In my nineteen years of living, I have been blessed to be able to travel outside of the United States to visit Canada, Philippines, South Korea, and Nicaragua with hopes to expand that list as I plan to study abroad for a semester in Ireland. Travel experience is truly valuable, and it teaches you important lessons that you do not able to attain in a classroom.

There is so much to the world.

Most people live in the same area for the entire life. Even if you do move to a new place, you eventually become comfortable and used to it. Stranded in our place called home, we sometimes forget that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored. There are mountains you never climbed, oceans you never swam in, and structures you never witnessed with your own set of eyes. Yes, technology makes it easier for us to view the rest of the world through pictures and videos, but experiencing it yourself gives you a feeling that looking at a screen will never replicate.

You learn to appreciate different cultures.

Sometimes going to an unfamiliar place can be intimidating; the language is different, the food is exotic, and traditions are dissimilar. However, you learn to become excited about experiencing new culture and that questionable looking dish becomes a meal you crave everyday. And as you travel to more places, you become more open minded and may even fall in love with not just the unique scenery, but also the culture and the people.

People are more similar than you think.

Though I just mentioned differences in the last paragraph, we are more similar to the rest of the world than what we normally perceive. We encounter the same emotions. Kids in Nicaragua love coloring and playing games just as kids in the United States do. People in South Korea work hard even through struggles as people here do as well. People value family and friendship no matter where in the world you are.

You discover a side of you that you have never seen before.

Not only do you learn about the new environment and culture, but you also learn more about yourself. For many people, they find a spontaneous, adventurous version of themselves when they travel. Adrenaline rushes energize and fuel their travel. For me, I found a more emotional side as I fell in love with every place I to the chance to visit. I learned to appreciate every single moment, even those spent at home. What's discovered differs from person to person, but I'm sure you'll learn that traveling is a precious, unforgettable adventure .

Disclaimer: I truly encourage everyone to travel, but I am not responsible if you are bitten by the travel bug.