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Harry Styles Says ‘Goodbye For Now’ as ‘Love on Tour’ Officially Ends: ‘You’ve Changed My Life’

By Larisha Paul

Larisha Paul

The first solo tour from Harry Styles , Live on Tour, consisted of 89 shows performed in under a year. When it ended in July 2018, the singer shared a parting message thanking everyone for coming and bidding a momentary farewell before running off to make new music. Flash forward five years, and we’ve arrived at the conclusion of Love on Tour, the collection of 169 shows in support of that music — and the goodbye this time around is just as bittersweet , if not more, as it punctuates the most transformative era of his career thus far.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @harrystyles

The first fans highlighted in the video recall skipping class to buy Love on Tour tickets, deciding: “ Harry Styles is more important than anthropology.” Outside of the other venues he performed at, fans assisted each other with applying glittering gems to each other’s hair, kicked off their platform boots while they waited, and broke down some self-made choreography in preparation for a night of dancing.

“It’s such a different atmosphere, and you can feel it when you walk in,” another person states in a voiceover during the montage. “In a room full of strangers, you can feel like you’re really in a family.” And each night backstage, Styles was preparing for them, too. In the video, the singer is shown sliding on his signature ring collection, cycling through the nearly 200 glammed-out outfits he donned over the course of the tour, and breaking into the dance moves his fans have learned by heart.

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“We want to help each other and just be kind to each other and love each other,” another fan explains, recalling the strong sense of community and unspoken understanding created in these live music spaces. “Those friendships are gonna stay after the tour and that doesn’t end because the tour is ending. That’s always going to be there.”

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“It’s been the greatest experience of my entire life,” he wrote. “I feel so incredibly full and happy. It’s all because of you. You have given me memories that will last a lifetime, more than I could have ever dreamed of. Thank you for your time, your energy, and your love. It’s been an honor to play for you. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Look after each other, I’ll see you again when the time is right. Treat People With Kindness. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

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The Harry Styles Show (and Some Music) Comes to New York

The first two nights of a 15-concert run at Madison Square Garden were heavy on charisma, banter and nods to the past.

By Jon Caramanica and Lindsay Zoladz

Over the weekend, Harry Styles began a 15-night stand at Madison Square Garden, an impressive feat befitting one of the most popular musicians in the world. (He’ll begin a similar stretch in October at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif. — his tour supporting his latest album, “Harry’s House,” consists of a series of residencies .) But Styles, who came to fame as part of the British boy band One Direction, is still relatively early in his solo career, and is still establishing his sonic ideas. Two New York Times critics attended the first two nights of his Love on Tour run in New York to see how he wielded his gravitational pull.

JON CARAMANICA I always liked One Direction , more or less. Or maybe I liked what the group represented: a rejection of the hyperprocessed boy band, and by extension an acknowledgment that doing the least can still earn you the most. They weren’t trying to delude audiences about their artistry — their casualness was foundational to their appeal. But that approach wears thin in a solo act, and time and again during the Harry Styles show at the Garden on Saturday night, I found myself vexed. Off-the-charts charisma, collective exuberance, decently competent band, and yet at the center of it all, Styles was inscrutable. Musically, at least. I’ve rarely if ever seen someone more confident in their ownership of the stage, but everything underneath felt slight. All razzle, no dazzle. What am I missing? (I’m not missing anything.)

LINDSAY ZOLADZ Hmm, Jon, maybe a boa? Despite all of the construction around Madison Square Garden, I had no difficulty finding the venue’s entrance: I just followed the trail of rainbow feathers shed from the signature Styles neckwear that at least half of the audience seemed to be sporting. My thoughts today (and over the next several weeks of Styles’s 15-date residency) are with the Garden’s cleanup crew.

I’ve long considered One Direction to be the quintessential boy band of the fan-service era — expertly primed to respond to the demands of their devoted, social-media savvy stan army — and after catching Styles’s show on Sunday night, I’m ready to declare him the defining solo artist of that era, too. I am not sure I’ve ever seen a pop star wave so much from the stage in my entire life? Roughly a third of his performance seemed to comprise waving, pointing and blowing kisses to various sections of the audience, whose volume approximated a jet taking off. Most of the time I could not hear Styles’s voice well enough to determine if he was hitting all the notes, though the crowd’s reaction was energetic enough that they did not seem to care. This show felt, as so much of Styles’s music does, first and foremost for the fans, which — I agree — can sometimes make the man at the center of it all feel like a bit of an enigma.

CARAMANICA Let’s try to distill the Harry Styles musical proposition. He has nowhere near the determined agita of, say, Shawn Mendes; nowhere near the vocal litheness of Justin Bieber. (Also:#FreeZayn) And it goes without saying that despite the rampant Eltonisms on display throughout Styles’s solo catalog, and the (sub?)conscious echoes of John’s sartorial glamour in Styles’s Gucci gear, he has nowhere near John’s verve or panache. It is all quite a brittle foundation upon which to build this fame skyscraper.

But yes, the waving. Also the utterly-at-ease shimmying. And that thing he did mid-show where he took a fan’s cellphone and tried calling her ex on it. (Josh, if you’re reading this, you got washed, buddy — everyone at Madison Square Garden hates you.) See also: him singing “Happy Birthday” to his friend Florence. Florence Welch, of the Machine ? No. Florence Pugh, his co-star in the upcoming film “Don’t Worry Darling”? Also no. Florence, daughter of Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group? Yes.

This is the essence of his appeal — his is not a top-down sort of fame. He’s the approachable but protective friend, the one who leads with good judgment and progressive wholesomeness. (At previous shows, he’s helped people come out, or to confess their love.) That’s part of why, even though public discussion of Styles often centers on his dating life or the ways he flirts with gender fluidity, his actual show is conventional and chaste. The most risqué bit was when he explained how the in-the-round performance would work. Sometimes, “we’ll be ass to face,” he said. “I’ll be sure to distribute face and ass equally throughout the show — there’s plenty to go around.” It was cheeky. Even “Watermelon Sugar,” his lightly erotic hit, was dry.

ZOLADZ Styles did not call any exes at our show, but he did a funny bit where he attempted to count all of the “golf dads” in the audience — 34, apparently. He also broke some solemn “bad news” about something that had happened just before the show: “I’ve blown my tongue on some soup.” So yes, effortlessly charismatic banter, and he works every corner of the stage. The set and wardrobe were a bit more minimal than I anticipated; I expected at least one costume change. But I would describe the look he was going for, in a red-and-white-striped jumpsuit, as “sexy candy cane.” The fashion, the fans, the force of personality — it feels like we’re talking about everything but the music here, which is perhaps telling. How did the songs strike you, Jon, and did you get anything out of them that you don’t get on his records?

CARAMANICA Basically, we’re of opposite opinions on Styles’s albums — I’m more partial to the most recent one, “Harry’s House,” and I know you lean more toward the previous one, “Fine Line.” When the songs were … funkier — and I use that designation extremely loosely — his performance felt more full. I’m thinking “Satellite,” and also “Cinema,” both from the new album — the rhythm section is in the lead, but doesn’t overpower him. I also liked what he did with “Adore You,” melting the chorus into more of a restrained tease. But when he went unadorned, like on “Matilda,” the air in the room felt heavier. And “Sign of the Times,” the first Styles solo hit, was ponderous, a karaoke take on mid-1970s power-mope.

ZOLADZ I sometimes detect a divide between the music Styles wants to make — the big, bold, if somewhat generic-sounding ’70s-style rock of his first album — and the more pop-oriented fare that better suits his personality. Not surprisingly, the songs that worked best for me live were the ones that manage to satisfy both of those impulses, like the groovy, Tame Impala-esque “Daylight” or the still-ubiquitous hit “As It Was.” I wish he’d ended the set on that note, but regrettably he had one more song to play after that, the stomping, Led-Zeppelin-cosplay rocker “Kiwi,” an unfortunate live staple that I consider one of his weakest songs. But, as ever, he seemed to relish playing the role of bombastic rock star, even if the material itself didn’t always electrify.

I found it refreshing, though, that Styles is not shying away from his former group on this tour: The first song on his preperformance playlist is One Direction’s “Best Song Ever” — much to the shrieking delight of the thousands of fans who sang along to every word — and during his set he actually played a louder and more rock-oriented version of One Direction’s 2011 hit “What Makes You Beautiful,” which happens to be from an album that his former bandmate Louis Tomlinson recently called a disparaging word we can’t print here. How did you feel about Styles’s raucous 1D cover, Jon?

CARAMANICA That was one of the musical high points, if not the peak. It was as if a rowdy bar band momentarily inhabited Styles’s very deliberately understated crew. On Saturday, too, people absolutely lost it when the opening bars of “Best Song Ever” hit right after the conclusion of Blood Orange’s temperate and tasteful opening set. It was the purest release of pent-up demand that I’ve witnessed in quite some time. And that’s how the rest of the night went, too — demand leading supply. Fervor without feeling (and certainly without friction). An arena-size canvas merely doodled on with pencil.

And for the record, a friend lent me her pink-and-white boa for a few songs — it didn’t help.

Jon Caramanica is a pop music critic for The Times and the host of the Popcast . He also writes the men's Critical Shopper column for Styles. He previously worked for Vibe magazine, and has written for the Village Voice, Spin, XXL and more. More about Jon Caramanica

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10 reasons why we love the Tour de France

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Wiggins celebrates the first British Tour de France victory on the podium in Paris. His year wouldn't end there though, as he looked to add Olympic gold just over a week later.

For many cycling fans the Tour de France is the highlight of their year, while a substantial number of people have found themselves strangely obsessed with the sport having stumbled upon the race on television.

There are many reasons why the Tour is the most-watched cycling race around the world, with interest in the race reaching every continent. Here are a few things that make the Tour so special for us.

1. The Caravan

What's there not to love about a series of novelty vehicles chucking out poor quality gifts to the fans along every stage of the race?

You've not been to watch the Tour de France unless you come back with three polka dot hats, a handful of Skoda keyrings and some disgusting biscuits from a company you've never heard of.

Sometimes you may have to fight off several small French children to get your mitts on a giant green hand, but it's well worth the extra effort of turning up four hours early.

2. Gary Imlach

It's one of the most remarkable streaks in professional sport, but Gary Imlach seems to have presented every Tour de France since time began - and he's not aged a day in all those years.

An enduring vision of the watching the Tour on ITV4, and previously Channel 4, is Imlach standing on whatever beach the race happens to be near, hair flopping in the wind and a pair of old skool sunglasses shading his eyes.

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An encyclopaedic knowledge of pretty much any sport, mixed with the ability to not take himself or his profession too seriously pretty much make Imlach a national treasure.

There. I said it.

3. Mountain battles

Everyone loves the excitement of a bunch sprint, but it's the mountains that set the Tour apart from a lot of other races.

The 2015 edition of the race features many of the iconic Tour climbs - the Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez, to name but two.

Races are won and lost in the mountains and the grueling gradients show off a cyclist's true character. Defining Tour moments often come on the mountain passes as well.

Be it Alberto Contador 'attacking' Andy Schleck when the Luxembourger's chain came off on the Port de Balès in 2010, or Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond reaching the top of Alpe d'Huez arm in arm in 1986, the battles are never forgotten.

4. The jerseys

Yeah, the Giro's pink jersey and the Vuelta's red one are nice, but it's the Tour's yellow jersey that cyclists grow up dreaming of.

Very few sprinters these days seem to target winning the points jerseys at the Italian or Spanish tours, but the best fastmen eye up the Tour's green jersey as their season's goal.

And who doesn't love seeing a cyclist wearing a polka dot jersey because he's really good at riding up mountains?

The only shame is that the organisers decided to ditch the Combination jersey in 1989, where the rider who was best at doing everything would wear a jersey made up of bits of the other jerseys.

Just imagine Contador wearing a yellow/green/polka dot ensemble...

>>> Mark Cavendish driven by green jersey ambition at Tour de France (video)

5. Alpe d'Huez

The mountain of all mountains. Alpe d'Huez is pretty much a fixture of the Tour these days, described by author Tim Moore as the "Glastonbury for cycling fans".

But instead of hoards of unwashed hippies playing bongo drums you get hoards of mostly Dutch people drinking beer outside their camper vans.

Like Glastonbury, the crowds turn up days before the event actually starts to find a good place to pitch their tent, but thankfully, to date, Bono has not sung on Alpe d'Huez .

The 21 hairpins are stuff of legend among cycling fans, with each of the turns named after former winners of the stages which finish atop the mountain.

It's back again for 2015 and it promises to be another cracking stage.

6. The ITV theme tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlh4Hc4JAY0

Instantly recogniseable among non-Eurosport-watching fans, the theme tune for the Tour on ITV is enough to make a grown man rub his hands together with glee.

And the best thing is that ITV have so many advert breaks in their coverage you get to hear the tune about 100 times each stage!

>>> Ten ways to tell you’re watching too much cycling on television

7. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen

Another staple of the ITV coverage is the double act that is Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. As the lead commentator Liggett brings the cycling fans an insight into the world of two wheels, only regularly getting his facts wrong.

Sherwen, meanwhile, actually rode the Tour so can give a different insight into what is going on in the race. He also knows at least three facts about every chateau and church in the whole of France.

>>> How would YOU improve coverage of bike racing on TV?

8. The Champs-Élysées

Unfortunately every Tour de France has to come to an end, but what better way to finish it than with a sprint on the most famous street in France?

Like the mountains, the Champs-Élysées has seen its fair share of special moments. From the Lemond/Laurent Fignon time trial in 1989, to Tour winner Bradley Wiggins leading out Mark Cavendish on the final lap.

The final stage is known as the unofficial sprinter's championship, with the likes of Cavendish having won there four times and Marcel Kittel winning the last two editions.

But it's not just about the stage winner, it's the tradition that comes with rolling into Paris as the Tour winner. Drinking champagne on your bike is a rare occurence, but Tour winners get that honour as they lead the peloton across the start line.

9. The fans

Sport is nothing without the fans. We all saw the pictures of the crowds along the side of the roads in Yorkshire last year, but the French aren't bad at turning out either.

Show up in a sleepy Tour de France village and you'll see the local residents setting up tables and chairs outside their house, enjoying a baguette or two before the race comes by.

No matter how remote the location, the locals will get excited about the Tour coming to town.

10. The racing

There's a lot of great peripheral action in the Tour, but there's also a lot of great racing. And with 21 exciting stages in the pipeline this year we are surely in store for a classic edition of the race.

Cycling Weekly looks at the contenders for the 2015 Tour de France

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters. 

Effective immediately, the NCL paused all its operations in order to focus on restructuring and rebuilding for the 2025 season.

By Anne-Marije Rook Published 15 April 24

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When love and science double date.

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Sure, your heart thumps, but let’s look at what’s happening physically and psychologically

“They gave each other a smile with a future in it.” — Ring Lardner

Love’s warm squishiness seems a thing far removed from the cold, hard reality of science. Yet the two do meet, whether in lab tests for surging hormones or in austere chambers where MRI scanners noisily thunk and peer into brains that ignite at glimpses of their soulmates.

When it comes to thinking deeply about love, poets, philosophers, and even high school boys gazing dreamily at girls two rows over have a significant head start on science. But the field is gamely racing to catch up.

One database of scientific publications turns up more than 6,600 pages of results in a search for the word “love.” The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting 18 clinical trials on it (though, like love itself, NIH’s “love” can have layered meanings, including as an acronym for a study of Crohn’s disease). Though not normally considered an intestinal ailment, love is often described as an illness, and the smitten as lovesick. Comedian George Burns once described love as something like a backache: “It doesn’t show up on X-rays, but you know it’s there.”

Richard Schwartz , associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a consultant to McLean and Massachusetts General (MGH) hospitals, says it’s never been proven that love makes you physically sick, though it does raise levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that has been shown to suppress immune function.

Love also turns on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is known to stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers. Couple that with a drop in levels of serotonin — which adds a dash of obsession — and you have the crazy, pleasing, stupefied, urgent love of infatuation.

It’s also true, Schwartz said, that like the moon — a trigger of its own legendary form of madness — love has its phases.

“It’s fairly complex, and we only know a little about it,” Schwartz said. “There are different phases and moods of love. The early phase of love is quite different” from later phases.

During the first love-year, serotonin levels gradually return to normal, and the “stupid” and “obsessive” aspects of the condition moderate. That period is followed by increases in the hormone oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with a calmer, more mature form of love. The oxytocin helps cement bonds, raise immune function, and begin to confer the health benefits found in married couples, who tend to live longer, have fewer strokes and heart attacks, be less depressed, and have higher survival rates from major surgery and cancer.

Schwartz has built a career around studying the love, hate, indifference, and other emotions that mark our complex relationships. And, though science is learning more in the lab than ever before, he said he still has learned far more counseling couples. His wife and sometime collaborator, Jacqueline Olds , also an associate professor of psychiatry at HMS and a consultant to McLean and MGH, agrees.

Spouses Richard Schwartz and Jacqueline Olds, both associate professors of psychiatry, have collaborated on a book about marriage.

Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

More knowledge, but struggling to understand

“I think we know a lot more scientifically about love and the brain than we did a couple of decades ago, but I don’t think it tells us very much that we didn’t already know about love,” Schwartz said. “It’s kind of interesting, it’s kind of fun [to study]. But do we think that makes us better at love, or helping people with love? Probably not much.”

Love and companionship have made indelible marks on Schwartz and Olds. Though they have separate careers, they’re separate together, working from discrete offices across the hall from each other in their stately Cambridge home. Each has a professional practice and independently trains psychiatry students, but they’ve also collaborated on two books about loneliness and one on marriage. Their own union has lasted 39 years, and they raised two children.

“I think we know a lot more scientifically about love and the brain than we did a couple of decades ago … But do we think that makes us better at love, or helping people with love? Probably not much.” Richard Schwartz, associate professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

“I have learned much more from doing couples therapy, and being in a couple’s relationship” than from science, Olds said. “But every now and again, something like the fMRI or chemical studies can help you make the point better. If you say to somebody, ‘I think you’re doing this, and it’s terrible for a relationship,’ they may not pay attention. If you say, ‘It’s corrosive, and it’s causing your cortisol to go way up,’ then they really sit up and listen.”

A side benefit is that examining other couples’ trials and tribulations has helped their own relationship over the inevitable rocky bumps, Olds said.

“To some extent, being a psychiatrist allows you a privileged window into other people’s triumphs and mistakes,” Olds said. “And because you get to learn from them as they learn from you, when you work with somebody 10 years older than you, you learn what mistakes 10 years down the line might be.”

People have written for centuries about love shifting from passionate to companionate, something Schwartz called “both a good and a sad thing.” Different couples experience that shift differently. While the passion fades for some, others keep its flames burning, while still others are able to rekindle the fires.

“You have a tidal-like motion of closeness and drifting apart, closeness and drifting apart,” Olds said. “And you have to have one person have a ‘distance alarm’ to notice the drifting apart so there can be a reconnection … One could say that in the couples who are most successful at keeping their relationship alive over the years, there’s an element of companionate love and an element of passionate love. And those each get reawakened in that drifting back and forth, the ebb and flow of lasting relationships.”

Children as the biggest stressor

Children remain the biggest stressor on relationships, Olds said, adding that it seems a particular problem these days. Young parents feel pressure to raise kids perfectly, even at the risk of their own relationships. Kids are a constant presence for parents. The days when child care consisted of the instruction “Go play outside” while mom and dad reconnected over cocktails are largely gone.

When not hovering over children, America’s workaholic culture, coupled with technology’s 24/7 intrusiveness, can make it hard for partners to pay attention to each other in the evenings and even on weekends. It is a problem that Olds sees even in environments that ought to know better, such as psychiatry residency programs.

“There are all these sweet young doctors who are trying to have families while they’re in residency,” Olds said. “And the residencies work them so hard there’s barely time for their relationship or having children or taking care of children. So, we’re always trying to balance the fact that, in psychiatry, we stand for psychological good health, but [in] the residency we run, sometimes we don’t practice everything we preach.”

“There is too much pressure … on what a romantic partner should be. They should be your best friend, they should be your lover, they should be your closest relative, they should be your work partner, they should be the co-parent, your athletic partner. … Of course everybody isn’t able to quite live up to it.” Jacqueline Olds, associate professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

All this busy-ness has affected non-romantic relationships too, which has a ripple effect on the romantic ones, Olds said. A respected national social survey has shown that in recent years people have gone from having three close friends to two, with one of those their romantic partner.

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“Often when you scratch the surface … the second [friend] lives 3,000 miles away, and you can’t talk to them on the phone because they’re on a different time schedule,” Olds said. “There is too much pressure, from my point of view, on what a romantic partner should be. They should be your best friend, they should be your lover, they should be your closest relative, they should be your work partner, they should be the co-parent, your athletic partner. There’s just so much pressure on the role of spouse that of course everybody isn’t able to quite live up to it.”

Since the rising challenges of modern life aren’t going to change soon, Schwartz and Olds said couples should try to adopt ways to fortify their relationships for life’s long haul. For instance, couples benefit from shared goals and activities, which will help pull them along a shared life path, Schwartz said.

“You’re not going to get to 40 years by gazing into each other’s eyes,” Schwartz said. “I think the fact that we’ve worked on things together has woven us together more, in good ways.”

