My sister, Amy, is less than 2 years younger than me, and although it causes us to sometimes butt heads, it also allows us to relate as friends. We just recently returned from a last-minute trip to the Dominican Republic, which was our first time traveling together without the parental units in tow. Dipping into our savings was well worth it, and the week was a complete blast! From zip-lining, to beach volleyball, to dancing all night, we spent a lot of time together and got to know each other on a whole new level. Because we both go to different colleges, we only see each other over the breaks, and this particular winter break was full of stories and catching-up after a semester spent in very different ways.

While I just finished my most challenging and demanding semester yet, Amy was still reeling from her semester spent abroad in Australia. She missed the warm weather and her new friends, and everything I heard about for weeks was Australia. Truth is, it would be impossible for me to study abroad at this point in my schooling, and although I tried to hide it from her, I was completely and utterly jealous of her opportunity. I would love the chance to visit Down Under, and I know she would love nothing more than to return. Plus, by having the chance to travel with Amy, I’d have my own personal (albeit amateur) tour guide and finally find out first-hand what all of her non-stop rambling and gushing is all about.