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The Purpose of Travel: 18 Reasons People Travel

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Are you ready to take the plunge and explore the world around you? Traveling is an enriching experience that can open up new perspectives, teach us more about ourselves, and help us develop a greater appreciation for the world.

But what is the purpose of travel? What can travel do for you? If you have these questions on your mind, we are here to chat with you about them because it is something we think about all the time.

What is the main purpose of travel?

The main purpose of travel is to gain new experiences, broaden one’s horizons, and explore the world around them. That is the quick and easy answer.

However, travel can also provide an opportunity for self-discovery by providing a refreshing perspective and allowing us to step outside our everyday routine.

It can be an educational experience as you explore different cultures, try unique foods, and learn about unfamiliar landscapes. Overall, traveling is an amazing way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn about yourself and the world around you.

18 Reasons why people travel

There are many reasons why people travel. Some you may resonate with, and some you may not. And that is ok. We all travel for many reasons. Here are a few:

1. To experience different cultures

One of the most popular reasons people travel is to experience new cultures. Learning about other cultures’ customs, traditions, and lifestyles can be a gratifying and eye-opening experience.

Through travel, you can discover food you never thought existed, immerse yourself in fascinating history and stories, and gain insights from locals to help shape how you view the world.

It’s a great way to immerse yourself and learn about a new culture in a way you won’t get from reading about it in a classroom or seeing photos on Instagram.

2. To learn something new

Traveling can be an incredible opportunity for personal growth and learning. It’s a great way to learn about new places, pick up new skills or hobbies, and challenge yourself.

Learning new languages, for example, can be a great way to broaden your horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.

You can also take it further and volunteer abroad to teach language classes or build homes for those in need. This can be a gratifying experience where you will learn a new skill, boost your self-confidence as you grow and develop, and help others along the way.

3. To gain knowledge and understanding

Traveling can also be a great way to gain knowledge and understanding of the world around you. From learning about different political systems to trying authentic local cuisine, there are many ways to broaden your horizons and gain an appreciation for cultural differences.

Through travel, you can gain an understanding of the different lifestyles and societies on our planet, leading to a better appreciation for other cultures.

4. To explore nature, wildlife, and the outdoors

Traveling is also a great way to explore nature and the outdoors. While you can do this close to home there is something about taking in nature and outdoors in an unfamiliar place.

Whether you’re trekking through the jungle or snorkeling in the sea, there are countless opportunities to explore and appreciate the beauty of our planet.

Witnessing beautiful landscapes of other countries, getting up close to wildlife in a new place, or exploring nature while traveling can be a unique and humbling experience.

5. For relaxation and leisure

Traveling can also be a great way to relax and take some time off from the stresses of everyday life. Taking a break from your daily routine is essential to keeping yourself healthy and happy, so why not make it extra special by exploring somewhere new?

Whether relaxing on a beach in Thailand or taking in the breathtaking views from a mountaintop in the Rockies, many destinations can help you unwind and escape it all. Planning trips to a new destination is a wonderful way to live in the moment and really take the time to slow down.

6. For adventure, exploration, and discovery

Traveling can be an incredible adventure and a great way to explore the unknown. From exploring ancient ruins in Peru to climbing Mt. Everest in Nepal, there are countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Adventure travel can also provide an opportunity to challenge yourself mentally and physically in ways you never thought possible.

7. To build relationships with friends or family members

Traveling to connect with family and friends is a great way to deepen relationships. Whether a short visit or an extended stay, the time spent together can create lasting memories and foster a greater sense of understanding.

It might be challenging to get away from work and other daily responsibilities at times, but traveling as a group can provide plenty of opportunities for fun and conversation, helping build bridges between people separated by geography.

In addition, sharing the experience of these new and fascinating places creates special bonds that last for years.

8. To take a break from everyday life

Many people often turn to travel to escape the monotony of their day-to-day routines. With familiar sights and sounds left behind for foreign lands, an unfamiliarity can bring both surprise and exploration far away from the comfort zones of the home.

Traveling allows us to break from the stress and worries that can drain us mentally and physically while providing us with invigorating new experiences that leave us feeling refreshed and energized.

Whether alone or with friends, there are many reasons why people travel: to explore different possibilities, meet new people, discover cultures, sample local cuisine, or reconnect with nature – it’s all out there, ready to be taken in by the open-minded traveler. Such journeys are invaluable in helping expand our perspectives on life itself.

9. For spiritual growth and development

People travel for spiritual growth and development for many reasons. They seek to explore their faith, find new perspectives on their beliefs, and learn more about different cultures and traditions.

Exploring unfamiliar places and ways of life can give travelers fresh insight into their beliefs, allowing them to view their culture with new eyes. For those looking to deepen their faith, traveling can provide the opportunity to connect with others who share similar values and experiences.

It can also open up possibilities for expanding one’s understanding of what faith can look like in different parts of the world. Ultimately, travel enriches us through the diverse ways we express our shared humanity through faith.

10. To create memories that will last a lifetime

Traveling is a great way to create lasting memories you and your family will never forget. Exploring different cultures, sampling unique cuisines, and embarking on remarkable adventures often generate fond recollections that can be shared with future generations.

When I reflect on my travels, I remember the people I have met along the way and the experiences that shaped me. Each journey allows us to learn something new or discover something about ourselves, making every trip worthwhile.

11. For physical and mental health benefits

Traveling allows us to discover new places, experiences, and perspectives. While it can broaden our horizons and provide a well-needed break from the routine of daily life, it also provides us with real mental and physical health benefits.

Studies have shown frequent travelers tend to have lower levels of stress hormones and improved immune system function.

For example, traveling encourages activity with outdoor exploration, which leads to better cardiovascular health and increased core strength.

For those looking for a mental boost, traveling can bring structure or relaxation into our lives despite our chaotic world. Exploring other cultures, cuisines, and unfamiliar surroundings helps to stimulate creativity, which can provide a long-term boost in career performance and problem-solving skills which is an added bonus.

12. To pursue creative or recreational activities

One of the reasons why people choose to travel is to pursue creative or recreational activities. From taking a photography class in Paris or camping in Yosemite National Park, travelers can pursue new activities that help them grow and develop personally.

By visiting places worldwide, individuals can challenge themselves physically, mentally, and creatively – whether through painting classes in Ireland or mountain biking down the Swiss Alps.

Traveling doesn’t just broaden one’s view of the world but also gives people an opportunity to enrich and enhance their lives through pursuing meaningful and diverse experiences.

13. To attend personal, professional, or educational events

Personal, professional, and educational events are another purpose for travel. There are many reasons for individuals to take a trip, from conferences to workshops to educational tours. Attending such events offers the chance to meet new people with similar interests or goals, which can open up a world of professional and personal possibilities.

For students, traveling provides an opportunity to explore different cultures and educational opportunities in a hands-on approach. For professionals, attending conferences can introduce them to new ideas and market trends that may help advance their careers, as well as opportunities for networking with others in their field from around the world.

14. To visit historical sites of interest

Traveling is a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate aspects of history that we might never experience daily. From majestic castles, tombs, and ancient ruins, exploring historical sites can bring us insight into the lives of past generations.

By interacting with these sites up close and personal, we can develop connections with the cultures and stories that reside within them. Each step I take through hallowed grounds worldwide reminds me that people are far more connected than we sometimes realize.

And it is this underlying understanding of our collective story as humanity that drives many people to travel and experience all there is to learn from these historically significant places.

15. To explore new cities and countries

Traveling worldwide allows people to explore new and exciting cultures, sights, and experiences. There is something special about the feeling of awe and wonder that comes with embarking on an adventure and immersing yourself in places different from your own home environment.

Every city has its unique architecture, cuisine, history, fashions, festivals, and customs, all of which offer incredible opportunities for personal growth, learning, and appreciation of diverse ways of living.

16. To experience different lifestyles

Traveling can be an enriching experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. It allows us to expand our horizons and develop a greater appreciation for the wide variety of cultures, customs, and lifestyles around the world.

By exposing ourselves to these environments, we can gain valuable insights into different ways of life and better understand our own lives in comparison.

Additionally, travel can open up new opportunities for exploration and adventure that would otherwise be unavailable in our everyday lives, enabling us to discover more about ourselves while sharing unforgettable experiences with friends or family.

17. To gain exposure to arts, music, and other forms of culture

One of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a person can have is travel because it allows us to explore other cultures, appreciates the arts, and experience new forms of music.

Submerging oneself in a different place allows one to observe firsthand how their culture functions, including architecture, cuisine, music, and art forms. Traveling can provide a thorough education on what makes cultures unique and why they continue to influence the world in meaningful ways.

If a traveler is also interested in participating in the culture they are visiting and studying it from an academic perspective, they will come away with an enriched experience of life that only international travel can offer.

18. To sample the local cuisine

Traveling is the perfect time to expand your palate. Though often intimidating due to unfamiliar flavors and spices, daringly sampling the local cuisine can be incredibly rewarding. You may have heard of certain dishes before, but nothing beats experiencing them firsthand in the places they originated.

Trying out a seafood paella while on vacation in Spain or tasting a variety of new street food while backpacking through Thailand can infuse your travels with exciting flavor profiles and offer you a true sense of connection between you and an unknown culture.

What does travel mean to you?

From exploring new cities and countries to sampling local cuisine, there are countless reasons why people travel. It allows us to expand our horizons and develop a greater appreciation for different cultures, customs, and lifestyles around the world.