Maintain curiosity about your partner

Also important is retaining a genuine sense of curiosity about your partner, fostered both by time apart to have separate experiences, and by time together, just as a couple, to share those experiences. Schwartz cited a study by Robert Waldinger, clinical professor of psychiatry at MGH and HMS, in which couples watched videos of themselves arguing. Afterwards, each person was asked what the partner was thinking. The longer they had been together, the worse they actually were at guessing, in part because they thought they already knew.

“What keeps love alive is being able to recognize that you don’t really know your partner perfectly and still being curious and still be exploring,” Schwartz said. “Which means, in addition to being sure you have enough time and involvement with each other — that that time isn’t stolen — making sure you have enough separateness that you can be an object of curiosity for the other person.”

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How Harry Styles's Love on Tour won the culture wars

By Olivia Ovenden

This week the European leg of Harry Styles's much-publicised Love on Tour concludes in Lisbon. It's the final stop on a trip promoting the now Mercury Prize-nominated album, Harry's House , which has seen the singer turn his concerts into a space that holds a mirror up to his audience, making the show as much about them as him.

In and amongst the wide-leg trousers and wild-eyed dancing there have been stories of Styles helping to orchestrate marriage proposals and gender reveals from the stage, consoling fans who have been cheated on or helping others come out in a ceremony officiated under a rippling rainbow flag . For the thousands who have bought tickets, Love on Tour has been a travelling circus filled with the kind of innocent joy that pop music can inspire, as well as a place where Styles's young fans can come as they are and, for a few hours, unburden themselves from the weight of the world.

As one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, Harry Styles 's repeated signposting of his concerts as a place of progressivism has served as a powerful antidote to the ongoing culture wars around identity politics. The tour has been punctuated with moments of the singer proudly demonstrating his beliefs, holding up flags borrowed from members of the crowd to pledge his allegiance to everything from Black Lives Matter to bisexual visibility . Following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas in May, Styles announced he would be donating $1M from ticket sales to gun safety group Everytown, and in the wake of landmark American abortion legislation Roe v Wade being overturned the following month, Styles plucked a fan's sign that read My Body My Choice from a crowd member, carefully placing it in front of his drummer's kit.

These incidents can be easily waved away as cheap ploys for viral moments and trending stories, but Styles' brand of pop-timisim has a ring of authenticity that is central to his appeal. On matters of identity, sexuality and even love, he clearly shares the open-minded liberalism of his young fans. The fact he's celebrated it with many of their parents present has made that all the more powerful.

These moments of on-stage activism have become increasingly prevalent as young fans look to musicians to reflect their views and be a champion for the social causes of their generation. This shift in expectations means that silence on the news of the day is read at best as ignorance and at worst as complicity. At Glastonbury this year, artists including Kendrick Lamar and Olivia Rodrigo loudly aligned themselves with the pro-choice movement when performing; calling out Putin and standing with Ukraine has been a recurrent theme at concerts since Russia's invasion. In 2022, it's hard to believe that just over five years ago Taylor Swift kept tight-lipped about her views on Donald Trump in the lead up to the 2016 election, fearing speaking out could alienate some of her fanbase.

For Styles, who graced the cover of Vogue in a dress , and has launched his own line of iridescent male-polish , championing progressive ideas about identity is hardly a surprising move. Here is a star whose boundary-pushing style and transgressive gender expression has earned him comparisons to the likes of Prince and David Bowie , but like those pioneers before him his chameleonic style has also allowed him to be a blank canvas that fans can project ideas onto. Thanks to stylist Harry Lambert and an array of Gucci garms , his tour wardrobe has been a fantastical mishmash of oversized proportions and trippy patterns, giving his shows a wild, permissive atmosphere perfect for the messages he is trying to communicate. 

A cynic might ask whether Harry Styles, or indeed any pop star, proclaiming their beliefs in front of a rapt audience is genuinely meaningful, but watching the reaction to his actions in the crowds has been undeniably powerful. The young people forming conga lines and arriving in a mass of pink cowboy hats and feather boas have seen many of the values and causes they care about ridiculed and questioned in the wider culture for years. Love on Tour has been a rebuttal to all that: proof that acceptance and tolerance are not hollow ideals, and a welcome reminder that sometimes the best way to kill your critics is with kindness. 

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Travel Tips and Trivia

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

My Love for Travelling | 100 Reasons Why I Love Travel

I love travelling more than anything. I hope these 100 reasons I love travel will help you realise if you’ll love it too! Check them out for travel inspiration!

Danny Newman

Here are 100 reasons why I love travel and why I think you’ll love discover a love for travelling too.

I literally have no idea what I’d be doing if I wasn’t travelling.

But I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t feel half as happy or fulfilled.

Indeed, I’ve been on the road for a while now and my time away from home has made me realize just how much I love to travel full time, and how uninterested I am in going back to an ‘ordinary life’!

For now, I love travelling and am totally content on the road, looking to the next adventure and earning money as I go.

Are you considering a trip, and wonder what all the fuss is about? I had a think and put together a list of 100 reasons why I love travel.

I hope it’ll help you discover a love for travellilng too. Enjoy!

My love for travelling comes down to many different things… 100 of them , to be precise!

Love travelling? You might like these posts too:

• A Complete Guide to the Travelling Blues
• How to Be a Responsible Traveller
• The Best Jobs for Adventurers
• The Advantages & Disadvantages of Travelling
• The Disadvantages of Travelling
• 15 Key Features of the Travel Experience

My Love for Travelling: 100 Reasons I Love to Travel

I love travelling because I get to…

1.   Explore New Countries (the #1 Reason Why I Love Traveling!)

Seeing new places is the number one reason to travel!

You get to see new parts of the world. You realise very quickly how much is out there, and how unique each new place can be. I want to travel to every country in the world!

2.   Experience New Cultures

I love to travel and experience new cultures.

The values, ideals, history, and art of each new place you go is always a unique and intoxicating shock to the system.

3.   Experience New Ways of Life

Go travelling and understand how your way of doing things isn’t necessarily the right way of doing things! You get to see how other people go about their lives.

4.   Meet New & Different People

Why do people like to travel?

One reason is because of the people you meet on the road. Strangers become best friends very quickly. You hang out with people from all different countries and walks of life and get on amazingly all the same.

5.   Meet the Locals

It’s easy to only spend time with travellers when you’re on the road. But meeting and interacting with the locals is always a highlight. This is how you really start to learn about a country- by talking and sharing with local people.

6.   Have Travel Romances & Relationships

Something about travel lends itself to relationships! Remember, you’re meeting masses of likeminded people. Statistically speaking, you’re bound to fancy at least one of them…

7.   Eat New & Exotic Foods

Oh man, the food. This is reason enough to explore new countries! You get to eat real, fresh, local food. It’s often stupidly cheap and tastes like 5* cuisine.

8.   Witness Incredible & Diverse Beauty

This would be one answer I’d give somebody who asked me ‘why do you like travelling so much?’:

You see the world and all of its immense beauty.

It’s in the landscapes, the scenery, the atmosphere, the wildlife, the history, the people…Going to new places confronts you with beauty you’d only ever seen on TV before.

9.   Climb Mountains

On to some of the practical joys of travelling. Climbing mountains is number 1. It depends where you are, obviously, but getting outside and climbing a mountain is always a fun, challenging thing to do. It’s also a prime way to witness that beauty I mentioned first-hand.

10.   Swim in Oceans

Being next to water is my happy place. You can’t beat swimming in crystal clear, warm and tropical turquoise waters. Again, it’s more beauty to be enjoyed.

I love travelling. You get to spend time in some of the most beautiful places in the world, like this beach in Thailand.

11.   Laze on Golden Beaches

Where there’s tropical water there’s almost always a sandy beach to laze on after a swim. It’s the picture of paradise, and you get to be there at its centre.

That idea probably explains peoples’ love of travel better than any other!

12.   Bathe in Waterfalls

You’ll almost certainly get to see your fair share of waterfalls while travelling! Ducking your head under and having a natural power shower is always amazing.

13.   Explore Ancient Ruins & Temples

Do you like to travel? Don’t know yet? Well, you’re sure to love traveling if you’re a history buff.

It’s hard not to feel in awe when you step foot through ancient ruins and temples. You know people were there, exactly where you’re standing, thousands of years before you. It’s very very cool.

14.   See Historic Monuments

Same goes for famous monuments (I’m thinking things like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and the Golden Gate Bridge…etc). You set foot upon buildings and structures that are famous around the world.

15.   Experience New (& Sometimes Ancient) Art

The other day I went for a walk to see some Aboriginal artwork.

There were children’s handprints made of red ochre laid upon the rock, which had been made thousands of years earlier. It was genuinely awesome to see. Travel does that. You see the art (new and old) of current and ancient civilisations.

I think it’s a key reason that, as people, we love to travel.

16.   Experience Foreign Architecture

Modern global cities aside, you get to see the unique architecture styles of different countries. Some places are renowned for their architecture. This isn’t my favourite part of travelling, but it’s still cool to see the buildings of other places (past and present).

17.   See Wonders of the World (a Major Love of Travel for Many People)

Some parts of the world just shouldn’t be missed. Iconic places like the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu are genuine world wonders that’d surely blow your mind.

18.   See Insane Natural Phenomena

The natural world boasts some crazy stuff to see. Things like the northern lights are high up on my bucket list. Going travelling puts you in front of startling displays of nature.

19.   See Crazy Wildlife

Same goes with wildlife. I was born and raised in cities. The most interesting wildlife I saw (outside of zoos) were squirrels and foxes! There’s always cool wildlife to see close to home. But it’s always special to see exotic animals in otherworldly environments on foreign shores.

20.   See Things with Your Own Eyes

One of the greatest parts of travel, for me, is just seeing things first hand. You aren’t seeing an edited version of events via screen. You aren’t hearing about it and getting glimpses of it through other people. No, you’re actually there in the thick of it.

I think seeing things with your own eyes is another reason why we love to travel.

21.   Get Out of Your Bubble

Life can seem like a bubble. You see the same people, do the same things, and spend time in the same places…It’s easy to live the same routine day in and day out for years. Travel helps you step outside of that. You realise there’s far more out there to see and do.

22.   Realize Your Way Isn’t Necessarily the Right Way

I think this one stems from meeting new people, stepping out of your bubble and experiencing new ways of life. All three factors interact and deliver the obvious conclusion that you way of walking through life isn’t necessarily the only way to do it.

You learn from others, try new things, and develop personally as a result.

23.   It Isn’t an Office

My tongue is firmly in my cheek for this one. But, let’s face it, anything is better than an office, right? It is for me, anyway. Life can get boring. It’s easy to get trapped.

I like travelling because it breaks those chains and pushes you into new and exciting situations.

24.   Have an Adventure

On that note: travel and adventure go hand in hand. When I was younger this is what I dreamed about. I wanted to go exploring and adventuring around the world. Travel is a natural part of that process.

25.   Test Yourself

It isn’t always easy, though. In fact, it’s sometimes exceptionally tough. It’s tiring, lonely, and full over discomfort all around. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone a lot.

That’s no bad thing, though. Life can get very cushy. Suffering a little bit is a great tool for growth.

26.   Do Something Different

This is another big one for me and others. We love travelling because we want to live an extra-ordinary life. I don’t want to do the same old thing over and over again, if I can help it.

It’s the whole:

‘It isn’t the years in the life, but the life in the years, that counts’

I want to look back on my time and feel as if I’ve really lived. I love travelling around the world because it makes me feel like I’m doing exactly that.

27.   Try New Diets

I’ve already mentioned the exotic foods you’ll try. This one’s a bit different, though. Depending on where you are, you may have to switch up your diet entirely.

For example, when I was in Sri Lanka I ate a vegetarian diet because that’s all that was served in my homestay. Now, in Australia, I’m travelling with a vegan, so I’ve been eating neither meat nor dairy for 6 months or so!

28.   Learn More about Yourself

It’s hard to go travelling and not discover stuff about who you are. This is actually one reason I wanted to travel in the first place.

Everything about it forces self-discovery upon you. You’re fending for yourself thousands of miles from home. It’s natural to be confronted with both the good and bad aspects of your character.

29.   Discover Hidden Talents

You’ll find yourself doing things you would never have imagined possible. You might discover a knack for negotiating, riding a scooter, living with few possessions, cooking for yourself, meditating, and so on.

30.   Figure Out What You Want from Life

Again, more learning. This time it’s about your future and where you see yourself. I think this is a natural outcome of learning more about who you are. What you want to do ends up as a natural by-product of that. You might even surprise yourself with what you decide.

Why do people like to travel? Lazing in hammocks on a tropical beaches is one compelling reason I can think of! It’s definitely one reason I enjoy travel.

31.   Realize Your Issues

There’s nothing quite like travel for highlighting your issues, insecurities, and neuroses. Again, that’s no bad thing. Knowing about them is the first step in dealing with them.

32.   Overcome Your Issues

Following on from the last point. Travelling can offer a guiding hand to help you handle the personal issues you discover. It gives you time to contemplate, situations to overcome, and lovely new friends to support you.

33.   Challenge Your Fears

I jumped out of a plane in New Zealand a few years ago. I hate heights. I still hate heights, but I’m far better with them now. That’s just one example of how travelling with confront you with scary situations for you to overcome.

34.   Challenge Your Assumptions

All of us are full of hidden prejudices, beliefs and assumptions. Travel can expose and overturn them.

As a very basic example, you might assume that poor people are unhappy. Seeing poverty in third world countries can instantly challenge that.

35.   Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

I think I’ve already mentioned this in another point. However, it’s worth re-emphasising. Travel is tough! Unless you’re just lying on a beach somewhere, you’ll be tired, uncomfortable, and challenged at every turn.

36.   Try New Things

I love travelling and exploring because you do new stuff every single day. It’s almost impossible not to. Again, that’s unless you spend your days lying on a beach. Don’t do that (too much).

37.   Make Incredible Memories (a Major Reason I Enjoy Traveling So Much)

Everything I’ve mentioned so far (and will go on to talk about) helps you create incredible memories to relive throughout your life.

It’s said that all we are is a system of memories anyway. If that’s the case, then I’d rather be a system of awesome and adventurous ones.

38.   Gain New Stories to Tell

All those new memories deserve to be shared. You’ll never be short of a story when you’ve been travelling.

39.   Experience Freedom

I hate feeling stifled and restricted. I’ve realised more recently that I also like being my own boss. Why do people travel? Because it’s the ultimate freedom. You decide what you do and where you go at all times.

40.   Experience Independence

For me, independence goes hand in hand with freedom. I’m not reliant on anyone else. If I wish it, it’s literally me versus the world. That can be a scary prospect at times, but it’s liberating too.

Wondering why people travel? I think it’s partly to experience true freedom and independence. I think it’s a major reason you’ll love to travel as well.

41.   Experience True Happiness

Why travel? So you can feel happy!

I’ve never felt happier than I have on the road. Everything I’ve just talked about lends itself to true, deep and long-lasting happiness.

42.   Experience True Human Kindness

You come across some beautiful people on the road. You know, the ones that make you feel downright self-centred by the simple virtue of their kindness and generosity?

You’ll find yourself in a fair few pickles on the road. You’ll also come across your fair share of awesome people willing to lend a hand, asking nothing in return.

43.   Become More Aware of Tricksters

That said, there are also a fair few people who’ll try and take you for a ride. These people aren’t as nice, but they still help out in their own way.

You learn who you can and can’t believe, and to trust in your gut. Those are two invaluable life lessons.

44.   Become More Assertive

Travelling can teach you to be more assertive in yourself. There may be times when people and situations make you feel uncomfortable. There may, in worst case scenarios, be a level of danger as well.

Assertiveness is a useful trait that enables you stand up for yourself and not bow to peer pressure. Travel can help you find it within yourself.

45.   Enjoy Off the Beaten Track Experiences

Sticking to the tourist trail can be awesome. But it’s when you step away from it that the magic can really happen. Away from the hubbub and fuss, you stumble across moments in time that you’ll never forget.

46.   Find Hidden Gems

These off the beaten track experiences also have a habit of exposing hidden gems. Tourist trails are, by definition, popular. That’s where everyone goes.

But it’s the back alleys, lost temples, and forgotten hot spots where the magic really lays. Discovering these hidden gems is another reason everybody loves travel so much!

This is where interacting with the locals can be so helpful. They’ll tell you about the lesser known places to explore.

47.   Appreciate Home Comforts More

It’s insanely easy to take home comforts for granted. Travelling basically takes you away from them all! Wave goodbye to your bed, your mum’s cooking, constant WiFi connectivity, and, often, quality infrastructure. You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!

48.   Appreciate Friends & Family More

The same goes for the people back home. In the inevitable moments of homesickness, you’re sure to feel their absence. You’ll realise how lucky you are to have these people who you in your life.

49.   Appreciate Modern Technology

You’ll value the technological side of things as well. That’s particularly true when there’s no internet where you are. However, when it is available, you’ll appreciate just how incredible modern tech has become.

Take the ability to instantly connect with friends and family, for example. It’s genuinely amazing. You can be on the other side of the world and see their faces as if they were right there.

50.   Appreciate the Simple Things

A big reason for the trip is that travel strips you back to basics. With just a backpack, you can’t take all of your home comforts with you!

Suddenly, the simple things make a big difference. It’s having the time to just sit and do what you want. It’s the freedom to explore. It’s the appreciation of having a hostel bed to sleep in.

Spending time with the local people of a country is always a highlight of the trip. It’s another reason I love travelling and exploring new places.

Related posts explaining why I love to travel the world!

• Why you should turn your dream of travel into reality
• The advantages and disadvantages of travel
• Is travelling a hobby?!

51.   Realize Your Good Fortune

If you hadn’t realized, I like travelling a lot!

Partly because all that newfound appreciation helps you understand how good you have it normally. Travelling highlights how lucky you are in comparison to the plight of others.

52.   Witness World Problems First Hand

One way in which that happens is by revealing the levels of hardship other people live with. Head to poverty-stricken countries and look around.

People have nothing to their name, living in the dirt and doing what they can to get by…And they’re often the happiest people in the world! It can be massively eye opening.

53.   Expand World Knowledge

Stepping out of your bubble will expose you to new situations and information. Your understanding of the world, and the good and bad that happens, grows all the time.

54.   Learn History of New Countries

Part of that knowledge comes from learning of a new destination’ history.

For example, I went to Cambodia a couple of years ago and found myself inundated with newfound insight into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. The same thing can happen anywhere you go.

Thankfully, it isn’t always so depressing! Whatever the case, learning a country’s history is key to understanding its culture and politics. It sheds light on the context that you’re travelling through.

55.   Get Totally Lost

Getting lost has a bad reputation. I’m not a massive fan of it myself.

However, (if you can avoid the bad parts of town) it’s a sure-fire way to get to know a new place better and discover those hidden gems I mentioned earlier.

Equally, thank to mobile phones, it’s often difficult to get truly lost these days anyway.

56.   Find Yourself

There’s more ways than one to feel lost. And, as the classic travel cliché goes, hitting the road is a great way to find yourself in the process.

Remember, you’ll come away having overcome challenges and discovered more about yourself and what you want from life. I’m pretty sure that’s the definition of finding yourself!

57.   Find New Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is another natural by-product of everything you do and overcome on the road. It’s hard not to feel more confidence in your abilities and in yourself.

58.   Mature as a Person

Same goes with maturing.

I always remember getting to university at age 18 and meeting people who’d taken a gap year to go travelling. They were only a year older than me, but they seemed 50 to 10 years more worldly and mature.

Again, I think it’s a natural part of travelling. It forces you to mature.

59.   Become a Better Person All-Around

Everything about travel has the potential to make you a better person. Maturity, self-confidence, self-knowledge, world-knowledge, greater awareness, challenged assumptions…it all adds up to you becoming a better human being.

60.   Time to Relax (Another Major Reason I Like to Travel a Lot)

Travel gives you time to yourself. You might not have had that luxury in years. You might have been working hard-out for half a decade or longer. That’s what society tells us we should do.

Travel gives you a breather. You get to chill out for a change, with nobody breathing down your neck to meet targets, get better grades, and/or step your game up, and so on.

Pictures like this sum up why travel is just outrageously awesome. How could you not love to travel?!

61.   Time to Party

Of course, there’s always time to party as well.

Almost everyone who travels is sure to have their fair share of nights out. Beach parties, street parties, hostel parties, pool parties and house parties are all common.

And there’s no Sunday evening blues to dread either!

62.   Time to Do Anything You Want

You’ll never be short of something to do when you travel.

In fact, sometimes there’s too much to see and experience. In a bid not to miss out on anything, it becomes easy to burnout.

63.   Realise the World’s a Big Place

To travel to one new country is to realise how many others there are to experience as well.

This aspect of travel can actually put people off! I’ve had conversations where someone has argued the lack of point of travelling because there’s always more of it to do! You’ll never see it all, so you may as well stay in one place.

I disagree, obviously. You definitely realise how much there is to see though. I take it as encouragement to keep exploring.

64.   Realise the World’s a Small Place

The world can seem enormous and tiny in the same instance. Go travelling and you’ll almost always meet someone you have a vague (or close) connection to.

You realise how you’re never truly too far disconnected from home.

65.   Learn to Budget

I’d never budgeted before I first went travelling. And it showed! I spent thousands of pounds in the first few months. I remember spending, in 6 weeks on the road what would now last me 6 months!

It was awesome! But it wasn’t exactly sensible from a financial standpoint. Travelling definitely teaches you how to be better with money.

