Last week my family and I were traveling in Washington D.C., and I couldn’t help but take in all the familiarities of traveling. Although each travel experience brings new adventures, it is these familiar feelings that we experience each time that keep the travel bug in us alive.

1. Taking in the familiar sounds of the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Even the unpleasant parts, like the lines and the waiting, all fuel the delight. They are all signs that, finally, you are going somewhere. You feel free. The excitement bubbles as you once again step onto a plane, and fly high above the clouds, off to your destination.

2. Eagerly arriving at your destination.

As you step off the plane, the plans in your mind start to become a reality. You rush out of the airport, off to find your accommodations. Then you are off and running, out to explore.

3. Feeling the excitement of day one.

It’s day one of your trip. There is so much to see and do, you hardly know where to start. Although you have experienced these feelings of travel before, you know that this trip will bring you something special, and each day will be different from the last. Exploring a place, whether for the first or the fifth time, will bring something new.

4. Experiencing something new each day, and ending each day tired but elated.

Each day you are filled with curiosity as you experience all that the place has to offer. Museums fill your mind with new knowledge, new food fills your tummy and people fill your ears with new languages and conversation. Walking through the streets gives you a new sense of freedom and joy. You end each day with tired feet, but elated by all you have seen and learned. Snapping photos throughout the day and writing in a journal at the end of day helps you record and keep track of all of your adventures.

5. Taking public transportation.

If you are traveling in a city, you will come to know the public transportation system very well. You may even feel like a local, taking the subway or the bus every day. But instead of going into work, you are headed to the next site on your list.

6. Learning more and more what it is like to be a local.

Talking to locals and eating at new restaurants helps you come to know and experience the place even better. You start to make comparisons between this town and your hometown, this state and your home state. You come to appreciate the differences.

7. Facing the end of journey blues.

As travelers, we have also come to know very well the familiar feelings of end of journey. Arriving at the airport this time does not feel quite the same as it did a few short days ago. This time, the lines and the waiting don’t fuel as much excitement, but seem more tedious and tiresome. This time, when you step off the plane, you will be home.

But even when the journey ends, whether you are feeling exhausted, refreshed or inspired, you arrive home grateful for the experience, and dreaming about where you are going to go next.