Traveling can be both enjoyable and educational, allowing us to discover more about ourselves and share unforgettable experiences with friends or family.

Ultimately, no matter what purpose of travel you have in mind—be it business or pleasure—travel has something unique to offer to everyone who takes part in its journey.

So if you’ve been dreaming of traveling abroad but haven’t taken that first step yet, consider this your call to action! Start planning today so that tomorrow you can embark on a life-changing adventure filled with wonderment at every turn.

About Taima Ramsey

Taima, a dedicated attorney by day and an adventurous travel blogger by night, has fearlessly explored over 40 countries across 5 continents while juggling a full-time job. Despite the constraints of limited time and finances, she has conquered these challenges with her expertise in time management, budgeting, and creating unforgettable experiences. Now, she is eager to share her invaluable knowledge with you.

Welcome to 'Poor In A Private Plane', where you will discover invaluable insights on seamlessly planning your trips and making them affordable. Let Taima do the groundwork, so you can embark on your own extraordinary adventures hassle-free.

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Thank you for reading and commenting. That sounds like a lot of fun. I love Colorado Springs.

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What is the Purpose of Travel? Exploring the Motivations Behind Our Wanderlust

Travel has been a part of human experience for centuries. People travel for various reasons, including leisure, work, education, and exploration. The purpose of travel has evolved over time, and it means different things to different people. Some people travel to escape their daily routine, while others seek adventure or cultural immersion. Understanding the purpose of travel is essential to plan a fulfilling trip that meets one’s expectations.

Travel can be a transformative experience that broadens one’s perspective, enhances personal growth, and provides a break from the monotony of routine life. For some, travel is a way to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and try new things. For others, it is an opportunity to relax, unwind, and recharge. Whatever the purpose of travel may be, it is essential to recognize that it can have a profound impact on one’s life.

In this article, we will explore the purpose of travel and its significance in today’s world. We will examine the different reasons why people travel and how it can benefit them. We will also discuss some of the challenges and drawbacks of travel and how to overcome them. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone planning your first trip, this article will provide valuable insights into the purpose of travel and how to make the most of your journey.

Understanding the Purpose of Travel

Table of Contents

Traveling has become an integral part of people’s lives. People travel for various reasons, such as exploring new cultures, personal growth, and professional development. Understanding the purpose of travel is crucial for planning a successful trip.

Cultural Exploration

One of the main reasons people travel is to explore new cultures. Traveling to different countries and experiencing their unique traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles can broaden one’s perspective and help them appreciate diversity. Traveling also allows people to learn about the history and art of different countries, which can be enlightening and enriching.

Personal Growth

Traveling can also facilitate personal growth. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and experiencing new things can boost confidence and self-awareness. Traveling can also help people develop new skills, such as language proficiency, adaptability, and problem-solving. Moreover, traveling can be a great way to take a break from the daily routine and recharge one’s batteries.

Business and Professional Development

Traveling can also be beneficial for business and professional development. Attending conferences, meetings, and workshops in different countries can provide networking opportunities and exposure to new ideas and trends. Traveling for work can also help people develop cross-cultural communication skills and gain international experience, which can be valuable for career advancement.

In conclusion, understanding the purpose of travel is essential for planning a successful trip. Whether it is for cultural exploration, personal growth, or business and professional development, traveling can be a life-changing experience that broadens one’s horizons and enriches their life.

Types of Travel

When it comes to travel, there are various types of trips that people can take. Each type of travel has its own unique purpose and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of travel:

Leisure and Recreation

Leisure and recreation travel is perhaps the most common type of travel. It involves going on a trip for the purpose of relaxation and enjoyment. This type of travel can include activities such as sunbathing on a beach, visiting theme parks, or going on a cruise. People who engage in leisure and recreation travel usually have a specific destination in mind and plan their trip around that destination.

Adventure and Exploration

Adventure and exploration travel is for people who seek excitement and new experiences. This type of travel can include activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. Adventure and exploration travelers often seek out destinations that are off the beaten path and offer unique experiences that are not available in their daily lives.

Visiting Friends and Relatives

Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel is when people travel to visit their friends or family members who live in another location. This type of travel is often done for personal reasons, such as attending a wedding or reunion. VFR travel can also be a way for people to reconnect with their roots or cultural heritage.

Educational Journeys

Educational journeys are trips that are taken for the purpose of learning and personal growth. This type of travel can include language immersion programs, cultural tours, and study abroad programs. Educational journeys can be formal or informal, and they often provide travelers with a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Overall, the purpose of travel varies depending on the type of trip and the individual traveler. Whether it’s for leisure, adventure, visiting loved ones, or education, travel can provide people with new experiences and perspectives that can enrich their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reasons people choose to travel.

People travel for various reasons, including adventure, relaxation, exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Some people travel to escape their daily routine, while others seek new experiences and challenges.

How does travel fulfill personal growth and learning objectives?

Travel can help broaden one’s perspective and expose them to new cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. It can also help develop skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. Travelers can learn new languages, try new foods, and gain a better understanding of the world and themselves.

In what ways does travel contribute to cultural understanding?

Travel allows people to experience different cultures firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of them. It can help break down stereotypes and promote empathy and respect for others. By interacting with locals, travelers can learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.

What role does travel play in strengthening relationships and creating new connections?

Travel can bring people closer together and create lasting memories. It provides an opportunity to bond with friends and family and create shared experiences. It can also help people make new connections and form friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

How is travel significant for leisure and relaxation?

Travel can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life and offer a chance to unwind and recharge. It can also provide an opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests, such as hiking, skiing, or sightseeing.

What should one consider when explaining their motivation for travel during a visa application process?

When applying for a visa, it is important to provide a clear and honest explanation of the purpose of travel. This can include details such as the itinerary, planned activities, and intended length of stay. It is also important to demonstrate ties to one’s home country and a willingness to return after the trip.

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Embark on a journey of discovery with Pearls of Travel Wisdom – your compass in the world of exploration. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of travel tales, budget tips, and financial guides designed to elevate your adventures.

🌍 Explore: Uncover hidden gems and renowned destinations as we share firsthand experiences that go beyond the surface.

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Join our community of fellow wanderers, where every post is a pearl of wisdom drawn from the richness of our collective journeys. Your next adventure begins here.

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7 Personal Benefits of Travel

Forget milling around in your finest evening wear, Singapore Sling in hand: You'll be lucky to get peanuts. Flying isn't quite the party it was in Sinatra's days, and lots of time, energy, and money are expended to leave home, so why travel? How long do the  personal benefits of travel last?

Getting away from home and stepping outside of your usual routine is beneficial for both mind and body. The long-lasting personal benefits of visiting a foreign country far outweigh the costs and time to get there.

The great travel writer Pico Lyer said: "Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits." Here are seven ways that travel, especially  international travel, will enhance your life.

Travel Sharpens the Mind

You've done your old routine for so many years that you could run through it on autopilot. Being dropped into a new environment engages a dormant part of your mind and gets those synapses firing again.

Suddenly, you'll be required to navigate unfamiliar places, read foreign languages , try new things, make quick decisions, and choose your new eating and sleeping schedule.

Unlike at home, all the new sights, sounds, and places will require mental processing and filing. Your brain will welcome the workout! Once you return home, you'll be sharper than ever for better organizing and sprucing up your daily routine.

A Shift in Perspective

"Nobody comes back from a journey the way they started it." — Unknown

Being exposed to new cultures and people will greatly shift your paradigm and create a healthier perspective once you return back home. Seeing different social classes creates compassion and really makes you feel more blessed and content. Large portions of the world's population have to deal with daily threats such as hunger, disease , and landmines .

A hard day at work suddenly doesn't seem so bad when you see people in developing countries toiling in sun-scorched fields from morning to dark, or begging for a drink of water.

A Chance to Try New Things

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

While you may branch out at home from time to time by trying new restaurants or splurging on expenditures, traveling kicks you out of the comfort zone and forces you, for better or worse, to try new things!

Even if you don't enjoy your first attempt at scuba diving , at least you'll be able to relate in a new way the next time you see it in a movie or hear someone talking about it.

Becoming a well-rounded individual enhances self-confidence and will help you find new material for conversation in social settings with a wider variety of people.

Who knows, you may accidentally discover your new favorite food or find out that you want to pursue a new career in karaoke!

Meet New People

"A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles." — Tim Cahill

You'll meet far more friendly people on the road than you will under ordinary circumstances at home.

Other travelers are always looking to share experiences, give tips on places to go, and meet people from all over. Striking up a conversation with other travelers is extraordinarily easy.

A polite "so where are you from?" breaks the ice quite easily and may lead to lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

See the Real Deal

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." — Aldous Huxley

Until you visit a place and form your own opinions, your understanding only comes from what you were taught in school, read in books, or saw on media, which may or may not be a complete truth.

Don't over-research your upcoming destination in guidebooks. Do your best to avoid building a bias toward a place or installing mental filters before you visit. Wait to form your own opinion, remaining objective until you can make up your own mind.

Exercise and Sunshine

Sure, you could just go sweat in the gym under fluorescent lighting, but chances are that you'll be much more active from day to day while on the road, regardless of whether your trip is an adventurous one or simply a relaxing beach trip .

You could be exploring new cities on foot, hiking , swimming, walking between places, and hopefully soaking up some needed sunshine while doing so. And it's guaranteed to smell better than the gym.