66.   Learn to Pack Lightly

The same goes with packing. The first time I travelled I thought I’d packed minimally, but I could hardly pick up my bag it was so heavy. You learn as you go, though.

By the end of a trip, you’re a packing pro, carrying only as much as you need.

67.   Learn to Live Simply

You learn to value the simple things on the road; you learn to live a simpler life too.

Travelling made me see how little I need to be happy. I realised I didn’t actually gain much from having lots of stuff. My favourite times on the road have been marked by living as simply as possible.

68.   Learn Possessions Aren’t Everything

Going travelling can highlight our reliance on material stuff. You realize you don’t need it. Throwing it out can lead to greater life satisfaction.

69.   Learn Money Isn’t Everything

The same goes for money. The happiest people you tend to meet on the road (especially in terms of locals) are those with the least money. Sure, you definitely need some of it to survive and thrive.

But it is by no means the be-all and end-all.

70.   Learn West Isn’t (Necessarily) Best

Going travelling reveals some of the atrocities western countries have been responsible for overseas.

I love this part of travel because, again, it’s about challenging your assumptions and learning how other countries perceive your own.

You start to understand more about the role your home country has played around the world and the impact it has had (both good and bad).

You don’t need much to be happy. Travelling can take you back to basics. Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures that are best. I like travelling for reminding me of that fact.

71.   Learn the Value of Good Company

In my experience, feeling lonely at times is inevitable when you’re travelling. You realise the importance of having kind-hearted, loving people in your life!

72.   Learn to be Less Judgmental of Yourself

I’m naturally quite critical of myself, and am quick to judge myself harshly as a result. I like travelling because it seems to help me cut this out of my life. I feel more comfortable and happy with who I am.

73.   Learn to be Less Judgmental of Others

The same goes for other people. I think most people tend to judge each other. It seems natural. However, being too quick to judge is never good.

Travel surrounds you with people you might never otherwise hang out with. It challenges stereotypes and helps you see people for who they really are.

74.   Learn that Strangers Aren’t (Always) Scary

We’re taught as children never to talk to strangers.

You can understand why, but it creates a general idea of distrust when it comes to people you don’t know. You’ll be around strangers at all times when you travel!

You realize the vast majority are lovely, friendly and helpful.

75.   Learn When Strangers Are Scary (& How to Discern)

Of course, you always get the occasional bad egg. Remember, travel helps you become more assertive, and to trust your gut.

Similarly, it can give you greater insight into the people you want to spend time with, and who you should avoid.

76.   Learn How Capable You Are

Travel helps people to flourish. They go into the trip as a caterpillar, and emerge as a beautiful butterfly! You realize you can do far more than you first thought.

77.   Learn New Skills

Travelling provides its own sort of education. Remember, you’ll be discovering hidden talents! Part of that comes from learning entirely new skills.

78.   Learn New Languages

Wherever you’re travelling, it’s always good to learn some words of the local language. It helps you connect with the locals, who’ll appreciate the effort (even if you just know how to say thank you!).

You may never become fluent, but you’ll definitely get an introduction to new world languages.

79.   Learn to Cook

Never cooked for yourself? Travel’s the time to learn. Unless you want to blow your budget by eating out every meal, then you’ll have to!

Even better, in some countries you can do a cookery course and learn how to make the local dish.

80.   Learn How to Be Alone

This is a big one for most people. Many of us never spend time alone in our daily lives. We go out of our way to surround ourselves with others.

But being alone is crucial to learning about yourself. Constant stimulation obscures how you feel and who you are. Stripping all that away by being alone can be a challenge. Solo travel often forces you into it.

You’ll be going to restaurants alone, exploring monuments alone, and touring cities alones…and so on. Before long you’ll be an expert at being by yourself, and feeling at ease in the process.

Travel teaches you how to be alone. It’s a valuable lesson.

81.   Learn to Take Things Less Seriously

The stresses of day to day life can make anyone highly strung. Things seem serious, and we lose our sense of humour. Travel can provide the time to unwind. You become more relaxed and easy going.

82.   Learn to Let Things Unfold

You also learn to take things as they come. Some things can’t be controlled, and no amount of stressing out will change them.

I think the sheer amount of uncertainty and new experience involved with travelling helps you learn that the hard way! Over time you just stop caring as much and allow things to happen.

83.   Learn the Standard Life Routine Isn’t Obligatory

This one’s big for me. Up until a few years ago I sort of assumed that life had a particular trajectory.

School, uni, job, career. That’s what I saw myself doing. But I’m not sure that’s exactly what I wanted. More than anything, I just couldn’t see outside of that path. I think I’d been fed the idea of that life for so long that it shut me off to alternatives.

Now, having travelled and had a taste of something a bit different, it’s the last thing I want.

84.   Learn You Can Do Whatever You want

In reality, there’s no limit to what you can do. Travel freed my mind up to different possibilities. At a basic level, it made me want to travel more. Sitting at a desk lost its appeal.

85.   Understand the Need to Protect the Planet

I’ve already mentioned how travelling exposes you to how beautiful the world is. You can’t see that beauty and not want to preserve and protect it.

It’s a work in progress for me. I mean, I fly to new countries and just bought an old van to drive around in. That’s hardly environmentally friendly.

But I’m far more aware of my actions now, which has to be worth something. I’m also taking steps in other areas of life to offset and reduce my personal impact.

86.   Get a Break from Technology

So, travel makes you realize how awesome modern technology is.

However, it can also be a great excuse to get a detox from it. When was the last time you spent an entire day without looking at a screen? Like me, I’m guessing it was a while ago.

Travel gives you a rest from it and reminds you there’s more to life than what’s on your mobile.

87.   Get a Much Needed Rest

Life can be hard. It’s full of ups and downs and stress and strife. It can feel non-stop.

Travel, at a very basic level, can offer a perfect break. That newfound time on your hands gets put to good use: you get a chance to chill out and rest up.

88.   Get Through Personal Hardship

Everyone goes through tough times in life. Life throws everybody their fair share of lemons. Some people get bombarded more than others.

I’ve been very lucky in my life. However, when I have experienced hardship, travel has been the best antidote I could have asked for.

It gives you time to breathe, process, have fun, and meet new people. It drags you out of yourself and back into the world.

89.   Improve Your Career Prospects

Many people worry that travel will set them back in terms of their career.

And it can! You’ll probably be behind your mates in career-terms when you get back home. However, you’ll have had an epic experience in the interim.

Even better, it can also help. Travel is increasingly common. Employers know that and realise how beneficial it can be in developing you as a potential employee.

Overall, don’t stress about the travel-sized gap on your CV.

90.   Spend Time Outdoors

Time in nature is literally good for your health. It’s been proven scientifically. You’ll almost certainly spend a fair amount of time outside in nature when you travel.

Travel gets you out into the great outdoors. Check out those views! You gotta love it.

Related travel posts you might enjoy:

• 50 Interesting Facts About Travelling
• 75 Essential Things to Take On Any Trip
• Is Travelling a Hobby? Here’s Why the Answer’s “NO”
• The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad
• What Is Heritage Tourism?

91.   Chase the Sun

Here’s another big reason why I love travel. It takes me to the sunshine! I don’t do well with bad weather (despite being a Brit). Being in warm and sunny climates immediately raises my mood.

92.   Sleep in Novel Places

This one’s a little out of left field.

However, go travelling and you may find yourself sleeping in some funny old places. A bad night’s sleep isn’t necessarily something I love about travel. But the stories behind them are always fun.

93.   Live in Novel Places

Travel takes you to the farthest corners of the globe and some of the weirdest and most wonderful experiences you’ll ever have.

You end up living a totally different life, in entirely new places. And it’s awesome.

94.   Get Comfortable Being Dirty

I feel very clean when I’m not travelling!

Obviously you don’t have to live dirtily when you’re on the road.

However, there may be times when you don’t have access to a shower, and you’ve been on the move for a while. You start to realise that a bit of dirt and grime isn’t the end of the world.

95.   Do Things You Never Thought Possible

You’ll find yourself in genuinely mind-blowing situations when you travel.

I remember going caving in New Zealand a few years ago. At one point we were deep underground in the pitch black, floating on rubber rings down a river, staring upwards at luminescent glow worms.

It was genuinely surreal- one of those moments you really have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s actually happening.

You’ll find yourself in similar situations if you decide to travel as well.

96.   Tick Things off Your Bucket List

Got a bucket list of things you have to do before you die?

Travel will help you tick items off it. You don’t even need an actual list of things you want to do.

At the end of your travels you’ll look back on the experience and realize how many incredible things you’ve done, and how you’ve contributed to your life.

Writing your bucket list? Here are 50 simple ideas to help out.

97.   Feel Inspired

It’s difficult to travel and not be inspired by the experience. You step outside your day to day and realize how much more is possible.

The people, the sights, the experiences, the memories…there’s almost always something inspirational to enjoy.

Want to feel inspired? This guide should help you find inspiration in your life.

98.   Feel Meaning and Purpose

Meaning and purpose are central to living a happy life. Without them, everything can start to feel pointless.

Travelling can imbue life with both. Or, perhaps, the question of ‘what’s the point?’ just matters less when you’re doing such incredible things. Either way, life feels that bit more fulfilling.

99.   Feel More Connected

Travel creates a sense of connection.

You’re there, present, and living it. You feel connected with the moment, connected to the rest of the world, connected within yourself, connected with other people.

You feel less of a lonely individual, and part of something greater than yourself.

100.   Feel Care Free

Last but not least: a liberating sense of being totally care-free.

Life can be stressful! How often do you feel overwhelmed and anxious about one thing or another? When was the last time you felt truly free of worries?

Holidays are good, but you know you’ll be back to reality in a few days.

Travel, by contrast, can be truly restorative. Worries and concerns don’t just disappear; travel comes with its fair share of trials and tribulations. However, it’s totally different in nature.

In general, life on the road can be entirely care-free, and lived with true, unadulterated abandon. And I love it.

Travelling helps you feel totally care free. I’ve never been happier than I have on the road.

Remember My Reasons for Travelling & Why I Love Travel!

As you can tell, I love travelling…a lot! I hope those 100 reasons for travel justify why that’s the case, and why I think you’ll love to travel too.

For me, more often than not, my love for travelling boils down to three little words: life is short.

It’s clichéd, for sure. But it’s also fact. Pretending it isn’t is a recipe for wasted time. If you’re determined to make the most of your time, then I think travel’s the perfect way to do it.

I’d love to know if any of the reasons I love travelling sound particularly compelling!?

Which, if any, could convince you to travel? Let me know in the comments!

Understand the reason for travelling? Pin this post to help others do the same!

Like this post overing the reasons is travelling? Pin it!

Like this post explaining why to travel? Pin it!

2 thoughts on “My Love for Travelling | 100 Reasons Why I Love Travel”

how long do u like to go travelling for. I want to travel the world but im still unsure hoe long i want to go for

Hey Jim! I actually travel full-time these days as I work online, which works great for me. I think it’s different for everyone though- for some people, a few weeks does the trick; for others, it might be 3, 6 or 12 months that’s best. If you’ve not travelled before, then why not test the waters? Buy yourself a one-way ticket somewhere (with enough cash in the bank for a return flight at some point in future) and see what you think. Keep on going until you’re ready to come home! Hope that helps, and enjoy the travels, wherever and whenever you go (and for however long!) 🙂

Comments are closed.

Facts and figures about Harry Styles' 'Love On Tour'

The mammoth tour came to an end in July 2023 after nearly two years

Harry Styles brought 'Love On Tour' to the UK - not once, but twice! After initially performing six dates across the UK and Ireland in June 2022, he later announced 'Love On Tour' was returning to the UK , and performed a further 11 dates in 2023.

Wrapping up an incredible 173 dates across seven legs around the world spanning 22 months, it's about time Harry took some time off - but not before he shared a beautiful tribute to his fans who came out to see him perform.

The video received nearly 5 million likes on Instagram in 24 hours, with many fans flocking to the comments to share just how much the concerts had meant to them. Others were convinced that it was a trailer for an upcoming documentary.

One fan wrote: 'If this isnt a trailer for a documentary I'll cry,' as another added: 'I think it is, the way, the videographers we’re all over the stage. I really do believe that there’s gonna be a documentary.'

While on tour, Harry has had plenty of standout moments - including stopping his show to thank his first school teacher , helping a fan to come out , throwing flowers to a young fan and stopping his gig so a fan could propose - and let's not forget when he stopped his concert to let a pregnant lady have a toilet break .

Chatting to his fans at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Harry spotted Sian, a pregnant fan, who hadn't want to pop to the toilet because she didn't want to miss any of the show.

'Love on Tour' in numbers

In the space of two years, Harry played to an audience of over 5 million people across Europe, North America, South America and Australia and raised and donated over $6.5 million to charity.

'Love On Tour' became the fourth highest grossing tour of all time. The tour included a record breaking 18 nights at LA's Forum, 20 sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden and six nights at Wembley Stadium.

Harry concluded the tour at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, where he performed to over 100,000 people.

When were Harry Styles' 'Love On Tour' UK dates?

Harry returned to the UK in May and June 2023! See all of the UK dates below.

Coventry, Coventry Building Society Arena - Mon 22nd

Coventry, Coventry Building Society Arena - Tue 23rd

Edinburgh, BT Murrayfield Stadium - Fri 26th

Edinburgh, BT Murrayfield Stadium - Sat 27th

London, Wembley Stadium - Tue 13th

London, Wembley Stadium - Wed 14th

London, Wembley Stadium - Fri 16th

London, Wembley Stadium - Sat 17th

Cardiff, Principality Stadium - Tue 20th

Cardiff, Principality Stadium - Wed 21st

Was Harry Styles' tour cancelled because of Covid-19?

'Love On Tour' was a tour in support of Harry's album 'Fine Line' which came out in December 2019 and his third album 'Harry's House', which was released in 2022. Harry wanted to tour in 2020 but it had to be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions and instead began in September 2021.

How long did Harry Styles' 'Love On Tour' last?

Harry started the tour on 4th September 2021 and was due to wrap up on 22nd December 2022, however it was extended until 2023. The first 'Love On Tour' show was in Las Vegas, USA, and the last was at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

What songs did Harry Styles perform during 'Love On Tour'?

Harry performed some of his biggest hits during his 'Love On Tour' shows, including 'What Makes You Beautiful' and 'Stockholm Syndrome' from his One Direction days.

The 'Love On Tour' setlist 2023:

'Daydreaming'

'Golden'

'Adore You'

'Keep Driving'

'Stockholm Syndrome'

'She'

'Matilda'

'Satellite'

'Late Night Talking'

'Cinema'

'Music For A Sushi Restaurant'

'Treat People With Kindness'

'What Makes You Beautiful'

'Grapejuice'

'Watermelon Sugar'

'Fine Line'

'Sign Of The Times'

'As It Was'

'Kiwi'

Was Harry Styles on tour in the US?

Harry Styles wrapped up the North American leg of his 'Love On Tour' on 30th November 2021. He posted to Instagram to thank fans for the '42 special nights' of the tour so far.

Who supported Harry Styles on his tour?

Wet Leg were Harry's support act for his UK 2023 gigs. He was also supported by Jessie Ware, Gabriels, Wolf Alice and Arlo Parks, among many other talented performers.

What was Harryween?

While touring the US, Harry Styles did a Halloween show in Madison Square Garden on 30th and 31st October 2021. The show was called Harry Styles: Harryween Fancy Dress Party, and Harry certainly embraced the idea of dressing up. His outfits included a Pennywise-inspired clown costume and a full Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz outfit.

Fans went wild when Harry faded his performance of 'Medicine' into a cover of Britney Spears' 'Toxic'. A combination of captivating singing and dancing from Harry got the crowd hyped up and singing along to every word.

Watch Harry styles perform 'Toxic' at Harryween:

Take a look through harry styles' amazing career:.

Harry was brought up in the beautiful village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, 21 miles south of Manchester. Harry's mum is Anne Cox, his dad is Des Styles, and his stepdad was Robin Twist who sadly passed away in 2017. Harry's older sister is 33-year-old Gemma, a model and journalist, and their step-brother Mike Twist is Robin's son from a previous relationship.

2010: The X Factor

Harry auditioned for the seventh series of The X Factor as a solo artist, singing a version of Steve Wonder's 'Isn't She Lovely'. Harry made it to Boot Camp on his own but failed to make it to Judges' Houses. Therefore, he and four other boys who didn't make the cut were put together as a group - and the rest is history! Harry, along with Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik reached the final of The X Factor as One Direction and finished in third place.

2011-2015: One Direction – the world’s biggest boyband

After releasing their first single 'That's What Makes You Beautiful' back in 2011, the boys quickly started to take over the world. Harry and the 1D boys went on to enjoy huge success, winning over 200 awards including seven BRIT Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. One Direction achieved four UK Number 1 albums and one Top 5 album throughout their time together, along with four UK Number 1 singles and five UK Top 10 singles which spent an incredible 56 weeks in the Top 10 from 2011-2015. Harry and the 1D boys released four albums as a five-piece - 'Up All Night', 'Take Me Home', 'Midnight Memories' and 'Four'.

2015: One Direction's extended hiatus

In 2015, Zayn announced he was leaving the band and Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam made the decision to carry on as a four-piece. Harry and the boys then released album 'Made in the A.M.' which included 'Drag Me Down', 'Infinity' and 'Perfect' as singles. The fifth studio album reached Number 1 on the UK album charts. Following its release, Harry and his bandmates announced they were going on an extended hiatus in 2016, focusing on their solo careers and individual opportunities.

2017: Harry’s first solo album & Dunkirk

Harry released his first solo single 'Sign of the Times', which went straight to Number 1 in the UK, proving a success as the power ballad won a BRIT Award for British Video of the Year. Harry's self-titled debut album immediately went to Number 1 on its release in several countries, including the UK. This album showed a new side of the star that fans had not seen during his One Direction days as the record was made up of soft rock tracks. Harry then released two more singles, 'Two Ghosts' and 'Kiwi' from the album. Harry also released a documentary about the making of his album in 2017. Entitled Harry Styles: Behind the Album, the 50-minute film showed a behind-the-scenes look at Harry's recording process. The success continued for Harry as he made his feature film acting debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, where he played a British soldier named Alex.

2018: (tour)

Harry performed on his first solo tour, Harry Styles: Live On Tour, throughout the first half of 2018. Beginning in late 2017 at smaller, more intimate venues, he then visited arenas throughout 2018, performing almost 90 dates all over the world. Harry also performed with legendary band Fleetwood Mac in early 2018, and has since built up a close friendship with front woman Stevie Nicks.

2019: Harry’s second solo album ‘Fine Line’

'Lights Up' was the first single to be released from Harry's second album 'Fine Line' and debuted at Number 3 in the UK, followed by 'Adore You' with an extended video showing his creative and quirky side. 'Fine Line' debuted at Number 1 in the UK and Rolling Stone ranked it at Number 491 in their 2020 list of the '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' - quite a feat.

2020: ‘Falling’, ‘Watermelon Sugar’, ‘Golden’ and Vogue

In February 2020, Harry released the video for emotional ballad 'Falling' which he then performed at the 2020 BRIT Awards ceremony. In May 2020, the star released the video fans had been waiting for, 'Watermelon Sugar', which is a super sexy video showing the star and some beautiful women on a beach eating A LOT of watermelons. In October 2020, Harry released the video for the fifth single from his second album, 'Golden', which shows the star running around the Amalfi Coast in Italy wearing some of the quirky outfits the star is known for. Fans went crazy for the video as it ranked up 7 million views in just one day.

March 2021: Grammy Awards, ‘Treat People with Kindness’ and Don’t Worry Darling

Harry kicked off 2021 in style by releasing the video to up-beat toe-tapper 'Treat People with Kindness' which shows himself and Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge dancing in a very stylish old-school video. The popularity of the video launched the track back into the top half of the charts at Number 2, 56 weeks after its initial release!

Spring 2021: My Policeman and Don't Worry Darling

Following his role in Dunkirk in 2017, Harry secured a starring role in new psychological horror film Don't Worry Darling alongside Florence Pugh. Olivia Wilde directed and starred in the movie, and since working together on set, she and Harry grew close and went on to have a relationship. The film was released in September 2022! Harry was also filming LGBTQ+ film My Policeman, which was released in cinemas in October 2022 and on Prime Video in November 2022.

March 2021: Grammy Award winner

At the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, Harry kicked off the ceremony by performing his 2020 hit 'Watermelon Sugar' and later in the ceremony received his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Watermelon Sugar'.

May 2021: BRIT Award win for British Single

Harry took home his second BRIT Award at the 2021 ceremony, winning British Single for 'Watermelon Sugar'. Looking emotional as he took to the stage, Harry humbly told the crowd that he was "continually baffled" by "moments like this", making him more "grateful to get to do this job". He also paid tribute to the key workers in the audience for their perseverance during the pandemic.

January 2022: Announces 'Love On Tour' is coming to the UK

On 19th January 2022, Harry announced the exciting news that in June he would be bringing his 'Love On Tour' to the UK! The 'Adore You' singer played shows in Glasgow, Manchester and London in June 2022.

April 2022: Harry Styles headlines Coachella

Harry Styles headlined the Friday night of the Coachella festival in April 2022. He performed some of his biggest hits such as 'Adore You' and 'Watermelon Sugar', along with his new single 'As It Was'. For the second week of the festival, Harry delighted the crowd as he welcomed Lizzo onto the stage, with the pair giving us all a surprise performance of Gloria Gaynor's legendary 1978 hit 'I Will Survive'.

