Wanderlust might be in your DNA, but if not, there are plenty more ways to justify your next trip.
Thanks to a DNA test courtesy of Hilton's Curio Collection (they're on a mission to find people with a biological propensity for travel), it is confirmed: I am officially a travel addict. I recently found out I'm the proud owner of the DRD4-7R gene, nicknamed the “wanderlust gene” by many, as it's supposedly associated with increased risk-taking, curiosity and the ability to adapt to a nomadic lifestyle.
This perhaps explains why I can't sit still on a bank holiday weekend; why I spend hours staring at Google Maps and why Skyscanner, then Booking.com and Airbnb (you've got to assess all your options, after all) are among my most-used phone applications.
Thanks to my gene results, I no longer need to feel bad about taking yet another trip. It's in my blood. I have to follow the urge, because it's a part of my DNA.
But for those of you that don't have the gene, or simply don't know if you have it, there are a few more reasons you can justify that extra holiday.
If you feel like you need an excuse – though really, why would you? – here are a few reasons to justify your irresponsible spending on adventure.
1. It's good for your mental health
It's a much-documented fact that time away from home and the pressures of everyday life is good for you. Stepping out of your own shoes and giving up some responsibilities for a week or two, or even just a weekend, can have a huge impact on your mental well-being.
You could take it one step further and even take a break to focus on your mental well-being. If meditation retreats and spa breaks aren't your thing, you could try a digital detox holiday to help clear your mind.
2. It's good for your physical health
Getting away and breaking your routine gives you ample opportunity to try new physical activities you simply don't have time for at home. Always wanted to try wakeboarding? Head to Canada's Okanagan valley to learn on the lake. Been meaning to take up swimming as a hobby? Test your abilities with a Swimtrek holiday.
You'll get fit and feel good, hopefully leading to a refreshed outlook on your return.
3. It's great for your education
Whether you take in museums or historical sites, travel always widens your view on the world. It's almost impossible to not learn something new, whether it's the result of a cooking class or delving into a country's politics to understand its place in the world.
If you're really keen on learning, try one of these educational holidays or travel with the intention of learning a new skill, like cooking, craft-making or painting.
Plus, you’ll no doubt pick up a bit of the local language, which is scientifically-proven to keep your brain young.
4. It's good for your confidence
There’s nothing quite like landing in a new city and tackling the local transport to get to your hotel. It might seem daunting at first, but once you’ve mastered that subway map, used a little of the local lingo and made it safe and sound, you’ll have a new-found confidence in yourself.
All those interactions with new people – especially in a foreign language – will do wonders for your self confidence. Something that can be turned into confidence at work when you get back.
5. It teaches transferable skills
All that on-the-spot arithmetic you do while trying to work out if that traditional olive oil jug is worth the cash adds to a portfolio of skills you gain while travelling. While your maths is bound to improve, you’ll also become a better problem solver – thanks to that aforementioned subway map and those often baffling hotel showers.
You’ll also learn to adapt better in unusual or high-stress situations. Missed your train? Use it as an opportunity to get creative and find another route.
6. You can make money from it
So most of us will never make vast amounts of money from travelling the world, but you can cash in on certain aspects of your holiday.
If you’re a keen photographer, sign up to Picfair to sell your snaps when you get home. Or rent out your home via Airbnb or another holiday letting service and you could pay back your entire trip. Here are a few more ideas for making money on holiday.