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Published: February 4th 2024
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Most of you who follow my travels and emails know that I try to connect when I travel. This means making friends, whether in the host country or with other travelers. It is readily apparent to me, that travel guru Rick Steves has copied my approach to travel!!!
He shared this in Explore: When Rick Steves talks about challenging yourself by learning about the world when you travel, it relates to his phrase "travel as a political act." This is also the title of one of his books. This idea could mean visiting a country which is slightly out of your comfort zone. Then the challenge becomes taking your broadened perspectives home with you. "Use what you've learned to help bring about positive change," Steves told BookTrib.
The overarching theme that drives the idea of "travel as a political act" is human connection. Steves believes that talking to people you meet while traveling can help you understand issues being faced in a particular region of the world. There are countless "us vs. them" situations all over the world, but Steves finds that traveling can bridge such gaps. " traveling, we realize the challenges of our future will
be blind to borders and best overcome not by conflict and walls, but by community," Steves states on his
website. So, challenge yourself by connecting with the people on your journeys. Maybe ask someone in Mexico what they like and dislike about living there. Perhaps the person's answer will give you a new perspective.
Well, I promise not to sue him for plagiarism, but OMG. Why has nobody else come up with these thoughts??
While we are on the subject of travel, please read this:
What's the No. 1 thing people regret not seeing? It turns out that most people wish they had been able to see the magical yet elusive northern lights.
This natural light show is usually only visible in the Arctic Circle during winter, which means travelers have to withstand extreme cold and spend a heck of a lot of money getting to remote places — all without the guarantee of seeing the aurora borealis. The idea that they might spend thousands of dollars and not get to witness the miracle turns many people off trying their luck.
But if we can learn anything from those who've lived longer, it seems like
the chance is worth it.
You know I have seen the Aurora Borealis, and I specifically chose to do this in Alaska. Why? Because Alaska is in the US, and a bit closer and less expensive than other places. I also wanted to reach the Arctic Circle, see the famous Alaskan Pipeline, the always dangerous Alcan Highway, take the Denali Star Railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage and eat reindeer sausage in Fairbanks.
I visited Alaska twice before, both on business. On the first trip, in the middle of summer, I experienced the long daylight hours. The second trip involved establishing a satellite link for the major hospital in Anchorage. And perhaps at a much younger age, it seemed like a foreign country!!
Can you believe it is farther from SFO to NYC (2902 miles), than SFO to Anchorage (3070 miles)??
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