When I was a freshman in college, my parents decided to take my grandmother on a trip to visit London where her parents were from. Despite the prospect of traveling with our parents and octogenarian grandmother, my younger brother and I couldn't wait to use our newly minted passports for the first time.

Nine hours of flight time and three barf bags later, we slowly inch-wormed through customs and straight onto the London Tube, where I promptly threw up once again into a newspaper: turns out, while my soul loves to travel, my stomach does not nearly as much.

Despite the rough start, London was everything I ever dreamed it would be and more: bustling streets, quiet gardens, diverse people and thought, theater, museums - and the most incredible fish and chips on every corner. If you are looking to ease your way into being a true globetrotter, this city across the pond is the perfect first place to stamp your passport. 

A memorable visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater had my grandmother pulled on the stage and dressed in traditional victorian garb, and is a fantastic place to learn about the history and legacy of Shakespeare in England. 

If theater isn’t your thing, take the train out to Windsor Castle and explore the seasonal home of Queen Elizabeth. The tour of the castle and the grounds combine the beauty of England’s nature with the vast history of its monarchy.

A final favorite: be sure to dine at a pub and order the fish and chips. In London, pubs tend to be more family-friendly affairs -- especially those in more tourist areas -- and still manage to embody the charm and greasy deliciousness found in traditional British dining.

Since visiting when I was 18, I’ve since spent several more weeks in London and have found no time of year to be any less magical than the rest: summer brings warm days and long evenings to stroll through the downtown; fall showcases the beauty of the city’s many parks; winter provides traditional Holiday markets and cozy shopping; spring finds the manicured lawns and English gardens in full bloom.

Without needing to flex any language skills, London offers a true traveling experience with some familiar comforts, and is a must for any new-traveler. Just  make sure you pack the motion-sickness gear and maybe leave your grandma at home. 

 It is a great place if you want to get out and do whatever or just stay inside and relax. Then need to use the bathroom, go to the outhouse that has a storage room and plenty of room for chairs if you need company. 

If you stay you must either go fishing or just swim. Or you can go on a walk in the trails in the woods, just don’t get lost.

A few days later my dad contacted the guy who was selling this car in Madison and my sister and I decided we’d go with to check out the car and Madison, since we’ve never visited there. After a few hours' drive, we made it to Madison. All the buildings I saw were beautiful, and as I looked ahead I saw the capital. I was flushed with excitement and wanted to explore more of this unknown place. None of this felt real to me, it felt too good to be true.

Although we didn’t get to explore as many things as I’d like to, if I could go back to Madison I would for sure visit the state capital building, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Olbrich Botanical Garden. If you like trying out new things and seeing new environments by visiting these places in Madison, I would recommend visiting here. 

When we arrived in Virginia we couldn't immediately go sight seeing or tan at the beach. My family actually went for my cousin’s wedding which was a very big deal. Although only my brother was actually in the wedding it was still a beautiful experience. We had gotten there a day or two early because my brother had to be at the rehearsal, as well as be in some wedding pictures. While we were there we ate at this delicious restaurant called Scoreboards(I HIGHLY recommend). After the wedding was over we packed up all our stuff again and drove to Virginia beach which was one of the nicest places I have ever been to.

Virginia beach was way different than the town my cousin’s wedding was in. The beach was populated and easily a tourist hot spot, whereas the town was mildly populated and had beautiful landscaping along with a splendid environment. My most favorite part of the whole entire trip was spending it with my family. Sure swimming in the ocean, going shopping, and having amazing food was fun and all, but doing all that with family is so much better. While you’re at Virginia beach you have to enjoy a nice bowl of rolled ice cream… It's so good. 

Virginia was just a wonderful experience overall and I highly recommend taking a trip. I took mine in the summer so the ocean was at the perfect temperature. While staying at the beach you have to wake up and watch the sunrise across the water. You’ll never see anything quite the same. It's truly a natural piece of art. 

Finally, after a few stops at a few states,  we managed to get to New Orleans. A lot of orchestra, quior, and band students from freshman to senior, got out of the buses and  piled together in groups and entered an apartment building where we’ll be staying for the rest of the week.

