Traveling has opened many doors for me, given me life experiences, memories, friendships, and so much more. A goal of mine is to help others realize how much the world has to offer and how ashamed I would be to never explore it. In a world revolving around luxury, I find myself waiting to get away from the busyness for awhile.

This thought hit me even more while I was in my philosophy class discussing the pros and cons of living in the “Luxurious City” versus the “City of Pigs” from "Plato’s Republic." At first, I had my heart set on the “City of Pigs” because of its simplicity and how everyone lives off of the very basics. The only catch is having no cultural or technological improvement ever. As we described the “Luxurious City,” I realized it was a perfect match of how we live now — surrounded by technology, fame, fortune, politics, and anything we’re able to get our hands on.

Yes, living luxuriously can bring greediness and crime, but we also have the opportunity to do good with our forever changing resources. We also have the choice on how we choose to live our lives. I personally love keeping up with the latest trends, people, and technology, but I love getting away from it all just as much.

This is where my wanderlust starts to kick in. Traveling has opened a whole different, unknown world for me, a world where I can step away from the hectic and just simply be. Making travel a priority has also made me hope that others could experience that feeling of tranquility and enjoyment of the moment as well. Traveling is a beautiful way to let yourself appreciate culture, beauty, nature, and just get in tune with yourself and the people around you.

Now yes, I know what you’re probably thinking. Travel means money. Yes, you are right, it does. It has been drilled into our heads that the only way to get a worthwhile vacation is to spend thousands and thousands to go to a cookie cutter destination like Disney, or Hawaii, or a fancy island in the Caribbean, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I consider any opportunity or experience where I am able to get away from the area I’m used to, as part of traveling. Sometimes a day trip to the beach or hiking in the woods just to step away from reality is enough. Or in my case right now, a peaceful walk around campus.

I do agree that those fancier trips are great and I enjoy them just as much as anyone, but I’ve also come to realize that in a world that is so focused on image and technology, taking the time to disconnect from reality is crucial and truly makes a difference in how I view the world.

For me, a lodge down in a valley of Missouri with no connection to the real world, a simple cabin to sleep in, and a group of people to connect with is the place I am able to call my home away from home. Dare I say, my Disneyworld. Laughing into the late hours of the night with family and friends, tubing down a river, and telling silly stories are just a few of my most cherished memories from there that I know I’ll always have.

Now I’m not saying to cut off your annual trips to Disney and go find a cabin to stay in, but I am saying to be open to adventure and see what the world has to offer outside of the popular locations. You never know what or who you may find. We live on a beautiful planet that deserves to be explored and appreciated. I promise, Disney will still be there when you return.