Changes In Latitude & Attitude

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” – Mark Twain
 
These powerful words seem even more meaningful and important today.

There are so many benefits to travel, but seeing the world from a different perspective teaches us an extremely important lesson no matter where we are.  That lesson is to open our minds.

Escaping everyday life allows us to let go of the constant buzz and makes room to welcome new experiences, places and people.  Traveling is like writing the first chapter of a new book.  It’s exciting and stretches the mind.
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Travel insists that we appreciate that we are all the same… but different. 
Your opinions and understanding of people and places may or may not be correct.  In order to find out though, you need to openly explore the possibilities.  Staying objective will lead you to the truth as well as more tolerance for other points of view and a few surprises along the way.

Being outside of your comfort zone makes you humble.  There is so much more out there and the world does not revolve around you.  In college I spent a study abroad semester in Salzburg, Austria and that experience has shaped me into the person I am today.  Academically I learned a ton, but most importantly my mind flourished and I learned even more about myself.  I learned:

• about being on my own FAR away from home 
• how other countries view the United States
• that it is ok if everything is closed on Sunday 
• to travel on a budget
• about missing trains and spending the night in train stations
• what it is like to be misunderstood
• that Austrians sneak schnapps in their ski poles
• to bravely try new types of food and drink
• that I am flexible and able to adapt
• that when I want something, I can make it happen 

Most of all I learned to appreciate and respect other people whose attitudes, customs and beliefs are different than my own.

When you return home from an incredible travel experience, you realize that even though nothing has changed at home – you have.  Your changes in latitude will have a positive affect on your life as well as on everyone you encounter.
 
Travel changes you – mind, body and soul.  It’s greatest gift is an attitude  for the better.