Come Home Renewed

After stepping away from home for a while, you'll return with renewed energy, a new set of mental filters, and ready to take on the next big project or challenge. Call it a life reboot.

Getting away for some time, even though it requires effort, will greatly enhance your attitude and productivity once you return home. Sure, you may have some mail piled up and matters to attend, but those are simple challenges easily knocked out.

Breaking up the monotony for a while is a great way to reduce stress and give your life an injection of excitement. Don't be surprised if shortly after your return, you're already counting down days until the next trip!

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Why travel – What is the purpose of travel?

Why do people travel?

Have you ever been asked: "Why do you travel?" Maybe you even asked it yourself?

Do you remember your answer? Was it something like:

"We love it."

"It is what we need to do."

For many, answering this question turns out to be difficult. Even if it is somewhat clear to you, explaining it to others - especially to those who are not infected by the travel bug -  is a considerable challenge.

"Is it simply a way to relax?"  Why not go fishing for a day or book a spa treatment instead?

"Can we reduce it to the adrenaline rush we might feel?" If that is the case, we can also go on a roller coaster ride.

What is the purpose of travel?

As a psychologist, neuroscientist and someone who loves to travel I had to find a better answer.

According to scientists

Researcher Filep Sebastian makes a strong case that "a fulfilling travel experience is not only about satisfactions. It is also about  how personally meaningful we found our travel activities" .

The purpose of travel is connected with building social relationships, opportunities to learn and grow, and  commitment . It gives us the chance to be truly engaged in an activity, to develop new skills and to discover new cultures. It brings us closer to ourselves and others.

In other words, all the things we need to  increase our resilience !

According to long-term travelers

Konrad Waliszewski asked long-term travelers why they travel. He received responses like:

“It has deepened my life” “My perspective has shifted” “It opens up your possibilities and your horizons and the kinds of conversations you can have, the kinds of experiences you can have” “It changes how I see and interact with nearly every aspect of the world around me” “I travel to learn” “It provides context apart from me”

Our brain filters  constantly all the information around us. It decides  how we experience and interpret the world . What we see, hear and feel depends not only on our senses. It also strongly build upon  what we believe, value, know and on our ability to imagine alternatives . On top of all that our brain is developed for challenges; we need them to feel good. By submerging ourselves in new cultures, environments, culinary traditions,... we enrich ourselves with new frameworks for comparison and give our world room to grow.

That what makes people different, we find intriguing. Things we don’t understand, we want to figure out. Places unknown to us, we will explore.

Travel graces us with unique opportunities to (re)discover our dreams and talents, and to share these with others .

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso

What are you waiting for? Go out there and explore!

Happy travels!

Discover more:

The Travel Brain Series >>

Related post:   Regret (not) traveling the world?

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13 thoughts on “ Why travel – What is the purpose of travel? ”

You get more open minded and independent. Very nice article and quite motivational. Thanks for sharing such great points.! I agree with them all and found that traveling abroad.You can visit travel

Thanks for the wonderful reply. Happy travels in South Africa! One day we will make it over there.

Cheers, Nicole & Elmer

Can I asked what book of Filep Sebastian can I read this sentences “a fulfilling travel experience is not only about satisfactions. It is also about how personally meaningful we found our travel activities”.

The purpose of travel is connected with building social relationships, opportunities to learn and grow, and commitment. It gives us the chance to be truly engaged in an activity, to develop new skills and to discover new cultures. It brings us closer to ourselves and others.

It’s not from a book but from an academic article; is the link not working?

Hi Nicole, Your article is inspiring. It makes one travel more, can you suggest places if I want to travel to India? Keep up the good work.

I am Travel Agency Owner and have Travel many places over my 55 years in the business and I totally agree that travel definitely broadens my global horizons and helps me understand how other people feel about the world we live in and it makes me a better world citizen and revived my souls and physic. Travel is a breath for the soul

• Pingback: traveling is my life – tika Traveling

Just read your article. Was researching bit and pieces for a presentation to ‘The Cycling Festival’ in the UK entitled ‘…and the aftermath is troubling.’ (as said by Ted Simon) in relation to the consequences of long solo travel. If you wish to get more of an insight into that I recommend to read ‘Quondam: travels in a once World’ ” A masterpiece of travel writing” Dervla Murphy and forwards by her and Ted Simon. It concurs and goes further than the above. Enjoy.

Don’t make excuses for failure, just find a way for success

Hello Nicole! I am starting my blogging career of travel and I am researching everything that I can🤩 And go through this…..what the purpose of travel readed full and it also helps me for my blogging. THANKYOUSOMUCH!

Hi this is a great article, I loved the way you explained why travel and the purpose of travel cool blog and keep writing more.

One of the main reasons why many people travel is that they want to explore new things – new cultures, cuisines, activities, and more. Indeed, traveling often opens doors for exploration. Please check my blog about The Ultimate Reasons Why Traveling is a Must

Hope this will help. Thank you.

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• THE BIG IDEA

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Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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​Can purposeful travel help us change the way we see the world in 2022?

Feb 24, 2022 • 13 min read

We all share one planet. Can purposeful travel improve how we see it? © Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

As a number of countries begin to reopen their borders to foreign tourists and pre-departure COVID-19 requirements become more uncommon, 2022 looks like it may be the year travel bounces back. But should we fire it up the way it was? Or can it change for the better? Travel community Trippin is hopeful for the latter.

To celebrate his 24th birthday, Nate Agbetu flew to Tokyo. The creative strategist from East London hadn’t picked Japan for its Sensō-ji temple or to see its pink cherry blossoms , instead, he’d chosen it so he could be fully immersed. 

“I wanted to go on my first solo trip and I wanted to go somewhere where I'd like to be entirely culturally shocked,” Agbetu says. 

Through his creative studio Play Nice , Agbetu’s work typically focuses on creating intersections between communities, such as the film he made for the Electronic exhibition at London’s Design Museum : not only does the movie recognize the contribution of the Black community to the musical genre, but Agbetu also launched an initiative that gives away free tickets to individuals underrepresented in the arts. Now his vocation was influencing his travels too.

“I was working on a spatial design brief and the way the Japanese think about space and design is just beautiful,” he says. During a week-long trip, Agbetu took in exhibitions, ate “some of the most hearty rāmen” he’d ever had at Afuri in Ebisu, and met a number of local people – but it was an introduction to the ‘zine scene that enthralled him the most.

“They have a big culture of just making different ‘zines, using paper as a kind of architectural piece,” he says. “It's not just about what's in it, but it's also about how it's folded up and how it comes together. I found out a lot about that from some of the art kids that I met over there.”

By actively pursuing a trip with the intention of learning through local interaction in a mutually beneficial way, Agbetu was engaging in purposeful travel, a polysemy that has differing definitions for each traveler but is described by Trippin as a “mindset”.

This was true for Agbetu. His vacation in Japan and a second trip to the Palestinian Territories were about widening his understanding of the world rather than ticking something off a bucket list. “Both trips were more for me to understand how people socialize in different places, and understand a bit more about the way we interact and learn from what it means to live inside of another culture and to adapt to it without being voyeuristic or exploitative.”

What is purposeful travel?

So could purposeful travel be the future? A report commissioned by London’s public research university UCL for the travel community Trippin suggests it could. But it will require an overhaul by brands and introspection by travelers.

“We always say [purposeful travel is] a change in mindset,” says the co-founder of Trippin, Kesang Ball. “Traveling the world is amazing: It’s there to be explored, cultures are there to be connected to, and I think that it brings us together. By understanding people's differences, we can understand more of our own.” 

Trippin started as a Facebook group in 2016 before it expanded into a website that blended articles, films, and podcasts with city guides curated by local cultural icons – such as the top spots in Beijing as picked by the DJ Yu Su , or exploring Medellín with the producer Verraco.

“Our destination insights and guides are written by local journalists and cultural figures who can offer different lenses on how to experience their city and culture,” says Ball, “ensuring stories from both sides of the lens are always present.” 

By partnering with local creators, Trippin publishes inclusive, intentional, and hyper-local work, designed to empower travelers to have rich, sustainable travel experiences. Ball argues that travel writing by Western media publications can distort authentic narratives in a destination, creating unrealistic expectations for travelers.

“Trips and experiences are different for each traveler which is something I've always been conscious of as someone from a mixed heritage background,” she says. When Trippin relaunches in 2022, purposeful travel will be at its heart. Should other travel publications follow suit?

Travel needs to be more diverse and inclusive

A Reuters report from 2021 found that there are no non-white editors in top roles across the top ten news outlets, both online and offline. The report concluded that white people are “significantly over-represented among top editors,” and “and non-white people are significantly under-represented.” 

The Diversity in Journalism Report in 2021 found much of the same. It revealed that 92% of journalists are white – a drop of 2% compared with the same survey in 2017 – and a figure higher than the proportion for the UK workforce as a whole (88%).

Meera Dattani, the Senior Editor of Adventure.com – now publishing again following a nine-month hiatus due to COVID-19 – is one of only a handful of non-white travel editors in the UK. She believes that the lack of representation in the travel media is bad for travelers.

“It’s so important for travel media to have more diverse voices – it’s this variety of personal experiences, background, and perspectives that bring a much-needed different, refreshing angle to the table,” says Dattani. “There’s less chance of othering and exoticizing when you have this inclusivity as the approach to travel isn’t from the same type of person,” she adds.

