Imagine waking up to turquoise blue waters and white grainy sand between your toes. Your face sun kissed and freckles covering your nose. The feeling of the sun beaming down on you making you shlumped.

Sike! That’s almost impossible to imagine because the slightest thought of traveling has been shamed due to COVID-19. 

But, we are trying to move past the dark cloud hovering over us. The vaccine is out and there is finally a light at the end of the continuous dark tunnel. We can finally start to think of our once normal lives.

All over social media, there are advertisements about traveling and where you should go first. There are so many deals for traveling right now due to travel bands being set or lifted. This is because resorts and travel agencies need money. Also, plane tickets are extremely cheap so this might be a sign to go and buy one. 

I am someone who grew up traveling because my mom has a passion for it. Over the years it has become a passion of mine too. I have been to multiple continents, countries, and states. While traveling I have been exposed to many different cultures, foods, and terrains.

The most visited continent I have traveled to is Europe. I have traveled to the Caribbean numerous times and it can get boring since all of the islands are similar. It is mind-blowing to experience such amazing countries that have history built in them. From the exquisite Arch of Triumph and Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the Colosseum in Rome, and the windmills in the Netherlands.

I have asked students what their favorite trips were to get a better picture of beautiful places to visit. Monica Bajgrowicz says, “My favorite country I’ve traveled to is Portugal. Not only did I witness such a beautiful country that I ever expected it to be, but I was introduced to a whole new culture while with my best friends Aryana and Sydney”.

If you are not interested in older countries and are interested in more closer destinations there are beautiful places in the Caribbean. Maria Cioto and Tess Priest recommend Puerto Rico for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.

I also asked students where they would like to travel in the future. Ari Mazur said, “ I would like to go to Greece once in my life. The food is amazing and the scenery is breathtaking.” Another comment I got from Monica was, “ I would like to visit Iceland because all over social media I see the famous Blue Lagoons that people visit and get a facial from the clay at the bottom. 

There are so many options for traveling. To spice it up,  there are college programs you can apply to study abroad. I have cousins who have taken advantage of this and they said it was the time of their lives.

Traveling is such a wonderful experience. It can be pricey but you can always go somewhere for little money. At the end of the day, you have to think about this. The money will always come back to you but time will not. So take advantage of the time you are given and travel.