by Michael Satterfield
Mark Twain once said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." Today nearly 60% of Americans don't have a passport, a number that was only slightly bumped by the post 9/11 changes requiring a passport to visit Mexico and Canada. It is no wonder that the current political climate so many on both sides don't understand what they are talking about when it comes to the world in general.
I have always had the urge to travel, to see it all myself, to talk to people, to share stories, and take pictures. Not everyone has this innate need to travel, some don't have the desire to see it first hand, others make excuses why they can't. Time, money, they don't speak the language, fear of terrorism, or just about any other reason. But no matter if it a weekend road trip to a neighboring city or an epic overseas adventure, the benefits of experiencing the world first hand are countless, here are five of my top reasons why you (especially Americans) should travel.
1. It will expand your worldview:
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Siuna, Nicaragua |
What you do find as you travel around the world is there are some universal truths. People want to raise their kids, cook with their moms, and enjoy the company of friends. They are just like you are, but completely different, and if you connect and become friends you are both better for it. You see more similarities than you thought you would have had. You are no longer "the ugly American" and they are no longer "from some shit hole country"rhetoric and assumptions melt away over a local beer and a bowl of noodles as you talk about your shared passion for sports, or motorcycles, or your kids, even if you have to use Google Translate.
2. It will make you appreciate other cultures:
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Tokyo, Japan |
I have found that no matter where in the world I have gone, people are excited to share their culture, proud to showcase their arts, and for the most part friendly and interested in meeting travelers. The key is to get off the beaten path, visit some of the less traveled areas, see how people live outside the tourist zone, you might get invited to someone's home for dinner, or shown a place that isn't in the tourist guides.
3. It will make you appreciate your own culture:
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Riding a motorcycle across the USA |
When you are interacting with people on your travels they will ask you questions about your home, things you may have never thought about. Things that will inspire you to want to learn more about your own city, state, and country. It is not uncommon for people to go overseas and then find themselves wanting to travel more in their own country
4. You will be more grateful for what you have:
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Sumatra, Indonesia |
But once you get outside the seduction of the familiar, the comfort of every day, you find yourself noticing that the world is a vastly different pace than the neighborhood you grew up in. You will see that, in much of the world, people don't have the same freedoms, opportunities, or security that many of us take for granted. You will also see they are living their lives, finding happiness, and optimistic for the future. Because while American is not perfect it is one of the most unique places in the world with an exciting blend of cultures and landscapes.
5. I will inspire you more than you know:
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Rome, Italy |
Some of you will get inspired on your first trip to see more, others will want to move overseas for a few years, some forever, while others will want to serve the global community and volunteer. Traveling changes you, shifts your perspective and gives you a window into the world that those who lead lives of quiet desperation will never know.
So where is your next adventure going to take you?