The addiction started the summer after I graduated high school. My graduation gift from my parents was a trip with my best friend to Scotland and England. Our adventure was accompanied by twenty others who were a part of our tour group. Both my best friend and I had never traveled out of the States before, so you could say we were a little more than excited. Since then, I've been traveling every chance I get. So far I've visited two continents, five countries, and twelve cities. Every trip I have ever taken has taught me a lesson. Every trip has shown me something about myself I did not know. Every trip has, in every aspect, changed my life. Here are just a few I've learned as a travel addict:

1. The world is so much bigger than you could have ever imagined.

2. There is no end to the possible adventures the world has to offer.

3. They weren’t lying when they said there are 6,500 languages out there.

4. Language is not a barrier against new friendships.

5. Fear should never hold you back, but rather, it should motivate you.

6. Happiness doesn’t require money, technology, or objects.

7. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

8. Never shy away from a challenge.

9. How to be independent.

10. How to be spontaneous.

11. Being spontaneous and messing up along the way can sometimes lead you to the most memorable moments in life.

Yes, I am wearing a t-shirt in the Swiss Alps and freezing, but it's a day I will never forget.

12. To so many people, religion is one of the most important things in life.

13. How to respect those who are different from you.

14. How to speak different languages.

15. Overcoming fear can bring you the biggest smiles.

16. How to stay positive.

17. How to be open to anything.

18. The importance of taking in the moment.

19. You only really need your phone for emergencies.

20. Home is not a physical place, but rather, a place within your heart.