Texas is a big state and the United States is a big country, but it’s surprising how many people can say they’ve never left the U.S., or even Texas.

Oh, and that vacation to Cancun where you sat by the pool and drinks came with little umbrellas doesn’t count. That’s not a different country, it’s a tourist trap.

Travel can seem like an ominous thing. It’s exhausting and stressful. And that’s not including packing.

J.R.R. Tolkien put it best in his book The Fellowship of the Ring, when he said, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

He wasn’t kidding. That’s what makes travel so intimidating: the journey into the unknown. Even if you’re traveling to a place you’ve been before, you never know what might happen on the journey.

It’s time to embrace the thrill of the quest.

This doesn’t mean focusing solely on the destination. There are lessons to be learned en route, but they are not always obvious. Interesting people can be met on trains, buses and planes. The best way to see a city or country for what it really is is to travel like the natives do.

Once you reach your destination, soak up as much as you can. This means going beyond the landmarks marked on the itinerary. Do your best to find the differences from your own culture and study them.

Studying a new location and culture doesn’t require using the scientific method or hours of observation with a clipboard. It involves expanding your perceptions, a.k.a, trying new things.

Food is the best way to educate yourself. And no, eating at a McDonalds or KFC in Europe does not count. Food speaks volumes about culture, location and people. Even if you don’t like it, it’s fun to say you’ve tried something exotic.

Getting away from sites populated by tourists is another way to get the most out of your travel experience. The tourist population often skews views about a certain place. Instead, try exploring off the beaten path.

Travel is not only a great way to enjoy yourself, it is an educational experience that can give you something that a textbook or classroom cannot. It’s like embarking on a quest in an epic tale, but you get to live it.

The next time you have the chance or opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and travel, don’t even think about it. Just go.