Traveling is an addiction. For anyone that disagrees, go to Europe for a summer and try to tell me otherwise. Not only is it empowering to see the world, but it also makes you happy. Isn’t that what we are all searching for anyways? The ultimate life goal is to die happy, or so I’ve been told. Not only have I spend a summer country hopping in Europe, but I have traveled in the States and I’m currently on my way to Jamaica. During all these explorations, I have learned lessons the easy and hard way. Now it is time for me to share some secrets so hopefully you won’t be in a bind in a different country.

Pack light-I promise, you don’t need the extra pair of shoes or the hair dryer. You will have to make do without. Bags get lost in airports all the time. The only dependable thing to do is to pack light enough to carry everything with you. It can be a pain buying travel sized for everything and playing Jenga with your clothes, but it is so worth it to not be missing your favorite makeup for a week while your back is being located.Always be prepared for the unexpected- You never know the day you’re going to miss your flight by less than a minute and have to sit at a terminal and watch your plane leave while cry because you’re stuck. Worst feeling ever. Always have a backup plan for if something happens to fall through. Print all confirmation receipts or emails and have them with you at all times.

Pack extras of the important things- By this, I mean the basics like phone chargers, adapters, chapstick, and tampons. You never know where you’re going to be when you need the one thing you don’t have. And always have extra money or a credit card. You never know when the train is going to break down and you have to catch a bus back to town.

Wear comfortable shoes- This is essential to your well-being. There is no better way to ruin a beautiful day than wanting to chop off your feet because they are covered in blisters. Make sure the shoes are broke-in and equipped for any weather conditions. I recommend Birkenstocks for everyone on any occasion, even snow. Just throw on some fuzzy socks

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Write it down- Everything. Where you went, what it looked like, how much it cost to get in. Every tiny detail needs to be recorded so you never forget. It provides you with the opportunity to look back on the memories made while traveling. When you keep your ticket and have the pamphlet, it takes you back to the place.

Take pictures of everything- Be the annoying tourist that nobody likes. Who cares? You will have kick-booty pictures of it all to reminisce on for your whole life. I recommend videos or panoramas of breathtaking views. It won’t do justice, but it will help trigger the feeling of actually being there.

Make plans- Don’t wait until you have reached your destination to figure out what excursion you want to do. You need to have that all settled by the time you get there so you waste no time exploring. You don’t want to miss a thing, otherwise you will regret it. Make an itinerary and stick to it. Vacations are for relaxing. Traveling is more fun when you have a to-do list.

Enjoy yourself- I know there may come a time when you get frustrated, overwhelmed, lost, or homesick, but remember where you are. You are doing something most people could only dream of. You are so lucky to be alive, seeing this beautiful world we live on. There is problems way bigger than ours and you must waste no time being grateful.

Get a souvenir from each place you visit- I collect magnets. One day I hope that I will be able to see the world from the front of my fridge. It doesn’t have to be expensive or big, it can be a coin or a rock, but always have something from each place to hold onto.

Never forget, life begins at the end of your comfort zone- Do not be afraid to take risks. Go zip lining, eat some exotic food, and attend Viking festivals in the rain. Mother Earth is at your fingertips. Don’t waste a second.

“Not all who wander are lost.”