And then I realized adventures are the best way to learn.

Wanderlust. No matter how hyped up the cliche of it is, it's a real thing. We all want to live the kinds of lives that people write novels about, so we travel.

We travel to escape the burdens and monotony of daily life, to expand our minds and perspectives, to spread our wings and fly. We travel to lose ourselves, to find ourselves, to learn more about ourselves and others.

Let me tell you this: If you haven't left that small town yet, if you haven't stepped outside your comfort zone, if you've never been on a plane or train or seen the marvelous sights the world has to offer yet, I fully encourage you to give it a shot and try something new. I promise you won't regret it.

Studying abroad in England for five months in college was probably the best thing I've ever done, and travel is absolutely the best education. But I had a lot to learn, and a greater wealth of travel-related knowledge I acquired from my experiences in Europe.

So if you're infected by the travel bug, revving to go and plan a backpacking trip across Europe or hop on a plane to Hawaii, here are some tips and bits of advice you should know before you go:

1. Document everything! Photos, videos, etc.

This is one thing I wish I had done more while out and about in Europe. I took a lot of photos, but I didn't even think to vlog my experience! You don't have to vlog yours, but I definitely recommend taking all the photos and videos your heart desires. You'll thank yourself later when you have the memories to look back on.

2. Learn the most basic phrases in the language of the place you're visiting.

If you're visiting a country or place in which the people speak your native language, no worries. But if you're an English-speaking person visiting France, Italy, Germany or Brazil, for example, be sure to pick up a few basic words and phrases in French, Italian, German and Portuguese. You'll feel better about your abilities, and people love it when you try to communicate with them in their own language.

3. Allow ample time in between modes of transportation in case a flight or train arrives late.

Want an easy way to cut unnecessary stress out of your travel itinerary? Plan for extra time before or in between flights, buses, trains, etc. Whatever your mode of transportation, things can always happen to delay your travels. If you allow extra time in between connections or before catching your ride, you'll be in better shape and cut your risk of missing it altogether.

4. Teach yourself to read at least a basic map.

So you won't ever find a map as cool as the Marauder's Map, but you'll find one to be helpful when you're lost in a place you're not familiar with. Be sure to know how to find locations and estimated distances on paper maps, and pick one up wherever you go; you can also keep them for souvenirs!

If you prefer electronic maps, try to have an electronic device with data or download an offline map. You can configure Google Maps to work offline to an extent, or try downloading the CityMapper app if you're visiting a major city.

5. Plan what you want to do and see the night before you head out to explore.

If you know there's something you want to do or places you want to see, try to plan a rough draft of your itinerary and travel plans for that day--the night before! Spontaneity is always fun, but if you have no clue where you're going or what you're doing it can get frustrating when you don't know where to go or have people disagreeing on what to do. Do a little homework ahead of time and you'll be strutting around taking in the sights like Angelina Jolie.

6. Things won't always go as planned, and that's OK!

This might seem ironic compared with my previous tip, but guess what? Sometimes plans don't work out, and that makes for the best stories and most memorable adventures. Stay calm and try to find help navigating if you need it. You'll get back on track eventually and, hey: Sometimes getting lost is the best way to find yourself.