Dattani believes the industry needs diversity from the top down, including editorial teams who make decisions about what gets published and how copy is presented. The Unpacking Media Bias newsletter , which Dattani co-founded with fellow travel journalist Shivani Ashoka in 2020, shines a light on this very issue. Since its inception, she believes there  has been a small shift in editorial sensitivity.

"There are more open, honest conversations around language and why we might not use certain words or why we need to provide more context if we do," says Dattani "[This] doesn’t mean everyone is having this debate, but certainly it feels like more editors, publications and travel companies are."

Sophie Lam, Travel Editor of the i newspaper , is one of them. She has often spoken out about using a variety of voices and publishing inclusive work. Lottie Gross and Steph Dyson who run the Talking Travel Writing newsletter have argued that the genre needs to be decolonized and that LGBTQ+ inclusion needs to improve.

A number of tour operators have started to implement change too. In 2021, Intrepid Travel published an Ethical Marketing Policy to show openly how they are trying to sell destinations in more diverse, equal, and transparent ways. 

“Modern travel writing is generally based on the writing genre that emerged during colonization, so this European-centric colonial gaze means we end up promoting that observation-led style of travel, rather than genuinely engaging with people,” says Dattani. “If we don’t challenge the narratives that are fed to us, we will just keep telling the same old stories even through travel writing.”

Dattani says a number of "really bold journalists" are already beginning to change the stories being told and "tell it as it is". She points to Lebawit Lily Girma writing about vaccine equity for Skift and Zoey Goto on the discovery of the last known slave ship, the Clotilda ,  for BBC Travel as just two examples.

Time to think about both people and the planet

The Trippin report says that for purposeful travel to work, it has to be both sustainable and available to all. “To us, purposeful travel considers the pillars of sustainable tourism but also the intersectionality of a traveler’s identity,” it reads. 

The report suggests that travelers should not only think about the environmental implications of how they travel, and the social and economic impact of their visits – choosing where they stay, how they interact with locals, where they spend their money – but it also calls on the travel industry to create sustainable solutions for the future that are far more inclusive and to consider the intersectionality of the person traveling too.

Developed by lawyer and philosopher Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality refers to race, class, and gender as interlocking systems of oppression. “This conceptual model, when applied to the travel industry, shines a light on how uneven its landscape is and helps us think about how power, oppression, resistance, privilege, benefits, and disadvantages are systematically distributed,” reads the report.

Joycelyn Longdon is the founder of Climate in Colour , an education platform that aims to make climate conversations more accessible and diverse, agrees that the way we travel needs to change.

“It is also important for marginalized people to not be deterred from traveling but to unapologetically show up,” she says. “I think that by more people of color, people with disabilities, and queer people showing up and taking space in travel sectors, the more intersectional the space will become.

The way we choose to travel is important as well. “We cannot continue into the future with our current travel habits,” says Longdon. “Our planet and environment are under so much pressure as it is and it's only going to get worse. We need to reimagine what travel is, before the destinations we want to jet-set to disappear underwater or are ravaged by ever more powerful and destructive hurricanes.”

According to the University of Sydney , tourism accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to make informed choices about traveling sustainably. The UN's Environment Programme (UNEP) has been advocating that travelers engage in slow, low-carbon travel for decades, and whilst consumers can make some small changes themselves, the industry as a whole needs to seriously think about its environmental impact.

“We need to stop buying last-minute flights,” says Longdon. “Our travel should be planned more intentionally and we should advocate for change in the workplace in terms of how we take holiday,” she adds. “It also means advertising less frivolous, impulsive experiences and really showing the destination through a local's eyes rather than tourists.”

Travel with intention 

So how can travelers engage positively and with purpose? “I think travelers should meditate over the reasons for their travel before pressing the book button,” says Longdon. “We book flights like we order Deliveroo, and while I love spontaneity, I don’t think we meditate enough over why we are traveling, what we want to get out of it, how we can travel authentically, and even take some time to learn about the destinations culture, history, and people before flying.”

Longdon believes that purpose comes from intention, something that Gabby Beckford, founder of the Young Travelers Network says she sees in the choices of Millennials and Generation Z travelers.

“Gen Z travels specifically for social reasons, for self-awareness reasons, for self-improvement, for discovery and identity,” says Beckford, who is also part of the Black Travel Alliance , a group of Black travel content creators that looks to increase the representation of Black people in the travel industry. “The way that we travel is more intentional.” 

Beckford believes that travelers born after 1980 are more likely to base their decisions on the harm a trip could do to the planet. “Generation Z is like the FBI when it comes to research,” she says. “[They’ll ask]: ‘What's my carbon emissions in flying versus taking a train for 48 hours?’”

Think local and watch where your money is going

Many young travelers crave authenticity as well. “Authenticity is very important, without authenticity, the culture, character, and life of a place are erased and replaced with a, usually, Western-centric ideal,” argues Longdon. “It's about fostering opportunities to see the destination through a local eye.”

This means interacting with locals, eating in the same restaurants as they do, drinking in the same bars. “I think each traveler defines what is authentic to themselves [...] but in general it is engaging with the reality that never leaves the destination,” she adds.

It could mean rethinking our accommodation options as well. “I think purposefully traveling, which is like truly interacting with people in their environment, is a much greater way of learning anything or experiencing anything than going to a resort,” says Nate Agbetu, who argues that fly-and-flops to foreign-owned hotels fuels an outdated system of capitalism and shows an idea of travel that has been sold to travelers via the media.

A 1990 study into tourism ‘leakage’ by the Thai Institute for Development and Administration estimated that 70% of all money spent by tourists ended up leaving Thailand and went to foreign-owned businesses. A report from Bali in 2017 showed that the highest percentage of tourism ‘leakage’ came from 4- and 5-star chain hotels (55.31%), while local, non-star hotels only leaked 2%.

"With COVID-19, resorts, hotels, restaurants became pretty desperate to get locals into their properties,” says Ashlee Constance, a social media marketing specialist from Barbados . “At first it was exciting to think, finally I’ll be able to afford such experiences or be a tourist in my own country but at some point you begin to question: Is this possible because they see us as valued customers or it is because they have no other choice?”

Travel with purpose when exploring close to home too

Kesang Ball thinks that we all need to travel with purpose locally too. "My recent trips have all been local,” she says, “so I've focused on choosing a more sustainable method of transport getting there.”

In 2021, one of Trippin’s co-founders, Sam Blenkinsopp, visited Pembrokeshire in Wales . “Long hikes along the coastline geared up in as much Goretex as humanly possible to protect from the sideways rain, followed by takeaway fish and chips in the car,” he says. “For some that could sound like a nightmare but for me it's a nostalgic one, reminding me of trips with my family growing up.”

Blenkinsopp decided to go to Wales because it was close to home. He also suggests traveling off-season and buying from locally-owned businesses as purposeful ways to travel.

The Trippin team echoes this in how they commission and create their own content too. “We went out to Lagos to document the local creative scene and the people out there who are moving culture forward,” says Ball. “With every piece of content we create, it’s important for us to ensure we are authentically representing the culture of that destination. So in Lagos, we made sure that our crew, even down to the producers on the ground, scouts and the director of photography were all from Nigeria. You always create the best content that way.”

Ball believes that depicting each destination in a way that locals would want it to be seen gives younger people a genuine glimpse into a culture. “Traditional media platforms that publish travel stories have frequently perpetuated and distorted cultural narratives,” she says. “They influence tourists on what to expect of cultures when they arrive. Putting cultures and communities across into ‘digestible buckets’ [that are] palpable for the Western lens. This has so many negative impacts on cultural exchange and honestly, young people are over it.”

You might also like: Black Gotham walking tours will lead you through New York's untold history Why travel is important to Generation Z    What are the most welcoming destinations according to black women travelling solo?

This article was first published December 2020 and updated February 2022

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

Why Traveling Abroad is Important

Having lived in Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and now Mexico, Munira is basically a walking GoAbroad e...

• Travel Inspiration
• General Travel
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Traveling abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. We can’t stress the importance of travel enough—it can open your eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of living, and can help you grow and develop in ways you never thought possible.

Where will your travels take you?

There are so many reasons why traveling is important, but above all, it is a valuable experience that can help you grow and develop as a person. Whether you're looking to learn a new language , make valuable connections, or simply have an adventure , traveling abroad is an experience you will never forget .

12 reasons why traveling abroad is important

1. personal growth and development.

Traveling to a foreign country can be a challenging and transformative experience . This is a big reason why travel is important.

Being thrust into a way of life completely different from what you know back home can push you out of your comfort zone, help you develop new skills, and give you a sense of independence and self-reliance. It can also help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

2. Cultural understanding

Traveling abroad allows you to experience different cultures firsthand. It can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world and the people in it. It can also help you become more open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of different ways of life, and you will return home practically a new person!

3. Career opportunities

Traveling abroad can also have many benefits for your career . It can help you develop new skills, make valuable connections, and gain a better understanding of international business and politics. Additionally, the experiences you gain abroad will make you stand out from other candidates and can be an asset in your future job search.

As the world becomes smaller and more globalized, top companies are always prioritizing candidates with valuable international experience . A meaningful trip abroad can be vital in making you stand out from the crowd when you start applying for your dream job.

4. Language learning

Another key benefit highlighting the importance of traveling abroad? The great opportunity to learn a new language .

Traveling abroad means making connections and meeting friends you’ll keep for life.

