As a leisure travel agent (i.e., vacation specialist), I have a tendency to think in terms of my primary responsibility being the delivery of the perfect travel arrangements based upon the needs, requests and desires of our clients while providing the best value for their money. That is pretty much the case and is an awesome responsibility—and something a good travel agent enjoys.

I understand and embrace that role but believe our mission goes above and beyond that. I believe our primary responsibility is to be cheerleaders and activists to the concept of travel—a travel evangelist if you will. Here are what I consider to be some of the more important reasons you should embrace the concept of travel, whether it is jumping in your auto and driving to a destination or boarding a flight to begin the dream trip of a lifetime. Of course, I look at every trip as a “dream trip.”

Energize. Let’s face it: You work hard to put bread on the table and a roof over your head. You expend a lot of physical, mental and emotional energy each and every workday (and most likely on your non-work days as well). Travel is a way to recharge the old batteries, get the energy flowing to enable you to fight the daily battles and win more than your share. It is your reward for all you do for yourself and your loved ones. It is a complete escape.

What better way to drink that morning cup of coffee than while overlooking the lake, beach, mountain, forest or whatever your dream vision might be? It is absolutely better than taking that first slurp on your way to work.

Bonding. Talk about togetherness! Travel with your loved ones is the best way to bring everyone together. Whether you are traveling with a spouse, family, extended family, significant other or your best pal, traveling has a way of bringing you closer. Sharing experiences has tendencies to make that happen every time.

Adventure. Travel can be an amazing adventure. Exploring a new destination or revisiting an old haunt, invariably you will discover something new. It can be a grand adventure doing something physically challenging or something as adventurous as trying new cuisine in an ethnic restaurant.  Regardless, travel can take you through the great unknown and back again.

Enrichment. There are so many ways you can enrich yourself through travel: culturally, by surrounding yourself with new people and customs; historically, as travel brings to life the things you used to read about in school; gastronomically, by trying new dishes with unusual spices and flavors; and architecturally, through enjoying the sights and sounds of structures and areas both old and new.

Travel allows you to experience and retain those experiences like no book, magazine or video could ever accomplish. It allows you to grow as a person and a citizen of this planet.

Memories. This is the culmination of everything above and more. Travel allows you to create new experiences in your mind. They will be there long after you return home, allowing you to relive some of those special moments. I am fortunate in that I have many, many special memories as a result of a lifetime of travel.

		Michael Jackman is president of International Tours, a full-service travel agency, and president of GalaxSea Cruises, specializing in cruise vacations. Both offices are located in Okemos. Jackman has received many awards and designations, and has been in business since 1984.