From the second I stepped into the crisp, dry heat of Albuquerque, New Mexico I was hooked. Even after a 26 hour Amtrak train ride with 42 other sweaty teenagers that most people would dread, I had not been happier than that moment we arrived. The rush of a new experience is something nothing can replace. Here's why:

1. You do not have to spend loads of money on plane tickets.

While any train ride over an hour sounds like a nightmare, I promise, it's not. It does not cost nearly as much as a cross country plane ride, and not to mention the amazing scenery. There are observation cars where the whole car is made of windows so you can view the beautiful mountains or try to point out as many cacti as possible. There is a dining car where you can spend a nice dinner having a conversation with a biblical scholar as he gives you tips on your first year at college. Coach seats are surprisingly comfortable to sleep in, but if you are willing to spend a little extra money, sleeping trains are a thing. God bless.2. You have a new view on life.

As I read what I just wrote I realized how cheesy that sounds, but it is true. I did not go on many vacations growing up, but I went on many mission trips. Each location throughout this country has left a unique mark on me. Each location provided me with memories I can only ever link to that place. Each location gave me so many reasons to enjoy living.

3. You can help people in need.

On these mission trips, I realized how many people are in need all around the world. If you plan to travel, look up volunteering opportunities in that area. Odds are there will be an organization that will be happy for your help, and trust me you will feel good after.

4. You can try things you've never tried

Growing up in suburban Gurnee, IL we did not have much outdoor activities to take part in. Two years ago I went on a trip to Gatlinburg, TN. I did something I never in a million years thought I would do: I went white water rafting. Of course with anxiety I was having mini panic attacks pre-rafting, but as soon as it was over, I wish it didn't end. This summer in Albuquerque I went white water rafting in the Rio Grande.

5. You meet new types of people

On a bus ride from Washington D.C. to a small suburban town I was going to volunteer, I had a long conversation with an older woman about her family and their struggle with homelessness. In West Virginia I patronized a small custard stand that was later on Shark Tank, can you do that in your hometown?

6. Lastly, you can share lots of fun pictures with your friends.

Partly sarcastic, partly not. While taking pictures to make my friends jealous sounded tempting, I wanted to focus on the experience while taking pictures to remember the wonderful places I've been