Immersing yourself in a foreign culture and speaking the local language can help you pick up new vocabulary and grammar, and also help you develop your listening and speaking skills. Being able to converse in more than one language will give you a leg up in many future opportunities, and you can also expand your social circle by making lifelong friends from diverse places.

5. Improved mental health

Traveling abroad can also have a positive impact on your mental health . It can help you reduce stress and anxiety and also can offer a sense of adventure and excitement. Additionally, being in a new place can help you disconnect from your everyday life and give you a chance to relax and recharge.

Many companies now include paid gap years and increased paid time off for employees as they have recognized why it's important to travel and how important traveling is for people to stay at the top of their game at work. Traveling is also a great way to prevent burnout—it cleanses your brain and allows you to come back a stronger and more focused person.

6. Lasting memories and experiences

This is one of the top reasons why traveling is important! Traveling abroad gives you the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. From the new foods you will eat to the people you will meet and the places you will visit, every experience will be unique and special. Imagine the stories you’ll be able to share when you get back!

7. Enhanced creativity

If you’re an artistic person like a painter or musician, traveling abroad can help to enhance your creativity . But even if you’re not, just being in a new place and experiencing different cultures can inspire new ideas and ways of thinking, which can be beneficial in both your personal and professional life.

This highlights the real importance of travel for everyone: You will learn to see the beauty in places you never thought to look before, and develop ways to appreciate the little things in life!

8. Appreciation of diversity

You can read as many travel articles as you want or watch documentaries and videos from the comfort of your own home, but traveling to different parts of the world can give you the chance to appreciate the diversity of the human experience. So—why is it important to travel? You will be exposed to different customs, traditions, and ways of life, which can broaden your perspective and help you appreciate the world in a more holistic way.

9. Enhanced problem-solving skills

Figuring out how to get from point A to point B is just one skill you’ll learn while traveling abroad.

Improving your problem-solving skills is a big reason why it's important to travel. When you are in a new place, you will have to deal with unexpected situations , and this can help you develop the ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions. You’ll need to be resourceful and make the best out of situations no matter what, and there’s no better way to challenge yourself than by venturing abroad into the unknown!

10. Increased knowledge

Traveling abroad can also increase your general knowledge about the world, which is always a good thing! How many times have you felt secondhand embarrassment from those videos where people can’t seem to point out famous countries on a map? That will never be you when you travel . You will be exposed to different cultures and customs, which will give you a deeper understanding of the world's history, politics, and geography.

11. Networking

You’ll widen the potential to create connections with some of the most interesting people in the world when you travel! You will meet people from all walks of life, and this can be a great way to build professional and personal relationships.

You might meet someone today who will be instrumental in helping you out five or 10 years down the line. With social media, there’s no limit from distance when it comes to friendships and connections, so traveling is a great way to fill up your digital Rolodex with the coolest people ever.

12. Inspiration for future goals

Finding a source of inspiration for your future goals is a major reason why traveling is important. Seeing different places and cultures can help you discover new passions, and this can help you choose new endeavors and set aspirations for your future.

5 important types of travel to try out

1. study abroad.

• Why it’s important: Studying abroad will take your academic experience to the next level. Simply put, studying abroad is a period of time (perhaps a semester or year) during which you pursue your academic interests abroad. This can be done through a program at your own institution or through a separate study abroad organization that works in conjunction with your school or degree program. You may also have the opportunity to study abroad in high school even though most people do it in college!
• Recommended program: TEAN - Australia - Bond University, Gold Coast
• Explore all study abroad programs

2. Volunteer Abroad

Make a difference for people and the planet by volunteering while you travel.

Why it’s important: There's no doubting that as a society, we've moved into a time where the desire to do good for humanity and the planet is more relevant than ever. Volunteering abroad mostly benefits the host community rather than you—remember the point is to make a difference in the country you go to. The work you conduct while on placement will have an influence on your host country for a long time if it is done correctly, ethically, and sustainably, and can be a key reason why travel is important in the grand scheme of things!

• Recommended program: Women’s Empowerment Volunteering in Cambodia
• Explore all volunteer abroad programs

3. Gap Year

• Why it’s important: Searching for the ideal harmony between travel and enlightenment? Then a gap year might be just the thing you need . It will be time well spent, whether it's a year off between high school and college or after graduation, or even a break while you’re employed. Programs for gap years are full of chances for growth on a personal level, acquiring new skills, reevaluating personal and professional objectives, and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
• Recommended program: Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages
• Explore all gap year programs

4. Intern Abroad

• Why it’s important: As an international intern, you’ll gain real-world experience at a foreign firm or organization while participating in study abroad activities and earning college credit. Interning abroad has several advantages , chief among them the extraordinary personal and professional development that comes with the experience. Internships abroad also provide flexibility. There are hundreds of placements available in dozens of disciplines for international internships, whether you want to change careers, you’re still in college, or you’ve just graduated (or are about to graduate). So, why is it important to travel and intern abroad ? You'll experience life-altering adventures and meet a ton of new people!
• Recommended program: Internships and Volunteer Programs in Africa
• Explore all internship abroad programs

5. Work Abroad

• Why it’s important: Programs that allow you to work overseas are a terrific opportunity to earn more than money. The benefits are nearly endless : a challenging new environment, increased freedom, new friendships (and business connections), the addition of a new language to your toolkit , and the chance to advance your professional aspirations. Your employment overseas won't even seem like work; rather, it'll feel more like one wild—and paid!—adventure because you'll be having so much fun overcoming new obstacles and enjoying new experiences.
• Recommended program: Jobs and internships in Spain
• Explore all work abroad programs

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 programs abroad—it’s free!

Why travel because you’ll be living your best life, that’s why.

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So in conclusion— why is travel important ? Traveling abroad is not only an exciting and enriching experience, but it also has many benefits for personal growth and development. From enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills to increasing knowledge and networking opportunities to giving you inspiration for future goals, the reasons why traveling is important are numerous.

Travel is an experience that all who have the opportunity to do so should embrace. Now that you know the importance of traveling, you’re ready for an experience you will never forget.

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The End of the Tour: Why Do We Travel?

Travel is commodity, a privilege, and a state of mind; a comfort to some and a trial to others. 

The 597-mile train ride from Shanghai to Tianjin, up the east coast of China, was one of the longest journeys of my life. What began as a cold the afternoon before had rapidly morphed into strep throat, complete with fever and agonizing pain. Swallowing was so difficult I cried every time I had to force down my own saliva. The blurred cities and towns that had so enchanted me on the way south now seemed like pillars lining my descent into the inferno, without the benefit of Virgil as my guide.

But even worse than the relentless burning in my head and neck was the prospect of what came next: a dorm room far from family and friends, prescription medicine whose label I’d struggle to read, a hospital with dirty floors where the doctor examining my throat would wave the inspection mirror through an open flame to sanitize it. Serious illness is unpleasant in the best of circumstances, when you can retreat to your bed and watch Netflix and drink hot soup while someone brings you the occasional box of tissues; falling ill while traveling might be the psychological equivalent of mild torture.

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And yet those moments of pain and suffering sometimes make the best stories (at least when everything turns out all right and we return home in the end). “Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit ,” goes the Aeneid , the story of the Trojans’ journey to Italy to found Rome: Perhaps someday we will look back upon these things with joy . Aeneas’ forced migration was full of hardships, but the triumph of overcoming those challenges resonates even today, as do the challenges Odysseus faces in The Odyssey .

Why do we do it, then? Why do we set off on voyages knowing full well that there will be discomforts and risks, that the experience will change us? The myriad travel stories we’ve explored in “Uncharted,” from an ice marathon across Antarctica to a dying form of transportation to men who disappeared on their treks, have taken us around the world and through the past. It’s been a fun tour that’s now approaching its end—but before we get settled back into the predictability of our lives, I want to explore one last question (well, two related questions): why do we travel, and what does that mean for the future of our world?

The somewhat straightforward—or at least more quantifiable—answer comes from evolutionary geneticists: DRD4-7R. The first half of the sequence refers to a gene that is partially responsible for controlling the chemical dopamine, while the second half–the 7R allele—is a variant carried by about 20 percent of the population . Associated with novelty-seeking behavior and extroversion, the allele occurs at dramatically different rates depending on where you’re from. Migratory populations , for example, have far higher numbers of people with the variation than those living in sedentary populations, suggesting that the variant is encouraging its carriers to take risks, to set off into the unknown in search of novelty. Of course, this single gene is hardly the only reason someone like Captain Cook sailed across all the world’s oceans. “More likely,” writes National Geographic , “different groups of genes contribute to multiple traits, some allowing us to explore and others, 7R quite possibly among them, pressing us to do so.”

For a touchy-feely, philosophical answer, we might turn to Mark Twain , who said that travel is a way to shake off bigotry—or to impress people with fantastic tales of exotic lands when returning home. For Pico Iyer , travel is about consuming and being consumed, the two-way road of seeing strangers and being a stranger to others. For Robyn Davidson , who walked across the Australian Outback, travel was a choice to use our fears as stepping stones, rather than allowing them to become stumbling blocks. The moral, it seems, is that different people travel for different reasons. To forget themselves or remember themselves, to better understand the world or to have all logic turned on its head, to discover new terrain, both internally and externally. The outcomes of travel are complicated and often contradictory—especially in a world increasingly filled with refugees, people who travel by necessity rather than choice.

