Being only 21, I’m really lucky to have seen parts of the United States that my friends have never even heard of. I’ve been to some of the hottest parts of Utah and the coldest parts of Colorado. Each time I travel I fall more in love with the places I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had.

Each family vacation is a new adventure. Whether it’s driving through the mountains or driving through the desert, I always know that the trip will lead to somewhere new and exciting. I fell in love with the feeling of taking in a view I’ve never seen before. It’s that rush of excitement as you come around the bend of a hike and see the entire landscape in front of you. It’s a feeling that you can’t get by looking at pictures online or in a textbook. Standing in front of somewhere you learned about in elementary school is an unreal experience.

Traveling has helped me learn more about myself than I could ever imagine. I found a love for hiking and for trying new things. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone more times than I can count. I think there’s something to be said and putting yourself in challenging situations. Whether it’s riding a horse for the first time or traveling out of the country, it’s amazing what you can do when you push yourself.

Every trip I find myself meeting people I don’t think I would have met otherwise. I’ve met other families traveling like my own. I’ve met people from different states and even different countries than my own. I’ve even had conversations with locals who work in souvenir shops or restaurants. It’s great to hear stories of how small towns have grown into bigger cities from people who’ve spent their whole lives where you’re only visiting.

Traveling has given me a sense of perspective that I don’t think I would have without it. I’ve had the chance to get out of my small town in Connecticut and see other regions of our beautiful country. It’s amazing when you realize that two people can come from two very different places but still find similarities in their sense of wonder. In a time where we’re coerced into feeling different extremes, it’s important to remember driven by the same basic human nature. Well all crave a sense of newness and adventure.

If you haven’t yet, find your sense of adventure. It’s okay to get lost and have to turn around. Getting out of your usual routine is the best part of going somewhere new. Find your dream destination, make it your goal to get there and fall in love with traveling.