From Ricky Nelson to Bob Seger with many more references to traveling in between, before and after, the subject of traveling has been written about and sung about forever. John Steinbeck penned a gem called Travels with Charley. Steinbeck traveled the United States with his Standard Poodle Charley. We receive a glimpse of America as it was during 1960. The reader seemed to be in the car with them as they traveled, for one, Route 66, meeting people and other places along the journey to discover the United States.
The greatest benefit of traveling for me is to come to the realization that the country and world are so much bigger than my neighborhood, city, and state. Each month, the National Geographic magazine took us to places unimaginable. It showed us animals and insects and reptiles we could not even fathom existed. We saw aboriginal peoples dressed in costumes and body paints. Closer to home, George Perrot and Dennis Glen Cooper on their weekly television program provided us with film of wonderful areas to which they had traveled.
And today, Rick Steves entices us with videos of his travels around the world. Just watching one of his many shows makes us want to go there to experience the place first hand. Wow! Seeing these amazing places on television or in pictures, however, pales to actually being there.
In our book Black and White Like You and Me, we conclude that ignorance causes prejudice. Until we get to know people from other races and nations, we create stereotypes.
Traveling around the world might be a financial and physical hardship for many; however, getting outside your own comfort zone is a necessity for growth and improvement. So, even if it is to a neighboring state or an unknown part of your own state, plan a trip, pack your bag, grab a partner and get going. It is a big world out there. It is time to explore it.
PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Armstrong
