I am on a mission to enrich people's lives by experiencing the benefits of travel. Growing up I never thought I would be a “Travel Guinea Pig”, but because I have experienced first-hand the positive power of travel, I am perfectly suited for the job.

The reality is; travel is GOOD for you. On so many levels, the healing power of travel outweighs the stresses of travel logistics. Corny as it may sound, the mind is a fascinating and relatively mysterious frontier. With no scientific fact to prove it, I believe the mind and our soul are connected and travel is good for both.

Bringing my message to the forefront is difficult these days. Every day their is a new negative news story either directly or indirectly related to travel. The message is always the same. “We’re not saying NOT to travel…we’re just saying this is what you’ll be faced with if you do…”. Translation? DON’T BOTHER! Well I say HOGWASH! Okay, gas prices are high, airlines are struggling because gas prices are high, the housing market is shaky at best…heck, even the cost of milk is creeping up there. That being said, plan smart, but execute the plan to travel more in the next 12 months.

I hope you will join me in my mission to get out there and explore. Inspire your friends and family members by retelling stories from your vacation experience. Do it for your family, do it for your relationship, do it to recharge your batteries, do it to see more of this great world, do it to better understand how to better perform at work, do it for your own gratification, just do it, get out there and travel!

Erik Hastings