Why Travel Matters: A Guide to the Life-Changing Effects of Travel

Catch your breath and wonder at the diversity of experiences and unexpected exposures that the wanderer gathers while exploring regions beyond the home enclosure. Craig Start, an expert in the field of intercultural communications and an experienced traveler, enthusiastically describes the mind-expanding power of entering differing locations, partaking in unusual lifestyles, becoming aware of native arts and sounds, sampling unknown cuisines, becoming familiar with novel traditions, gaining a feel for new languages, reading body language, and being embraced by unfamiliar foreigners who suddenly transform into friends. This engrossing guide describes how the power of travel expands understanding of different cultures, shows how geography and history mold varying civilizations, and explains why the true traveler implanted in unfamiliar turf inwardly matures while their worldviews are broadened. Sharply criticizing tourism as an insulated way of viewing foreign sites, travel is lauded as the true educational experience. Reinforcing this view are quotes from famous and familiar writers from the 17th century to the present such as Robert Byron, Mark Twain, Ursula Le Guin, Freya Stark, and many others. For those who have truly traveled, this is a warm, familiar tale; for those who only tour or sit at home, this may be the spark needed to whet one’s wanderlust