April 2022: Harry debuts two new songs at Coachella

As well as performing his hit track 'As It Was', which he released just weeks earlier, Harry delighted fans when he also sang two brand new songs, titled 'Boyfriends' and 'Late Night Talking'.

May 2022: Harry Styles released 'Harry's House'

On 20th May Harry Styles released 'Harry House', the third solo album from him, after One Direction started their hiatus. 'Harry's House' features the huge hit single 'As It Was'.

June 2022: My Policeman trailer released

Harry Styles stars in drama My Policeman as Tom Burgess who is caught in a love triangle with Marion played by Emma Corrin and Patrick Hazelwood, played by David Davidson. In June, Prime Video shared first-look photos of the main chracters, the official poster and a teaser trailer, giving us our first chance to see Harry in his 1950s get-up. The film has now been released.

October 2022: 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant' music video comes out

Harry shocked fans with a VERY different look in the music video for his track 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant' which sees him as a bearded half-man half-squid creature. After the song was released as part of 'Harry's House' in May, the video came out on 27th October. By August 2023, the song was certified Platinum by the BPI.

January 2023: Harry was nominated for four BRIT Awards

Harry Styles was nominated for a massive four BRIT Awards in the categories: Mastercard Album of The Year, Artist of The Year, Song of The Year ('As It Was'), and Pop and R & B Act.

January 2023: Announced as a BRITs performer

As well as his nominations, Harry was announced to perform at the ceremony too in a line-up also consisting of Wet Leg and Sam Smith & Kim Petras !

February 2023: Harry Styles won two Grammys

Harry Styles picked up two Grammy Award on 5th February 2023. He won Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, both for 'Harry's House'.

February 2023: Harry wins four BRIT Awards

At The BRIT Awards 2023 with Mastercard, Harry won all four awards he was nominated for, taking home the awards for Pop/R & B Act, Artist of the Year, Song of The Year ('As It Was'), and Album of the Year (Harry's House). He said in one of his acceptance speeches: "Thank you again, I'm going to start by thanking my family for being the most supportive, understanding, patient, loving family I could have ever asked for. I want to thank my mum for signing me up for X Factor without telling me, so I literally wouldn't be here without you. I want to thank Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn, thank you so much. I'm really really grateful and I'm very aware of my privilege up here tonight, so this award is for Rina, Charlie, Florence, Mabel and Becky. Thank you so much."

February 2023: Harry's BRITs performance

As promised, Harry took to the stage at the BRIT Awards 2023, and it's safe to say that he did not disappoint! Performing his track 'As It Was', which picked up the gong for Song of The Year on the night, Harry delighted the crowd as he sported a red sequin jacket.

May and June 2023: 'Love On Tour 2023'

After bringing his incredible 'Love On Tour' show to the UK in 2022, Harry returned for another UK leg in 2023 - taking to the stage in Coventry, Edinburgh, London and Cardiff throughout May and June.

July 2023: New waxworks unveiled

Madame Tussauds unveiled seven new waxworks of Harry in July 2023. The waxworks feature some of his most iconic outfits and will be available to view in Madame Tussauds attractions around the world.

July 2023: 'Love On Tour' finished

Harry finished up his 'Love On Tour' with an incredible performance at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Italy on 22nd July 2023. To commemorate the ending of the mammoth tour, Harry posted a beautiful video to his Instagram page as a tribute to his fans who'd come to see him perform, writing: 'To the most inspiring people I know. Goodbye for now. Love On Tour forever.' This sparked many fans to believe that the 3-minute clip could be a trailer for a documentary on the tour, with many taking to the comments section to share their theories.

July 2023: Image of David Hockney portrait is revealed

In July 2023, pictures were released of when Harry was been painted by renowned artist David Hockney. The portrait is one of more than 30 new portraits that will be displayed when the David Hockney: Drawing from Life exhibition opens at the National Portrait Gallery in London on 2nd November.

Harry Styles and Ariana Grande's 'beautiful' friendship so far

Harry Styles: Everything you need to know about the 'As It Was' singer

All you need to know about Harry Styles' third solo album 'Harry's House'

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• Harry Styles
• love on tour

Love on Tour

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• View history

Love On Tour is the second headlining tour by Harry Styles , launched in support of his second studio album, Fine Line . After being postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour began on September 4, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada, consisting of 39 announced dates in total. It became one of the first full capacity indoor arena concerts to happen in the United States after the pandemic. He announced a part two of LOT (Love On Tour), which began on May 13, 2023 in Horsens, Denmark. He added an extra show the next day, since they moved to a smaller venue after the tragic incident in Fields. Consisting of seven legs and 169 shows, Love On Tour ended on July 22, 2023 in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

• 1 Background
• 4 Tour Dates
• 5 Cancellations
• 7 References

Background [ ]

The tour was announced on November 13, 2019 on Styles' Twitter account with dates being released for North America and Europe. [1] [2]

Setlist [ ]

This set list is representative of the show on 4 September 2021 in Las Vegas. It is not intended to represent all concerts for the tour.

• " Daydreaming "
• " Adore You "
• " Daylight "
• " Keep Driving "
• " Little Freak "
• " Satellite "
• " Music For A Sushi Restaurant "
• " Treat People With Kindness "
• " What Makes You Beautiful "
• " Late Night Talking "
• " Watermelon Sugar "
• " Love Of My Life "
• " Sign of the Times "
• " As It Was "

This set list is representative of the show on 13 May 2023 in Horsens. It is not intended to represent all concerts for the tour.

• " Stockholm Syndrome " ( One Direction Song)
• " Matilda "
• " Music For A Sushi Restaurant " (YMCA Intro)
• " What Makes You Beautiful " ( One Direction Song)
• " Grapejuice " (Tour Debut)
• " Fine Line "
• "She's Dressed As A Banana" (Running Joke On Love On Tour)

Tour Dates [ ]

Cancellations [ ].

Harry had to cancel/postpone all concerts twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He finally got back out there on September 4, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Harry unfortunately didn't get to play at Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 3, 2022 because there was a terrible shooting in the mall next door, where many of his fans had chosen to hang out before the concert.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Copenhagen_mall_shooting

After being postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic

References [ ]

• ↑ twitter.com - North American dates
• ↑ twitter.com - European dates
• https://youtu.be/Mmyo_w5Tcx4 - Banana Song
• 1 Coachella Festival
• 2 Harry Styles
• 3 Erskine Records

‘The Love Hard Tour’ Lineup Announced: Keyshia Cole, K. Michelle and More

Keyshia Cole and K. Michelle. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Keyshia Cole; Courtesy of K. Michelle)

The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) has announced The Love Hard Tour featuring Keyshia Cole, K. Michelle, Trey Songz and Jahiem.

The 24-date run begins Feb. 22, 2024, at Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia.

From there, the four R&B/soul acts will play in major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, St. Louis, Baltimore, Houston, Las Vegas and New Orleans.

The tour will conclude on April 14, 2024, in Southaven, Mississippi.

Presales begin Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. local time, with the access code BPC. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, Dec. 15.

K. Michelle will be supporting her latest album, I’m The Problem , which was released in September 2023. It features her hit single, “ Scooch ,” which went No. 1 on the R&B charts.

The Memphis, Tennessee, native, who is gearing up for country stardom as Puddin, performed at the 57th Country Music Awards (CMAs) to pay tribute to The Judds. She shared the stage with Jelly Roll.

As for Keyshia Cole, she starred in Lifetime’s Keyshia Cole: This is My Story and released a new song, “ Forever Is a Thing ,” to coincide with the biopic.

She will also be featured on The Color Purple soundtrack with her song “No Love Lost.” The compilation project arrives on Friday, Dec. 15.

She also recently joined Monica on Nicki Minaj’s new song titled “Love Me Enough.” The song is currently exclusively available on Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 D2C Version 2   digital album. The Murda Beatz-produced song is set to arrive on streaming services sometime this week. 

Trey Songz has not released new solo music since 2021’s “ Brain .” His last studio album, Back Home , arrived in 2020. The LP was among Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2020 list .

Back Home includes guest appearances from Summer Walker, Ty Dolla $ign, Swae Lee and Davido. It also features the  title track , which spent three weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Jahiem has been absent musically for a while. His last album, Struggle Love , was released in 2016. He featured on Angie Stone’s 2019 album, Full Circle , on the song “ Gonna Have to Be You .”

The Love Hard Tour 2024 Dates

Feb 22, 2024 – Macon, GA @ Macon Coliseum Feb 23, 2024 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum Feb 24, 2024 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena Feb 25, 2024 – Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena * Feb 29, 2024 – Chicago, IL @ Wintrust Arena Mar 1, 2024 – St. Louis, MO @ Chaifetz Arena Mar 2, 2024 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum Mar 3, 2024 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena Mar 7, 2024 – Fairfax, VA @ EagleBank Arena Mar 8, 2024 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena Mar 10, 2024 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center Mar 14, 2024 – Charlotte, NC @Spectrum Center Mar 15, 2024 – Columbia, SC @ Colonia Life Arena * Mar 16, 2024 – Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum Mar 17, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA @ Liacouras Center Mar 22, 2024 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center * Mar 23, 2024 – Forth Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Mar 24, 2024 – Bossier City, LA @ Brookshire Grocery Arena Mar 28, 2024 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena Mar 29, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena Mar 30, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA @ Peacock Theater Apr 12, 2024 – New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center Apr 13, 2024 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at BJCC Apr 14, 2024 – Southaven, MS @ Landers Center

* Without K. Michelle

Get tickets at blackpromoterscollective.com .

Antwane Folk

Antwane joined Rated R&B in January 2013 after graduating from the University of South Carolina. He is the assistant editor. His niche is seasoned R&B acts, along with radio stats on urban and R&B formats.

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33 Meaningful Reasons Why People LOVE to Travel

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

“Do you like to travel?”

This is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with seeing the world. In high school, I joined all of the clubs that had travel opportunities to out-of-state conferences.

In college, I studied abroad four times – and planned solo trips and trips with friends in between!

You could say that I LOVE to travel – it’s also one of the reasons I created this blog! Traveling is in my blood, and I have two major missions in life: 1. see as much of the world as possible, and 2. inspire others to do the same!

There’s even a word for people like me. I’m a hodophil e , which means “one who loves to travel.”

I could talk all day long about why I love traveling and the fulfillment that traveling has brought to my life. And there are tons of other travelers out there that feel the same as me!

To put together this ultimate list of reasons why people love to travel, I worked with some fellow travel addicts to tell stories of what travel means to us.

You’ll find stories of personal growth, checking off bucket list experiences, and learning new things – all thanks to travel.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling the world for yourself, or are just wondering about how traveling can change your life, keep reading for personal stories of why people love to travel!

Table of Contents

1. Travel helps you check things off your bucket list.

Written by Sydney from A World in Reach

Growing up in a small, rural town, I dreamed of one day flying across the ocean, visiting world-class cities, and seeing the landmarks I had only seen on TV in real life.

I had always found Stonehenge and its history to be so fascinating, and I thought that climbing the Great Wall of China would be one of the coolest things anyone could do.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris sparkle at night was something I often dreamed about, as was walking through the hectic streets of Tokyo.

At the time, all of these experiences seemed like a pipe dream. How would I ever be able to afford to visit such faraway places?

But now, thanks to the gift of travel, I’ve been able to check all of these things and more off of my bucket list. And thanks to learning how to travel on a budget, I’ve been doing it cheaply while still maximizing my experiences.

Today, my bucket list is never-ending – each time I check something off, something new gets added. I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids of Giza, going on a South African safari, and eating my way through Mexico City.

I wake up each day thankful for the experiences I’ve been given, and I look forward each day to checking the next thing off my bucket list.

2. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone.

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it gets me out of my comfort zone.

To me, travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in the world. Hopping off a plane and being in a completely new environment is a feeling unlike any other.

When I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, I crave the excitement (and sometimes, chaos) of a travel day.

Traveling forces you to do something difficult – you might have to navigate a city with a language barrier, get accustomed to cultural norms totally different from your own, or figure out how to get a spare key to your accommodation when you got locked out of your Airbnb late at night with a dying phone battery (if you’re wondering why that’s so specific, it’s because it was easily my most stressful travel experience to date!).

Thanks to travel allowing me to get out of my comfort zone, I’ve improved my critical thinking and decision-making skills. I’ve also become a more empathetic person, and striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t seem so intimidating since I do it regularly when traveling.

Travel is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and expand your worldview. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, confront your fears and insecurities, and connect with others.

If you’re ever yearning for an escape from the routine, start planning a trip.

3. Travel lets you try new foods.

I travel for a lot of reasons – seeing iconic landmarks in person, learning something new at museums and historical sites, and meeting new people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite things about travel though is all of the different food!

I’ve always been a foodie, and traveling has opened me up to so many unique dishes and cuisines that I can’t get at home.

Some of my fondest travel memories include eating my way through Ueno Market (one of the best things to do in Tokyo ), trying cuy (guinea pig) in Ecuador, and taking a Hawaiian cooking class in Oahu.

When I’m planning a trip, I always keep a list of foods to try and the best restaurants to visit. I also love taking local cooking classes so that I can learn how to make the dishes at home!

One of the #1 pieces of travel advice I always give others is to always try a new food , even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might end up with a new favorite!

4. Travel lets you escape everyday life and discover yourself.

Written by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

Traveling helps you discover not only new places but yourself.

Having grown up in a small town that I never left where I faced bullying at school, it was hard to imagine life outside of my reality.

At 12 years old, I got on a plane for the first time, to visit family in Sweden. This was my first taste of international travel, and it taught me more than just that there are beautiful, breathtaking landscapes abroad.

In meeting my extended family members, I learned that life could look different from how I grew up. Travel became my passion that fired my spirit, and became the dream at the end of the tunnel whenever I faced hard days.

I pursued traveling in my teens and early 20s. I traveled back to Sweden and also lived abroad in France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.

Overseas in far-off countries, it didn’t matter whether I was popular in school or not. I got to meet people as a whole new person and discover what I liked and who I really was.

I empowered myself by doing adventurous things, like skydiving on the beach in Australia.

Now as an adult, I love to give the gift of travel to my own two children. Our most recent family trip was to Costa Rica , which is the perfect destination with kids, a partner, or on your own.

5. When you travel, you get to learn about other cultures.

Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

One of the main reasons why I love traveling is learning about other cultures. Although you can read books, watch documentaries or hear other travelers’ stories, nothing is better than experiencing the culture yourself.

Each destination I’ve visited has taught me something about a culture, but Mexico stands out for me. Despite Spanish being my first language, Mexican Spanish and culture are very different from Spain’s.

Visiting places like Chichen Itza and eating at local restaurants inspired me to cook more Mexican foods at home, learn more about its gastronomy, and made me curious about their traditions.

I also love that you can take new habits and traditions from other countries. Having traveled and lived in the UK , I adopted new habits like drinking tea and using words and expressions from regions like Yorkshire.

6. Traveling allows you to meet new, interesting people.

Written by Tammi from Wander Healthy

Traveling is a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, especially for first-time travelers.

It puts you outside of your usual routine, providing opportunities to interact with people who share unique insights and experiences about the places you’re visiting. This is an easy and awesome way to learn about different cultures and customs.

Whether it’s chance encounters or shared experiences, you’re likely to interact with others every time you turn around.

It could be striking up a conversation on a train, meeting someone in a coffee shop, or attending a local event, but the possibilities for meeting new people are endless.

Staying in hostels or going on tours, my personal favorites, have a way of leading to conversations and lifelong connections with friends you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or taking a road trip across the United States, you’re likely to meet people with interests and hobbies similar to yours, and your community builds naturally.

Traveling is the only thing that does this so effortlessly, letting you meet new and interesting people from all walks of life and create memories for a lifetime.

7. Traveling lets you see unique landscapes unlike any you’ve seen before.

Written by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering

Traveling has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

There are many places on earth that, without protection, would have disappeared with time. I’m grateful for our protected lands and historic monuments to allow me to experience nature and history from a first-hand perspective.

The ability to see fossils along my hikes in Moab, Utah, bike along 75-foot sand dunes in Cape Cod , or stroll the grounds of 12th-century castles in Portugal is invaluable.

Travel allows every day to be a different story and a different adventure. I don’t have to read about history or natural wonders just in books – I can experience them in real life.

Traveling to unique landscapes sparks our curiosity and childlike wonder. How were humans able to build the Roman Empire in ancient days with the most primitive of tools? How were the caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico formed over millions of years by just wind and water?

Travel constantly inspires me and keeps me exploring the bounds of history, science, and nature. What a privilege we get to travel and see such unique historical and natural places on Earth.

8. Travel helps you see things from a new perspective.

Written by Jo from World Wild Schooling

One of the things that I love most about traveling is the ability to see things from a new perspective.

Whether it’s a different culture, a new environment, or simply a change of scenery, traveling has a way of opening up your eyes to the world around you.

When we’re stuck in our daily routines and familiar surroundings, it’s easy to become complacent and forget about the wider world.

Traveling helps to break us out of this bubble and expose us to new ways of thinking and living. It allows us to see how people in other parts of the world approach life, work, and relationships.

For example, I was surprised to find out that in Phuket, Thailand, buses have no glass in the windows due to the consistently warm climate. This may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the unique ways that different cultures adapt to their surroundings.

Similarly, my jaw dropped when I first visited Brussels, Belgium , and saw that all signs are bilingual, even the subtitles in cinemas (yes, this means 4 lines of text!). This reflects the country’s complex linguistic history and the ongoing efforts to maintain both French and Dutch as official languages.

9. Travel can make you feel alive.

Written by Michele from Adventures Abound

Traveling makes simple experiences feel momentous, it sparks creativity, and it makes me come alive!

My first time going to another country was when I studied abroad in Costa Rica , and I realized that even the smallest experiences like taking a bus to a cool landmark or walking to a neighborhood festival were suddenly interesting in a new country.

I loved meeting new people, learning about the culture and the language, and traveling around to see beautiful nature in Costa Rica. Even just taking a bus to go visit a coffee farm felt like the most fun adventure.

Once I went on that trip, I was bitten by the travel bug as they say.

I started seeking out ways to feel like I was exploring and that often meant getting out around where I lived.

It’s so fun to explore little towns, peruse around farmer’s markets and shop with local vendors with the lens that I am traveling like I would if I were further from home.

10. Traveling allows you to see art in the world’s best museums.

Written by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

One of the reasons that I love to travel is that it gives me the opportunity to visit world-class art museums and spend time looking at fabulous pieces of art up close.

It’s quite a special way to experience art when you can look at a statue from different angles to note and admire all of the fine details.

If you can, always walk around a sculpture to view it from all sides. You just can’t appreciate it in the same way from a photo.

In some museums, the way that the art is displayed improves the viewing experience. In the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of my favorite Paris attractions ), Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are displayed in a unique oval room for an immersive panoramic viewing experience.

Visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. And it’s also a great option for a rainy day!

11. Traveling strengthens friendship bonds.

Written by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

One of the biggest reasons why I love to travel is because it allows me to strengthen the bonds I share with friends.

My friends and I traveled together right after graduating from university.

Although we somewhat knew each other before going on the trip, we didn’t really know each other!

But on this trip, we spent over a week laughing our butts off, dealing with stressful situations, and generally going on all kinds of crazy adventures around French Polynesia together.

There was no shortage of mistakes during this intense period, but we all came out on the other side for the better!

Fast forward almost two years later, and we all still speak so fondly of that time together. In addition, we went from mere acquaintances to the best of friends.

So, for me, I love traveling because it helps strengthen the friendships and relationships I have with others!

12. Travel helps you learn about history and its impact on places you visit.

Written by Diana from Travels in Poland

Traveling has always been my passion, but when you visit a place where you really feel something you can’t explain, it can transform your perspective on travel.

This happened to me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau .

My family is Polish and my grandmother, who was there with me, couldn’t get herself to enter the camp fully for several hours. She lived through the occupation and knew people shipped off to the camp. I realized how deeply this impacted me when I visited.

I’ve long been captivated by the way events shape societies, leaving indelible marks on the fabric of their being.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, I felt the weight of the past heavy on my shoulders.

My grandmother’s eyes, glistening with unshed tears, told a thousand stories. This was where she lost family and friends, their lives snuffed out by the unimaginable cruelty of the Holocaust.

It was in walking onto these grounds that I grasped the true power of travel: the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into the myriad of ways it continues to shape our world.

Through this poignant journey, I found a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of travel, and a deeper understanding of the impact places have on people. Learning not only about history, but about the way it has shaped our world, and how we can learn from it.

13. Traveling helps you find a home base.

Written by Mal from Where To Stay Bali

Traveling was always my passion, but since I quit my career in finance and my conventional life in my home country, traveling has a whole new meaning for me.

Slow travel has become my way of life and a search for somewhere I can one day settle.

Since the beginning of my digital nomad life, I’ve lived part-time in Greece, Albania, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I loved each of these places for different reasons – for their weather, culture, food, and people.

But, there has been one place that felt different to me, more special, a place that I want to keep coming back to. I found a place in Bali , which is now my second home.

If you keep an open mind during your travels, you may also find a place like that – a second home that can change your life!

14. Travel gives you the chance to study and learn in a new culture.

Written by Amber from Amber Everywhere

I love to travel because it allows me to experience new cultures and ways of living.

In particular, I had wonderful experiences studying abroad when I was in college because it gave me a chance to learn and live in a new place.

