My father always told me that our lives begin as empty books, and it’s the amazing places we see that makes up the story of who we are. I am so lucky to have been able to travel to as many places as I have. Traveling is much more than a break from every day life. There are experiences we have while traveling to new places that has a significant impact on who we are and what we learn.

1. Organization Skills

If done right, planning should be the hardest part of your vacation. It could take months to plan correctly, but you will be grateful when the vacation is running smoothly. Do your homework; familiarize yourself with current events in your city (or country) of choice. All the hard work of planning, organizing and packing is worth it when you are laying on a beach in Aruba or swimming through blue caves in Montenegro.

2. Life appreciation

Oftentimes, we don't appreciate our home the way we should. Traveling to an unfamiliar place awakens us to the comfort we left behind, and it teaches us to love it more when we return. There is no better feeling than arriving home after a few weeks away.

3. Culture

Traveling to another country gives us the opportunity to be submerged in what feels like another world. We could study languages and read books about different cultures, but it doesn’t compare to walking the cobble streets of Milan or speaking to a Greek woman in Santorini. We take away an experience that we cannot find when we stay in our own town.

4. Diversity of Food

The variety of food has to be one of the best parts of a vacation. Trying the food you love in the country that specializes in making it is better than you could even imagine. I still crave the Spanakopita in Santorini and the pastries in Italy.

5. History

There is no better way to learn about history than to go to the area where it took place. Dedicating a day or two of a vacation to explore the tourist areas is worth it. You come back with more knowledge on an event than anyone else, and it is way more fun to learn through experience!

6. Beauty

The most beautiful places I have seen were always while I was on vacation. It is hard to believe that some people see that type of beauty every day!

7. New memories

For the rest of my life, I will remember my experiences in all of the places I traveled and still get chills when I remember the beauty surrounding me. My favorite memories are the ones with my family exploring new countries.

8. New Experiences

No matter where you travel, be it one hour away or 24, you are bound to try something new. The best experiences come from being outside of your comfort zone, and for me that was being away from my hometown.

Whether you travel within the country or abroad, traveling is an experience everyone should have. There are so many beautiful places to explore in this world! So open the book of your life and start writing!