Traveling is such an important experience. Only through travel do you have the chance to understand different cultures, customs, and climates. However, it is easy to get only go to places that you hear about regularly (I'm talking to you, @thebeach). Remembering to explore your own country, state, or city allows you to reconnect and learn. Put yourself in unfamiliar situations when you travel, or else, what's the point?

1. Big Bend National Park

In far, southwest Texas lies Big Bend National Park. Residing in the Chihuahuan desert, Big Bend sees few annual visitors. Even though it is not the most popular park around, it’s a must-see marvel. Few venture to this park, so there’s lots to see without any lines. The desert is surprisingly beautiful and full of life. The park offers hiking, canoeing, biking, and sightseeing. It is vast and unique. You will never see another place like it. This desert gem should be added to your bucket list.

2. The Backstreet Cultural Museum

This hole-in-the-wall museum resides in the Treme district in New Orleans. Behind the doors of a small, unassuming house, lie dozens of Indian Mardi Gras costumes. Mardi Gras is usually associated with heavy drinking on Bourbon Street as well as purple and green necklaces lining every tree in sight, but there is more cultural significance to the event than most people know about. The owners of this museum have collected these massive and intricate costumes worn by the descendants of the natives of New Orleans. They have their own Mardi Gras parade where they don these handmade costumes that can take years to make. The employees are eager to talk about the rich history behind the tradition. It is well worth the visit.

3. The Oriental Institute

In association with the University of Chicago, The Oriental Institute is the leading center of the study of Middle Eastern civilizations. It is on the small side, making it easy to meander through the exhibits. The museum is packed with statues, scrolls, and even several mummies. If you are ever in Chicago, you must make a trip to see the amazing artifacts here.

4. Voyageurs National Park

Sitting just outside of International Falls, MN (the coldest city in the continental United States), Voyageurs is a winter wonderland. The park is on a lake that freezes over during the colder months, creating a whole new terrain and set of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In the summer, it is full of boats and swimmers. The park has almost zero light pollution, so the night sky is glimmering with stars you didn’t even know existed.

5. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

MLK Jr. was born in Atlanta, GA and much of his childhood neighborhood and home have been preserved and turned into a museum and memorial. The site is popular within Atlanta, but is not well known outside the area. Visiting is a walk through history. You can visit his birth home and childhood church. Learning about the Civil Rights leader is fascinating and provides context for such an iconic figure. It’s bittersweet, humbling, and comforting seeing where MLK lived.