Traveling changes you in an inexplicable way.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of packing your bags, getting through a crowded security line, and hopping on a plane bound for excitement. You can feel the blood rushing through your veins as the plane glides off the tarmac and you enter into the unknown. A stamp in your passport is always the start of a new adventure, and even though there is always a sense of apprehension around the idea of leaving home, being well-traveled is a mark of a cultured individual.

Here are five things to keep in mind while on your travels:

1. The world is bigger than you think.

We spend the majority of our lives living within the radius of a couple miles and we quickly forget that there is an entire world beyond the barriers of our neighborhood. So wake up and realize that there is an entire world beyond your fenced in backyard and it's begging for you to explore it.

2. Different is good.

Even though the cuisine can range from escargot to brains, it’s important to put things into proper cultural perspective. Every social group has its own values, rituals, and traditions and just because they might be much different than your own doesn't mean you can't learn something by looking at another culture's perspective.

3. Say yes.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a difficult task, and it’s never an easy hurdle to jump. Traveling provides a window of opportunity because you’re instantly exposed to a new realm opportunities. Whether it’s a chance to take the train to one last landmark or trying that little cafe on the corner, learn how to say yes to new experiences.

4. Love others.

One thing you’ll notice instantly when you enter another country is that the needs of others can be much different than in your hometown. You are going to see people in poverty, people who are hurting, and above all, people who are yearning for love. So wherever you go, go with love.

5. Learn something.

I honestly believe the instant you set foot into another country, you begin to learn new things. The things that you learn from the observations that you make and the experiences you enjoy not only teach you about the world, but they also teach you invaluable lessons about yourself. So, see the world and learn something from it.

There are 196 countries in the world, which means there are countless places all over the planet that are just waiting to be explored. The world is meant to be seen and to be experienced, so whenever you get the chance, say yes to traveling because the lessons you learn abroad just might follow you back home.