I stayed with a host family during my first two trips abroad, once in Guatemala and again in Jordan.

Living with a local family gave me a chance to experience the culture, try different foods, and see entirely different parts of those cities that I would’ve otherwise found.

Studying abroad also gave me a chance to travel slowly, and I stayed in each place long enough to have a favorite restaurant or route to take to school.

There were smaller cultural nuances that I learned, either because they were explained to me by locals or because I just picked them up as I went.

15. Travel teaches self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Written by Chelsea from A Wandering Redhead

I want to personally thank travel for the self-love and self-acceptance that it has taught me. 

Pre-travel, I was shy, people-pleasing, and disbelieving if someone called me pretty. 

Post-travel, I am confident, I love my body and what it can do for me, and I’m overall more radiant and bubbly. 

Without travel, I may have never started my self-love journey and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I love the progress that I have made and believe that everyone should solo travel at some point in their life.

16. Traveling fulfills childhood dreams.

Written by Colleen from Then We Walked

As a girl, I would watch Whicker’s World on our black-and-white TV.

Every week, Alan Whicker would appear on screen like a traveling James Bond, complete with his very correct English accent, and transport me to a new exotic corner of the globe.

I was enthralled. It lit a flame. I wanted to explore, too. I dreamed of Table Mountain, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sphinx, the Parthenon, Hal Long Bay, and the Cook Islands.

But ordinary people didn’t travel in the 1960s, and I was a child.  I started work, married, bought a house, and had a family. Inside, I still dreamed.

We traveled a little, ticking off some of my bucket list, but last year, our children had flown the nest and we retired.  Now, we’re traveling and exploring in earnest!

I’ve waited half a lifetime to go exploring and I’m beyond excited about our plans.

My advice to the girl who watched the TV: don’t wait.

17. Traveling allows you to connect with nature.

Written by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with nature.

I love the simplicity of hiking and wilderness camping because it removes all the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It’s just me and the mountains.

It’s also a great way to understand the local ecology. I find it fascinating to learn about the way glaciers and volcanoes work or what unique animal species live in the area.

Instead of just looking at a spectacular view, I can understand the way the landscape came to be, and that deepens my relationship with the place.

Spending time traveling in nature has also been pivotal in my life.

Back in 2019, I had some time to think while hiking the 65-kilometer Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia . The trek made me realize that it was the right time to leave my 9-5 job and write full-time.

Since then I’ve expanded my outdoor adventure website, written a hiking guidebook, and moved to a small mountain town so I can hike every day. 

18. Travel increases feelings of gratitude.

Written by Kristin from World on Wheels Blog

One of the reasons I love to travel is that it makes me more grateful.

When you are constantly in the same country or even environment, it’s easy to take things for granted.

As a traveler who uses a wheelchair and lives in the United States, it’s easy to forget that not all countries have ADA laws that guarantee access.

When I travel to places like South America, I am reminded how little things like curb cuts make a huge difference in how hard or easy it is to navigate a town. I can’t help but feel sad for the people with disabilities that actually live there.

Aside from reminders about how lucky I am to live in a country that encourages accessibility for all, I also feel a sense of gratitude that I’m able to explore the world and witness some of the immense beauty it has to offer.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing the power of Iguazu Falls and realizing how small you are in this massive world of ours. It’s a feeling and experience that photography just cannot seem to capture.

Travel is important for so many reasons, but helping to feel more gratitude is one of the things that I love the most.

19. Travel humbles you.

Written by Milijana from World Travel Connector

Gustave Flaubert, a literary genius and a wise man, once noted: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

And indeed, it is one of many lessons that traveling teaches you. Traveling puts you into a broader perspective of time, place, and the universe.

Visiting fascinating archeological sites like Petra in Jordan, Angor Wat in Cambodia, Giza in Egypt, and Pompeii in Italy made me see what a tiny place I occupy in today’s world and question the knowledge of contemporary times. It made me think.

Meeting other cultures while traveling showed me how oblivious I could be to other customs and traditions and how much there is always left to learn.

Traveling made me aware of the prejudices that I thought never existed. Travel shamed me. However, it also taught me the importance of being always open to learning while keeping the ego in check. 

I found it especially rewarding to hike Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walked the trail before me. The Camino reminded me of the importance of modesty, effort, perseverance, and purpose. And, most importantly, what a tiny place I occupy in the world.

So, if you like meaningful travels, prepare your  Camino de Santiago packing list and walk the Camino. Let the Camino teach you valuable life lessons! 

20. Traveling helps you de-stress and recharge.

Written by Paulina from UK Everyday

Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress and recharge.

Discovering new places can allow you to reconnect with yourself. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing a change of scenery and an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.

Traveling can also provide people with a sense of freedom from their work-related responsibilities, allowing them to relax surrounded by natural landscapes.

Exploring some of the best beaches in Wales can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Additionally, traveling can help boost creativity, as it encourages new ideas and perspectives. This can help spark creativity by introducing fresh ideas that you might not have otherwise thought of when stressed.

For these reasons, traveling is great to help de-stress and recharge.

Furthermore, travel also provides a break from your daily routine, allowing you to step away from your comfort zone and explore the unknown without worrying about your daily problems.

21. Travel lets you connect with other cultures through the arts.

Written by Dawn from Culture Feasting

If you consider yourself an artistic person, know that traveling can be a total game-changer.

As a creative person myself, I’ve found that exploring new destinations has the power to expand my spirit and give me all sorts of new artistic opportunities.

Over the years I have come to crave the stimulation of experiencing different cultures and their unique art forms.

From visiting local museums to catching a traditional dance performance, there are so many ways to connect with the arts while on vacation.

It’s not just about admiring pretty paintings or sculptures, either. It’s about immersing yourself in a foreign environment and gaining a whole new perspective on the world.

I’ve found that this can really inspire me to incorporate new artistic elements into my own creative projects.

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider how it could enhance your love for the arts and help you connect with other cultures on a deeper level.

22. Travel gives you a change of scenery.

Written by Tina from Veganderlust

I grew up in a small village in Austria, a country with beautiful lakes and mountains, but also a landlocked country.

The best part about traveling is the change of scenery. My favorite places to go to are cities next to the ocean, which is a completely different scenery from landlocked Austria.

There’s nothing better on your holiday than exploring a city and then relaxing at the beach.

That’s why I really loved my last trip to Barcelona . There’s so much culture and history to discover in this city, and afterward, you can go swimming in the sea.

By visiting different places with a change of scenery, you also develop a new appreciation for your own home scenery – one of the many positive side effects of traveling.

As much as I love traveling to coastal destinations, I always love seeing the mountains when I come back home.

23. Travel can strengthen your romantic relationships.

Written by Amy & Liam from Plain2Plane

There are so many wonderful reasons to travel.

If you’re in a relationship then there is nothing better than sharing experiences with your significant other.

Imagine waking up in Egypt with your partner, ready to go out for the day. You are going parasailing together, enjoying cocktails, quad biking – the list really is endless. You get to enjoy all of this with someone that you love and care about.

Traveling can be challenging at times and you have to make many different, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You have the luxury to share these moments together and form a closer relationship unlike any other. This will help you create a deeper bond with your partner.

You will also be able to step out of your comfort zone and try new things together. This will ultimately bring you closer together too!

24. Travel is inspiring.

Written by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is because of the many ways it inspires me.

Traveling inspires me to better myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m inspired physically when I’ve committed to a trip that involves physical effort. One example would be hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.

When I learned that the trail involved miles of steady incline at high altitudes I felt motivated to prepare for that physically. This resulted in healthier eating habits and weeks of exercising leading up to my trip.

I’m inspired mentally by the way traveling increases my desire to do even more of it. This usually prompts me to tighten my budget to save for my next trip.

It also helps put into perspective the things I need vs. want and how that plays into not only my budget but also my overall happiness.

Emotionally, traveling inspires me to be a better person. When I see the way people in other parts of the world live, many times with very little, I feel humbled.

I feel inclined to be more grateful for the things I have and the experiences I’m afforded. It contributes to my overall well-being when I’m reminded of how little I need to truly be happy.

There are many reasons why I love traveling; but, the way it inspires me is definitely high on the list.

25. Travel turns kids into global citizens.

Written by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life

As full-time digital nomads, my family has seen so many places and experienced so much that I never thought possible when I was younger.

My son is learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that he would have never been exposed to if we had stayed in one place.

Traveling as a family has allowed him to gain a greater appreciation for the world around him.

He’s able to see how people live differently in different parts of the world and understand why those differences exist.

He is also learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving as he navigates through unfamiliar places and situations.

Most importantly, traveling has given him the opportunity to explore his own identity as a global citizen.

He is developing an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – a global community – and how he can contribute positively to it.

26. Traveling helps you find new opportunities in life.

Written by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Traveling is not just visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, and trying local food. It can mean much more than that; it allowed me to find new opportunities and has changed my life forever.

When traveling to Europe for the first time at 18 years old, I noticed how big the world was, and life was so different on the other side of the world.

Because of that, I became more motivated to embrace the world. I decided to travel and meet more people.

While traveling in Amsterdam , luckily, I met some friendly people, including international students from Paraguay and South Africa. They studied in the Netherlands with a full scholarship.

They told me that the Netherlands was their first choice since they could have more connections with people around the world quickly while studying, and easier to find a job here after graduation as a non-European.

I came from Taiwan and grew up there all my life. After working for a few years, I quit my job and studied in the Netherlands. Now, I finally moved to The Netherlands permanently on my own, and if I didn’t travel, I would not know that it was possible to move here.

I encourage you to travel more and be open to meeting new people. The world is so big – people you meet can help you see the world from a different perspective and get valuable information about your life.

27. Travel can help you create change in your own community.

Written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Travel is not just about the place you visit, but the transformation you experience and how you transform your community in response.

I learned this when I spent a few months volunteering with a reconciliation organization in the Middle East.

Despite decades of violence between their communities, I saw ordinary people working together to build bridges across social divides.

As an outsider looking in, I only saw the tip of the iceberg of the challenges locals were facing—yet I could see that peacemaking was not an easy or quick task.

After a few months, I returned to the US completely changed. The framework for reconciliation that I learned abroad guided how I navigated the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, conversations about immigration, and even interpersonal conflicts.

Personal transformation is available to you as you travel whether you’re traversing war zones or relaxing on  tranquil tropical beaches . You just have to lean in and allow your biases to be broken.

28. Travel lets you see the vast landscapes of the world.

Written by Jessica from Uprooted Travel

As an outdoor adventure lover, one of the primary reasons I love to travel is to experience the vast array of landscapes the world has to offer.

This can take shape in so many different ways, from exploring the lush rainforests and rugged beaches of my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest to checking out any of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah, with unique sandstone fins and dramatic natural arches.

Of course, this takes me beyond my home country of the United States—there’s endless natural beauty to explore, like the turquoise waterfalls of Costa Rica , the luscious highlands of Iceland, or the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti.

Along the way, of course, I get to enjoy all of the other aspects of travel, like trying new cuisines, befriending locals, and seeing the world through a new perspective.

But for me, getting to step foot in a uniquely stunning landscape propels me to keep traveling and seeing this big, beautiful world.

29. Travel helps you make the world a better place.

Written by Chloe from Passport Down Under

Traveling has allowed me to positively impact the world by leaving the country in a better position than when I entered it, which is what I love most about traveling.

Traveling has allowed me to give back by supporting local businesses and economies.

By choosing to buy locally-made products and using local services, I have helped to create jobs and support the growth of small businesses. This can contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, traveling has allowed me to give back through volunteering and community service.

I have participated in activities such as clean-up projects on the beaches of Byron Bay, wildlife conservation projects in Cambodia, and teaching English to local children in Thailand.

These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the local people, especially in counties such as Cambodia.

Overall, traveling has allowed me to leave the world a better place by positively impacting the communities I visit.

30. Travel is great for learning a new language.

Written by Diana from Avagu Press

Learning a language is a huge reason to travel. While textbooks and classrooms might work for math and literature, learning a foreign language requires a bit of independent study and a lot of practice time.

The best way to get that practice time?

Immersion — spending hours, days, weeks, and even longer completely immersed in a foreign language, using it to live.

Unless you happen to live somewhere where multiple languages are spoken, travel is key to immersing yourself in a foreign language.

For the most effective language-learning, language-learning resources that specifically target your travel plans (like a Swahili-learning guide specifically for safari ) will help you make the most out of your experience.

Focus on communication, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

The beautiful thing about being a novice in a foreign language is that nobody expects too much, so the pressure is off! Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your language learning.

31. Travel brings adventure.

Written by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

One of the reasons I love to travel is for adventure and trying adventurous activities.

When traveling to new destinations, not only do you get to immerse yourself in different cultures and try new foods, but you have the chance to participate in exhilarating adventure sports that will leave you breathless.

From snorkeling with turtles to parasailing over beautiful coastlines, and volcano boarding down an active volcano, the rush of excitement is unmatched.

For adventure-seekers like myself, traveling to participate in activities like these create memories that last a lifetime.

I have chosen many of my vacation locations specifically for the fun adventure sports I can try there, and often, it is the first time I’m trying each activity.

The thrill of adventure travel is hard to beat, and the rush of excitement that comes with it is truly unforgettable.

32. Travel inspires me to write about and share my experiences.

Written by Wayne from Always On The Shore

The biggest reason that I love to travel is because it inspires me to write about places I’ve visited and my experiences, so I can motivate others to travel and do the same.

I have always liked traveling but I never had the money to travel until my mid-30s.  Once I started traveling more consistently, I fell in love with the idea of warm-weather locations, such as Florida.

Since I’m from Minnesota and half the year is snowy, cold weather, beach vacations became something that I became obsessed with. Later, that became writing about all things Florida and even the Caribbean.

I know that other people can relate and have similar reasons for wanting to get away, but maybe there’s something stopping them. Like maybe they’re too nervous to fly, which I also experienced, until I did research on flying, and learned ways to cope with flight anxiety.

The main takeaway is that if you’re passionate about seeing amazing places and the world like I am, don’t let anything stop you. If I can inspire others to do the same by sharing my experiences, then I’m happy.

33. Traveling gives me a creative outlet.

As I was growing up, I always assumed that I wasn’t creative. I couldn’t draw, didn’t play an instrument, and I certainly couldn’t sing or dance.

I always did great in English class, but I never enjoyed the creative writing assignments. Coming up with fictional stories just wasn’t my strong suit.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I had studied abroad four times in four different countries. I had also gone on several independently-planned trips, both international and domestic. At that same time, I also discovered a new creative outlet: travel blogging.

In school, I was always great at writing research papers and writing travel guides was a fun way to use my strengths. Plus, I had always enjoyed giving travel advice to friends and family, so why not share my stories and tips with the world?

Since starting A World in Reach in 2018, I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m so glad that I have a creative outlet where I can share about one of the most important aspects of my life – travel – and help others explore the world on a budget.

Reasons Why People Love to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are SO MANY reasons why people love to travel.

For some, traveling sparks creativity, brings personal growth, and helps them escape the routine. For others, traveling brings bucket-list-worthy experiences, delicious food, and adventure.

The question “Why do you love to travel?” has no right or wrong answer. Traveling is a deeply personal experience that can bring happiness to different people in many different ways.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling in the future, I hope this post and the stories told within have shown you all of the positivity that travel can bring to your life.

If you were asked, “Why do you love to travel?”, what would your answer be?

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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Harry Styles’ Love On Tour Ends As the Fourth $600 Million Trek Ever

The two-year tour ended in July with $617.3 million in the bank.

By Eric Frankenberg

Eric Frankenberg

Harry Styles kicked off Love On Tour in September 2021, emerging as one of the first arena headliners of the immediate post-pandemic era. Two years and five continents later, the trek played the last of its 169 shows on July 22 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, closing as one of the highest grossing and best-selling tours of all time.

Billboard Boxscore Top 10 Tours of All Time: Harry Styles Finishes North of $600 Million

According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, Love On Tour grossed $617.3 million and sold more than 5 million tickets. Among all tours in Boxscore’s 30-plus-year history, the world tour is the fifth-highest grossing and eighth-most attended trek ever. Only Elton John ’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour ($939.1 million), Ed Sheeran ’s The Divide Tour ($776.4 million) and U2 ’s 360 Tour ($736.4 million) have earned more. Plus, Coldplay ‘s Music of the Spheres Tour slips past, now with a $500k advantage after the most recent reports.

The tour began on Sept. 4, 2021, with 42 shows in the U.S. Those dates had already been postponed twice due to COVID-19, supporting Styles’ second solo studio set Fine Line , already two years old by opening night. It was one of the biggest tours of the season, at No. 3 on the abridged 2021 year-end Top Tours ranking, with repeat appearances at No. 2 on the monthly chart.

Still, by the time Styles returned in support of 2022’s Harry’s House , the chart-topping album and its enduring lead single “As It Was” helped him further ascend into a new domain of superstardom. Styles held steady in North American arenas, but went from one or two shows per market to extended mini residencies in five cities. Venue capacity and attendance were essentially unchanged, but the destination-event factor made demand soar.

Average ticket prices leapt from $131.69 in 2021 to $204.78 in 2022, culminating in a $157.3 million gross over 44 shows. The 15-date run at New York’s Madison Square Garden grossed $63.1 million alone, making it the highest grossing report ever. The 15 dates at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., earned $47.8 million, coming in fifth place on the all-time leaderboard.

Harry’s House caused a similar bump in Europe, leveling from arenas in 2022 to stadiums in 2023. The first European leg earned $56 million and sold 639,000 tickets. Already among the top-earning acts in Europe over that summer, Styles’ grosses tripled just a year later, with $199.3 million over 31 shows from May 13-July 22.

Love On Tour also included 14 shows in Latin America, seven in Oceania and six in Asia. Styles had last hit these international markets in 2018 as part of Harry Styles: Live in Concert, essentially skipping the Fine Line portion of the tour due to delayed openings after the pandemic. The difference was most dramatic in Australia, where his per-show attendance quintupled from 10,407 to 53,295 and his average gross multiplied by seven, from $971,000 to $6.8 million.

Over the five years that separated Styles’ two solo outings, he amassed a trio of No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, won multiple Grammy Awards (including album of the year for Harry’s House ), and graduated from a reliable arena headliner to an artist who sells out blockbuster stadium shows. His first tour earned $63.7 million, almost one tenth of Love On Tour’s final figures. Not only is Love On Tour easily Styles’ highest grossing solo tour yet, it eclipses the entire career gross One Direction , the pop group in which he shot to stardom, which earned $583.4 million over four tours from 2012 to 2015.

Altogether, Styles has grossed $681 million and sold 5.8 million tickets.

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Fans Are Losing It Over Harry Styles’s Love On Tour Outfits

By Christian Allaire

Ever since Harry Styles kicked off his second solo tour in September—called the Love On Tour, in honor of his 2019 album Fine Line —the singer has been bringing epic fashions to the stage. Dressed in Gucci (his go-to label), Styles has been embracing flamboyant fun for his performances: He’s worn an array of sequined vests and glitzy shirts, often paired with high-waisted, flared trousers and suspenders. The “Stylers,” as the fans call themselves, have been completely losing it over his unique fashion sense on Twitter. And in honor of the fashion thirst, Vogue is rounding up some of the best reactions to the new tour outfits.

Styles’s fashion risks—styled by Harry Lambert—have paid off. “Harry Styles concerts are basically fashion shows and I love to see it,” wrote one fan . “ Love On Tour isn’t a series of concerts, it’s a series of fashion conventions,” wrote another . Some fans have even loved the looks so much that they’ve sketched them out and kept the archive in a photo album, as a chic memento.

Styles isn’t the only one impressing the fans; the crowd has been equally well-dressed. (Styles encourages his fans to dress up for the concerts. Some of them even have distinct themes, like his upcoming “Harryween” shows .) “Harry Styles shows are like the Met Gala of concerts,” wrote one user of the ongoing fashion extravaganza. “I look like a toad next to all these fire outfits these gals are rocking [to the shows].”

Below, the best fan reactions to Styles’s new tour looks.

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Why the Outfield’s “Your Love” is the perfect summer song

The 1986 hit endures thanks to the genius of its era-defying sounds and timeless themes, by annie zaleski.

There's a scene in one of the greatest summer movies of all time, 2009's "Adventureland," where the nerdy character Joel (Martin Starr) — a Russian Literature and Slavic Languages major whose cynicism outweighs his pretentiousness — gives a book to his crush, Sue (Paige Howard). 

The pair had recently made out after a night out at the hip club Razzmatazz, and Joel was feeling bold enough to share a favorite novel by Nikolai Gogol. "He lost his mind, burned the only copy of his final book [and] died a week later of self-starvation," Joel helpfully tells her. 

Unfortunately, the romance isn't meant to be, as Sue's Catholicism and strict parents mean dating Joel — who's Jewish but says he identifies as either "more of a pragmatic nihilist, I guess, or an existential pagan" — is a nonstarter.

As with many hit songs, "Your Love" came together quickly in about 20 minutes.

As this deflating encounter unfolds, "Your Love" by London-formed band the Outfield plays in the background over the amusement park sound system. The tune makes the rejection cut that much deeper, as the song's most urgent line ("I can't hide the way I'm feelin'") syncs up to the moment when Sue breaks the bad news to Joel. You can feel his heartache intensify in tandem with the song's lyrical longing. 

