Comments on: Why Travel Can Change the World

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:28:11 +0000

I think this is a wonderful article. We need more people like you.

Kathy

By: Prêt à Voyager

Prêt à Voyager — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:49:21 +0000

I was so mad when my university initially grant me credits for going on the Semester at Sea study abroad program (particularly since they’ve adopted the program and run it now). My attitude is that as much time as you spend in a classroom, you can’t help but learn [more] by actually being in a place. Sometimes you learn things that you weren’t “supposed” to learn (don’t even get me started on teaching to the test), which is exciting because the possibilities are endless when one travels…

By: Lifecruiser

Lifecruiser — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:25:56 +0000

This is such a great post. I totally agree with all you say here, but I must start with saying that I’m so tired of the negative news all the time. Why on earth are the focus always on the negative things? Why not bring up all the positive things in the news instead? I believe that both negativity and positivity is contagious, so why not choose to spread the good things? Plus that the human side of everything is vanishing, replaced by money. It’s all about the money. We’re destroying for ourselves. I’ll never ever understand that.
Me too are glad that the youngsters are more aware of the rest of the world and longing out there. It sure gives hopes for a better future with more understanding.

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:40:39 +0000

@Chris Noble: Wonderful stories. Cambodia is certainly an eye opening experience.

I’d love to respond to all the comments but I’m in a big transition period right now but I would love to say that it is good we all feel the same way about travel. Let’s keep spreading the good word!!!!

By: A. Wannabe Travelwriter

A. Wannabe Travelwriter — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:40:31 +0000

“Young people today seem more interested in travel than people my age!”

So, if you are no longer in the category of “young people” imagine how that makes someone feel who is breathing down on 60!

Do they make a walker with an iPhone bracket and charging plug?

But I can’t argue with your supposition – I know too many adults who have never had a passport. (Obviously, I am getting plenty of use of mine.)

By: Quickroute

Quickroute — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:07:18 +0000

Travel & Beer – life changing experiences and a perfect match for each other!

By: Lis -travel for the over 30s

Lis -travel for the over 30s — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:11:38 +0000

I agree – travel certainly broadens the mind but most Americans don’t travel. With the internet though you can be chatting with someone and not know or care about their religion, colour, race or sexual orientation – I think its the ultimately empowering media

By: Lanora

Lanora — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:05:01 +0000

Thanks so much for exploring these ideas. But remember, we old people can contribute to the process as well.

Having parents and grandparents who travel (and maybe drag the children along) normalizes the activity for the younger generation.

My father completed 30+ European missions as a member of the Army Air Corps 8th Air Force stationed in Britain and never flew again after that last flight back to the States. In her late 50s, older than I am now, my mother took her first–and only–flight from Chicago to Florida.

I had no role models, yet I knew I had to travel to see the world and broaden my perspective. Now I can say confidently that my children know the value of travel firsthand and by example.

By: Prime

Prime — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:42:39 +0000

My thoughts exactly! That’s why I believe that travel is one of the best forms of education (and actually helped me in my career as a journalist). I learned a lot and changed a lot because of my travels.

By: Final_Transit

Final_Transit — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:37:24 +0000

Hi Matt,

Most people are raised in a conformist society and traveling to other cultures opens their thinking a lot. If done at a younger age, I am sure it will make them tolerant adults. I feel that foreign policy diplomats must must travel (other than state visits) because sitting in one part of the world and making decisions for other is not how the way things work (resonating from your earlier post that Americans don’t travel).

You have concluded it nicely. We might not be as different but its the differences among us that makes us (collectively) rich. Nicely expressed Matt!

Priyank