Traveling is an excellent part of life: it hands you culture, experiences, weird foods you love and weird foods you hate; but it changes who you are and how you see things - even just for a little while. Traveling is not an event in life, it's a way of life.
College is the craziest part of your life, some say. Others say it is the time when you are discovering yourself. I say, however, it is a time when you should experience as much as you possibly can.
Since coming to college, I have traveled to multiple parts of Northeastern United States. I have also ventured into Canada (awesome, right?). I have a trips planned for Connecticut/Rhode Island, New York City, Pennsylvania, Quebec City, and Ottawa before the semester ends in May. "How do you afford this?! What are you doing with your life?!" Well, I work 2 jobs. I also planned my schedule so I have Friday's off in order to go on weekend adventures. These two jobs, yeah, I probably should be saving up for the real world, but why do that when I have so many opportunities at my fingertips? Everyone says you should do a study abroad in college, but you should also explore the area you're in too. Because, let's face it, you probably won't live there forever.
1. It's the only time in your life where you'll be overwhelmed with school, work, and fun. So why not add traveling if you're that busy already?
Being busy is a part of life - you always will be. Traveling is something you'll always want to do. Time to hit the COMBINE button!
2. No one will ever expect you to be in college and have money.
Ever wonder where #poorcollegestudent came from? It came from the truth. No college kid has money. If you do? You're doing something wrong. If you don't? Yay! Spend more and travel (That's what I'm doing... Don't know where my money is coming from, but you don't have to use too much if you travel the right way).
3. It is totally acceptable to house-hop and sleep on friends' floors.
You can sleep on the floor, couch, even the counter. No one will judge - you're under a roof, right? That's all that matters.
4. Don't go out to fancy restaurants! Just explore!
You don't need anything extravagant - you can ever bring your own food, if you want! Just do your best to avoid those any extra expense.
5. If everyone is busy, go on your own. Worried? Become a big kid. You got this (Just bring your phone... And tell someone).
I am totally an extrovert - I am seldom without at least one friend. When I first went some place alone, it was so scary and nerve-wracking! Once I realized where I was, and immersed myself in it, however. I fell in love. The best part about being alone some place new? You can talk and flirt with whoever you want for however long you want. You can also make new plans as you go without having to consult anyone. Life can be good - if you make it good.
6. When will you ever live in such a vivid location and have so many available people at your fingertips?
Like, actually.
7. Some of my best friendships have formed out of, "hey, do you want to go on an adventure this weekend?"
I probably have asked this more times than I should admit. But it is absolutely worth it. Life is for the memories, right? You'll never make them if you don't get up to do so.
8. There's no such thing as 'something going wrong.'
You got lost? It's okay. This is a new area to explore, anyways. Missed the train? Did you really need to catch it? Didn't think so.
9. You'll never ever EVER be so determined and full of energy again.
This is the only time in your life where you will be able to sleep non-stop and pull daily all-nighters. Use it to your advantage.
10. Finally... Why the hell not?
Travelling is amazing. And don't tell me there's not something you've always wanted to see within a 3 hour drive of your dorm/apartment? Google does exist, you know. And so do those events on Facebook (how I've discovered many of my adventures). Don't be worried about what others think, either. Do your own thing, you'll never regret it, I promise.
