I wouldn’t necessarily class myself as a thrill-seeker, an explorer or remotely adventurous. But there is nothing more fulfilling to me than waking up a in a new city or nothing quite like watching the sun go down while sailing on the Caribbean Sea.

In my twenty-something years, I have been fortunate enough to travel to different parts of the world and have savoured every minute of it. Whether it’s sipping Cosmos in NYC, getting stranded on an island in the Caribbean or canalling in Amsterdam, here are my top twenty reasons why you should make travelling in your twenties a top priority.

1. You become a storyteller.

Everyone has been there. That awkward moment in social situations and you are stuck for a conversation starter. An instant ice breaker is to casually throw in your recent/future travel plans and in a lot of cases find some common ground with those around you. An added bonus, you will have cool stories to share with your friends and family.

2. Documenting your life.

Whether you Instagram, Snapchat or blog it, capture those moments. Creating a montage of personal memories that years from now you can look back on fondly. Just try not to spend every moment on your phone!

3. You get an education.

Education should never start and finish in a classroom. Travelling opens your eyes to a new way of life and you learn from your surroundings and the people you interact with. You may not master a new language straight away but the locals will appreciate that you picked up phrases such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’

4. Escapism.

Whether your at school, college or working, the routine of daily life can become monotonous. So taking a break to travel can be the change of pace (or new lease of life) you have been craving.

5. You meet new people.

You meet people that are culturally different to you. You get to know others you may never have encountered in your home town. You are essentially enriching your own life by embracing people that are completely different to what and who you know. It can also lead to life-long friendships.

6. To see beauty.

The world is an amazing place, full of wonders that will take your breath away. You should be out there seeing the world in all its glory.

7. To get lost in a new city.

When you are somewhere brand new, you are stepping out of your comfort zone. It is normal to not know your way around town. So getting lost in a new place can help you build the confidence to face any challenge that life throws at you.

8. To find yourself.

Travelling is the perfect time for self-reflection and to help put things in perspective. You have the time to question the choices that you have made or about to make and discover who you truly are as a person. It allows you the time to focus on what you want from life.

9. De-stress.

Going abroad can help you to relax and remove yourself from the stresses of daily life. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you get back to reality.

10. Expand your talents and interests.

Maybe you are into rock climbing or a lover of wildlife but wherever your interests or talents lay use travelling as a means to pursue that activity. Doing the things that you love in a new environment is a great way to broaden your horizons.

11. Sample new cuisines.

One of my personal favourites when travelling. The perfect excuse to taste new foods and let your taste buds relish different flavours. It is an absolute must to try the ‘signature’ dishes in the places you visit.

12. To volunteer.

You can take it as an opportunity to give back to the global community. Whether it is teaching young children or working on a building project for the disadvantaged it will be a rewarding experience. Also, you will feel the benefits of giving back to those who are less fortunate than you.

13. You learn appreciation.

Travelling allows you to remember that we must not take anything for granted. You meet people whose circumstances are totally different to your own and learn to appreciate all that you do have.

14. You face your fears.

Maybe you have always wanted to travel but a nagging feeling of trepidation creeps in. Ignore it! If going on a trip around the world is what you want to do it then get the wheels in motion and just go. Fear is a feeling designed to trap you into not reaching your goals.

15. Adventure.

Maybe you are quite the explorer and that side of your personality desperately wants to come out. So go hike, surf or swim underwater with sea life. Adventure makes sure that when you’re travelling you are always doing something new.

16. Freedom.

Another part of travelling is having freedom. You have the flexibility to do what you want and the constraints of regular life become a distant memory but the feeling of opportunity seems endless.

17. Just for the fun of it.

Whether you choose to go solo or in a group, enjoy it. Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening and laugh till the tears fall down your cheeks.

18. Your time on this earth is not forever.

You could travel in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or at retirement but your experience will be totally different. Our priorities change all the time, so live to explore right now as tomorrow is not guaranteed.

19. Y.O.L.O.

You only live once. What is a life worth living if you are only living day by day. Live in the present, stop fretting about the future. Remember, no regrets.

20. So what are you waiting for?