I went on my first plane ride when I was six weeks old. It was a 14 hour-long flight and I screamed the entire way as my aunt walked me up and down the airplane aisles. Since then, it is safe to say I have become a much more experienced flyer as well as better traveler.

There is so much of the world to see, and I believe that the more of the world you experience the more you will discover about yourself and life. While the idea of travel and other cultures can be daunting, below are a few reasons why EVERYONE should get out and experience as much as the world as they can (or at least leave their home state). If you have the means to, GO. You will get more out of the journey than you would have ever believed.

Here are just a FEW reasons I love to travel:

1. NO other state has anything on Californian beaches.
2. There is something magical about a tropical island sunset.
3. You haven't tasted sweet until you've had Southern sweet tea.
4. Learning about other cultures will open your mind (and heart).
5. Irish accents will make you melt.
6. Getting lost and finding your way again gives you an indefinite amount of confidence.
7. You will embarrass yourself in a new environment-and gain the greatest stories to tell at parties.
8. Perspective is all too easy when thousands of feet up in an airplane.
9. The food. You can't beat authentic.
10. Independence, anonymity, and that feeling of complete freedom.

It doesn't matter where you go. It just matters that you do.