First I’ll mention the world war ll history museum. As the name says, it's a large museum where most of us got to learn more about WW2. There were a few shops with lots of cool stuff but the only thing I bought was a lego set with a jeep. Then there was this theatre that had all around sound and vibrating seats. It even had a POV of pilots, a forest, and a lot of other things. And to add more effect, there were these moving props on the stage that simulated with the documentary video. 10 out of 10, would recommend.

Another place I went to was a boat ride where we ate food, and got to go outside to listen to music. I didn't know at the time, but I bought this blue steering wheel that supposedly was a bottle opener. I only realised that when I got home but it's still a good souvenir. I also bought a hat for my brother since he was probably nervous to buy it himself. One cool thing that happened was when we were traveling down the water, we passed a huge cargo ship. I think what happened was the captain of said ship saw the little ferry (I think it was a ferry) passing by and blew the boat's horn. It was loud, I'll tell you that much. The ferry responded with two honks of its own horn. Probably the best outcome out of that.

Now, about this college. My class got a tour around the campus and got to see from the technology side to its own auditorium. We even got to visit the place where they get food. I didn't eat much there because they didn't have anything I would prefer. In the auditorium, my orchestra class played our freshman concert to this music instructor who may seem terrifying at first glance but is actually very nice. He gave us some advice on how to do better and find our own ways of playing music.

There is a lot more that I've been through in the trip but I think I've pretty much said what I wanted to say about New Orleans. I would definitely recommend going there for a new experience. The trip only lasted for a week and the bus rides from there and back were agonizing but still great nonetheless. So be ready for a long trip cause you might learn something new along the way.

This place is the place to choose because there are endless things to do such as go hiking in the rocky mountains, go white water rafting through the mountains, or visit the Mesa Verde National Park. Colorado is meant for a person that likes to do things outdoors and being active, the vibe of colorado is very relaxed in most parts of the state. 

The best time during my visit was when my family and I went white water rafting through the mountains. Our family decided to do the high level rafting and when we were rafting the person in front of me flys out and all of a sudden everyone, except for my family, flew out of the raft. Then we are on the raft alone and have no idea what to do because if we try to go to land the rapids pulled us back in so we decided to just try our hardest to get to land then finally we made it back to land then ran up river to help them that fell and we got everyone safely to land and no one got hurt.

When we went into the mountains we went hiking off trail farther than we should have but I remembered a stump that was at the end of the trail so when we got lost we walked back the way we thought and the stump popped into my head because i saw it and at first my dad didn't think i was right and i told him i know that stump was there and that's the trail we need to take back down the mountain so we take that trail and at the bottom of the trail is the car that we took to the trail.

Therefore Colorado was a fun experience so you should go there sometime.

Irvine Park is the most popular park in Chippewa Falls. It has beautiful trails that I could walk through blindfolded because I’ve explored them all since I can remember. I have been using this park as an escape route for my stress. When I arrive, all I think of are the memories that it holds, like playing in the jungle gym, finding beautiful rocks along the river, listening to the ducks squawk all day long, walking through the endless trails, and watching the animals live their day as we live ours. That’s only a few things you can explore at Irvine. Families of all ages and sizes come here every single day. There won’t be a day in  the year that someone won’t step foot in the park, that being summer, fall, winter, or spring. 

During the summer is when most people are out enjoying the warmth of the sun and relaxing while their children play. The fountain is a hot spot for children to play in. I definitely remember sitting on the fountains one after another as they go up, I think every kid that has grown up here has done this at least once. Across the street is also a hot spot during the summer, which is a pool and skate park. Most days it’s so crowded that even you would get lost in the pool of children. And after swimming for hours, walking through a park to dry off would attract anyone at that point. During fall and winter, it’s so peaceful to go to because most kids are indoors because the weather is getting chilly. This is when most adults get their coats and mittens on and enjoy the peace and quiet that nature brings. This time of the year is also the time when the town starts to add Christmas lights all around the trees, fences, and buildings. It’s very exciting to say the least. And as winter approaches, they set up this huge walk through of decorations that you can walk and even drive through the park during Christmas and look at all of the hard work that was put into this Irvine tradition. 

