I'm a firm believer in the benefits of traveling. There is not one person on this earth who wouldn't benefit from getting outside of themselves and into another culture. For that reason, I encourage you to think of a couple places in the world that not only interest you culturally—but that will also push you WAY out of your comfort zone.
Let me explain why:
When we're surrounded by the familiar—whether it be language, dress, physical appearance, or social etiquette—we become perhaps less aware of the diversity across continents. I know as a white American living in Southern California, I'm used to speaking English; seeing people dress in the Californian fashion of cool-clothing; a lot of white and Latino people; and the typical "please" and "thank you" for services provided. But what happens when we remove ourselves from the daily routine and go somewhere where we can't speak the language, we don't look like the majority, we don't dress like the majority, and we don't know why holding up a peace sign has a local old woman gawking in disgust.
If we expose ourselves to different ways of life, we gain a greater perspective on our own lives. We see how our native language may be difficult for foreigners to learn; how what we view as socially normal could be bizarre elsewhere; and our physical appearance could make us feel like the odd one out. We learn more about ourselves in terms of our identity, our specific culture's standards of living, expectations for career and family, and so on. It's amazing to see what the world has to offer, and how we humans can live vastly different lives not even that far from each other.
I want to share with you my travel bucket list and the reasons why I want to visit, so that you can create your own and get inspired to see cultures you've only ever seen in books and on T.V.—or perhaps not at all.
Here it is, my travel bucket list (in no order of importance):
1. Japan
I've been binge watching videos of life in Japan, and it looks incredible—and very, very foreign. I don't speak Japanese, I sure as hell can't read it, and the respect people show one another there is on another level. I want to try traditional Japanese food, meet locals, visit shrines, temples, and historic landmarks; and I would love to go into a Japanese 7/11—have you seen them?! It would also make me feel very singled-out because of my obviously Western appearance, so I would easily stick out as a foreigner. But that's the point—to push myself out of my comfort zone by not looking like everyone else, and by not speaking one word of the local language. (Well, I know how to say "hello" and "thank you", but that's about it.)
2. Russia
Ah, Russia. Your history fascinates me. Since the animated film Anastasia premiered when I was 4 years old, I've been obsessed with Russian history, particularly when it involves the Romanov family and their tragic murders. It's a painful history, but one that helps us understand the past so we may look at the present with a clearer idea of politics, monarchy, and citizens fighting for their rights. I want to visit the obvious Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also smaller Russian towns and villages to see what daily Russian life is like in the countryside. I may blend in more there because I'm white, but I sure as hell can't speak or read Russian—so that'll be interesting.
3. Vietnam
Again with the Japan example, I'd majorly stick out with my Western appearance, so I'd be feeling my way through that discomfort. I'd also love to visit local villages, try the amazing food, and learn more about Vietnamese history—since all I really know is history about our involvement with them in the Vietnam war. There's so much more to this country and I'd like to see it for myself firsthand.
4. Cambodia
Yep, Western appearance again. I saw images of Cambodia in the documentary Samsara and fell in love. The landscapes, temples, and food all look incredible. Basically I want to tour all of Asia. Easy, no?
5. French Canada
The land of my ancestors. Fun fact: my ancestors were among the first Frenchies to immigrate to Quebec back in the beginning of the 17th century. Wild! I have some distant relatives who still live there (cousins of my paternal grandfather), so I would love to visit them. Even though I speak French, I learned the language in France—so my accent and dialect is very different from Quebecois. It would be a challenge communicating with my family members as well as the locals, but it would be a great way to expose myself to a different French dialect to improve my speaking skills. The French language is so beautiful to me, and I want to be able to speak it in a variety of ways so I can communicate with more francophones. Allons-y!
Well, there you have it, a little travel bucket list that hopefully inspires you to look at your own travel wishes. Life is shorter than we realize, and personally I believe we need to make it a priority to see the world while we're still on it. Think about the most beautiful place you want to see; the most different culture possible; the food you've always wanted to try—and go there. Save up and just GO. I have never regretted a country I've traveled to, and neither will you. You will develop in ways you've never imagined.
Now enough reading, go make your lists!
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