We just recently had spring break (a true joy for teachers and students alike).
During that time, my husband and I went to Spain. Needless to say we had an amazing time, and I keep rolling the experiences over my mind. It was both our first time to Spain & to Europe together.
It got me thinking that travel is the ultimate learning experience -- outdoor education as we walked miles through the cities we visited, conversations with locals and with travelers learning from each other, awareness of how other countries do things that we take for granted, comparing 'us versus them' and 'new versus old' and noticing that both can be exceptional...and that we are richer for the experience.
All of this during my trip reflection led to these ABC benefits of travel and all of the things I loved about our trip--big, small, important, powerful, significant, and meaningful.
Architecture & art and an astonishment of "how did they do that, so long ago, with less tools and technology to build these amazing structures?"
Bevy of beverages...not to mention bon voyages, backpacks, boarding passes, and bounding into new experiences.
Churches & cathedrals & capturing the visual sensation of old worlds and modern times coming together.
Deepen understanding of others and their diversity.
Exposure to exotic &/or extraordinary experiences, exploring different cultures, and exercising through miles of exploration.
Food, flavor, fun, flexibility (as things don't always go the way you expect), ....and for us: flamenco!
Gives you a chance to become a global citizen, seeing how interconnected & similar we are despite our differences.
Hands-on history lessons where you get to be at the heart of where so much has happened and see the impact humans have had on a place over time.
Increases empathy & exposes you to brand new horizons & it impacts your way of thinking and it illuminates new ideas.
Journeys have a way of jump-starting your creative juices as you see things through a different lens.
Keeps you on your toes as you navigate new territory, keenly aware on the kaleidoscope of new sights in front of you.
Learning thru immersion and sometimes even the uncertainty of local languages and getting lost.
Make meaningful memories while meandering, and meeting others along the way.
Novelty, newness, and nature nourish our soul and keeps us energized.
Overcoming small hurdles like getting around and trying to communicate in other languages gives a great opportunity for growth.
Perspectives, people-watching, & opportunities to practice patience.
Quaint little shops & quiet corners are what make new places quintessential gifts along your quest.
Real opportunity to build rapport and relationships with your fellow ramblers, while also reaffirming that rest, relaxation, and reflection are so important in order to emotionally, spiritually, and mentally readjust from the rigors of every day life.
Stepping out of your own comfort zone and savoring the sights, sounds, sensations, & situations of somewhere brand new to you.
Time takes on new meaning, you are totally “in the moment” when traveling.
Unexpected and unique ways to unplug and step away from the urge to gravitate toward your technology.
Value and validation comes in the voyage, vision, and new-to-you view and vantage point of vacations.
Wanderlust gives you the chance to coddiwample: wander forth freely without a destination.
‘Xcursions can give you ‘xactly what you need if you approach travel with an open mind.
You can feel young at heart as you travel, since you are never to old to learn and experience something new.
Zeal for life and zen moments abound as travel reignites passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the world around you.
From our virtual travel companion, Rick Steves (who was only a Kindle book away):
“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.”
We came home with all of that -- and all of the above -- for sure!