Everyone has their safe place, whether that be at home in your bedroom, a certain chair in your house, or a certain city you grew up in, but my safe place is Irvine because of the beautiful memories that have been created in the past 18 years of my life. And maybe this park could be yours too. 

I would go to Pikes Peak and personally I would take the train up to the top. My favorite trip to Colorado Springs was when I was in middle school and my grandparents invited my sister and I to go with them and visit our aunt and uncle. My aunt and uncle planned our trip up to the peak. We got to ride the train. This was the first time we would do that. There was someone telling the history of the mountain and some facts about it too. I was very interesting and informative.

At the top of the mountain there is a gift shop which has really good fudge in it and has some great souvenirs too. I like to think about how peaceful it would be to just sit up on the rocks and look out onto the rest of the mountain.  

I would go to Pikes Peak and personally I would take the train up to the top. My favorite trip to Colorado Springs was when I was in middle school and my grandparents invited my sister and I to go with them and visit our aunt and uncle. My aunt and uncle planned our trip up to the peak. We got to ride the train. This was the first time we would do that. There was someone telling the history of the mountain and some facts about it too. I was very interesting and informative.

At the top of the mountain there is a gift shop which has really good fudge in it and has some great souvenirs too. I like to think about how peaceful it would be to just sit up on the rocks and look out onto the rest of the mountain.  

Are you a history junkie? Does the thought of the Constitution send shivers down your spine? Well then you should explore the various historical aspects of DC. The home of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and my personal favorite (of which I have a copy) the Declaration of Independence. These are all accessible to the public and can be extremely  interesting to view what shaped the United States in first person. Wrinkly paper not your style? Then take a trip and explore the many statues and memorials  from the carriage of a tourist guide biker around the city. See Abaraham Lincoln’s large frame, Martin Luther King’s standing form, or the Washington Monument- which is the tallest building in the city. Do you want to know why? Go and check it out for yourself! The place is filled with a rich history of multiple concrete people. 

Sometimes old history can be boring. Modern is where it is at! Visit the White House, and make sure to snap a picture! If you're lucky you might just see anyone of the poliitions roam the area surrounded by bodyguards. Or walk by the many different government buildings that are shaping our present day history!

Once you tire of Politics make sure to stop by and visit even just one of the 11 Smithsonian Museums. I promise you’ll never get bored! They are placed throughout the district, so as you explore the city stop by. Use the Metro to get around underground.

Now after a long day of walking around I can say there is nothing more relaxing than retiring to your hotel. Sure a hotel in the popular areas is a bit more expensive however it is worth it to splurge. My mom set us up in a beautiful hotel that was very close to many attractions and close to the metro. But my favorite part about the hotel was a large pool that you could go to on the roof of the building. There is nothing like swimming on top of a hotel in a bustling area. In the Summer it can get a perfect temperature to just soak up the sun.

Finally an experience that isn’t even selective for just Washington DC, but I would highly encourage is taking a sleeper train to your next travel destination. My family and I travelled from Tomah, Wisconsin to Washington DC on a nonstop train. Although the train takes over a day to get to DC it is an unforgettable experience. Something about sleeping on a bunk bed on a train was so peaceful. I could go on and on about the different sites and attractions that you could visit, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun as exploring it yourselves. So grab your friend/family/neighbor and take them to get a “I love Washington DC” so that you can remember it for the rest of your lives.

Are you a history junkie? Does the thought of the Constitution send shivers down your spine? Well then you should explore the various historical aspects of DC. The home of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and my personal favorite (of which I have a copy) the Declaration of Independence. These are all accessible to the public and can be extremely  interesting to view what shaped the United States in first person. Nothing like the aroma of old paper. Old paper not your style? Then take a trip and explore the many statues and memorials  from the carriage of a tourist guide biker around the city. See Abaraham Lincoln’s large frame, Martin Luther King’s standing form, or the Washington Monument- which is the tallest building in the city. Do you want to know why? Go and check it out for yourself! The place is filled with a rich history of multiple concrete people. 

