A World of Difference: How Travel Can Change Your Life
Do you remember your first time on an airplane? Mine was at age 13, on a school trip to Washington D.C. and New York City. (Sorry for the blurry photo above. My camera at the time was a disposable camera!) I sold candy bars to help pay for the trip, but honestly, I think I ate more than I sold. My parents really stretched their budget to make it happen, and I’m so grateful they did because that trip opened my eyes to a world much bigger than rural Idaho where I grew up. It’s where I caught the travel bug.
In my teens, I caught a few more flights but never left the U.S. until I was 19, when I went on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our church, you don't get to pick where you serve your mission, and I was assigned to go to Ghana, West Africa. Talk about jumping into the deep end! I was psyched but also a bit nervous about diving into a completely new culture and way of life.
One night, just before I left for Ghana, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with my dad, who had been on a mission to Italy when he was young. He gave me this golden piece of advice: “Son, when you go to Ghana, become a Ghanaian. Don’t try to make Americans out of them. They might do things differently than you’re used to, and it may feel frustrating at times. But if you embrace their culture and love the people, you will love your time there.”
Man, was he right! Ghana was nothing like Idaho, or anywhere in the US for that matter. Some missionaries struggled with the differences, but those of us who really tried to ‘become Ghanaians’ had the time of our lives. It taught me so much about empathy, compassion, and just seeing the world in a whole new way.
After coming back from Ghana, I didn’t stop traveling. I've now hit 35 states and 18 countries, even living in Mexico for a while. Each place has taught me something unique, and I'm itching to keep exploring the world.
When my wife and I started our family, we were determined to pass on the travel bug to our kids from the get-go. We’ve heard all the reasons why not to travel with young kids – it’s expensive, it’s a hassle, they won’t remember it. But we've found it so rewarding. Travel has shown our kids the beauty and diversity of the world. It’s opened their eyes to new cultures, foods, and ideas. We had our oldest on a plane when she was just a few months old and moved to Mexico when she was six months. When our oldest girls were 4 & 2, we took them to Spain, France, and England. Watching them play with other kids in Barcelona, not speaking the same language but just having fun, was magical. We often flip through our travel photos as a family, each one a precious memory.
In November of 2022, I had a bit of a full circle moment with my oldest daughter. I was invited to go back to visit Ghana with a group of former missionaries I had served with there. My wife had already been to Ghana with me once, and suggested I take my daughter, who was 8 at the time. It was incredible showing her the places and people that mean so much to me. Watching her take in such a different world was amazing – a life-changing experience for us both, giving us a deeper sense of gratitude and perspective.
So, why am I sharing all this? Because I truly believe travel changes you. It makes you more understanding, more compassionate, and just more open to different ways of life. Not to mention that it’s just plain fun! And the best time to start traveling is now. Don’t wait until the kids are older, or you have more time or money. Just find a way to make it happen. Life’s too short, and these experiences, these moments with our loved ones, are what truly matter.
Five Facets of Health: Week 35
If you're new to the 5 Facets of Health, learn more here. Avoid trying to implement everything at once! These suggestions are meant to spark ideas. To build healthy habits, focus on one or two aspects over the next week.
Physical Health
Exploring a new city by running is a fantastic way to keep fit while traveling. Packing your running shoes can transform your travel experience, offering a unique way to see the sights while staying active. I love running in new places!
"Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible, nothing unattainable."
— Kara Goucher
Action: Next time you travel, plan a morning run in your destination. It could be a jog through the city, a park, or along the beach. Use it as a chance to discover new sights and keep your body moving.
Mental Health
Travel can be stressful, but preparation and a flexible mindset can make all the difference. Accept that things might not always go as planned, and see these moments as opportunities for unique experiences.
"Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."
— Allen Saunders
Action: For your next trip, prepare a checklist well in advance. Include travel essentials and any necessary plans but also mentally prepare to embrace the unexpected with a positive attitude.
Emotional/Social Health
Curiosity and open-mindedness enrich our emotional and social well-being. Embracing diverse perspectives not only broadens our horizons but also fosters understanding and connection with others.
"The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size."
— Albert Einstein
Action: Strike up a conversation with someone from a different background or culture. Listen actively and seek to understand their perspective without judgment.
Spiritual Health
Recognizing the inherent goodness in people, regardless of cultural differences, fosters spiritual health. Understanding that we are all trying our best in our own ways can lead to greater compassion and empathy.
"We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring."
— Catherine Pulsifer
Action: Reflect on a recent interaction where cultural differences were evident. Approach it from a perspective of learning and understanding, recognizing the common humanity.
Financial Health
Travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Utilizing flight deals and travel rewards from credit cards can make your travel dreams more achievable and financially sustainable.
"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving."
— Warren Buffett
Action: Research and sign up for a travel rewards credit card or a flight deal alert service. Start planning your next trip with a budget in mind, focusing on maximizing these benefits.