One Trip, One Week

People often write about wanting to travel more as part of their New Years' resolutions.

I was fortunate enough to travel a good bit when I was young. Many of my peers are studying abroad or going on extravagant destination vacations. But, here I am sitting at my college apartment in pajamas watching movies about European summers from my bed. However, I do have an opportunity just around the corner to take a trip myself, but where? Where would you go if you had the chance to go anywhere in the world for a week?

My aunt told me that when I graduated high school, I could pick anywhere in the world, and she would take me on a trip for a week with her. That's a lot of power to put into a kid's hands, so naturally, I thought of every possible place I ever wanted to go.

For a long time, I wanted to visit Australia to see Kangaroos in real life, or to Paris to see museums and art. More recently, I have considered Japan to experience traditional Japanese food and culture.

Graduating during the pandemic meant that this once-in-a-lifetime trip had to be postponed. As a junior in college, my aunt is asking me once again where I want to go. I still remain undecided about where I want to go, or when this trip will happen.

I don’t want to mess up this amazing opportunity and pick a destination that I won’t enjoy. I lack foreign language skills, and I do not see myself really pushing my comfort zone in an unknown country.

All of this research and debate has made me realize something. It's okay to push yourself, and take the leap into unfamiliar waters. You can’t learn or experience new things if you live within a bubble. The New Year is the perfect time to try new things and make new plans. Be willing to be open to new experiences!

If you had this opportunity, where in the world would you go?

Be well, Auburn.