In 2015, the United Nations Refugee Agency released statistics estimating that the number of individuals forcibly displaced worldwide had risen  above 60 million— about as many as the entire population of Italy. What does this mean to those of us who travel for the joy of the experience? As scholar Katrina Powell writes, the act of physically moving from one place to another results in a hybrid identity that incorporates new and old. “Displacement is a jolt to one’s sense of self,” she argues, and this jolt is felt by those experiencing it firsthand and compounded by outsiders accepting or rejecting them. In recreational travel, the travelers maintain some control of the narrative; in forced migration, their narratives are often silenced or diminished.

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Travel is an unusual beast, hard to define and make sense of despite thousands of years of written records on the subject. It is a commodity, a privilege, and a state of mind; a comfort to some and a trial to others; a method of alteration as effective as any chrysalis. Perhaps in 50 years travel will become more popular, and society will become more inquisitive, less insular, more compassionate. Or perhaps, as one Canadian newspaper suggested 50 years ago, we’ll simply be more crowded.

“What will happen by 2000 A.D. is something to think about,” the columnist says. “We will have more of everything, except space. Certainly we will have more free time. What will we do? Where will we go? What will be our pleasures? That is for the future to settle; but in the meantime, it would seem that all of us had better begin to get used to the proximity of other people. Or fly to the moon.”

Thanks for following me on these journeys, reader. I wish you transformative travels, to the moon and beyond.

Correction : An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the quotation from the Aeneid was its last line.

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Travel With Purpose: How to Find Your Why

When was the last time you asked yourself why you traveled? When was the last time you thought about why you did what you do on the road?

For many people, the answer is never.

Sure, they may have a vague sense that they’re traveling with a purpose, but they aren’t entirely sure what that is. Are they looking for adventure, to meet new people, to grow personally, or just to relax? A bit of everything? The answer is unclear.

Without a clear purpose, you're often lost as to what to do next.

Identifying your Why for traveling is one of the most important things you can do when planning a trip. It gives focus to your preparation, inspires action, and provides strength in challenging moments—both before and during trips.

Fortunately, there’s a number of things you can start doing right now to help find your Why and begin to travel with a clear purpose.

The Importance of Traveling With a Purpose

As a general rule, we rarely start with Why. Instead, we prefer to follow social norms, traditions, or our baser instincts and simply ask ‘what’ or ‘how’.

In our day-to-day lives, this lack of introspection gets us in all sorts of trouble. It compels people to go to college, get married, buy a house, or invest in the stock market without knowing if any of these things are truly right for them.

Is the dream of living in a mansion like this something you really want?

You may have experienced a trip that started with a ‘how’ or a ‘what’ rather than a Why. You have if you’ve ever gone somewhere simply because it was famous, because someone told you it was nice, or because you felt you needed to.

When you do this, you are using someone else’s Why. And as a result, you have no clear goals or purpose. So you rely on others to tell you what to see and do. Perhaps your values align with theirs and you end up enjoying the trip. Or maybe you spend your vacation seeing things that are just OK and return home feeling somewhat disappointed.

Elliot Windmill, a travel blogger and friend, recently described such a trip to me. Despite having no interest in gambling or grand displays of wealth, he was convinced to visit Las Vegas a few years back by a group of friends that said he had to do it.

The glamor and glitz of Las Vegas are attractive to some and repulsive to others.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, within hours of his arrival, Elliot was ready to leave. He realized what he had known all along—that he city wasn’t for him. So he drove back into the desert, the bright lights of Vegas fading in his rear view mirror.

As he puts it, “Traveling is representative of life. If you listen to your inner voice and follow your heart, you will find the places that speak out to you, that reach out and touch you, and which make you feel like you’re home.”

Elliot felt more at home on the open road that led through the Nevada desert.

Those who travel with purpose have more impactful and productive trips, regardless of circumstance. Research   shows that being purpose-minded “frees us from feeling the full weight of the obstacles in front of us, whether a literal hill we must clim or a personal challenge we must overcome. [Purpose] reminds people that where they are right now is not forever.” Finding purpose in life has even been correlated with increases in financial well-being . 

Having purpose when traveling turns obstacles into temporary roadblocks.

Purpose Versus Goals

The difference between purpose and goals when traveling is subtle, yet important.

Purpose is a long-term reason (or reasons) for doing what you do. It’s not one step in a series, but rather the objective or cause for all the steps you take. It can—and perhaps should—evolve over time, but it won’t disappear.

Travel with the purpose of connecting with nature might lead to goals like completing a day-long hike in Lofoten, Norway.

In contrast, goals are the steps you take to achieve your purpose. They are more fluid and often temporary. The best goals have a clear beginning and end, and you can envision accomplishing in a specific period of time before moving on to another goal.

If we confuse goals with our purpose, we run the risk of either focusing on the wrong things or even failing to identify our true objectives at all.

How to Find Your Why And Purpose For Travel

Sometimes your Why becomes clear right away. If it does, then follow it. Other times, your Why may be a bit more enigmatic. You might need to search within yourself to figure out why you want to hit the road.

Take some time when you start planning your trip to find your Why.

The following questions can be useful when trying to figure out your Why:

-What is one thing that I want to improve in my life?

-What do you fear most?

-Where do you want to go from here?

-What’s stopping you from achieving your goals?

-If I knew I was going to die one year from now, what would I do? 

-What do you really want in life?

-What would I regret not having done by the end of my life?

-If all your problems were solved, what would you do?

Another technique you can use to develop your Why is to imagine yourself as the protagonist of a novel that takes place over the course of your trip. What would happen during that story? Where would you go? What kind of narrative arc would you hope to see played out?

What happens during the novel that is your life?

As you learn more about yourself and the world during your travels, your Why may change. Not only is that OK, it is to be encouraged, as it means that you are learning and growing. Embrace your new Why and use it to guide you moving forward, just as you did with your old Why.

Travel Expectations

When developing your Why, it’s important to be realistic with what you hope to achieve. Unlike what you see in popular culture, one trip won’t magically cure all of life’s ills. You can’t just leave home, join a yoga camp, and expect to no longer have any problems after a week.

Unfortunately, this won't complete you.

Travel will not complete you. Instead, it will show you different paths you can take, allowing you to leave behind various aspects of yourself while also recovering or discovering new ones—just as it did for Michelle when she visited Morocco a few years ago. As she recounted:

“After a difficult year of divorce and illness, I felt that my soul needed to push itself to the limits, to go somewhere far away and immerse myself in culture, art, and food that was different from my everyday life. I was worried about traveling alone as a single woman, but the trip was a transformational experience, reminding me of my strength, and I am so grateful I trusted my gut and let myself be spontaneous.

Bargaining with unscrupulous taxi drivers, navigating the winding streets of the souk, watching the sunrise over the desert on the overnight train to Marrakech, sitting on a dirt floor of a local hammam and chatting in broken French while a Middle Aged Moroccan woman scrubbed me down- these experiences inspired me and reminded me of how far I’d come in life, a seasoned traveler with the whole world ahead of her.”

A quiet alleyway in Marrakech, Morocco.

People travel for various reasons. Being clear to yourself about your reason for traveling —identifying your Why at the start of your planing process—helps give you direction before, during, and after your trip. Results in life come from preparation and understanding. The sooner you can find your Why, the sooner you'll travel with purpose, and the better off you'll be in the long run.

If you’ve identified your Why and want to take the next steps to achieve your travel goals  download my FREE guide   The Traveler’s Mindset: How to Mentally Prepare for Journeys of Adventure and Growth !

You may also enjoy:

Thoughtful thursday – december 22, 2016, thoughtful thursday – february 16, 2017, wandering: how to make travel more exciting in 4 simple steps, thoughtful thursday – august 4, 2016.

Ian consideeingworking on Indian reservation in NewMexico later this year and I am interested in ancient archioloogy and areasishould put on my list while there

Hey Dr. Jay,

That sounds like a fantastic experience! There are a ton of fascinating archaeological sites in New Mexico.

In particular, I would recommend the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, and Pecos National Historic Park.

You’ll have a wonderful time no matter where you go.

I really enjoyed this article and felt it was timely for me. Thanks!

Glad it was helpful, Nicole!

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34 Types of Traveling You Can Take and Their Purposes

Traveling is one of the best luxuries in the world. You get to visit new and old places away from home, and meet new people or catch up with old friends. You get to have new experiences that you will bring with you home.

Many of us travel for different purposes. Some travel to relax, others to work, and others to reflect on themselves and where they currently are in their lives’ journeys.

With that, do you know that there are actually different types of travel? It all depends on what the purpose of your trip is, or who you are with. So, without further ado, let’s dive into everything you need to know about traveling!

What is the Definition of Travel?

Travel is defined as “moving from one location to another” under a broad definition. This may be interpreted in a number of ways. Travel occurs whenever you leave your house to go somewhere else. Based on their travel style, everyone has their concept of travel. Some people believe that traveling is defined as driving a particular distance away from home.

Others may believe that travel occurs only when they visit a new place. Some people believe that travel only occurs when they visit a location with the purpose of taking a vacation. When traveling, you have the option of using the automobile, train, airline, bus, or boat. In a nutshell, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what travel entails.

Often, it is a personal decision. There are, however, a plethora of bloggers, travel writing, and travel blog choices to help you plan your own vacation.

Different Types of Travel

Business travel.

This is a very popular mode of transportation. Business travels are made purely for the sake of business – to meet with prospective business partners or customers, attend conferences, etc. Traveling for work is a big benefit, even though it is typically a short vacation due to tight schedules and meetings!

