When in doubt, travel.
Traveling can consist of exploring your home country, home continent, or the world. To be able to see and experience what's out there is probably one of the best feelings and adventures you're going to have. Traveling can cost a lot of money, but it's worth every penny spent. The amount of knowledge, feelings, and sights that you see cannot even fathom and compare to the money spent.
When I studied abroad in London last Spring 2016, it was my first time on a plane and my first time in a different continent. To be honest, I wasn't as nervous or scared as most people are. I was excited for what I was walking into. I was excited and overjoyed to the point where I just wanted to be there already instead fly on a plane for seven hours. While I was studying abroad in London, I was able to travel throughout London, the United Kingdom, and some parts of Western Europe. Because of these travels, I have the urge to come back to Europe and continue my travels into Eastern Europe (hopefully after graduation or in my 20s). I also want to travel throughout Northern Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Canada, and the States. It'll be tricky to manage all these new places into my schedule, but with effort and motivation, I (hope) will achieve it.
Here is my top 5 list of where to travel and my top 5 list of where I would want to travel in the future.
1. Of course, my number one is going to be London.
London has diverse cultures, foods, and drinks, pub culture, cafe culture, never ending markets, museums, cathedrals, Big Ben, The Eye, and Harry Potter. What more could you ask for? There's never nothing to do while in London.
2. Scotland... all of Scotland from Edinburgh to Glasgow to the highlands of Inverness
You can't just see one city in Scotland. All of Scotland is a must. From exploring Old Town and New Town, walking on the Royal Mile, and climbing to the top of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh to seeing Nessie at Lochness, visiting reindeer near Glencoe, and exploring Inverness in the highlands.
3. Freiburg, Germany
I visited Freiburg because a friend of mine lived there. She attended college with me for a semester, which is how I met her. We all thought she was going to be the one to see me in Minnesota, but who knew I would be the one to see her in her beautiful hometown. This city has so much history, architecture, and wonderful food and people. Sometimes it's better to go to a smaller (it was still pretty big) town to gain the German culture instead of a big city where it's overrun by tourism. Beautiful Freiburg.
4. Plymouth, United Kingdom
I used to date someone when I was abroad in London who lived in Plymouth. I was given the opportunity through him to see this wonderful city. It's known as Britain's Ocean City with many attractions, amazing food, and a beautiful beach view.
5. Paris, France
I was only able to spend a day in Paris. A friend of mine got me a free ticket to come visit her and explore the city. First thing I'll say about Paris is croissants... so good! The taste, the texture, the fluff on the inside, all on point! Other than that, it was spectacular to see what I've only seen in pictures and on The Hills when Lauren went to Paris. There's so much to do but never enough time. Just know that if you go to Paris, you will only scratch the surface.
6. Queenstown, New Zealand
I've never been to Queenstown or New Zealand, but from reading about it and the pictures, it's definitely a sight to see. It's known for bungee jumping, adventurous sports, and vineyards and is located in the Southern Alps. A city with a mountain view that'll take your breath away.
7. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is just one of those cities that you think of and know. It's one of those cities where you want to go there just because you want to. Plus, I love Korean food.
8. Dublin, Ireland
Castles, skyline, scenery, food, and Guinness. Don't just stay in Dublin. Travel around Ireland to places like Cliffs of Moher. Someday, I'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
10. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the Budabest. That is all. Ask anyone who has been there and they will tell you how much they loved it there.
