5 Ways Travel Can Find You the Love of Your Life

And I don't mean finding a steamy Italian lover (unless you have a true passion for espresso).

1) You're going to find yourself, and you're going to love you. If you're someone who's traveled a lot, there's probably an abundance of confidence... when you're traveling you push yourself, sometimes without even realizing it, and you find out that there are so many hidden strengths. You'll absolutely fall in love with yourself.

photo source: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12852/9-tips-to-be-a-savvy-solo-woman-traveler.html

2) You'll fall in love with food. America is famous for big food, but often we exchange real spices for salt and sugar. Western Europe, the East, South America all use amazing flavors to make simple foods extraordinary. You'll love to eat, and love to cook.

Portugese Roompasteitjes photo credit: koken.vtm.be

3) You'll love getting around (not in the dirty way). The market is a five minute walk from your apartment, there is a cafe beneath your balcony, and the bus stop is across the street. The freedom that comes with not driving everywhere is amazing, and you save a lot of money.

Lisbon tram photo source: onbluepoolroad.com

4) You'll fall in love with the people. If you put yourself out there, you're going to meet some freaking amazing people. Almost every country I've been to has competed for the title of 'most hospitable country in the world', and it's easy to see why. So far Ukraine holds top rankings in my book of experiences for most welcoming, but that was a tough place to earn. If you stay positive and are willing to share stories, you'll be welcomed right in to most families.

Visiting a wonderful Ukrainian family. Photo source: Things Your Mom Never Told You About Travel

5)  You'll love coming home. This means something different for every person. Sometimes it means that home becomes comforting and you love coming back. For some people it is a chance to share experiences with the ones you love. For others, coming home is a lovely reminder that you love to be abroad. Not in a snarky way, but sometimes it takes coming home to get the courage to go back out again. Whichever category you fall under, coming home is sweet... a sweet reminder of where you're going, or a way to share where you've been.

Franconia Notch photo credit: anthromorph.thisisearth.net