Many uncomfortable airplane rides, hours in cars, and tons of new experiences have enriched my life for the better. Whenever away from home, whether it is a bad or good adventure, our times out of our daily lives plant incredibly humbling, eye opening, and surprising life lessons that allow for extreme personal growth. Throughout my 18 years of living my parents made it a priority to give us unique travel experiences. 

10. Myrtle Beach 

I’ve been to Myrtle Beach twice and both times to simply put it were fine. The first time I went with three different families and the only memorable moments were when we were in a tropical storm and that we stayed at this off-brand hotel, while the resort next to us had an indoor waterpark. The beaches are awful though. 

9. Chattanooga, Tennessee 

Summer 2021 we took a road trip down south to babysit. Something about all the lakes and that humid southern air was comforting. What I remember the most is an aquarium trip, going to a cult run restaurant, and thrifting. We also got to see our cousin’s new fancy lake house mansion. 

8. Boston 

While this vacation ended with our family in shambles, the city of Boston in all its history and glory was beautiful and friendly. We felt very safe and free other than people on dirt bikes and four wheelers with masks on taking over a central highway. Boston also had this really incredible underground highway system that our bus tour went into detail about. 

7. NYC 

The most hyped up destination ever is New York City and in any other circumstance the city would have been magical but because we went with the school and the trip was planned horribly and we barely got to see anything. Some highlights though was just being in New York with friends and seeing the Rockettes. 

6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

I go to Pittsburgh probably three times a year and everytime not a lot happens other than college tours or concerts but the location itself is comforting. I see myself and Pittsburgh and when I’m there I’m kind of envisioning a future. 

5. Bahamas 

First time out of the country was a cruise in the Caribbean. The cruise itself was kind of ghetto yet fun but the actual Bahamas like the capital Nassau was glorified poverty. I did get a really sentimental souvenir, which was a painting from a local artist. After we got on the little local boats and were pushed out to the little islands to snorkel, then it was magical.

4. Wisconsin Dells 

Out of all the places on this list you would probably think Wisconsin would be not as high on the list but it is more the memories not the place. In Wisconsin Dells we had to go for gymnastics nationals and so we were at a resort with a ton of our friends. We went to the country’s biggest waterpark and had many late nights at the resort trying to get into trouble. 

3. Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Virginia Beach is hands down my most nostalgic place to go. Every summer it’s like coming home to our summer home. For comparison I would say it’s like the “Summer I Turned Pretty” in real life. I honestly feel like a local and all my problems get forgotten when I’m there. 

2. Chicago 

I love love love Chicago. “When I’m back in Chicago I feel it” and that is on point. Everything about Chicago I love: its cleanness, the architecture, and the people. I definitely see myself living in Chicago when I’m older. 

1.  Florida  

All my trips to Florida have centered around Disney World. The last time I went to Florida was last March on a school field trip to Disney and this one was actually so fun. Hands down my favorite era ever with Ryah, Hunter, Markus, and Carter. My highlight of the trip is our food tour around epcot.