Why travel?

I am asked this on a fairly regular basis. As a teacher, my students often hear about the trips I've taken, or ones currently in the works. Some have never left the local area, so it is impossible for them to realize the power of seeing a new place for the first time. Adults ask why I "waste" my money on a trip that will end shortly after it begins instead of buying something I would be able to keep for years.

I travel because I have to. I feel my heart beating wildly in my chest with adrenaline when I click, "book trip". The feeling I get when I am in one place too long brings me to the edge of my patience. I struggle with monotony. Travel relieves all of that. I feel free and able to breathe. I learn so much about myself, my children, and my world. Those experiences shape who I am; they bring me new appreciation for where I live, while expanding the world I know. My kids have been to twelve states and two countries. My son, Mathew, wants to see all 50 before he graduates in 8 short years, and I want to make that happen.

Do we sacrifice? You bet. We don't buy stuff unless we really need it. We don't eat out very often. We search far and wide for trips we can afford. We do what we can together to bring in extra money. We travel on the cheap and generally avoid luxury vacations. In the end, it is so worth it.