The word "travel" is simply defined as "making a journey."No where in that definition does it say it consist of fancy hotels, dinners and airfare. Traveling is about the journey. I can't tell you how many times I have heard that on a cereal box or in a line of a movie. After waking up this past week and heading North with nothing but a backpack and some Muddy Buddies, I realized these memories are the kind everyone should be making. All the luxurious items that complement fancy vacations keep us from seeing the beautiful journey. As my friend and I headed towards the mountains of North Carolina, we sat in the car discussing how this would be our last trip together before we go our separate ways for college. Instead of sobbing, we decided to make the best of our adventure.

While exploring, I realized the simplest views can create memories worth sharing for a lifetime. Whether you enjoy surfing on the west coast, chasing waterfalls in the mountains, collecting shells on the sandy beaches of Florida or camping in the woods of your own backyard, traveling is for you. Without completing the action of "travel," you have not made a journey. Most people choose to cut out the word travel from their lifestyle because they do not know how to approach it. They believe in order to travel you have to be "rich." I believe in order to travel you have to believe in the "riches" you will find. Saint Augustine once said, "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." Today we live in a society that teaches you to stay bordered down, to study hard and earn the most money you can.

While I believe that is true, I also believe you have to have some balance in your life. There are no more random road trips. Instead, we sit in front of a screen whether it be a phone, TV or computer and look at all the places we would like to go some day. This week was my someday. I encourage you to do as I have. Pack up your three favorite outfits, some food, a toothbrush, and go explore. Maybe that sounds crazy to most because not everyone has a carefree life like my 18-year-old self. But as an adult you have the choice to live your life the way you have always dreamed. Start taking action of your wanderlust heart and make a journey for yourself.