Having traveled alone to Switzerland, I became acutely aware of how important companionship is when traveling. While exploring a new culture and relishing the beauty of the country’s nature, I realized that a key component of enjoying travel is being able to share that joy with someone along with you. Some of life’s most memorable memories are created by sharing experiences with others. Two years ago, my boyfriend Ryan and I decided to try something new and travel adventurously. We vacationed in the Florida Keys and skydived for the first time. We also got Scuba certified. Last summer we sailed down to the Keys and lived on a 19 ft sailboat for a week. Ryan could not have been a better captain! He mapped out our course and knew exactly where we were at all times – which is pretty impressive on the waterways without roads. He was prepared for the worst and when things didn’t quite go as planned (as they are bound to every now and then, especially on a boat), he was calm and collected. Ryan has made a big difference in my life, leading me not only in travel, but also in life – through a way of thinking. Who better to travel with than your best friend and life partner? We’ve shared some amazing experiences together and hopefully we can look back on them together for years to come. After all, no one will ever laugh as hard at my story about the horseflies on Elliot Cay, like Ryan.