I haven’t been to many countries yet, but I plan on traveling as far and wide as I possibly can. Up until recently, I didn’t have much of a yearning to travel outside the United States. Traveling seemed stressful and expensive, and I hadn’t even seen a lot of my own country yet. I always enjoyed going to Maine, Massachusetts, and New York, all surrounding my home state of Vermont, but anywhere beyond just didn’t spark my interest.

When I was 17, my sister, who was in undergraduate college, was studying abroad in England. My mom said she would buy a plane ticket if I wanted to go visit. I was hesitant, mostly because I had never been on a plane and the idea of flying scared me to my core. However, after much speculation I took the plunge and traveled to Newcastle, England to visit my older sister for two weeks.

We started in northern England, went up to Scotland, and then traveled south to end in London. Those two weeks were some of the best days I have experienced so far, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I learned so much about British culture and felt the thrill of planning every part of a trip. There is so much to think about, like where to stay, what to eat, transportation, what to go see, and so much more. I loved every second of it, and thank my mom for encouraging me to get on the plane.

That trip put the travel bug in me. I want to see everything, go everywhere, and experience all aspects of our world. I want to taste the cuisine of Italy and ride camels in Egypt. I’m going to set foot on every continent and swim in every ocean.

Since that trip, I had the opportunity to explore Ecuador for a week, which added the challenging but exciting element of a language barrier. Now I am determined to continue my Spanish education enough to carry on basic conversations with locals.

When you travel the world, you learn so much, not only about other cultures but also about yourself. Going into unknown places pushes you out of your comfort zone and can bring you to your wit’s end. Something always goes wrong on an extended trip, and how you deal with it can say a lot about who you are as a person. You become closer to those you travel with, developing strong bonds and timeless memories. You will meet locals that will make lasting impacts on you, and have stories to tell to your grandkids.

If you ever get the chance to travel, take it. Don’t let anything stand in your way of experiencing the world. I’ve got three continents down, and four to go. Get out there and explore the endless cultures and landscapes waiting for you.