Mariana shares pictures from the many places she has traveled to in different countries around the world.
As an international student who has been lucky enough to travel to more than ten countries, I can say that traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve visited places like Spain, Italy, Malta, London, Amsterdam, Costa Rica, Monaco, Serbia and the United States — where I’ve explored more than a dozen states. Each trip has taught me something new about the world and about myself.
In Spain, I learned the joy of slowing down and enjoying simple moments, like sharing long meals with friends. In Italy, I saw how passion for food, art and conversation can bring people together. Malta showed me how history can be felt in every corner, and Amsterdam taught me to appreciate freedom and creativity. Even traveling within the U.S. has opened my eyes to how different each state feels — from the fast pace of New York to the calm beauty of the Midwest.
Traveling has made me more open-minded and confident. It’s not always easy to adapt to new languages, foods and customs, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Every time I visit a new place, I learn to understand people better and see the world from a new point of view.
I truly believe everyone should travel if they can — not just to see famous landmarks, but to experience how others live, think and feel. Traveling reminds us that the world is bigger than our comfort zones and that there’s beauty in every culture. For me, every trip is a lesson, and every country is a piece of who I am today.