Sometimes old history can be boring. Modern is where it is at! Visit the White House, and make sure to snap a picture! If you're lucky you might just see anyone of the poliitions roam the area surrounded by bodyguards. Or walk by the many different government buildings that are shaping our present day history!

Once you tire of Politics make sure to stop by and visit even just one of the 11 Smithsonian Museums. I promise you’ll never get bored! They are placed throughout the district, so as you explore the city stop by. Use the Metro to get around underground and eat at the many different food places they have. What I would give to go back and eat at my family’s favorite Nepalian food place!

Now after a long day of walking around I can say there is nothing more relaxing than retiring to your hotel. Sure a hotel in the popular areas is a bit more expensive however it is worth it to splurge. My mom set us up in a beautiful hotel that was very close to many attractions and close to the metro. But my favorite part about the hotel was a large pool that you could go to on the roof of the building. There is nothing like swimming on top of a hotel in a bustling area. In the Summer it can get a perfect temperature to just soak up the sun.

Finally an experience that isn’t even selective for just Washington DC, but I would highly encourage is taking a sleeper train to your next travel destination. My family and I travelled from Tomah, Wisconsin to Washington DC on a nonstop train. Although the train takes over a day to get to DC it is an unforgettable experience. Something about sleeping on a bunk bed on a train was so peaceful. I could go on and on about the different sites and attractions that you could visit, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun as exploring it yourselves. So grab your friend/family/neighbor and take them to get a “I love Washington DC” so that you can remember it for the rest of your lives.

When you go there, I would highly recommend going to see as many lighthouses as you can. It may sound boring but they all are very unique and they’re something you just don’t see around here. I saw two while I was there this summer. One was in St. Ignace and the other was in Bay De Noc township which is just a little east of Escanaba. 

One of the cities we stayed in was Petoskey. Petoskey is a very wealthy city and one of the prettiest that I’ve ever seen. Within the main city streets there are dozens of small shops, cafes, and diners. Some of the finer restaurants overlook the beautiful Lake Michigan. Even in our hotel it was water for as long as the eye could see. Petoskey would definitely be my place of recommendation for anyone traveling to Michigan. 

Something that made Colorado special was the different scenery and atmosphere. Colorado is filled with mountains and trees and is all around a very beautiful place. Out of all the places in the world, Colorado is the most special because it just has that different atmosphere. The people who live there are so friendly and kind they give off a different vibe then most states. 

Something that continues to make it special is that the scenery never changes and will mostly always stay the same. There are new places to visit and things to try each time you go and that's super special because it never gets boring. 3 places you should visit while in Colorado are; Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs, and Denver. There is lots to do in Colorado Springs and Denver so plan on spending a few days in each city, or drive between the two as they’re only 2 hours apart. As you adventure the national parks, make sure to bring a water bottle or do as the hikes do get lengthy.

Some feelings this place evokes is calmness, carefree and happiness. Especially in the winter, the people seem more carefree as they hit the slopes to ski and snowboard. The snow and many other aspects of the winter add to the calmness of this state

With all of the views Colorado has to offer, this is hands down a place to visit. If you're into cities or mountains or parks, Colorado can offer you all that.

What makes the cabin special to me is all of the memories I have with my friends and family up there. Every Fourth of July my family from my dad's side goes up to our cabin and my uncle’s house. We always have a fun time. When it’s not a holiday and we go up just to go up its fun as well. Late night movies and late night board games. 

The cabin continues to be special because I know that I can always have more fun memories. Everytime I go up to my cabin I know I will have fun or make a memory. During the fourth I know I will make a memory. It can be from hanging with my cousins or hanging with my brother or going tubing. The cabin will continue to be a great place for everyone. When my brother was up there with his girlfriend he proposed. 

