When I need a break from life, or just some time to re-charge, I find the best therapy is travel.  There is no better way to find yourself and culture than through traveling.

 Traveling soothes the soul, opens the door to many cultural opportunities and opens the mind. I might just be a travel junkie, but I firmly believe that you have not lived until you have explored somewhere new.

 This year, I spent my spring break traveling around Ireland. Most people might think that it is impossible for them to ever take a trip out of the United States due to cost, but that’s just not true. By working hard over Christmas break, and planning wisely, the opportunity to travel so far was easily obtained. Flights to Europe right now cost almost the same as a flight to Florida- I would rather have an adventure in Europe. With planes crashing and terrorists making lists it sounds like a crazy idea to leave the country, but traveling might just be the thing a person needs.

 Exploring the world soothes the soul. You don’t have to travel far to have an adventure. In South Dakota alone we can explore the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, The Black Hills and everything in between. Sometimes, exploring your backyard can open your eyes to a whole new world.

 Traveling gives you the opportunity to explore cultures of all kinds. To me, there is nothing more attractive than being culturally informed. There is so much more going on in the world outside of  South Dakota; outside of the U.S. The best way to explore and learn about culture is to live it. To be honest, each state seems to have a different culture if you open your mind to it.

 Travel opens the mind. When you allow yourself to travel you allow your mind to grow. The possibilities of something new, exciting, and adventurous keep the mind racing, and the opportunities are endless.

 Traveling might sound big and scary to some people, but once you take a road trip, or a flight for the first time you get the travel bug. There is nothing that can stop the rush of anxiety before the journey begins, but it is all worth it in the end. I challenge everyone to take a trip this summer. Take a trip to the Badlands or Europe, or even to your backyard. Spend a day exploring, and you will not regret it, because travel is the best medicine.

Brenna is an agricultural communications and advertising and can be reached at [email protected].