This summer, I’ve taken more public transportation in 3 months than I have in my entire life, but I loved every bit of it.

Traveling to new places is one of my favorite things to do, especially in the summer, and even though it’s hard to plan around a pretty heavy work schedule and saving up money, I always think it’s worth it to go someplace new even if it’s only for the day or staying over for one night.

Going to a new city or town makes me feel so cultured, and I love the open-mindedness and freedom that comes along with it. Why do I love exploring a new city so much?

1) It makes you feel more cultured

2) The "unknown" is so daunting yet so exciting

3) You have the chance to try something new such as a pastime/activity/hobby there that all the locals do on a regular basis

4) You can visit museums and historical sites, which gives you knowledge on how this community came about

5) You can try the food that's best known and loved in that city

6) You can interact with locals, and if it's a different country, hear different languages

7) If you like it a lot, you will have a new favorite place to return to in the future

8) You start to appreciate and enjoy the little things

9) It makes you realize how much you love your hometown when you are away from it and how much you take it for granted when you're home

10) You have the chance to use public transportation and feel accomplished when you find your way around

11) You don't need to have a plan because just walking around a new city is so fun in itself

12) On the flip side, you can make a list of things you want to do while you're there and that will make the experience even more exciting

13) Sometimes the best moments and memories are when you allow yourself to get lost or do something you normally wouldn't do

14) You can buy a souvenir so you never forget the trip

15) You gain respect and curiosity for other people's cultures and how they live

16) If you fall in love with the city, you might have just found the place you want to live in when you are older

17) You gain a new shift in perspective and sharpness for the mind

18) You get to see the real deal instead of just knowing a place from internet pictures and bits and pieces you hear from friends and family that you don't even know are true or not

19) You come home renewed

20) It's always fun to adventure with friends and/or family