Everyone is getting back from Spring Break and if you're anything like me, you were green with jealousy the whole time they were gone. I sat in Columbia at work scrolling through Instagram watching all my friends lie out on Caribbean beaches or partying down on the Florida sands. I hated all of them. As a friend, I was happy for them because I knew they were having insane experiences, but as the lame friend at home I was annoyed.

Growing up my mom really spoiled me and my brother by taking us on cool vacations out of the country every year. That stopped in the middle of high school and ever since then I've been stuck with an itch to move around and travel as much as I can. I love experiencing new cultures and lands. My bank account, on the other hand, doesn't seem to encourage the traveling lifestyle.

Here are just a few tricks I've used to ease the travel fever:

1. Try out new places to eat.

I go out to eat A LOT. The money I put towards that is probably why I can't travel as much as I would like to. Going out and trying new places and types of food can help push you out of your comfort zone. Plus it's always amazing when you find a new place to bring your friends. The next place on my list is Taziki's, a Mediterranean food place in Cola.

2. Use Google Maps to find parks/trails near you.

This is especially fun if you have a dog or friends with dogs. They get exercise, you get exercise.. it's a win for everyone! If you're heading there in the spring you'll get to enjoy all the flowers and plants as they're blooming. Seeing that is way better than binge-watching a show on Netflix in the dark... save Netflix for night time lol. You might end up finding a great spot for camping and who doesn't love roasting weenies???

3. Go visit your friends that don't live near you.

Take a weekend to go explore where one of your friends lives. You get to hang out with your pal and explore a new place. It's especially fun if you plan a festival or concert when you go that way you can see the city and go to a fun event. Those are the best times and memories with your friends.

The point of my story is that traveling is super expensive so I've given you a few tips on how to have good times and beautiful pictures without needing a ton of money or lots of planning in advance!