"Adventureland" isn't the only movie to feature "Your Love": The tune also plays a crucial part at the start of the Melissa McCarthy-starring "Tammy" and during a party scene in the Timothee Chalamet movie "Hot Summer Nights." It's also appeared in an episode of retro-loving TV show "The Goldbergs."

However, unlike other popular '80s songs that received a popularity bump only after appearing on TV or in movies — like the way "Stranger Things" jumpstarted Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" and Metallica's "Master of Puppets" — "Your Love" has instead built a fanbase via many different channels. 

YouTube is brimming with covers of the song by aspiring (and talented) musicians, while established acts have also embraced the song: Bruno Mars covered the song live in Las Vegas with Anderson .Paak; country act Morgan Wade mashed up the song with Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl"; and DJ Morgan Page incorporated newly recorded Outfield vocals for a 2013 take on the song. For good measure, "Your Love" has also been a viral sensation in the hands of young drummers and talented guitarists and served as walk-up music for baseball players. 

Stats-wise, "Your Love" has also been a consistent presence on streaming platforms and radio. According to Mediabase airplay data for classic rock pulled in late June, "Your Love" was just outside of the Top 200 songs for the format, as measured by radio spins. The song is also closing in on 600 million spins on Spotify and another 600 million views on YouTube. 

Of course, "Your Love" is, well, easy to love. The main guitar riff splits the difference between melodic pop and hard rock, while sounding fluid and urgent. Frontman Tony Lewis's voice is dynamic and empathetic, and he frequently harmonizes with guitarist-keyboardist John Spinks, creating lovely vocal flourishes. And the song's sections each have their distinct personality — highlighted by an extended outro brimming with melodic guitar and an aching vibe. 

As with many hit songs, "Your Love" came together quickly in about 20 minutes in Spinks' apartment. "We both said, 'That's a great little pop song! Can't wait to record it!'" Lewis told Forbes in 2018. "Because we had a little local recording studio where we recorded demos until two in the morning." 

"It's that big, high vocal and chunky guitars. It just grabs the listener."

Upon release, "Your Love" was a resounding success; in fact, it was the Outfield's first Billboard Hot 100 chart hit, reaching No. 6 in 1986. Believe it or not, however, "Your Love" was a slow-grower. In fact, it was the second single from the band's 1985 debut album "Play Deep," following the modest rock radio favorite "Say It Isn't So," and started off on rock radio in late 1985. 

In a 2018 interview, Lewis expressed wonder that "Your Love" had become such an enduring staple. However, he understood exactly why radio initially loved the song. "To be successful on radio, you have to grab the listener right from the beginning. It's got to pop in the first sort of 10 seconds," he explained. "Me and John always understood that. That's why 'Your Love' was such a big song. It's that big, high vocal and chunky guitars. It just grabs the listener."

Lewis's assessment points to one reason why the song remains so popular: Studies have found that streaming is shaping the arrangements of contemporary songs, including by making intros much shorter. "Your Love" was a trailblazer in that area, as the shorter single version of the song has virtually no intro before the vocals kick in.

Musically, the Outfield also fits in well with contemporary pop signifiers. The timbre of Lewis's voice is reminiscent of that of several prominent modern vocalists, such as The Killers' Brandon Flowers or Panic! At the Disco's Brendon Urie, while its copious harmonies make it a natural for covers. Aesthetically, "Your Love" doesn't scan like an '80s song, but instead sounds like something more timeless and era-defying.

It helps that "Your Love" also very gracefully captures the emotional tug-of-war of a secret romantic dalliance. Although not everything has aged well — the line "You know I like my girls a little bit older, " is particularly cringe-worthy — the underlying, lust-filled sentiments remain universal and relatable. The second verse notes, "You know I'd do anything for you/Stay the night but keep it undercover," while the chorus very neatly summarizes the dichotomy of a one-night stand: "I just wanna use your love tonight/And I don't wanna lose your love tonight." 

Summer is prime time for a romantic fling, of course — and for grappling with conflicting feelings around fleeting romances. In that sense, "Your Love" is the perfect soundtrack to ephemeral love. However, it's clear from the lyrics that the narrator wants this romantic encounter to become more permanent — that when they're in the presence of this mysterious crush, they're overcome with passion: "Try to stop my hands from shakin'/Somethin' in my mind's not makin' sense/It's been awhile since we've been all alone/I can't hide the way I'm feelin'." During this section, the vocals are hushed and concerned, mirroring the narrator's uncertainty and overwhelmed feelings. By this last line, Lewis's voice grows stronger, as if he can't contain his excitement. 

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter , Crash Course.

Post-"Your Love," the Outfield amassed four more Top 40 hits, and stayed together until 2014, the year John Spinks died of cancer. Lewis, meanwhile, continued touring well into the 2010s, but also sadly passed away in 2020. That neither musician is here to experience "Your Love" continuing to grow in popularity deepens the song's bittersweet vibe. 

Yet the secret genius of "Your Love" is that the song never directly spells out whether the narrator consummates his crush in real life; we only get one side of the story. Does the protagonist go back to Josie when she comes back from vacation? Does the crush reciprocate the narrator's feelings — or put them in the friend zone? In the end, "Your Love" brims with deep, all-consuming yearning that never quite gets resolved.

song analysis by Annie Zaleski

• The unrepentant joy and popularity of R.E.M.'s polarizing "Shiny Happy People"
• The solace of Joni Mitchell's "River," a holiday song that defies merry and bright expectations
• Revisiting The Byrds' "So You Want to Be a Rock N Roll Star" 55 years later, from the Monkees to REM

Annie Zaleski is a Cleveland-based journalist who writes regularly for The A.V. Club, and has also been published by Rolling Stone, Vulture, RBMA, Thrillist and Spin.

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Why the Eiffel Tower Is Famous for Love, According to a Local

Are you ready to fall head over heels for the Eiffel Tower? If the dizzying heights, intricate metal lacework and breathtaking views of this gorgeous French lady don’t give you butterflies, then these eight reasons the Eiffel Tower is the “Tower of Love” should do the trick.

1. A tower crowning the City of Love

Built in the center of Paris — a city known for being the most romantic place on the planet — how could we not expect the Eiffel Tower to be a romantic place?

It was built during the Belle Époque, which literally means the beautiful period, and she herself is an absolute stunner. All 300 meters, 10 tons and 18,000 pieces of her. I like to use the pronouns she and her when referring to the tower because in French the word tower is feminine.

This enchantress has a few other names that you might not have heard before:

• Madame de Fer (Iron Lady)
• La femme rouge (The Red Woman)

These names reference her appearance and what she’s made of. She is made of iron and when she rusts, she turns red. Also, for many years — before they painted her “Eiffel Tower Brown” — the anti-corrosion paint that they used to protect her and her striking lines was red. This vivid color was a perfect shade for such a passionate lady — don’t you think?

2. Where you’ll find love at first sight

We all have a vision of what the Eiffel Tower looks like in our mind. We see her in movies, magazines, and our imaginations as we read about stories of romance in the City of Love. But there is nothing like the first moment you lay eyes on her in person. 

It’s like a dream coming true as you stand there, feeling so small in comparison and eager to ascend and get to know her even better. I’ve lived in Paris for five years now, and I still get weak in the knees at the sight of her. There’s just something special, unexplainable, and touching about this monument.

Will the tower itself give you love at first sight with someone else? Possibly not, but who knows?

Local tip: If you want to catch a particularly romantic photo of the Eiffel Tower, visit in spring (especially March and April) when cherry blossoms bloom on the Champ de Mars.

3. Eiffel Tower, made with love

Gustave Eiffel, the engineer and designer behind this beautiful creation, was a total romantic at heart. He married at the age of 30, having waited to meet the love of his life. Then tragically, his wife passed away only 15 years later. 

As many do, to deal with the grief, he poured his time and energy into his work. He spent the last 30 years of his life at the Eiffel Tower, making incredible scientific advancements, even constructing an apartment at the tower’s summit where he entertained guests and where he often spent the night.

Because Gustave never remarried, many say that the Eiffel Tower became his second wife.

4. Breathtaking views perfect for romance

The views from the balconies of the Eiffel Tower will take your breath away. I spent many years as a tour guide on the tower and every single time I reached its heights, I was in awe of the beautiful city that lay before me. From intricate architecture to the way the light hits the silver roofs of the city, it really is an incredible thing to behold. 

From the Eiffel Tower you can see things like Notre Dame, Pantheon , the Louvre and many many more landmarks.

Travel guide: If you want to know what else you can see from up high, check out our guide to everything you can see from the Eiffel Tower .

5. Romantic couple photos at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower may be the most romantic place in Paris to take adorable photos of you and your sweetie. Whether you climb (or ride up) the tower or just wander around outside, there are plenty of great photo ops.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pont de l’Alma: A two-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower with a great backdrop of the tower and fewer crowds.
• Place Trocadero: You can’t do a Google search about Paris without coming across a photo of the tower from this vantage point. It’s a definite must.
• Rue de Buenos Aires: A gorgeous cobbled cul-de-sac with the tower looming in the background.
• Champ de Mars: This viewpoint is also very popular, and with reason. The large green lawns and open spaces offer a full-length view — one of the only places in Paris that does.
• Place de Catalogne: Here you will also find a full view of the tower but at a distance. Perhaps slightly off the beaten track, but if you find yourself at the theaters of Montparnasse, it is well worth the photo opportunity.

6. Stories of romance at the Eiffel Tower

There are several stories of romance at the Eiffel Tower — from tragic love to one woman who tried to marry the tower (really). And the summit is always a popular place for grand romantic gestures.

Turns out, the Eiffel Tower is actually one of the most popular places in the world to pop the question.

Fun fact:  Data taken from popular social media platforms showed that 1 in 679 proposals posted on Instagram are made in and around the tower.

That is huge! But it’s not surprising. In my years of working on the tower, I’ve been lucky enough to witness quite a few proposals on my tour.

7. Ending the day with bubbly and your beloved

What could be more romantic than ending the day at the summit while sipping a glass of champagne with your special someone. You can watch the sunset and whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears.

This dream is doable because there’s a champagne bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower with incredible views from 905 feet up in the air. You’ll feel like you floated up there on fizzy bubbles.

8. Table for two, please

Why not let the champagne be an aperitif, and book a table at the first-floor restaurant ?

It offers views of the city as you dine on a mouth-watering meal from an incredible menu created by renowned french chef Thierry Marx. Marx is the real deal. He’s been awarded two Michelin stars.

Travel tip: When asking for a table for two you would say “une table pour deux, s’il vous plait.” Which sounds something like: oon tabla pour doo, see voo play. The video below sounds it out.

Everyone loves a happy ending

Whenever and with whomever you choose to visit the tower, it’s sure to be an experience that touches your heart.

It is, truly, an experience best shared with others, so even if you are solo traveling, you need not do it alone. A guided climb of the Eiffel Tower or elevator tour are both a great way to meet people from all over the world. Join us as a group, a couple or solo, and always feel welcome.

Tour the Eiffel Tower

Related guides.

Best Views of the Eiffel Tower: 6 Top Spots for Photos

Everything You Can See From the Eiffel Tower (All 3 Levels)

Paris Architecture: 5 Must-Sees Compared to the Eiffel Tower

The Top 175 Romantically Beautiful Reasons I Love You

When was the last time you took time to think about the reasons why you love someone?

After all, you know you love them.

It’s just not always easy to articulate why. At some point, though, the one you love is bound to be curious as to why you love them.

And when they ask, you want a good answer — one that’s true as well as satisfying.

To help you in this, we’ve created a reasons why I love you list.

Look through it to find the reasons that best fit your love and the unique relationship you have.

Why do I love her?

Why do i love him.

Collect all the reasons below that resonate with you. Make your own “list of things I love about you” to share with your beloved. The following work for loved ones of any gender.

1. You love me even when I find it hard to love myself.

2. Somehow you know exactly what to say to make me feel better.

3. I can’t imagine a better, more fulfilling life than the one I have with you.

4. When you’re holding my hand, I feel like I can do anything.

5. You see me as I am, and you love all of me — not just the parts that are easy to live with. 

6. You accept me just as I am. And you trust me to accept and love you, too.

7. We’re both independent people. But when we’re together, we’re inseparable.

8. Every morning when I wake up and look at you, I want to be better — for both of us.

9. No one challenges me like you do, and always with love, humor, and compassion.

10. You know my limits. But you also know when I’m holding back.

11. I am most myself when I’m with you. I don’t have to pretend. It wouldn’t do me any good, anyway.

12. No one has been more supportive of me or my goals as you’ve been.

13. You instinctively know when and how to get me moving again when I stop.

14. When you set your mind on something, you blast through obstacles like a bullet train.

15. You trust me enough to share every important thing in your life.

16. Whenever I talk to you, you listen better than anyone I know.

17. You help me put things in perspective without treating me like a child.

18. You’ve never allowed anything to come between us and pull us apart.

19. I feel calmest and most at home when you’re giving me one of your hugs.

20. Even in a crowded room, whenever I hear your voice, I instantly feel calmer and happier.

21. You are doing everything you can to become a better person, for both our sakes.

22. You know exactly what needs doing, and you do it. I doubt anything could stop you.

23. When I ask for your help, you’re right there. You show up. You always do.

24. I still get butterflies when you look at me. One smile and everything else disappears.

25. I love your voice more than any sound on earth. More than that, I love the heart behind it.

26. You’re kind, encouraging, and thoughtful to everyone.

27. When I’m at my worst, you draw me closer to you instead of pushing me away. 

28. You’re the first person I turn to when things go wrong — or when they go right..

29. You’re quick to forgive others and to offer help or encouragement.

30. So often, I come home feeling like a zombie. One look at you, and I feel alive again.

31. You’re always learning something new. You make me want to do the same.

32. I’m at my best when I’m with you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.

33. You know me better than anyone, including me. You know just what I need to hear.

34. Wherever you are is home to me. Any place without you feels like a wasteland.

35. I didn’t think it was possible for anyone to love me the way you do.

36. You’ve redefined love for me — and changed everything right along with it.

37. With you, I’ve met my match. You’re the gold standard. 

38. Whatever we’re doing, I’ve never enjoyed it as much as when you’re here with me.

39. Whenever I feel that I’ve failed, you remind me of what I’ve gained.

40. You made a place in your heart for everyone in my family.

41. Even when you disagree with someone, I know you still care about them.

42. We understand each other so well, we know when the other wants to leave or needs a hug.

43. We look out for each other. I know you’ll always be there for me.

44. You only make promises you can keep. And you’ve kept every promise you’ve made to me.

45. When I ask you to explain something, you do it without ever talking down to me.

46. You always swap out the wet towels for clean, dry ones when you know I’m showering after you.

47. When your plans fall apart, you roll with it. You adapt. Nothing keeps you down for long.

48. Every time I watch you, I learn something.

49. I love your curiosity and your intense concentration. And I can’t wait to see the results.

50. If I have questions, you’re happy to answer them. Your tone is never impatient.

51. Aside from your excellent taste in choosing me, I love everything about you.

52. I don’t know how you do it, but you always believe in me, even when I don’t.

53. You, more than anyone, have inspired me to reach higher and do more good in the world.

54. I can always talk to you. And I come away with a calmer mind and better understanding.

55. Your love and your wisdom make everything clearer.

56. Your whole face smiles when you do. And there’s nothing in the world I’d rather see.

57. The world feels brighter and more colorful when you laugh. It’s the best sound in the world.

58. You love me even when I’m difficult to be around. You know just what to say to get me out of my own head.

59. From the moment we met, you felt familiar to me, like we’ve always known each other.

60. You make my friends and family feel welcome when they visit.

61. You put so much thought into everything you do for me. And it shows.

62. You, more than anyone, can calm me when I’m upset and lift me up when I’m low.

63. You have a gift for bringing out the best in me.

64. You’ve helped me to know myself better and to understand what I truly want.

65. When I see what you see in me, I want to make you proud.

66. When you plan a date night , I know we’ll both have the best possible time. 

67. You’ve opened my eyes to a life I never thought I could have. And I only want that if you can share it with me.

68. You care so much about my success and happiness, and it’s thanks to you we’re now able to enjoy both.

69. I’m ashamed it took me this long to learn how to listen like a friend. I learned it from you.

70. You went out and shoveled the driveway twice in the driving snow to make sure I’d be able to get my car into the garage.

71. You’re brilliant, creative, and you never give up on the things that matter to you. 

72. I think about all we’ve been through together so far, and I’m amazed at how much closer we are than we were. I thought I couldn’t love you more. I was wrong.

73. I can’t think of anyone whose company and conversation I enjoy more than yours.

74. It’s gotten to the point I don’t like making big decisions without talking to you first.

75. You’ve helped me avoid costly mistakes with your good sense and quick thinking.

76. You’re the calm in every storm. You help me see through the fog of my anger, anxiety, or grief.

77. You’re the best person to have around in a crisis.

78. No one anticipates what I need better than you, whether it’s a coffee, a hug, or something else. 

79. Whenever you know I’ve had a rough day, you do something to brighten it.

80. You make the darkness in the world less scary. Your smile lights up the world.

81. With you, I feel stronger and braver, even when I’m at my lowest.

82. You, better than anyone, know how to get me back on my feet when I’ve fallen.

83. I love how when a movie we’re watching starts to get scary, you reach over and take my hand.

84. You’re quick to give up your seat or your luggage cart to someone who looks like they need one.

85. You’re the most thoughtful and compassionate person I know.

86. My whole outlook changes when you take my hand. Suddenly, I feel I can get through anything.

87. You take care of me when I forget to. You’ve taught me what self-compassion is.

88. I get lost in my head sometimes, and you help me see the way out.

89. Somehow, you know when to help and when to let me do something on my own.

90. If I’m ever carrying more than you are, you’re quick to offer help and lighten my load.

91. People look up to you, and with good reason. You do everything possible to reward their trust.

92. When you know someone you care about is suffering, you make time for them.

93. Those who love you know you’ll be there when they need you.

94. You’re not afraid to share what you believe with all your heart. But you also listen better than most.

95. You care more about relationships than about being right.

96. You don’t change your beliefs depending on whom you’re with.

97. No matter how others see me, when I see the way you look at me, I feel at peace.

98. I don’t need for everyone to love me — just you. You see all of me.

99. I never feel more at peace or more alive than when I’m with you.

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100. I can always trust you to be honest with me, and you make every difficult truth easier to face.

101. No matter what we’re doing, you make the time pass more quickly.

102. You keep little mementos of everything we’ve done together.

103. Even when you’re angry, I look at you and want to smile. If the tiniest bit slips out, know that it’s just me loving you.

104. You find beauty in the smallest and most commonplace things. 

105. I love that you check in with me each day to see how I’m doing.

106. As soon as I hear your voice or see a text you’ve sent, I feel happier.

107. Your sense of humor makes every struggle easier.

108. If laughter is therapeutic, you’re my favorite doctor.

109. You get me laughing even on days when I don’t think I have it in me to laugh.

110. You respect people’s boundaries, even if you don’t understand them. You treat others as you want to be treated.

111. I love hearing stories about how you became the person you are. Even as a child, you were special.

112. You make me feel as if everything about me matters to you.

113. I love you not just because of the person you are but also because of the person I am when I’m with you.

114. Whatever I cook for you, you seem to enjoy it even when I don’t. You never complain.

115. I love your brilliant, creative mind. I love to hear your ideas — even the crazy ones.

116. You have a way of jumpstarting my brain when it’s tired or muddled.

117. You always remember birthdays and anniversaries, but you don’t judge me if I forget.

118. You make our best memories together new again.

119. Your smile is my favorite thing to look at. When I’m in pain, it’s the best pain relief .

120. When I’m feeling lost , your smile calms me so I can see through the fog.

121. Different as we are, you never try to change me. You accept and love me as I am.

122. I love how you leave notes for me as thoughtful reminders — or just to tell me you love me.

123. Whenever I don’t know what to read next, I just check to see what you’re reading.

124. I never thought I’d love talking about the books I read as much I do with you.

125. You built a treehouse just for us that we can use for private chats or to camp out together.

126. Any place with you is my favorite place. You make it home.

127. Your antics cheer me up every time. No one gets me laughing as quickly as you.

128. I could tell you anything about myself and trust that you wouldn’t think less of me.

129. I love the way you dance. No matter how tired I am, you make me want to join in.

130. I love the way you sing your heart out, just because it makes you feel good.

131.. You celebrate every win with me, and you’re there to help me through every loss.

132. No one has my back like you do. I can always count on you.

133. You’re the most resourceful and creative person I know.

134. I love to see the things you create with whatever you have handy.

135. Even in a crowd, you make me feel as though I’m the only person you want to talk to.

136. I love talking to you — about anything and everything.

137. The thought of growing old with you feels like all my best dreams rolled into one.

138. You’re everything I want most in this life.

139. I love how you see the good in everyone around you, whatever they’ve done.

140. Before you, I didn’t know what to do with my life. You’ve helped me see beyond myself.

141. If anyone could get me to sing live in front of a crowd of people, you could — and only you.

142. You make me want to take risks and face my fears.

143. I love that every time you have a win, you share it. You find a way to make it an even bigger win for someone else.

144. Some of the wisest and most compassionate people I know have known what it’s like to be profoundly sad. I think you must have experienced that.

145. You know my worst flaws, and you’re still here, accepting and loving me.

146. Even when we disagree, you have such respect for me that you listen with all your heart.

If you’re making a list of reasons to love a girl who’s turned your life into something more beautiful than you could have imagined, let these ideas spur your imagination.