The feeling of the cabin is always happy. You feel joy when you walk in. Everytime I go up with people like friends and family I become happy. I become happy because I know that people will have a good time. You look out toward the water and see boats but you see the water. The water is calm but if you look out more sometimes you can see people in a boat talking and having fun. My cabin is a place where you can be happy and have a good time being yourself. 

If I ever bring you to my cabin or you ever just go to my cabin with your family I would recommend going during the summer time. I feel like you can do a lot more in the summertime. In the summer time you can  hear the birds chirping. You hear the frogs croaking. Also during the summer time you can go tubing. You can go fishing. You can go on walks. You can do so much more stuff during the summer time. When you go up to my cabin be ready to have some fun.

If you enjoy night life, or are a music enthusiast, this city is a must for you. The smooth sound of jazz fills the streets. The city and its surrounding areas have much to offer throughout the day. One of my personal favorite memories was in the early hours of the morning as I had to wake up to continue my training while I was away from home. My friend and I had just finished our workout and had stepped onto the roof deck that overlooked the city with warm cups of coffee. They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but I’d argue New Orleans doesn’t either, because as the sun delayed its rise a layer of fog lifted and jazz again was playing. 

As jazz continues to be a thread, Preservation Hall offers an up-close and personal experience to immerse yourself for an hour. Do not be fooled however, the raw authenticity of this wonder does mean the humid air will not be alleviated by modern air conditioning.  To truly understand the city, a tour of the city by day followed by a ghost tour at night should also be at the top of your list. And surely a trip to the Big Easy cannot be complete without several sweet and billowy beignets sure to cover your face in endless powdered sugar. I know you may argue a single trip to the city couldn’t possibly qualify me to deem Cafe Du Monde the clear frontrunner in this delightful dessert, but they certainly will ensure you too will find a love for this city much as I did. 

Overall, I highly recommend going to this place, you truly have to witness it yourself to believe it.  I didn’t mention a lot of the things there because there is just so much to see for yourself.

Because there was heavy snow on the ground in the middle of February, I was more than excited to leave Wisconsin for a few days. We were all extremely excited, all 7 coach buses filled with students eager for the trip. It was an eighteen hour drive, traveling through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Being stuck and sleeping on a bus with your friends can create some serious bonding time. But finally we reached our destination New Orleans, Louisiana.   

It was like someone flipped a light switch of cultures and atmosphere. The sights, the music, the warmth and sun, the history, the people. It was simply breathtaking. My friends and I simply couldn't contain ourselves...well at least I couldn't. What I can really remember from that first day was my tour guide. Being the goddess of a human being and the character she was, she was one of my favorite people I met on that trip. But if you ever pronounce New Orleans wrong, she’ll snap back at you and make sure you say it right.  

And with all of the amazing places we could have started with to visit, we visited the above ground grave yards on our first day there. Now originally I wasn’t thrilled with this. However I can honestly say that those were one of the most fascinating concepts I have seen. The graves themselves were massive, stone structures above the ground that towered over most of the tourists that passed. Believe or not, Nicolas Cage has a giant pyramid reserved for a spot in the graveyard we visited for when he dies. I would definitely recommend anyone to check it out.  

Understandably, visiting a graveyard on a trip isn’t the most exciting thing, but a stroll into the french quarter, and that's where the real party starts. Around every corner are bars, cafes, and small restaurants where you could get anything you could possibly want. However one of the best cafes you must go to in the French Quarter is the Cafe Beignet. Trust me, their beignets will change your life. Spontaneous marching bands sprout throughout the quarter, my tour group daringly decided to join one. And once the sun sets, those small marching bands transform into parades with floats and lights and loud music. It’s something where you have to see for yourself in order to believe.   

If the party sense isn’t your style, take a boat ride through the bayous and swamps.You have the opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife like raccoons, gators, wild boars and many more. Just warning beforehand, definitely bring a jacket. It gets a little cold moving as fast as you do in those boats. 

Everyday I wish I could go back because that trip was the most fun I've ever had in a long time. I can keep going on and on about this trip, what we did, and how much fun it was. But for the sake of time and sanity, I think it’s best if you just go experience it yourself. And don’t forget to bring your friends, it makes the experience that much better.