My loosely-planned trip eventually took me to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Along the way, I improved my Spanish-speaking ability tenfold, I met dozens of people from countries throughout the world, discovered my love for observing animals in the wild, dived into the world of Scuba for the first time, and had countless experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

My adventures here shaped my future travels. As a relative novice I made plenty of mistakes, and I learned from most of them. I also realised the aspects of travel I love the most, and continued to strive for them in the years to come.

In recounting my trip, I want to emphasise the diversity of opportunities available on an extended trip to various countries, while highlighting the most amazing thing about travel is how it makes you feel. It can inspire you, challenge you, disappoint you, and enrich your life all in the same journey – as this trip did for me.