Growing up with a family who loved to travel has continued into my adult years and I try to go somewhere new every chance I get 'occasion. Throughout my travels, I have met new people and experienced things that I could never have experienced in my own hometown. For example, I have developed an open-mindedness to cultures and practices other than those to which I am accustomed. You can become more aware of international issues and not only worry about your own country, which is a problem many of us face. For many people, being thrust into an unfamiliar environment is a terrifying idea, but for me, it's the most exhilarating part. This has led me to become a much more independent and balanced person. Travel is also a great way to reduce the stress of everyday life. My favorite travel experience so far and the one that got me to travel even more would be when I traveled through Europe two summers ago. I went from Barcelona to Valencia, from Valencia to Ibiza, from Ibiza to Paris, then from Paris to London. This was the first trip I took without my parents or a family member by my side and I absolutely loved it. Being alone in a new country has allowed me to learn a lot about the type of person I am now and who I want to be in the future. All the travelers and locals I have met are some of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even though I may never see them again, I will always stay in touch and remember the things they taught me. We don't always travel because we necessarily want to but because we need to to find creativity, a state of mind and a renewed outlook on the world..