Buy experiences, not things. This motto is something that my parents taught me as a child. One of the things that I am most thankful for in my life is having the privilege to travel thanks to my parents. So far (at the young age of 19), I have been blessed enough to travel to France, Italy, Mexico, China, Chile, and Cuba. Some of the biggest highlights of my life thus far have been while traveling. I believe that every young adult should consider traveling and here’s why:

1. You can.

Taking that first step in planning your trip is a daunting task, but you just have to go for it. You can start by researching a place that you have always dreamed of visiting or by even just looking on Pinterest. There are plenty of sites and companies that specialize in helping young people plan their travels. So, stop making excuses and start planning.

2. You’re young.

This is your time to be selfish. These years are the best time to travel because you don’t have to worry about taking care of a family or a serious job yet. It is a great time to go to Paris or to Australia or to take that cross-country road trip that you’ve been dreaming about. Live it up while you still can before you look back and regret what could have been.

3. It’s possible to travel on a budget.

One big thing that stops a lot of people from traveling is the cost. During my trip to Cuba this summer, I was able to live off of 9 dollars a day. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it is manageable. Just make sure to stay organized and to allot yourself a certain amount of money for specific things. For example, if you know that you want to go to a show at the local theater that day, spend less money on food.

4. You don't have to go far.

You don't have to get on a plane to visit a new, amazing place. Living in the United States, we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get in a car and go. Just a few hours north of my hometown in southern Alabama, my family found an incredible canyon where we camped out at during spring break and had a wonderful time. There are plenty of incredible places out there that are closer to us than we think, we just have to look.

5. You will learn more about yourself and the world around you.

There is no better way to learn than through traveling. Interacting with different cultures, visiting historic monuments, or witnessing the most beautiful landscapes that you’ve imagined can all change your views on life. When you choose to get outside of your comfort zone, you learn a lot about your limits, your values, and your needs. Traveling has not only allowed me to realize how massive and diverse the world is, but it also has taught me how small and connected the world is. There is nothing like traveling, so please take my advice and start exploring!