147. You’re the perfect blend of beauty, compassion, and brilliance.

148. As beautiful as you are on the outside, and you always will be, you’re even more beautiful on the inside.

149. Your face immediately drew me in. Your mind and your heart, though, are what grabbed hold and wouldn’t let go.

150. Your soul is the perfect companion for my soul.

151. If I didn’t love you, it wouldn’t hurt so much when we’re at odds. I’m happiest when we’re in harmony.

152. You give me personal space when I need it, knowing that, sometimes, we all need time to ourselves.

153. You’ve taught me so much about myself and helped me understand what I truly want.

154. Maybe we didn’t see each other right away, but when we did, it was like finding home after forgetting where it was.

155. In every problem we face, you see the possibilities I miss. And when you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts, you turn to me and let me lift you up.

156. You steadfastly refuse to give up on me — even when I’ve given up on myself.

157. You’re an unstoppable force of nature. Once you undertake something, I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish.

158. When I lose faith in my abilities, you find a way to get me believing again.

159. You treat my friends as if you owe them a debt of gratitude, and now I get why. They’ve helped me become the person you love.

160. I love that you trust me enough to be honest with me. And you don’t push me away when I’m honest with you.

161. I love the way you get when you’re on fire to make something happen. And I never doubt you will.

If you’re making a list of “Reasons why I love my boyfriend” — or husband, partner, best friend, etc. — here are some worthy additions to consider:

162. With you, I laugh louder, smile more, and cry less. I feel much healthier.

163. You make me feel like I’m enough for you.

164. When I need to cry, I know you’re a safe place for that. You never say things like “Don’t cry,” or “It’s not that bad…”

165. My mind is a better place with you in it. You see the cracks and point to the flowers growing in them.

166. You treat me family as if they were yours. I look forward to when they will be.

167. We can stay up all night talking without either of us getting bored.

168. You’ve always treated me like your equal. You, more than anyone I know have made me feel not only cherished but respected.

169. No matter how busy life gets, you always make time for me when I need you.

170. I love that you hold the door open for everyone who’s close behind you, and you’re quick to lend your umbrella to anyone who needs it.

171. You’re an amazing father to our kids, and I know they, like me, can’t imagine life without you.

172. You’re not afraid to embarrass yourself just to cheer me up or distract me from my thoughts. .

173. When I’m having a bad dream, you reach across the bed and gently pull me toward you. And that’s where I find peace again.

174. One look, and you seem to know just what I need from you.

175. You trust me to help you through every struggle. And you’re there to help me through mine.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have your reasons, how can you share them?

• Write a love note with a list of your reasons.
• Use sticky notes to leave reasons where they’ll find them.
• Write one of the reasons on a whiteboard or mirror.

However you share these “reasons why I love you,” be authentic. The one you love probably knows you well enough to recognize when you’re exaggerating.

And there’s no need for that. If your love is genuine, express it as only you can .

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

Why Do I Want To Be A Tour Guide

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Ludovika Ostrom

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Have you ever felt a deep sense of wanderlust? That longing to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals find themselves drawn to the world of tourism and seek to share their passion for travel with others. Becoming a tour guide allows you to turn your love for adventure into a fulfilling career. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why many people aspire to become tour guides and discover the joys and benefits of this profession.

Being a tour guide is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle filled with excitement, learning opportunities, and unforgettable experiences. Guiding others through breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and cultural hotspots is a privilege enjoyed by those who are passionate about exploration. Whether it’s leading hiking trips through majestic mountains or guiding visitors through ancient ruins, tour guides play a vital role in connecting people with the world around them.

As a tour guide, you have the unique opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences with others. You can educate and inspire people by unraveling the fascinating stories behind landmarks, traditions, and local customs. Whether you’re revealing the secrets of an ancient civilization or introducing tourists to the vibrant cuisine of a particular region, you become a storyteller, weaving narratives that ignite curiosity and create lasting memories.

Another significant advantage of being a tour guide is the chance for cultural exchange. When you engage with travelers from different backgrounds, you not only get to showcase the wonders of your own country but also learn about their cultures, beliefs, and traditions. By fostering cross-cultural connections, you contribute to building bridges of understanding and tolerance in an increasingly interconnected world.

One of the appealing aspects of becoming a tour guide is the flexibility and independence it offers. Unlike traditional desk jobs, you have the freedom to work in various locations, tailor your itineraries, and even create your own specialized tours. This autonomy allows you to pursue your interests and curate unique experiences for your clients. Whether you prefer leading scenic nature walks, historical city tours, or culinary adventures, you have the freedom to shape your career according to your passions.

Passion for Travel and Exploration

At the heart of every tour guide’s journey is a deep-seated passion for travel and exploration. It is this love for discovering new places, immersing oneself in different cultures, and embracing the unknown that fuels their drive to share these experiences with others.

For many aspiring tour guides, the allure of adventure lies in the thrill of stepping outside of their comfort zone and embarking on journeys that push the boundaries of their knowledge and perspective. They are captivated by the idea of exploring hidden gems, uncovering ancient mysteries, and witnessing the wonders of the world firsthand. It is this sense of wonderment and curiosity that fuels their desire to guide others on these incredible journeys of discovery.

Furthermore, a passion for travel and exploration is often accompanied by a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our planet. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes, architectural marvels, or vibrant cultures, tour guides are motivated by an innate desire to showcase our world’s most incredible sights and experiences. They believe that everyone should have the chance to witness these wonders and understand the unique stories they hold.

Another aspect of travel that ignites a passion within tour guides is the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Stepping into unfamiliar environments and navigating through different cultures enhances their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and global awareness. It challenges them to go beyond their comfort zones, fostering personal development and a broader understanding of the world.

For those with a passion for travel and exploration, becoming a tour guide is not just a means to an end; it is a way of life. It allows them to immerse themselves in their passion every single day and share their enthusiasm with others who are equally excited to embark on transformative journeys. It is this shared love for exploration that creates a unique bond between tour guides and their travelers, fostering an environment of camaraderie, mutual growth, and lifelong memories.

Sharing Knowledge and Experiences

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a tour guide is the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with others. As a guide, you have the privilege of being a bridge between travelers and the rich history, culture, and traditions of the places you visit.

By sharing your expertise, you can provide valuable insights into the significance of historical sites, architectural wonders, and natural landmarks. Whether it’s explaining the stories behind ancient ruins, highlighting the artistic details of a famous monument, or narrating the events that shaped a particular location, you have the power to bring these places to life for your audience.

Moreover, as a tour guide, you have your own unique experiences to draw upon. You may have traveled extensively, explored remote corners of the globe, or immersed yourself in local customs and traditions. By sharing your personal stories and anecdotes, you can add a layer of depth and authenticity to the tours you lead.

When travelers engage with a knowledgeable guide, they not only gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit but also develop a genuine appreciation for the local culture and heritage. This exchange of knowledge fosters a sense of curiosity and respect among travelers, encouraging them to seek out immersive experiences and engage with the local community in a meaningful way.

Being a tour guide also allows you to play a key role in educating others about environmental conservation and sustainable travel practices. By highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats, respecting wildlife, and minimizing our ecological footprint, tour guides can inspire travelers to make conscious choices that contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations.

Sharing knowledge and experiences as a tour guide is not only intellectually fulfilling but also emotionally rewarding. Witnessing the genuine interest and awe in the faces of your travelers as they discover new information and immerse themselves in the local culture is a gratifying experience. It creates a sense of connection and shared appreciation for the world we live in.

Ultimately, as a tour guide, you have the privilege of being an ambassador for the destinations you represent. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, you leave a lasting impact on the travelers you guide, fostering a sense of curiosity, cultural understanding, and a desire to explore further.

Cultural Exchange Opportunities

One of the most enriching aspects of being a tour guide is the incredible opportunity for cultural exchange. As guides interact with travelers from different parts of the world, they become facilitators of meaningful connections and ambassadors of cultural understanding.

When leading tours, tour guides are not just sharing information about historical landmarks and scenic attractions; they are also creating a space for cultural exchange. Travelers have the chance to engage with locals, experience authentic traditions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.

By immersing themselves in different cultures, tour guides offer travelers the opportunity to go beyond the surface-level tourist experience. They can introduce visitors to the local customs, cuisine, music, and art forms, allowing them to gain a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the destination.

Furthermore, as tour guides engage with travelers from diverse backgrounds, they are also exposed to a world of new experiences and perspectives. Through conversations and interactions, guides have the chance to learn about different cultures, beliefs, and traditions. This cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect, and helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions.

Being a tour guide also offers the opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity within one’s own country. Whether it’s highlighting regional cuisines, folklore, traditional dances, or crafts, guides can contribute to preserving and promoting the richness of their own cultural heritage. This not only instills a sense of pride but also encourages travelers to appreciate the local culture and support local artisans and businesses.

Moreover, cultural exchange opportunities extend beyond the tour group itself. Tour guides often collaborate with local communities, supporting initiatives that aim to preserve traditions, empower marginalized groups, or improve social and environmental sustainability. By engaging and involving travelers in these initiatives, guides contribute to the preservation and celebration of cultural diversity.

Cultural exchange as a tour guide goes beyond language and cultural barriers. It is about creating connections, fostering empathy, and building bridges between people from different backgrounds. It is through these authentic interactions that both travelers and guides can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world.

Ultimately, the cultural exchange opportunities afforded through being a tour guide not only enrich the lives of travelers but also broaden the horizons and deepen the understanding of guides themselves. It is a chance to promote unity among people, celebrate diversity, and create lifelong memories and friendships that transcend borders.

Flexibility and Independence

One of the appealing aspects of becoming a tour guide is the flexibility and independence it offers. Unlike traditional desk jobs, tour guiding allows individuals to have control over their schedule, work in various locations, and curate unique experiences for their clients.

As a tour guide, you have the freedom to choose the types of tours you want to lead, whether it’s adventure-filled hikes, cultural city tours, culinary explorations, or historical excursions. This flexibility enables you to align your career with your personal interests and passions, making every day on the job fulfilling and enjoyable.

In addition to choosing the type of tours, you also have the ability to select the destinations you want to explore. Whether it’s the bustling streets of a vibrant city, the tranquil beauty of a natural landscape, or the historical wonders of ancient sites, you can design your own itinerary and take travelers on journeys to places that truly inspire you.

Furthermore, being a tour guide provides the freedom to work independently or as part of a smaller team, allowing for more direct interactions with your clients. This level of autonomy enables you to establish a personal connection with your travelers, understand their specific needs and interests, and tailor the tour experience accordingly.

Alongside this flexibility comes the independence to set your own schedule. Whether you prefer leading tours on a full-time basis or want to balance it with other interests or personal commitments, being a tour guide allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs.

Another advantage of the flexibility and independence of being a tour guide is the opportunity to travel and explore different locations. It is the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample traditional cuisines, connect with the local community, and continually expand your own knowledge and understanding of the world.

Moreover, tour guiding provides the opportunity for personal growth and development. As you navigate through diverse environments, learn about different cultures, and interact with travelers from various backgrounds, you develop essential skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are transferable and can benefit you in various aspects of life.

Overall, the flexibility and independence offered by being a tour guide allows for a career that aligns with your passions, interests, and lifestyle. It provides a level of freedom and autonomy that is difficult to find in conventional jobs, allowing you to design your own unique path and create fulfilling experiences for yourself and your clients.

Personal Growth and Development

Being a tour guide is not just a job; it is a transformative experience that allows for significant personal growth and development. As you engage with travelers, navigate diverse environments, and immerse yourself in different cultures, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and continual learning.

One of the key aspects of personal growth as a tour guide is the development of excellent communication skills. Guiding a group of travelers requires clear and effective communication to convey information, provide directions, and ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Through constant interaction and practice, tour guides refine their communication abilities, becoming adept at connecting with individuals from different backgrounds, adapting their message to various learning styles, and fostering an atmosphere of trust and engagement.

Additionally, being a tour guide fosters leadership skills. Leading a group of travelers requires the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and take charge in various situations. Whether it’s managing unexpected obstacles, handling different personalities within the group, or coordinating logistics, tour guides develop valuable leadership qualities that are transferable to other aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, the role of a tour guide often involves handling unexpected challenges and being adaptable in dynamic situations. From weather changes to travel delays, tour guides learn to stay calm, think on their feet, and find creative solutions. This adaptability not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also builds resilience and the ability to thrive in diverse environments.

In addition to developing specific skills, being a tour guide offers ample opportunities for expanding knowledge and cultural awareness. As guides research and prepare for tours, they delve deep into the history, local customs, and traditions of the places they visit. This continuous learning journey enriches their understanding of various cultures and broadens their perspective, contributing to personal growth and a more global outlook.

Furthermore, interacting with travelers from different backgrounds and cultures broadens tour guides’ horizons and nurtures their appreciation for diversity. By engaging with individuals with varying perspectives, beliefs, and ways of life, they develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for the value of inclusivity and understanding.

Being a tour guide also offers the opportunity for personal development through self-reflection and introspection. In the process of guiding others, tour guides develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their own values, and how they want to make a positive impact on the world. This self-awareness fuels personal growth and allows guides to continually evolve and improve in their profession.

Ultimately, being a tour guide is a transformative experience that fosters personal growth and development in numerous ways. Through communication skills, leadership abilities, adaptability, cultural awareness, and self-reflection, tour guides embark on a journey of continuous learning and discovery. The skills and knowledge gained from being a tour guide extend far beyond the profession itself, impacting various aspects of their lives and shaping them into confident, well-rounded individuals.

Building Connections and Relationships

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a tour guide is the opportunity to build meaningful connections and relationships with travelers from all around the world. Guiding people through new experiences and sharing in their moments of awe and discovery fosters a unique bond that can last a lifetime.

As a tour guide, you have the privilege of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for your travelers. You become a trusted friend and a reliable source of information, ensuring their safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the journey. Through your interactions, you establish a connection built on trust, respect, and shared experiences.

Moreover, guiding a group of individuals from different backgrounds opens the door to cultural exchange and the chance to learn from each other. As you engage with travelers, you gain insights into their perspectives, beliefs, and ways of life. This fosters mutual understanding, appreciation, and a sense of camaraderie while breaking down barriers and promoting a more interconnected world.

Building connections as a tour guide extends beyond the immediate interaction with travelers. It often involves collaborating with local communities, businesses, and fellow guides. By establishing strong relationships with these stakeholders, you contribute to the sustainable development of the destinations you visit. You support local economies, promote responsible tourism practices, and create a positive impact on the communities you engage with.

Over time, being a tour guide allows for the cultivation of lasting friendships and professional relationships. Repeat travelers often seek out the same guides for future journeys, creating a sense of loyalty and friendship. In addition, connections with fellow guides provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the chance to create memorable experiences together.

Furthermore, as a tour guide, you have the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of travel on your travelers. You have the opportunity to facilitate moments of joy, inspiration, and personal growth. These shared experiences create bonds that go beyond the duration of the tour, leaving a lasting impact on both the travelers and yourself.

Building connections and relationships as a tour guide goes beyond the professional realm. It becomes a deeply fulfilling and rewarding aspect of your life. The connections formed with travelers and communities become cherished memories, and the impact you have on the lives of others becomes a source of personal fulfillment.

Ultimately, being a tour guide is not just about providing information and leading trips; it is about creating a sense of belonging, fostering connections between people, and building relationships that transcend borders and cultures. Through these connections, both you and your travelers are enriched by the shared experiences and the lifelong memories created along the way.

Creating Memorable Experiences for Others

As a tour guide, you have the incredible privilege and responsibility of creating memorable experiences for others. Guiding travelers through new destinations, sharing captivating stories, and immersing them in local cultures allows you to leave a lasting impact on their lives.

One of the key roles of a tour guide is to ignite a sense of wonder and excitement in the hearts of your travelers. By showcasing the hidden gems, historical landmarks, and natural wonders of a destination, you create a sense of awe and inspire a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

Through storytelling, you have the power to breathe life into the history, traditions, and legends of the places you visit. By weaving narratives that transport your audience to a different time and place, you captivate their imagination and make the experience more immersive and engaging. This leaves a lasting impression and creates memories that will be cherished for years to come.

As a tour guide, you have the opportunity to curate unique and personalized experiences for your travelers. Whether it’s organizing a special cultural performance, arranging a private tour of a renowned museum, or recommending off-the-beaten-path spots known only to locals, you have the ability to create moments that stand out from the usual tourist experience.

Moreover, tour guides often go above and beyond to ensure that their travelers have a memorable and enjoyable journey. Whether it’s providing insider tips, recommending local delicacies, or organizing surprise activities, you have the chance to exceed expectations and create unforgettable moments that will be treasured forever.

Creating memorable experiences as a tour guide goes beyond providing information and leading tours. It involves connecting with your travelers on a personal level, understanding their interests and aspirations, and tailoring the experience to meet their needs. By doing so, you create a sense of individualized care and attention that enhances the overall experience and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Furthermore, the impact of creating memorable experiences extends beyond the immediate journey. The stories and memories shared by your travelers inspire others to embark on their own adventures and explore the world. By igniting a love for travel and a wanderlust in their hearts, you contribute to a collective desire to discover new cultures, connect with people from different backgrounds, and create their own unforgettable experiences.

Ultimately, as a tour guide, you have the incredible privilege of playing a part in shaping the memories and experiences of others. By creating moments of awe, fostering cultural appreciation, and exceeding expectations, you leave a lasting imprint on the lives of your travelers. The joy and fulfillment derived from knowing that you have created an unforgettable experience for others is a rewarding aspect of being a tour guide.

Becoming a tour guide is a calling that combines a love for travel, a passion for exploration, and a desire to share knowledge and experiences with others. It offers a unique and rewarding career path that allows for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the creation of memorable experiences for travelers.

As a tour guide, you have the privilege of immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and continuously expanding your own horizons. You become a storyteller, weaving narratives that bring history to life, showcase the beauty of our world, and inspire others to embrace their own spirit of adventure.

Guiding others through stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and immersive cultural experiences offers a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the traditional workplace. It allows you to curate personalized itineraries, instill a sense of wonder in your travelers, and leave a lasting impact on their lives.

Furthermore, being a tour guide provides the opportunity for personal growth and development. Through your interactions with travelers, you enhance your communication skills, build leadership qualities, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Additionally, being a tour guide is a gateway to creating meaningful connections and relationships. You have the chance to foster cross-cultural understanding, build lifelong friendships with travelers, and collaborate with local communities to create a positive impact.

The freedom, flexibility, and independence that come with being a tour guide allow you to align your career with your passions and interests. You have the autonomy to design unique itineraries, explore new destinations, and continuously refine your craft.

Ultimately, being a tour guide is about creating moments of joy, inspiration, and personal growth for both yourself and your travelers. It is about fostering a love for exploration, appreciation for diversity, and a lifelong curiosity about the world.

So, if you have a deep passion for travel, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to create unforgettable experiences for others, perhaps becoming a tour guide is the path for you. Embrace the opportunity to embark on an incredible journey of self-discovery, cultural exchange, and the creation of lasting memories. Start your adventure as a tour guide and unlock a world of possibilities.

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I visited the 'Game of Thrones' studio 5 years after the series finale. The $37 tour reminded me why I love the show.

Posted: April 12, 2024 | Last updated: April 12, 2024

• I recently visited the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland for $37.
• It offers an exclusive look at the HBO series , which spent millions of dollars on each episode.
• Even five years after the series finale, the studio is still a worthwhile experience for fans. 

It's been five years since the series finale of HBO's "Game of Thrones," but I'm as big a fan as ever.

When a work trip took me to Northern Ireland , I knew I had to detour to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. By season eight, the HBO drama was spending $15 million per episode , and like any true fan, I wanted a behind-the-scenes look at where some of that money went — and what made the show so visually incredible.

The tour, located in one of the show's original filming locations , Linen Mill Studios, opened in 2022, and standard tickets cost £29.50, or about $37.

I wanted to see just how relevant the studio is today — especially in the lead-up to the new season of the "House of the Dragon" prequel series in June — and if the widespread passion of the fandom is still alive.

It felt like the studio was hidden in plain sight.

There's no onsite parking at the studio, so getting there felt like being escorted to some secret location. Luckily, the instructions were clear: Meet at The Boulevard, a large shopping district in Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

From there, a complimentary shuttle took me down a long, formal-looking driveway. It's easy to see how the studio remained low-key during its filming heyday — it's almost as if it's hidden in plain sight.

My excitement overflowed as I stepped off the bus to blasting theme music and a massive Game of Thrones Studio Tour sign. About 10 other visitors immediately began posing for photographs.

After the 10-minute shuttle ride, it took me a good five minutes to reach security and start the experience, but the atmosphere was already infectious. Even the staff seemed genuinely excited to greet me.

The impressive theming immediately drew me in.

After passing a dragon skull and armored "guard," the tour started with a green-screen photo while we waited for some dramatic doors to swing open.

A tour guide quickly explained the studio rules — mostly, no touching the exhibits (which were used during filming) and absolutely no photos of the pre-tour movie.

I won't spoil too much, but the short film gave me goosebumps. At the end, the screen parted, and we entered the studio from "beyond the wall."

The studio clearly takes immersion seriously.

On the other side of the screen, we were blasted by fog machines before standing toe-to-toe with the Wildlings. Everything was incredibly immersive.