Many business travelers work the standard 9-to-5 schedule and have free time to travel around the nation. Business visitors will find lots of chances to meet new people, learn about the culture, and sample the delicious cuisine.

Backpacking Trip

At least once in a lifetime, everyone should make a hiking trip. This vacation is unlike any other, providing you with a feeling of independence with no obligations. You are alone with the world to discover. Even if it’s just for a short journey, backpacking across a nation will change the way you view the world. Even though some days are difficult, you will have enough tales to tell your loved ones about your adventure.

Romantic Travel

Another popular mode of transportation is to go on a cruise. Going on a romantic getaway with your partner to an exotic location is an excellent way to spend quality time together, rekindle your romance, and share exciting adventures. Romantic travel strengthens your relationship and brings you closer to one another away from the daily routine and stress of life, whether you are newlyweds, engaged, married for years, recently started dating, or have been together for years.

Your personal preferences largely determine the best place to go. Do you want to go on an adventure together? Are you looking for a romantic getaway that is both whimsical and relaxing? Do you and your partner enjoy visiting historical sites? Do you have a passion for food? You will create lifelong memories no matter which nation you visit.

Solo Travel

Without question, solo travel is one of the most enjoyable modes of transportation. While traveling alone, this trip gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself. Many individuals are hesitant to travel alone, yet it can be a life-changing and gratifying experience. You have complete freedom to do anything you want, eat whatever you want, and customize your vacation to your preferences without feeling obligated to anybody else.

One of the most freeing things you could do in your life would be this. Go alone, give it a go!

Impromptu Trip

When the desire to travel overcomes you, all you want to do is pack your belongings and go to tour the globe. This journey is just that. Aren’t the most spontaneous plans the best? An unplanned vacation is guaranteed to excite you, whether you go alone, with a friend or family, to a neighboring city, or on a road trip. You’ll return with exciting and motivating tales to tell!

International Travel

Traveling outside of your present country is referred to as international travel. Outside of your own country, international travel allows you to see a variety of locations. You have complete freedom in how you manage foreign travel. You have the option of planning your vacation yourself or using a travel agency. It might be a peaceful vacation on a distant island or a trekking excursion as part of an outdoor adventure.

Family Vacations 

The greatest way to unwind and reconnect with your family is to go on a family vacation. With the growing demands of daily life, meaningful time with one’s family is becoming more uncommon. Parents and children just go about their regular routines without connecting because of job, household chores, homework, and exams.

A family vacation provides a much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life and allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones. It contributes to the strengthening of the family relationship.

The Ultimate All-Boys/All-Girls Trip

This, right here, is the real deal. It may be thrilling just to consider going on a trip with your ladies or guys. This is the trip for you if you’re looking for wild experiences, incredible vacation locations, and endless fun. This is an excellent opportunity to let go of your worries, make new memories, and deepen your friendships.

Siblings-Only Trip

Due to a variety of factors such as living in different towns or countries, difficult routines, and so on, you progressively grow away from your siblings as you get older. The joy of living alone and not having to deal with your siblings wears off after a while, and you begin to miss your love-hate relationship with them. When was the last time you spent meaningful time with your cohorts? Isn’t it time you took a vacation with only your siblings?

Event Travel

Isn’t it thrilling to go to another country to attend a music festival, a sporting event, Coachella, or a cultural festival? This is an excellent opportunity to discover a new location while still taking part in the festivities. Additionally, individuals from all around the globe go to these events. This means it’s a fantastic chance to meet new people and learn about other cultures.

Friends-Only Trip

This journey is self-explanatory! Even as children, everyone wishes for a vacation with their pals. There are many wonderful places to visit with friends.

It is entirely up to you and your pals to decide where you want to travel and what experiences you want to have. You may go to an island to rest by the sea, or you can each choose a different city to visit. There are so many options!

Paying a Visit to Friends or Relatives

Visiting relatives or friends in another country is another frequent kind of travel. The main benefit of this trip is that you already have a place to stay and people who can tour you about the nation. As a result, you’ll be able to remain for extended periods of time and get a unique perspective on the nation. However, there is a risk that you will not be able to explore the nation on your own and will be forced to follow the schedule that your family or friends have devised.

Group Travel

A common kind of travel is group travel. It may be an exciting experience to go to a new location with a group of friends or adventurers. There is a group tour for anything, regardless of where you want to travel or what you want to do.

Many travel companies that arrange group trips can provide you with more information. The greatest part about group travel is that you don’t have to put in the effort or time to plan an itinerary. The agent has already laid out the whole strategy, so all you have to do now is relax and enjoy the ride.

Luxury Vacation

The finest possible services, luxurious and extravagant accommodations, unmatched and exquisite cuisine, instructive and interesting guides – the works! This is a vacation where you won’t be rushed, won’t be stressed, and a luxury trip will meet all of your expectations. These vacations often include visiting a resort, wellness retreat, or spa resort to relax and de-stress from your busy daily life.

Weekend Travel

Few people have perfected the art of weekend travel. Most people believe that traveling should last at least a week in order to really appreciate it, yet many adventure seekers satisfy their desire by going on a weekend trip. This entails searching for lower-cost flights, choosing a quicker road trip to a lesser-traveled location, and packing little.

While it may seem like a whirlwind, a weekend getaway is a wonderful way to unwind from your busy week and return to work refreshed on Monday.

Gap Year Travel

This is when you take a year off from school to visit family, pursue a course, volunteer, or work for a short period of time in a foreign country. When you think of a gap year, you often picture a young student embarking on a backpacking trip or gaining some job experience before joining the “real world.” On the other hand, anyone may take a gap year at any age and stage of one’s career. Simply put, it means taking a year off to go anywhere you choose.

Pack your belongings, turn on some music, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for a great road trip. This is sure to be a fantastic experience whether you hire an RV or caravan or drive your own vehicle. Road excursions are enjoyable to do with friends, family, or even alone. You see new areas, come across gorgeous roads, and meet fascinating people.

When it comes to planning a trip, the majority of people use travel agencies or ask for assistance. While such vacations are fantastic since they include locations, foods, and activities that regular travelers suggest, planning your own schedule has its own advantages. You get to choose where you want to go and how you want to go. These excursions allow you to discover different travel tricks, save money, and see lesser-known locations!

Long-Term Slow Trip

This entails taking a few months or a year off to travel or explore a nation. You travel at your own speed on this journey, staying in each location for an extended period of time to absorb the culture and customs of that city/town. To finance their trip for a more extended period, individuals typically choose inexpensive lodgings and meals. Long-term leisurely travel becomes more of a way of life than a journey.

Travel as a Volunteer

Volunteering may be a gratifying experience since you assist people in need while also contributing to the community. Volunteering in a new nation could be even more exciting and rewarding since you will be helping others and be having an unforgettable experience.

Whether you labor on an organic farm in Italy, volunteer at an orphanage in Cambodia or assist a school in Africa, you will have a rewarding vacation. Volunteer causes vary depending on the traveler, and many non-profit groups provide food and lodging for their volunteers, further reducing costs. You have the opportunity to travel while simultaneously contributing to the betterment of the planet. Isn’t it wonderful?

Work Abroad

Working in a foreign country is nothing like vacationing or touring. Working in a foreign nation allows you to live like a local and exposes you to circumstances you wouldn’t find in your own country. Immersion in a totally new culture is a really life-changing event.

Anyone may undertake this kind of journey at any time and from any location. Getting exciting work experience in a foreign country during your summer vacations, taking a semester off to gain real-world experience, opting for an internship program, working abroad for a few months or a few years – all of these options will provide you with work experience as well as knowledge of the country’s culture and traditions.

Traveling in this manner may also help you improve your CV. Working abroad can undoubtedly help you develop professionally and personally while also allowing you to travel.

Adventure Travel

What good is life if it isn’t full of thrills and spills? This kind of vacation is ideal for adventure seekers. There are so many exciting things to do on an adventure vacation. You may select any location you choose for camping, climbing, hiking, or aquatic activities.

Travel Without a Set Destination

Pack light and hit the road. Many individuals take the first aircraft out of the airport, hitchhike, or drive without a destination in mind. This is an excellent method to travel across the world while maintaining the element of surprise as to where you will end up.

Full Degree Program

In addition to semester-long student exchange programs, you may also enroll in a full-time degree program in another nation. You may have the best of both worlds by continuing your education overseas. You will be able to complete your whole degree in a foreign country as a result of this trip.

You will encounter natives as well as other tourists during your stay. You also have a home base in a new nation from which you may travel across the country and visit various cities and villages. Scholarships and other financial assistance are available for international students at many institutions and schools.

While studying and exploring the nation, there are hostels and other inexpensive student lodgings. Some countries even permit students to work for a limited number of hours per week without requiring a work visa. This means you’ll be able to fund your travel adventures with money earned.

Understanding-Your-Roots Travel

Have you ever been curious about your ancestors’ origins? What better way to learn about your origins than to travel? Set off on a trip to explore your origins and learn more about your family, from beautiful highlands to peaceful farmland.

Student Exchange Program

One of the greatest ways to travel is through participating in a student exchange program. This is an excellent method for children to have a sense of travel while also learning about another culture. Many fantastic student exchange programs have sprung up across the globe in the last decade.

