My Biggest Advice: Travel as much as you can.

For the past 5 months I had the opportunity to study and travel throughout Europe. I studied at a University just north of Stockholm, Sweden. Throughout those months I visited 7 counties, made great friends, tried good food, and made some amazing memories. I was one of the best decisions I have every made, and here is some things I think you should keep in mind.

"Your 20's are your selfish years. It's a decade to immerse yourself in every single thing possible. Be selfish with your time and all the aspects of you. Tinker with shit, travel, explore, love a lot, love a little, and never touch the ground" - Kyoko Escamilla

I grew up with a family that truly appreciated the ability to go to other places throughout the world. My grandpa always says that traveling can not only teach you about other cultures, but also things about yourself that you would have never known. You learn how to adapt to another culture whether it's through gestures, languages, or tradition. It is amazing how much grocery shopping in a different language will teach you. You learn to plan out what you need in advance, take your time, use your context clues and surrounds, use a translator, and use a different currency. By then end of my 5 months abroad I felt so comfortable when going out a shopping.

My next advice is to take pictures and videos. With todays technology we have the ability to store thousands of videos, so take as many as you want. Take pictures of things you want to whether its family, friends, plants, animals, the sun, etc. Capture it all. You'll thank yourself later when you can go back and relive the moments you captured. My only advice with taking pictures, is don't live through your screen. Take your pictures, then put your phone or camera down and take in your surroundings and be in the moment.

You have to keep in mind that comfort isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to traveling. We all imagine ourselves on a beach laying under the sun, soaking in the heat. But sometimes plans fall through, you missed the train or plane, the weather is not good, and other disappointing things happen throughout your travels. When this happens you have to sit back and appreciate that you even had the chance to do this. Then take after my friends and I and say "it's for the plot", meanings its happening for a reason. That phrase was used many times by us throughout our travels.

If doing "touristy" activities makes you happy, then do them. Don't make others make you feel bad about doing such things. Sometimes there's a stigma around doing touristy things. Certain activities and locations are popular for a reason. If being a tourist isn't your type of thing, then try to live like a local in the area. Go to local restaurants and bars. Go to the movies, markets, or even a sports game. Both ways of travel are fun and will give you very different experiences.

I challenge you within the next year go somewhere. It doesn't have to be far away from home, it should be somewhere you've never been or somewhere you want to discover more of. Whether it is a different country, state, or the town right down the road from you. Go out a do it. You'll get a sense of appreciation for other people are parts of the world. And most of all, you'll be proud of yourself for going out of your comfort of your home.