Before we’re all stressed out, mortgage-ridden adults…TRAVEL. Go, see, do! There is so much out there to explore and appreciate. I knew the world was a big place, but I didn’t ever really comprehend that until I saw a small piece of it for myself. And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about all the other places there are to visit since.
Last year, I went to Europe for spring break. It was, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever done. My reasoning behind venturing halfway across the world was to visit my boyfriend who was studying abroad. Disgustingly cute, right?
My whole life, I had always wanted to go to Ireland. There were gingers, amazing pubs, accents to die for and countryside just like in “P.S. I Love You.” What more could you ask for? Although I had always wanted to go, my fear of flying and lack of thousands of dollars lying around for a plane ticket made this trip seem impossible — until last spring.
I had only been on a plane once, when I was 7 (so, basically, I don’t remember it). It went from zero to 100 really quick when I found out getting to visit my boyfriend in Belgium was actually a possibility. As excited as I was, I was equally, if not more, terrified for the plane ride. Before I went "across the pond," airplanes equaled "tubes of death" to me. What’s even better? The day before I left in March, a plane crashed in the French Alps killing everyone on board.
I was convinced it was a sign. I was a goner.
But like everything in life, the best things happen outside of your comfort zone. So there I was, boarding an eight-hour flight from Atlanta to Belgium, alone, mortified. However, after what felt like forever, the plane landed safely in Brussels. I survived, got somewhat over my fear, and there I was, IN FREAKING EUROPE!
Whether it be having the time, the money or getting over an obstacle/fear, make it happen. Travel as much as possible whenever possible.
During my 10-day stay, I visited Ireland, Belgium, France and Amsterdam. Wanderlust is real, you guys. Once you get a taste of all there is to see, you can’t stop daydreaming about the trips you hope to take one day and the places you long to visit. My time may have been short, but it was phenomenal and an experience I will never forget.
(Anne Frank's home in Amsterdam, Secret Staircase)
Everyone should travel in their 20s. We’re already in that cliche phase of “finding ourselves,” so traveling is the best remedy for that. I learned a lot on my trip. I learned airplanes aren’t actually tubes of death, college kids in Europe never seem to go to class (they’re just always drinking and having fun), and I can do something I’ve never done before and have it end up being the best decision I’ve made yet.
So if you can save up the money and courage, explore the world. There’s too much to see to stay in one place your whole life.
