Growing up, there was always a sense of belonging missing from my life. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I knew I wanted to travel and see the world, but I knew that I would. On my first big trip - volunteering for a month in Australia - 20 year old me felt like she finally fully belonged: in exploring uncharted territory and thriving in the unfamiliarity that somehow felt familiar.

Since that trip, traveling across the globe has brought me solace, healing, and adventures. It’s shown me strengths I never knew I had. It introduced me to lifelong friends who have become family. It’s brought me true joy and happiness.

So why do I travel?

Because in each new place I visit, a fire is ignited in my soul like nothing else can do. Because through immersing myself in other cultures, I know life is about more than just the Bay Area bubble I grew up in. And most importantly, because every time I do, I feel that sense of belonging which always feels like coming home.

 | Originally from Daly City, CA, USA | 32 | Currently in Daly City, CA but soon to be Germany! |

| www.instagram.com/avagailadventures | www.avagailadventures.com |