At only 18 years old, Madeline Faust, a freshmen from Maplewood, N.J. studying political science at Penn State, has been all around the world, spanning six continents and 52 countries. She has seen fried bugs being sold like candy in the markets of Thailand, interacted with cows in the streets of India and stayed in the hotel with the world's largest rooftop pool in Singapore. Faust has seen more of the world in her 18 years than most people see in their entire lives. After her many trips around the world, Faust has been able to pick some of her bests and worsts.
“My favorite country that I've traveled to has to be Indonesia," Faust said. “ It was my first time in that part of the world and I was old enough -- 15 -- to experience and understand the new culture. Also, it was one of the most beautiful and relaxing places my family has ever traveled to."
On the subject of bests and worsts, Faust felt that China was one of her least favorite countries she has been. Faust traveled there when she was 13 years old, and because of that, she thought that she was too young to fully appreciate the culture that China had to offer her and her family. On top of that, Faust was shocked that the weather was cloudy and gray for her entire trip, making it not so appealing for touring.
And as much as she loves many of the places she has visited, sometimes traveling there more than a few times can make a place become overrated.
“I don't think anywhere is overrated, it all just depends on someone's own experiences and background," said Faust. “I've enjoyed everywhere I've been lucky to travel to, but the place that is the most overrated in my eyes is London. I loved it, but have been there so many times that I don't feel a huge 'wow' when I go anymore."
When it comes to food, the cuisines of Italy and India cannot be matched by the rest of the world's food, with their strong and pure ingredients. She says every meal her family ate while traveling in these places was amazing.
When lodging abroad, the hotels that top Faust's list are the Hyatt in Beijing (their indoor pool is designed to look like a jungle with a ceiling that changes color according to the day), the multiple Oberoi hotels she has stayed at in India (they are designed to look like palaces and the staff is amazing and helpful) and Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore (it had an infinity pool on the roof that overlooked the entire city).
But on her many trips, Faust was certain to encounter to some low points. A particular low point for her was on a trip to Cambodia. Faust was very ill and never found out why -- she assumes it was from something she ate -- but she did not even have the energy to get out of bed. To make matters worse, there were no doctors in the area, and no hospitals, either. So, after all the places Madeline Faust has gone -- where is she off to next?
“I've always wanted to go to Antarctica, as weird as that is," said Faust. “And there isn't anything there. I kind of just want to go so I can say I went. If I went to Antarctica, that would also mean I would have gone to all seven continents. For a [more realistic] place, I've always wanted to go to the Maldives, because it looks amazing."
At her young age, Faust can make any seasoned traveler jealous with her worldliness, and this summer she will be expanding her worldview with a trip to the continent of Africa.
