Within my lifetime, I’ve been extremely fortunate enough to travel regularly with my family and friends. Because of this, I’ve grown up to be someone who dreams of traveling more and living a life that involves seeing the world. My parents gave me a childhood that involved: four cruises, more road trips than I can count, and several flights to different countries. I’ve been lucky to experience different cultures and sights, and it’s made me a better person.

I cannot put into words how much I love to travel. Every new sight is like winning a lottery ticket; every new culture I experience is like a brand new book of knowledge. My parents made the life choice to put more money into experiences than possessions and I cannot thank them enough for it. Exploring has made me into the person I am today and, as someone who struggles with depression and overall happiness, every vacation is like a renewal for my appreciation of this beautiful life I’ve been granted.

Traveling and discovering this world is the best way to learn an appreciation for the environment and the wonder it has. I’ve become a devout environmentalist over the years and traveling was the direct cause of this. I remember exploring the rainforests of Latin America and being wonderstruck at the pureness and variety of this natural landscape. I can still recall the smell of the Canadian mountains and being awestruck by lakes as turquoise as the best acrylic paint. Seeing wildlife at Yosemite roaming in-between rock formations older than I could fathom. All of these experiences nurtured my adoration for our planet and my passion for its protection. You can watch as many shows on National Geographic as you want, nothing fuels that love like breathing it in.

I like to consider myself a fairly open-minded person, and I’d have to thank my travels for this. All too often, those that stay close to home can develop prejudiced views of other ways of life. I’ve been exposed to numerous cultures for as long as I can remember, and I’ve learned to love each and every one. The vivacity and kindness of the Hispanic culture is one I’ve found myself to love the most. Their excitement at welcoming my family and I into their country has always amazed me — especially considering the less than warm welcome many of them receive upon coming to mine. The British way of life and sense of humor is one that I’ve fallen completely in love with as well. Having visited London twice, this incredible country is where I dream to one day end up. In fact most of the decisions I make within my life are made with consideration of how they will help me live in the place that I adore.

This world is such a mind-blowingly remarkable gift we have been given. The list of things, people, and animals to see is never ending. The amount of growth exploration can offer is infinite. Too many people sit in their comfortable routines never daring to venture out into the unknown. This is, in my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes a person could make in their life. Learn about this planet you call home, lose your breath at the sights it offers you, welcome other ways of life into your understanding. We are only given so much time in this life; make sure by the end of it you have stories to tell.