Pennsylvania is easily said to be one of the the most beautiful states in the country. From the nooks and crannies of historic Philadelphia all the way to Pittsburgh, the Steel City, you are bound to discover the beauty, virtue, grace, and refinement it has to offer. The allure of the Keystone State is diverse through every twist and turn you make throughout.

Although the Northeastern and mid- Atlantic state has a lot to offer, the rest of the United States is something to be seen. Each and every state has its own element to add to the big picture, not mattering if it’s the hills of Hollywood or the consecrate town of St. Augustine, Florida. Discovering and investigating the nation’s finest towns is something special and noteworthy; never take it for granted.

Recently, I have been granted with the opportunity to travel to Phoenix, Arizona for the trip of a lifetime.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a warm welcome from numerous flight attendants, welcoming me to a place that was so alluring. The airport was crowded with people of all ethnicities, from young to old. The hustling and bustling of the herd took me by no surprise; Phoenix is a tourist city known around the world, famous for its deserts that stretch for thousands of miles and intense sun.

As we traveled down the long series of hallways in the airport, the reality of the trip was setting in: I’m really here, in another state, breathing new air and seeing new things. I recalled looking into the mountains so clearly, with nothing on my mind but the simplicity of the moment and how divergent the world really is.

On the first day, we took a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Although I’m not sure why, Sedona had something magnificent about it, something that lured me in. Perhaps it’s the profound scenery or the tranquility of the air. That is something I’ll never know.

Sedona has a reputation for housing many of the world’s most beautiful rock formations and small villages. The red rocks are millions of years old, forming due to water erosion from channels in the mountains. These rocks are something special, glowing and shining as sun reflects upon them. They are home to countless creatures such as quails, cardinals, the ring tail cat, and many more.

Nestled into the rocks above is a sacred church that goes by the name of “Chapel of the Holy Cross.” This is a hallowed location in the city for many reasons. The uncommon architecture of the building makes this an attraction, no matter the race or religion you practice.

Sedona is known for a strange phenomenon granted the name “spiritual vortexes.” Legend has it one is located on the grounds of the chapel. “Spiritual vortexes are powerful and transformational energy centers that are located at specific sites throughout the city. They are the intersections of natural electromagnetic energies, symbolized by twisted trees,” quotes sedonaredrocktours.com. Many visitors have reported feeling overwhelming religious presence in the area, making it one of the biggest hotspots for religious practice in the United States.

Throughout the next few days, I was able to explore the city and everything around it. My days included taking in the serenity and observing the bright atmosphere surrounding myself.

Traveling is a blessing that is something to never be taken for granted. I have learned in the past how important it is to break a routine and step out of your comfort zone, whether it be outside the state or even outside your town. I encourage people of all ages to explore the possibilities living ahead of you, you will not be disappointed.