I'm a homebody. Everyone that knows me is aware of this and knows how difficult it can be to convince me to go anywhere. Don't get me wrong I loved going on vacation, but leading up to traveling was always so nerve wracking to me. I would worry about flying places because I'm terrified of planes, I would wonder how safe the area was that we were staying, and I would freak out thinking whatever I packed wasn't enough and I wouldn't be prepared. Up until about three years ago, Ocean City was the only place we would go where I wouldn't stress about anything because I knew home was just a short drive away.

All of you travel junkies out there are probably shaking your head at me for being so timid. Well, you'll be happy to hear that I can wholeheartedly say that you're right to do so. The first travel experience I had without my family was to Vermont and that opened my eyes to an entirely new found appreciation for traveling…and going anywhere outside of Maryland.

After that trip I realized how much out there in the world there was for me to see and I needed to stop being so against it all. Loving your home is wonderful, but home will always be there to come back to. Everyone should venture out of their comfort zone once in a while and live a little.

The world is a beautiful place with endless exploration destinations and staying in one place is cheating yourself. Even if you're afraid of flying, which I am, there are thousands of amazing places you can get to with a car. I've been to Vermont twice now and found it just as refreshing as the first time. I've been to Maine and yes, the lobster is just as fantastic (and expensive) as they say it is. I was in Nova Scotia this past summer and I have never seen so many beautiful sunsets in my entire life.

Experiencing new adventures is vital. If we all stay in one place forever how would we learn and grow? Every time I travel now I learn something new about myself and something new about where I'm going. I'm happily picking up those puzzle pieces and I can't wait to find the next one.