What I get from Travel

I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica, which gave me a chance to think about why I travel and what it does for me. Let me start by acknowledging that I am blessed. I am blessed to be born where I was and have the opportunities I have had to afford the finances and ability to travel. I know that not everyone can do this. However, if you have the means, I really encourage you to.

First, travel is fun. You can see that cataloged in a future post I make about my trip to Costa Rica. What I want to focus on is the feeling of closeness that travel has given me.

My story with travel is one that started very close by and expanded as I got older. I am by no means the most traveled person. I made my first trip to Europe just this year. When I was a kid, travel was all within the states; mainly in the Western US. We rarely flew, but Dad would drive overnight to get us places. As I got older work took me to more exciting places around the US and even to Mexico. This was my first taste of International travel. Cruising took me to many more Caribbean countries and this year I can add Portugal and Costa Rica to the mix. Later this year I will be adding France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. (It is quite a travel year!)

All of this travel has given me a sense of humanity. It brings me closer to other cultures, makes me appreciate what I have, but also makes me more understanding of the situations others are in. We may all have different governments, ideologies, financial circumstances, etc., but everyone has the same needs. We all need a roof over our head and food for our families. People are people, regardless of where they live or what they look like. We also have something to learn from one another, if we just listen and observe. For instance, in Portugal I learned what café culture is all about. The enjoyment of a meal as a social time. Not just simply as eating quickly and then leaving as quickly as possible. Eating out was about sipping a coffee or enjoying a simple meal with friends and family. In Costa Rica, I have learned about being appreciative for what is in front of you right now. Living in the moment, living Pura Vida!

Now when I see something in the news about Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, or the Virgin Islands, I don’t just see nameless faces, but I see the people I have met and the off the cuff conversations we have had. It makes me care more about the world and the people in it. It also forces me to ask more questions of myself when geo political events or issues are presented. I firmly believe in the USA, but I think it is important to expand one’s world view. We can’t be so arrogant to think we always have the best way of doing something. Travel has allowed me to look outside of my preconceived notions and view others perspectives and ways of acting upon a problem. For instance, I think we have a lot to learn about stress in this country. I think we also have a lot to learn about family time and work/life balance. There are other places that do it better.

Again, I am blessed to have the opportunities I do. Whether it is through travel, reading, watching YouTube; take time to expand your experiences. For me that has been through travel and I’m excited to continue!!!