This was one of my favorite rooms. It had elaborate costumes from the show , including coats laden with bones and oysters. I learned that some weighed up to 15 pounds.

I also caught a glimpse of Wun Wun — or, at least, the costume that 7-foot-1 Ian Whyte wore during filming. It supposedly took the actor three to five hours a day to transform into the giant.

It was fun to walk through the different memorable sets.

The studio is made up of a trail of set rooms, including Mess Hall in Castle Black, the Crypts of Winterfell, King's Landing, and the Great Hall of Winterfell.

Costumed mannequins stood in each room to mimic the real scenes from the show.

I learned a lot about the making of the show throughout the tour.

In addition to walking through the sets, I got an insight into the show's creation process.

The 30-foot dragon skull of Balerion the Black Dread took six weeks to make before being shipped to Spain for filming. While standing next to the masterpiece, I could hardly believe that something of its scale could be transported across Europe .

Equally staggering, we learned that the crew went through 52,000 bags of fake snow and 163 tons of propane (for pyrotechnic effects) throughout the series.

Hearing about these intense behind-the-scenes efforts brought the series' magic back to life and made the visit worthwhile for me.

Behind-the-scenes exhibits and interactive experiences made the experience even better.

Other rooms were dedicated to the show's costume design , music creation, and set design. There was even a sword display room that housed famous props like Arya's Needle.

I'd nearly forgotten about the significance of the show's many props before embarking on the tour. But I almost squealed at Jaime Lannister's golden hand.

There were activities throughout the tour, too, including adding your face to the Hall of Faces and creating your own sigil.

I was entranced up until the very end of the experience.

The tour finished at the Iron Throne, a dragon flitting behind the rubble on a digital back wall.

It was a fitting endpoint seeing as it was the location where Jon killed Daenerys, controversially culling her brewing tyranny and ending the series.

I don't think the "Game of Thrones" buzz is going to die down anytime soon.

The studio wasn't packed, but Northern Ireland tends to be a little quieter in February and busier during the Easter holiday and summer. Honestly, I was grateful I missed the heavier crowds.

Overall, the "Game of Thrones" fandom seems to be building momentum rather than slowing down — especially with the second season of "House of the Dragon" looming.

I saw plenty of visitors bringing their children, too, so love for the series seems to be getting passed down to the next generation.

Initially, £29.50 seemed steep to me. But comparably, it's cheap for a studio tour — the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London charges a base price of £53.50.

Plus, I thought it offered great value. It packed so much in and the staff's passion is evident, which makes all the difference for visitors.

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Every athlete has their ‘why.’ Whether it’s their team, their family, the next generation or just for the love of the game. It’s why they work hard. Why they push themselves to achieve their goals; their driving force to succeed. It’s what they go to during their challenges, their greatest disappointments. It’s also the first point of reflection in the moment of triumph. It paves the way for future generations, inspires the athletes of tomorrow.

Join the U.S. Women’s National Team as they showcase their collective ‘why’ this fall on the My Why Tour, presented by Toyota. Be there to support the top women’s hockey players in the U.S. on their road to Beijing as they push to make the final roster of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team.

Cheer on your favorite players as they embark on the journey to gold. The tour will begin with a pair of games against rival Canada, on Oct. 22 at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Oct. 25 at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Of course you love your pooch but 'dogland' wonders if she loves you back.

"Dogland" is exactly the kind of book I doggedly seek.

It doesn't even matter what the book is about; I always have an appetite for nonfiction that is smart, funny and has an attitude toward its subject that suggests both skepticism and affection. Mary Roach's books are a great example of this. Do I have built-in interest in the alimentary canal, the subject of her "Gulp?" No, I do not. But her writing is so attuned to fascinating details, so witty and so deft at making connections between things you'd never think are connected that I absolutely loved a book that has far too much to do with constipation and stomach acid. Same deal with her "Stiff" (corpses) and "Grunt" (war-making).

Tommy Tomlinson's extraordinary "Dogland," subtitled "Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show," absolutely deserves to be in that company. Perhaps because it's about the feelings of dogs, about whom I do have built-in interest, I liked it even more, since I don't think Roach's great books have ever made me cry. Tomlinson's book is funny more often than it's sad, but chapters about his own dog Fred and a trainer saying goodbye to a champion pooch both got me.

This review could consist of nothing but snappy quotations from the book, such as this origin story of the previously mentioned champion, a stately Samoyed: "Striker exists because of an event that sounds like a sentence from a Motley Crue tour diary: his mother, a bitch named Cherry Brandy, flew to Denmark to mate with a stud named Happy Go Lucky."

A former newspaper columnist, versatile Tomlinson can cite both NBA point guards and electronic dance music in the same sentence. He gets to the bottom of why French bulldogs are suddenly huge. And he uses what could be called a Cloon-O-Meter to describe show dogs: "The Best in Show winner is supposed to be the dog that hews the closes to its breed standard — the most perfect version of itself. It's as if humans decided that George Clooney was the consummate man, and we measured all other men by which ones were the Clooneyest."

Ostensibly, the book is about the 2022 Westminster show, following Striker, a favorite to win Best in Show whose owners had already announced it would be his last competition. Tomlinson gathers tons of fascinating information about how the show works, what judges are looking for and how long similar shows have been around, but his real interest is: Do dogs enjoy it?

"Dogland" (Tomlinson's word for the surprisingly vast and unremunerative world of dog shows) tries to get to the bottom of that admittedly unanswerable question, with the author drawing conclusions based on what he sees. But, as we get deeper into the book, it becomes clear it's really about what humans and dogs mean to each other. We know why we love dogs, who are loyal, loving and non-judgmental (or, at least, keep their judgments to themselves). But do they love us, Tomlinson wonders, and why?

We find out plenty of interesting stuff in "Dogland" — including why poodles are groomed to look like wedding cakes — but what's best about Tomlinson's book is its recognition that, regardless of what the Westminster folks say, every single dog is somebody's Best in Show.

By: Tommy Tomlinson

Publisher: Avid, 227 pages, $28.99.

Interim books editor Chris Hewitt previously worked at the Pioneer Press in St. Paul, where he wrote about movies and theater.

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All About Scottie Scheffler’s Parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler’s parents fostered his love of golf from a young age

David Cannon/Getty ; Ben Jared/PGA TOUR/Getty

Scottie Scheffler ’s biggest fans have been with him since day one — his parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler.

The professional golfer, who won the 2022 Masters and the 2024 Masters , owes his love of the sport to his dad and mom. When he was a child, Scott purchased him a set of plastic golf clubs, and from then on, Scottie said he became " obsessed ." Once he started competing, Scott and Diane played a pivotal role in fostering his love of the sport.

As a stay-at-home dad, Scott spent his days shuttling Scottie to golf practice and tournaments while Diane worked as an executive at a law firm.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a home with two parents that loved all of us very dearly, and my mom was the one who was working and supporting our family financially, which I would say is a little bit different,” he told the PGA Tour website in May 2023.

Looking back, Scottie says he couldn't “speak highly enough of the hard work” that his parents invested into his career through the years, resulting in him becoming the top golfer in the world in 2022.

“I used to wonder, ‘Can Scottie really be that good at his craft, at the game of golf?’ And he is. He truly has been given a gift and he uses it," Scott told the New York Post in April 2023. "It does surprise me ... He’s my child. He’s my son. Sometimes you just say to yourself, ‘Wow.’ ”

Here’s everything to know about Scottie Scheffler’s parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler.

Scott and Diane both grew up in New Jersey

Both of Scottie’s parents were born and raised in New Jersey . While it’s unclear how the pair first met, Scott grew up in Englewood Cliffs, and Diane was raised in nearby Park Ridge, just about half an hour away from one another.

Scott and Diane got married and welcomed four children

David Cannon/Getty

After dating for some time and later tying the knot, Scott and Diane welcomed four children. Their eldest daughter, Callie, was born in 1994, and Scottie arrived in 1996. Growing up, the couple’s oldest children shared a close bond.

“[Callie] was the classic first child. She felt a responsibility to look after her younger brother when she caddied for him in all those big junior tournaments," Scottie’s manager Rocky Hambric told Power Fades in April 2023.

After Scottie’s birth, Scott and Diane welcomed two more children — their youngest daughters Molly and Sara. Scott said that being one of four kids made Scottie cool and collected in adverse situations.

“When something happens, he’s always been the one who says, ‘Everybody calm down.’ He’s just kind of calm. Maybe because growing up with four kids ... there’s always chaos,” Scott told the New York Post .

Diane works as the COO at a law firm

David Cannon/Getty 

Throughout her career, Diane has worked as an executive at various law firms. Beginning in the late 1980s, she worked as a business manager at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates, per her LinkedIn . She remained with the company through 2002 when the family relocated to Texas.

Since then, Diane has served as a Chief Operating Officer of law firms including Thompson & Knight LLP and Troutman Sanders LLP. She is currently the COO of Foley Hoag LLP in New York City.

The family moved from New Jersey to Texas when Scottie was 6 years old

After spending his early childhood in New Jersey, Scottie and his family relocated to Texas following the 9/11 terrorist attacks . Diane was hired to work at a Dallas-based law firm, and Scott assumed the role of caregiver.

“They took a pretty big risk moving their whole family across the country," Scottie told the PGA Tour website. "I think we were 8, 6, 4 and 2 when we moved, so that's a pretty big change, especially when you've got the 8 and the 6-year-old in school, and you take them out of school in the middle of the year."

Soon after their move, the family decided to join Royal Oaks Country Club, and it was there that he met his longtime swing coach, Randy Smith. Still, Scottie nor the rest of his family forget where they're from.

“He's born in New Jersey and raised in Texas, and he’s got a little bit of both in him. And that’s a good thing,” Scott told NJ.com about his son's roots.

Scott took on the primary responsibilities of raising the family

While Diane was busy with her career, Scott helped raise the couple’s four children as a stay-at-home dad. Even though it was mostly moms doing drop-offs at school and athletic practices, Scottie says having his dad around “wasn’t unusual” for him.

“I didn’t know any different," Scottie shared with AP News in April 2022. "Fortunately for me, I grew up with three sisters and my dad was there, and he did a great job raising us."

His father, Scott, added: “It’s just what you do as a father for your children ... I’ve done for all of them. They’ve given us great joy. He’s the one that did all the hard work, not me. I just raised him and tried the best I could to be a good dad.”

Scott and Diane fostered Scottie’s love of golf at a very young age

Scottie began golfing when he was only 3 years old, and after noticing his talent, his parents did whatever they could to encourage his passion for the sport.

When they lived in New Jersey, Scott would take all four kids to the golf course at Bergen Community College in the evenings and hold a flashlight while Scottie would hit balls in the dark.

“The police would kick us off, and we’d come back on, then the police would kick us off again,” Scott told NJ.com. “Then one day, the guy [at the course] finally came out and I said, ‘Could you just watch for a minute?’ And he’s like, ‘Wow. He’s really good at this!’ Then they wouldn’t bother us any more.”

Scott always made sure that Scottie was well-rounded

Growing up, Scott wanted to make sure that his son had a variety of interests and didn’t spend all of his time exclusively focused on golf. While Scott admits he’s no parenting “guru,” he says he tried to help Scottie find other hobbies that would bring him joy — like playing on his high school basketball team.

Even though Scottie is now an adult, Scott has maintained his commitment to ensuring his son knows he’s worth more than just his golfing career. After Scottie won the WGC-Match Play in 2022, Scott shared that sentiment with him.

“I’m more proud of who you are than your golf,” Scott told the athlete, according to NJ.com.

Scottie’s family has always been his biggest supporters

James Gilbert/PGA TOUR/Getty

Scottie’s family has watched him on the golf course since he was a little boy and has remained by his side through the highs and lows. Looking back at the 2017 U.S. Amateur event at Riviera Country Club, Scottie didn’t qualify for the Walker Cup team, and his father revealed what he said to the golf player.

Although Scottie was "angry" over his performance, Scott let him know that he still had everyone's support.

“I said, ‘Scott, I am so proud of the way you handled that adversity,' " the dad of four told the New York Post . "He was angry, but he needed to know that it was just this blip in the road ... the security that he knew we loved him and we cared no matter what happened on the golf course was important."

"You have to love them more when things are going bad," Scott continued. "It’s easy to love someone right now when things are going well."

Scott and Diane watched Scottie win the Masters twice

Scottie secured his first green jacket at the 2022 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Two years later, he won the iconic tournament yet again.

"To my parents, thank you for taking me to way too many golf tournaments as a kid. I love y'all both very much," the professional golfer said during his 2024 Masters speech. "I can't put into words what it means to have your support out here, win or lose. I love y'all."

Watch CBS News

Can the eclipse impact your astrological sign? An astrologer weighs in

By Kristine Johnson

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 6:14 PM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK —  We're just a few days away from the April 8 solar eclipse , and everyone will be looking skyward to watch this amazing cosmic phenomenon,  with the proper glasses  of course. 

Astrologers who look to the stars say that if you feel a little different during an eclipse, there's a reason. People are impacted by this alignment of the sun, the moon and the earth, according to astrologer Rebecca Gordon.

Gordon acknowledged to WCBS that, for some, astrology is all smoke and mirrors, but she encourages keeping an open mind. She says not all signs will be affected equally during the eclipse.

"Aries will definitely be impacted. Also, their opposite sign of Libra will be. And the signs of Cancer and Capricorn, as well, will certainly be impacted," she said. "Let's just say that every member of the zodiac will be impacted. Nobody gets out of an eclipse without impact." 

Gordon believes the planets always assert an influence over events and our behavior, and eclipses only magnify what is happening. 

"You look at patterns and cycles," Gordon said. "Big things happening on eclipses. That you simply cannot argue with." 

Gordon points to what she calls patterns of significant historical events that have occurred at key astrological times. And she says the impacts of the moon's path are significant in astrology.

"When the moon is full, the tides are high. All crustaceans are born on full moons. Did you know jellyfish are often born on full moons? So essentially, the waters of the ocean swell. What is your body made up of?" Gordon asked. 

"You are sort of in the eye of the needle of eclipse season. That is when there might be a bit of chaos and confusion. So in your life, there might be - why did that job let me go, that relationship just began, that relationship ended? There can be a whole lot of change... You want to not plan too much, leave space open, because you will need that space to react thoughtfully." 

CBS News New York will have complete coverage of the eclipse on April 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Kristine Johnson currently co-anchors the 5 p.m. & 11 p.m. news at the CBS owned and operated station in New York City. She joined CBS 2 in the fall of 2006. Since then, she has been the recipient of several Emmy awards.

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‘Challengers’ Review: Zendaya and Company Smash the Sports-Movie Mold in Luca Guadagnino’s Tennis Scorcher

Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist compete for a fellow player’s heart in a steamy and stylish love triangle from the director of 'Call Me by Your Name.'

By Peter Debruge

Peter Debruge

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Anyone who’s ever played tennis knows the game starts with love and escalates fast. In Luca Guadagnino ’s hip, sexy and ridiculously overheated “ Challengers ,” the rivals are former doubles partners Art Donaldson ( Mike Faist ) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), best friends since the age of 12, who went their separate ways after both players fell for the same woman. Patrick got there first, but Art wound up marrying her — and their sense of competition has only intensified since.

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“I’m no homewrecker,” Tashi teases Art and Patrick the night they meet her, 13 years earlier. Constructed like a tennis competition, Justin Kuritzkes’ screenplay ricochets back and forth through time, asking us to pivot our brains the way audiences do at the movie’s opening challenger match. (In pro tennis, challenger events are like the minor leagues, where second-tier talents prove themselves.) This one frames the film, as Tashi seems torn between her husband and his old partner.

Watching from the stands, their legs splayed indecently wide, the pair ogle Tashi as the wind whips her short skirt up in the air. None of this is accidental: not the way Jonathan Anderson (as in J.W. Anderson, switching from catwalks to costume design in his first feature credit) showcases Zendaya’s gazelle-like legs, not the way DP Sayombhu Mukdeeprom frames the boys’ crotches, and certainly not the moment Patrick squeezes his pal’s leg as Tashi shows them how, at its most beautiful, the game can be an ecstatic experience.

Later that night, at an Adidas-sponsored party for Tashi, the guys take turns trying to get her number. They’re motivated by hormones. She’s more strategic (the sheer control involved in Zendaya’s performance is astonishing, transforming this would-be trophy into the one who sets the rules). “You don’t know what tennis is,” Tashi challenges Patrick, going on to explain, “It’s a relationship.” Lines like this, which spell everything out in blinking neon lights, run throughout Kuritzkes’ script. But Guadagnino’s execution is all about subtext, calibrating things such that body language speaks volumes.

The same goes for what promises to be the year’s hottest scene, back in the boys’ hotel room, as Tashi sits on the bed between the two and coaxes — or coaches — them to make out. “Challengers” is not a gay film per se, but it leaves things ambiguous enough that one could read it like Lukas Dhont’s recent “Close,” about a friendship so tight, the boys’ peers tease them for it.

Over the course of 131 minutes, “Challengers” volleys between what amounts to a romantic rematch and intimate earlier vignettes. At all times, even off-screen, Tashi remains the fulcrum. In the present, Art — whose torso shows signs of multiple surgeries — has been on a cold streak, which betrays a loss of passion for the game. Passion’s no problem for Patrick, who’s more confident in both his swing and his sexuality.

The film calls for intensely physical performances from the two male actors, who both appear wobbly and exhausted by the end. Faist (a Broadway star whom “West Side Story” introduced to moviegoers) has a relatively traditional character arc, patiently waiting his turn and evolving as the timeline progresses. O’Connor (whose smoldering turn in gay indie “God’s Own Country” got him cast on “The Crown”) comes across as animalistic and immature by comparison, as his bad-boy character refuses to grow up or give up.

Another filmmaker might have subtracted himself in order to foreground the story, whereas Guadagnino goes big, leading with style (and a trendy score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). In keeping with the athletic theme, he does all kinds of wild things with the camera, including a composition framed from the umpire’s perspective mid-court that zooms along the net to find Tashi in the crowd. Occasionally, she and other characters smack the fluorescent yellow balls directly at the screen, making us flinch in our seats. By the end, “Challengers” has assumed the ball’s POV — or maybe it’s the racket’s — as Guadagnino immerses audiences in the film’s climactic match.

Far from your typical sports movie, “Challengers” is less concerned with the final score than with the ever-shifting dynamic between the players. The pressure mounts and the perspiration pours, as the pair once known as “Fire and Ice” face off again. Whether audiences identify as Team Patrick or Team Art, Guadagnino pulls a risky yet effective trick, essentially scoring the winning shot himself.

Reviewed at AMC Century City 15, Los Angeles, April 9, 2024. MPA Rating: R. Running time: 131 MIN.

• Production: Amazon MGM presentation of a Why Are You Acting?, Frenesy Films, Pascal Pictures production. Producers: Amy Pascal, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Rachel O’Connor. Executive producers: Bernard Bellew, Lorenzo Mieli, Kevin Ulrich.
• Crew: Director: Luca Guadagnino. Camera: Sayonbhu Mukdeeprom. Editor: Marco Costa. Music: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross. Music supervisor: Robin Urdang.
• With: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist.

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So I originally saw an ad for this app on TikTok and non of my other math apps really work so I decided to download it and it has helped so much. I use it for like everything and it gets the problems right and reads them so good. It does take a couple seconds for the ai to process and answer the problems but that’s because it is telling you step-by-step how to answer the problem and it’s honestly teaching me how to the math properly not just giving me the answer but if you don’t want to read through all the steps it takes about 15 to 30 seconds for the full answer to show up then you just type it in. a tip for any new users, I don’t recommend leaving the app while the AI is solving the problem because sometimes it messes it up but I haven’t had any problems with this app even though I haven’t really had it for a long time but it’s my absolute favorite one to use and probably the only one that actually works well. I highly recommend getting this app especially if you’re in middle school or high school. It honestly helps so much and has made my life and my grades so much better.

I LOVE this app!! 💞💞💖💖

So I use edgecourseware and some of the questions can get VERY hard, and it gets to the point I want someone smart to answer it for me. So the other day I was scrolling on TikTok just to find THIS helpful app, and I think of my edgecourseware. So I’m all like “omg! This app can help me with edgecourseware!” So I don’t hesitate to download it. I get on edgecourseware and show the camera to a hard question and press the button, and it gives me the answer! And this thing has retakes on it so I had to retake the test cause I was always getting wrong answers on it! And the scores would come out bad too! So I see my test scores to compare them, 60% - 100% !! I love this app. If it weren’t for this app, I would have never passed the test! 🩷🩷 xoxo

Pretty good, but…

I really like this app because when I’m having a hard time with my math in school, I go onto this app and check to see if my answers are right. If not, I see what I did wrong which prevents mistakes and helps me to learn. Especially since not too many people I know understand my math, it makes it a lot easier. There’s absolutely no ads, and if you’re confused about something, you can ask it any question. However, it can’t do the work of area correctly. I had an answer of 168, even my dad checked it, and it told me 288, which is far off. I don’t even know how it got that answer. It’s good for basically any math, except for geometry and area, and you know that sort of thing. I also was simplifying expressions and it gave me wrong answers for 2 of them even though I did them in school and checked it with the class. You have to be careful that way.

Developer Response ,

We genuinely appreciate your openness in sharing your thoughts with us. It is through such insights that we can enhance our services and accuracy in the short future.

App Privacy

The developer, 3HOUSE , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Identifiers

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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