In my opinion, the best way to get "travel inspired" or get to traveling is by watching really decent travel videos. Of course, that's what we make but we're not the only ones who make them! But since you're here, these are some recent videos we've produced to help you get your creative juices flowing.

Think of this as your personal Travel Channel of inspiration!

​We update this post from time-to-time and if you find a video you like, leave it in the comments below.  

I have some troubling news to report today, but don't panic. It's going to be okay. A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research was released the other day, and the key finding was that half of Americans will NOT be taking a vacation this Summer. 

The survey, conducted in May of this year, said 43 percent of Americans won't be taking a summer vacation. The top reason for skipping a trip was the cost, cited by 49 percent of non-vacationers. Another 11 percent said they can't take the time off from work, while 3 percent said they don't like to be away from work. You can read the full study here (after you're finished reading my blog post). 

Folks, now I am begging. Please do not underestimate the power of a few days off away from the pressures of your workplace. Expedia commissioned a study a few years ago and found some pretty compelling reasons to travel including lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. More reading from Expedia. 

However, I do understand a financial constraint or a time constraint are real factors. Earlier this year we decided to embark on production of a Summer Video Series focused on one geographic area. Almost every place we planned to visit is within a six hour drive from another destination in the series. Primarily we wanted to draw the conclusion that your "backyard" is larger and more diverse than you may think. Never the less, it's a good idea to think about a mini-vacation close to home. Get out a map and draw a five hour concentric circle around your town and then pick one of the places within the zone. Anybody can do five hours in the car without going stir crazy! As far as the money goes, avoid spending more than you can afford. Stay in a clean local B&B or Inn and remember to pack snacks from home. It goes a long way in the vacation savings!   

These are just a few tips I can share with you. But I say, less reading and more ACTUAL trip planning is in order for you. Now get out there and take that vacation!

​Erik   

Travel is not political. Of course we know their is a bit of grey area on this matter, but what does your PERSONAL vacation have to do with politics? As far I am concerned...relatively nothing. So it should be no surprise that images are surfacing of our former President Barak Obama kiteboarding with Sir. Richard Branson? He just concluded being the leader of the free world and perhaps before his next chapter officially begins, he opted to do what? Say it with me...go on vacation!

Here's something shocking. One in four Americans (with jobs) receive no paid time off, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Employees in France are given 31 days of paid time off, Japan: 10 days, Italy: 31 days and Canada: 19, just so we are clear. But whats even more shocking is of the working Americans that DO get PTO, 75 percent of employees didn't take all their vacation in 2013, according to employment site Glassdoor.

So let's keep it real. The travel and tourism industry is a multi-billion dollar industry employing millions of workers worldwide. By simply going on vacation, you are in fact, making the world a better place. And what does our political climate have to do with the climate you'll be experiencing on a fabulous vacation? Nothing. That's right, regardless of your politics, travel is personal and can be extremely rewarding.  

Of course, you already know this but I am suggesting you DO something with this knowledge. My dear friend Kim Jackson has spent the better part of the last five years traveling the world. While still owning her own business and her rental properties, she has managed to see the corners of the globe that most only dream about. And I think this type of globetrotting should be applauded.

Thank you Mr. President for reminding us that TRAVEL is literally the way to go.  

I made a ranting video that has a lot to do with this subject matter, and you can watch it below: