My family was never much into travel. We moved to the States in '93 and my parents basically focused on their jobs & providing for the family. There were the occasional 1 hour road trips to Disney World & Universal Studios, but that was about it for vacations.

Once we had a big trip in 2002, a Thanksgiving in New York City. I thought that was pretty cool.

I got into college and absolutely no traveling occurred, as I was paying my way via scholarships & my own money. Making sure that I had no debts when I graduated.

Then, I took a study abroad in Quebec City in Summer 2006. That solidified my love of travel. That experience will forever be with me.

When I got back to Florida, I took many road trips with some foreign exchange students in my University & played tourist in my home state. Visited Miami, Key West, Naples & Cape Canaveral.

By now, I really loved seeing new places. Though I'm still not in the FF game.

By 2008, I had graduated college and had a job in the news business. By October, I wanted a break...Saw an AA deal for Paris, then I saw their "fly now, pay later." Signed up for an AA card & took my first TATL to Europe.

Unfortunately, I didn't request to get the miles from that Paris trip.

Fast forward to March this year, my next travel adventure was a photographer gig on a cruise ship. I did 2 months in the Mexican Riviera & 3 months going from Seattle to Alaska. Naturally, I rarely had the opportunity to use my AA card & I certainly couldn't do the coins.

Now that I'm back on solid ground, I'm making up for lost time. For someone who's traveled as much as I have, I have very little points...I'm ready for my next Int'l adventure for next year (whether or not I have points).