This past November Phil and I celebrated our five year anniversary. We met in New Hampshire during stints are at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH. While working the Cannonball, a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1930, we bonded over our lack of sleep, sense of humor, and love of the GOAT himself, Michael Jackson. One of our favorite things to do when we first started dating was dreaming together. Questions like, “Do you want a large or small family, if one at all?” and “What’s your dream job?” filled our conversation.

Five years later, we’re still tired, laughing about the stupidest things, and dancing to Thriller. And there’s one topic of conversation from our dreaming phase that still resonates with us – where do you want to travel next?

There is something so invigorating about exploring new towns or cities. When we are stagnant, still, in one location for too long, we get comfortable. We build a routine, and sometimes normal can lead to boring. By exploring new areas, you are forced to step out of your comfort zone, creating movement not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. All of the sights, sounds, smells are new and exhilarating. You are exposed to unique experiences, views, feelings, and thoughts. Unforeseen treasures could lurk around every new corner, down a dimly lit but picturesque alley, or with a stranger you meet at a bar. Expeditions, great or small, can breathe life into dull, unstick the stuck, or bring creativity to the unimaginative – something we crave regularly.

Traveling somewhere new provides a reset and clarity, and appreciation for what you have even if it is ‘just’ each other. We’ve realized that some of the best trips don’t need to involve a 6 hour international plane ride, or an 8-12 hour road trip. Traveling doesn’t require a passport. Simply put, the simplest reformation can be achieved in your own backyard. You can achieve ‘never-before experienced’ or ‘lifelong memories’ just by having an open mind. Pushing someone else to go with you whether a friend, sibling, or significant other can bring you closer in ways you never dreamed!

For us, our ‘monumental’ anniversary was the excuse we needed to get in the car and drive to a place we’d never been before while appreciating the person sitting in the seat right beside you. Now it’s your turn, share with us some of the fun weekend getaways you’ve been on or some lessons you learned while traveling with another person. We’d love to hear from you!