel is that it forces us to take a step out of our comfort zone and embrace the great big world around us. It helps to instill a mindset that is more global, giving us a broadened perspective on other places, cultures and individuals. You see, travel helps us to grow us both intellectually and within. It helps us learn to accept and adopt more of a growth-mindset that will carry over into our personal lives. 
​

---

10. Travel can Help you Learn A New Language

This one is an easy, no-brainer. When you travel to a culture or country where the language spoken is different from your own you are given the opportunity to learn something new. The art of being able to speak and listen to a language different from your own can be rewarding and can also provide you with a sense of belonging while you're traveling to new places. Some suggest that nothing is more romantic than the beauty of hearing a new language. This Valentines you too could speak the language of amore with those you upendo around the world!
​

---

11. Travel Sharpens your Skills: 

Jo and I always joke with one another saying that I am the dreamer and he is the detailer. I can dream up the greatest adventure but it takes his sense of detail to make our travel dreams a reality. However, when we travel it forces us to adopt some of the other's abilities and work together to make the trip a success. You see, travel is exciting and enjoyable but it also takes effort, planning and preparation. Travel can help you learn what your strengths are and begin to sharpen some of those new skills that you develop along the way. It also requires you to lean on your loved one. It helps you work together so that you have the most rewarding experience possible. 
​

---

12. Witness A Change Of Scenery:

We love the familiarity of home and it's surroundings. But, you have to admit that there is something special and exciting about a new backdrop. Sometimes heading to a place that is different from your own is exactly the medicine that the Dr. may not have prescribed. Sometimes those places that you see and dream about from the movies and magazines can actually become you and your loved one's reality.
​

---

​13. ADOPT A VACATION MINDSET:

I find that it is so easy to get caught up in the chaos and stresses of our day-to-day schedules and duties. When we are traveling we can officially adopt a vacation mindset. We have a chance to refuel and find rest with one another. This gives us a peace that we can only experience in those times of not feeling busy and rushed. It helps us to reconnect and find enjoyment in moments that we otherwise would be too rushed to slow down and soak in. Adopting a vacation mindset allows you to truly lose yourself in new things, something that will help you feel rejuvenated and relaxed so that you can be focused on loving that special person and giving them your best self. 
​

---

14. Travel can Renew Your Faith In Humanity: 

There is nothing sweeter this Valentines than loving one another and travel is the ultimate way to expand that love not only for those close to you, but also for those around the world. One of our favorite reasons why we love to travel is because we always come home feeling the goodness of people that we encounter along the way. We have so many opportunities to see how people can be so kind and generous even to a complete stranger and it is always one of the most rewarding things to experience and witness. Travel can be scary at times because you come in contact with the unfamiliar but there have been so many times when we have been reminded that the unfamiliar can be comforting and love can be found in some of the furthest locations. 
​

Share The Journey

Related Travels

Photo Essay: Why Lake Tahoe Should Be On Your Travel List This Year

Photo Credits

*All photos used in this post are the sole content of BestCaptured*