The more you travel, the more you realize how much of the world there is to see and how little time you have to see it all. But, there’s no reason to be upset about that. After all, the people who truly regret not traveling more usually only regret it after they are gone. So, if you’re reading this while still living, start planning your vacations as soon as possible to make up for lost time. Here are 10 reasons why you will wish you traveled more this year (and many years).

1) Because you will learn something new

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to experience something new. From the way people dress to their traditions, food, and culture; each destination will teach you something that you would have never known otherwise. One of my favorite parts about traveling is meeting new people and making friends with locals. I find myself opening up more when I am traveling because they see me as a friend first.

2) Because it’s cheaper than therapy

Being outside the U.S. opens your eyes to new things and gives you a fresh perspective on life. When you experience different cultures and people, you realize how much they have in common with each other, rather than focusing on their differences.

3) Because you will have more stories

You’ll be able to recount your adventures in detail and even show photos of it. It will not only enrich your life, but you will be able to share this rich experience with other people who may never get the chance to have it themselves. These reasons are just the tip of the iceberg on why you should consider traveling more this year.

4) Because you can reconnect with yourself

Traveling is an amazing way to reconnect with yourself. You see the world, and you also have time to work on your own self-discovery journey. Not only will it be refreshing to take some time away from everything else in your life, but it can also bring you a lot of new ideas. Time spent exploring helps you better understand who you are at the core. It can help you connect with your values or dreams that may have been hiding in plain sight, deep down inside of you.

5) Because it could be life-changing

You might think that traveling sounds like fun, but in reality, it can be hard work. In all honesty, you have to have the right kind of personality to really make it work. Still, most people will tell you there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping out into a new world for the first time and meeting new people in different cultures with different customs. Even if this is your only chance to explore more of the world before retirement or before kids start taking up more of your free time.

6) Because you can inspire others

We all know people who’ve had incredible travel experiences but can’t seem to muster up the courage to do anything about it. Now is the time to take action. Start with booking that first trip with yourself or a friend and then plan a longer one on your own after that. You won’t regret it!

7) Because other people won’t know what to say about your vacations

Because everyone is a travel expert on their own vacations, we’ve compiled some of the questions people are sure to ask and how you can tackle them. We even included some humorous responses to soften the blow of being talked to like you don’t know anything about your own life.

8) Because you can always see new places from a different perspective

Seeing new places from a different perspective will leave you with lasting memories. You can also learn about other cultures and become more well-rounded and worldly. All these traits are extremely valuable for the professional world, which is why traveling more this year is such a good idea.

9) Because you can create memories that last forever

Traveling opens up the world to you and creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo-traveling can be very rewarding and is something worth doing. Let your wanderlust run wild this year!

10) Who cares about what other people think

How often do you second-guess your travel plans because of what others will think? Whether it’s co-workers, family members, or your social media friends who’ve never been outside the state before, it can be a big hurdle to get over. A word of advice: How people perceive you is none of your business. What matters is that you’re doing things for yourself—things that bring you happiness and make life worth living.