What Travelling Is Like for Me

Hi, my name is Valentina Baltodano, and I am the oldest of my two siblings. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. I previously created a magazine for this, but it didn't work out, so here we are!

I have been to so many places around the world, but I've certainly not been everywhere. I hope to travel more extensively when I am older. I am very fortunate to have gone where I have already gone. My parents love to travel and teach us about the world, so we go on many trips.

As someone who has recently developed an interest in society and people, specifically how they work, how they came to be, and their struggles, travelling has become a deep thing for me. But I have learned that life can be happy, and despite everything that has happened or is going on, choosing to be happy is possible. Of course, I haven't been through something where this is hard, but you still can't deny that it is possible. Sometimes I wonder if other people my age feel this way too, because I don't want to be alone.

Besides all this deep stuff, travelling is really interesting and fun. There are so many places that are beautiful, either man-made or natural. As a Catholic, I feel so happy and grateful to God for creating this for humanity to see and enjoy. I hope everyone in the world gets to see these beauties; sadly, I know that is impossible. I have thought about, when I am older, creating a program that allows people with unfortunate circumstances around the world to enjoy it.

Other struggles I have are being unable to sleep on long flights, being uncomfortable in a hotel or unfamiliar place, and being insecure about not understanding the local culture or language.

All in all, I hope that someone can relate to these things. I encourage you, if you can, to try to explore the world. I won't lie, sometimes it can be scary and uncomfortable, but I think the result and memories are more important, and you will look back on them with joy.