Backpacking, or traveling for a period time with only backpacks, is a popular activity that people view as exciting yet hard. It's not for the shy or meek, and definitely for those with a sense of adventure. It includes seconds to days of discomfort, but also of awestruck. Arguments occur. Food preferences can be scarce. Showers cold and short. But in between these rough spots you will experience the best moments of your life.

Four weeks ago I left my macbook, flip flops, and fear at home to experience a backpacking trip across Europe. I had a few days here and there planned out as well as a couple hostels booked, and very little idea of exactly how the trip would pan out. My better half in tow, we took a chance setting out for truly the biggest adventure of our life thus far.

I have come back a new person. Exhausted, yes, but a better person than I was before. My patience level has skyrocketed. I've learned to relax, and live in the moment instead of worrying about everything that is going on around me. Spending so much time around other travelers makes you at ease in even a larger crowd. You learn to reach out to those that you normally wouldn't, and find that you have more in common with the people you least expect to. Having grown up in a upper class childhood, I now appreciate the simplest things, such as a shower. And the ability to go into your fridge and get ice and a water bottle freely. Bathrooms at home don't cost me money, and I am overjoyed by that notion now. I realize how little Americans attempt to speak to those around them, and how often we decline a stroll down the sidewalk in lieu of the couch.

Traveling is something that people push aside. They wait and wait because they think they'll always have more money, or a better slot of traveling time. Viewed as a luxury, most don't go until it's too late. They don't want to experience the hostels anymore, or take the time to research the back door spots of all the cities. They have work on their mind, children to care for, and expenses to be paid off. Go now. Go while you have your entire life ahead of you. I can tell you from first hand experience that it was worth every single penny that was spent. I met a lot of people in Europe, but the one person that I met who meant the most to me, was myself. I found a part of myself that I hadn't quite been able to find yet. The one that wasn't anxious anymore. She had motivation and spirit to explore. She experienced life in a different way. Far from the lavishness of her home, and the less she had the more it meant to her.

Seriously, living without 'stuff' really changes your view on things. I emphasize that this was one of the most prevalent parts of the trip to me. I had a toothbrush, toothpaste, my shoes, a couple pairs of clothes, and my significant other. That's it. That's all I needed and I missed nothing. I didn't miss my Michael Kors bag. I didn't miss my new car. I actually enjoyed walking everywhere, I felt alive. I didn't miss my fancy watch, array of clothes, heels, and all the other shit that I can't even think of that literally fills my room from floor to ceiling. We collect so much stuff we don't need without even realizing how much we don't need it. I hadn't realized how much I used my phone until I couldn't without wifi. It was like taking a breath of fresh air after being in a smoky room for months. Without the device sucking me in I had so much more appreciation for the simple scenery around me.

I urge you to put money away. Start researching places you think you might want to visit. Check on travel blogs for the cheap backpacker tips. There are places we stayed where we could have lived off less than 30 euros a day. It's possible to travel cheaply if you just make a little effort. It's so much more worth it too. You meet so many new people, and your trip changes every single day. Fly by the seat of your pants. Life cannot truly be experienced in one place. Get out there and make your own memories. It's the best decision I've ever made, and I will continue to travel from here on out as often as I can.