“People don’t take trips, trips take people,” – John Steinbeck.

The average high school student will often tell you about how they regret wasting time during their summer. In fact a poll in 2012 revealed that 76 percent of high school students admit to regretting at least some of the wasted time they spent over their summer. While most teens can’t wait until summer vacation, most admit to getting bored on a regular basis.

According to the US Travel Association, an average of 466.2 million vacation trips took place in 2012. Trips like these are often how students break out of the summertime boredom.

“I think vacation over the summer brings me and my family closer together and relieves all of our stress,” 7th grader Erik Hartman said.

While on vacation up to 89 percent of people admit to having significant drops in their stress. That is why vacation can be very important to mental, and sometimes physical health.

A trip doesn’t always have to be an international adventure with hours of flight time. Many people will often forget the actual meaning of the word “trip”. It can range from a day long outing to an entire summer spent overseas. In fact a small trip can usually eliminate the expense that comes with long term vacation. Also a recent study by the US Travel Association states that “money spent on travel makes you happier than money spent on material goods.”

So before you begin to sink into your couch for July and August, plan some trips with your family. Travel can educate you, relieve stress, promote physical and mental health, and even help prepare you for the upcoming school year.