You may quickly find that vanity has to take a backseat when you are about to embark on your backpacking trip. Trying to squeeze all of your “necessary” belongings into a backpack can be daunting to say the least, you really have to pick and choose what you bring along with you and sometimes makeup, Hair products, and cute outfits need to be left behind. Pretty is probably the last thing you’ll be feeling when you’ve been trekking the East coast for 10 days but if you take a closer look you may find yourself feeling better than before.

Beach Waves

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Not only is a hair straightener the last thing on your list but it is also highly likely that it won’t even come close to fitting in your bag. When you’re cruising through the East coast snorkeling, beaching, and scuba diving you won’t even notice you hair taking on the beach waves you see everyone trying to achieve sans beach. There is something about the salty ocean water that does wonders on your hair, even if you tend to have naturally straight hair, it always seems to behave better after a day at the beach.

Glow

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Everyone seems to feel better with a little bit of a tan, don’t get me wrong, fair skin is great, but there is something about that sun kissed glow that gets everyone chasing after it. Traveling always gets you outside no matter what the weather; hiking, sight seeing, skiing, waiting in line, you are almost always assured to be getting outside more than normal when traveling. Getting a little bit of a glow is bound to happen and will give you that surfer, outdoorsy look you’ve been meaning to achieve.

Fitness 

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There is something about walking around with a large backpack that quickly whips you into shape. From carrying your pack to running through airports, to going all day without sitting down, I can guarantee travel will get you closer to your fitness goals than ever. You’ll start to notice you can handle stairs better, walk faster, and last longer throughout the day, which of course will make you feel better about eating that 3rd gelato because its all about balance right?

Uniqueness 

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No matter how many travelers you know or how many places they’ve been, you can always be sure that you will all have different stories to tell. Having something that makes you different and unique will always be attractive. Travel stories are things no one can ever take away from you, they are always going to be different and interesting so use that to your advantage. Passion looks good on everyone and sharing the stories of something you’re passionate about will always be a plus.

Confidence 

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Overall, travel will make you more confident. Whether you have an awful experience or an amazing one you will have exited your comfort zone which is a huge achievement in itself. Being able to navigate through a new place, with new people, and new customs give you a better understanding of people and life in general. It is very easy to gain compassion as you embark on your journey and experience the ups and downs of travel. The confidence you gain through travel is one of a kind and cannot be taken away.

Maybe you’re not going to be wearing a ton of make up or have your hair perfectly curled and done up, but travel will help strip away all the material things that get in the way of your true self. When you let go of all that you will ultimately become more attractive.

By Sylvia Spanos