This implies you may go to virtually any nation and study there. This helps you discover inspiring lessons while also creating enduring memories and friendships. All ages, majors, and levels of language proficiency are welcome to apply for these student exchange programs.

In addition, it gives you credit for your degree. The numerous student discounts, financial assistance, and scholarship possibilities available are just a few of the fantastic features of this program.

Travel to Teach English

Traveling to teach English or other languages/subjects has become a popular kind of modern tourism. Teaching abroad is a great way to not only travel to new places but also to earn money. This is an excellent long-term earning opportunity that will allow you to return home with a substantial sum of money, as well as valuable lessons learned and thrilling tales to tell others.

Furthermore, this kind of trip will teach you how to budget, which will be very helpful in the future. There are many teaching opportunities accessible all over the globe, ranging from rural villages to big cities, where you may learn from people from all walks of life and all ages. Professional development opportunities such as tutoring, cross-cultural communication, leadership, and more are included in this program.

Budget Travel

When it comes to traveling on a budget, backpacking and budget travel appear to go hand in hand. It is one of the most cost-effective vacation trips. This entails staying in hostels, sleeping on sofas, and eating at the cheapest restaurants possible.

Traveling this method does not need a large sum of money. For less money, you can go to many places across the globe. When it comes to traveling on a budget, the greatest approach to saving money is to be flexible. This kind of travel requires much preparation, and you will have less personal space.

Traveling on a budget may restrict your options for places. Because you will almost certainly meet a lot of people, this may be a fantastic way to solo travel.

Group Tours/Cruise

Group tours may range from 20-year-olds being driven about and bar hopping to a group of 70-year-olds seeing historical sites or a national park. Everything in between is also available. A group trip or even a cruise ship may accommodate any kind of travel. Themed cruises are available to suit everyone’s preferences.

Your schedule will be jam-packed with activities that will keep you occupied for the duration of your stay. In one journey, you will be able to see a variety of locations. You won’t have to plan anything since it’ll all be done before you go.

You will get the chance to meet many new individuals from all around the globe. When you’re on a group trip, there aren’t many opportunities for rest. You may not be able to see all you desire even if your calendar is jam-packed.

Travel Agency/Private Tours

Using a travel agency to plan your vacation is a fantastic idea, particularly if you have no prior knowledge of the destination. You have complete autonomy over where you go and what you do. Your travel agency handles everything else.

They may arrange for a tour guide to accompany you on your journey. These excursions may be tailored to your precise needs and are best suited for small parties. Once you’re on your vacation, you won’t have to worry about anything, including logistics and transportation. Because you’re paying a premium to have someone arrange your vacation for you, this kind of travel will be more expensive.

Package Holiday

A package vacation is one that has been pre-planned for you. Everything has been done for you; you have to pack your belongings and go to your destination now. All you have to do now is pick which drink you want first after deciding where you want to go. On one of these excursions, you will not be traveling locally. This vacation is all about unwinding and having fun. This might be the most relaxing vacation you’ve ever had.

Faith-Based Travel

Pilgrimage is another term for this kind of journey. Traveling to a holy site or traveling as a devotional act is an example of this kind of journey. For millennia, numerous civilizations and faiths have engaged in this kind of travel.

A pilgrimage used to be done on foot, but today’s technology has made it much simpler. People go on faith-based vacations to a variety of locations. Jerusalem, Israel, Tibet, Peru’s Inca Trail, and a slew of other destinations are among the most popular.

Before embarking on a journey of this kind, you should be aware of the visitors’ expectations. It’s possible that you’ll be required to follow a dress code or be quiet in some places. Before leaving, learn all you can.

Health Travel

Medical tourism is another term for this practice. Many people go to other places for medical procedures or treatments. You may need to go to another location because there is a shortage of medical care in your own region.

Surgery, transplants, therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness visits are all examples of this. The disadvantage is that you must pay for medical expenses in addition to the cost of the trip. It does allow you to go to a different location.

Gambling Travel

Traveling to a casino or a location renowned for gambling, such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City, is referred to as gambling travel. These are significant regions for the tourist business, and they’re just becoming bigger. With luxurious hotels and expansive lodgings, there are numerous options for this kind of vacation.

Before you go on a gaming vacation, you may like to read travel articles and check our social media. Before you go, you should think about establishing some gambling restrictions. While you are there, it is easy to get distracted by the sights and noises.

You will be well prepared if you are aware of your limitations in advance. There is no such thing as a perfect moment or age for traveling. You can go on whatever kind of trip you desire with such a diverse selection of travel options. Whether you like a well-planned group trip, the mystery of no-destination travel, solo travel, or travel with family or friends, there are many wonderful places to visit.

There is almost certainly a country and style of travel that will suit your time schedule and budget. Don’t simply imagine or fantasize about going on a trip; pack your bags, choose a location, and go. The vastness of the universe beckons exploration. Embrace your wanderlust and go on your next journey!

Is a passport required for international travel?

When traveling inside the United States, you do not need to carry a passport. To go internationally, you’ll need a passport. When traveling inside the United States, you’ll need to bring a few papers, including your passport and visa.

Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

A travel insurance coverage protects you if you need to cancel your vacation. If you’re concerned about anything getting in the way of your holiday, it’s worth thinking about. It may even safeguard you if your luggage is misplaced. There are restrictions and clauses to be aware of before canceling a vacation.

Is it possible for me to get compensated for my travels?

Depending on your line of work, you may be able to be paid to travel. Travel blogging is a fantastic way to earn money while documenting your travels. To make this work, you’ll need sponsors and a popular blog. You might become a public speaker and get compensated for traveling to give speeches. You may also work on a cruise ship, which will transport you to various locations.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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• 7 Types of Purposeful Travel and Why You Should Consider Them

In the world of travel and tourism, purposeful travel is the exciting new trend. But you might be wondering what it means. Doesn’t all travel have a purpose? Yes, but purposeful travel goes beyond the purpose of – say – sitting on a beach, reading a book and topping up your tan. Purposeful travel is travelling with a particular goal in mind, typically either self-improvement, from summer schools to meditation retreats, or improvement of the world around you, from putting up fences in a national park to getting newly-hatched turtles into the sea. Some purposeful travel is mostly hard work; other options balance work and play so you also get something of a holiday. In this article, we’ve looked at some of the key types of purposeful travel available for school and university students, who they’re intended for, what they achieve and why you might like to consider them.

1. Academic summer school study

Imagine a classic Oxford summer school and you’re probably thinking of academic summer school study. This is where you go away to some exciting academic destination for a couple of weeks to study subjects that you might also have encountered at school or university, but from a fresh perspective. Some academic summer schools take a “crammer” approach, in order to fill you up fast with knowledge ahead of exams; others are focused much more on giving you time to enjoy yourself, and learn through discussion, debate, excursions and practical activities to bring the subject to life. When you choose your summer school , which approach they take should be top of your list of things to consider. These two approaches to academic summer schools demonstrate two of the reasons that someone might choose this form of purposeful travel. Many students find that their day-to-day academic study is dominated by thoughts of exams and assessments. One reason to travel to a summer school is to prepare for these exams – whether they’re school exams or university entrance exams . Having fun while learning can be a secondary consideration, with the main aim being to get your marks up – and fast. The content will reflect what you’ve learned at school or university, as that’s what you’ll be tested on. The other reason is to get a break from that cycle of hard study, revision and exams; to enjoy learning for learning’s own sake and reignite your enthusiasm for your favourite subjects. This is the approach taken by Oxford Royale Academy ’s academic courses . The content is designed to be excitingly different to what you might encounter in the usual course of your studies. And there’s a lot more emphasis on having fun doing activities and going on excursions outside of class as well.

2. Vocational summer courses

But you can choose a summer school approach to purposeful travel without necessarily studying the same subjects that you’ll encounter in school or university. It’s also possible to travel to study a vocational course, whether that’s focused on a skill like coding or a career like Law , Medicine or Engineering . The content and approach of a vocational summer course is a lot like the more relaxed kind of academic course, and you can expect some academic study to be included. But the focus will be different: this isn’t just learning for the sake of learning, it’s learning to develop a skill or achieve a particular career goal. For some of us, having that goal in mind – rather than something vaguer like gaining knowledge about a topic – can make purposeful travel in pursuit of vocational learning that much more motivating. And it can be satisfying knowing that by the end of the course, you’ll have learned how to code an app or build a robot , or written a great personal statement for the university course you’ve always wanted to study. As with academic courses, you can choose a vocational course on the basis that it will lead you to the career of your dreams or just something that you think might be interesting to gain skills in for a week or two. Additional activities outside of the classroom complement your learning and turn your travel into a holiday as well as an opportunity for self-improvement.

3. Longer pre-university study

It might be that the week or two of a summer school course isn’t enough for what you want to achieve, whether that’s learning about a new subject, gaining a new skill, preparing for university or bringing your grades up a notch or two. Another approach to purposeful travel is to travel in order to study for a longer period, such as on Oxford Royale Academy’s Gap Year and Pre-University Foundation courses. Why might you choose a course like this? Typically, they’re taken by students who want to get a head start before embarking on university study, whether at undergraduate or in some cases at postgraduate level. It might be that you’re moving between countries with very different education systems, so there are gaps in your knowledge that your professors might not expect (as well as areas that you might have studied while the rest of your class hasn’t). You might also want to make sure that the skills you’ll need as a student are sharp, such as essay-writing, research skills or public speaking. And you might also want to learn all of this while availing of the opportunity to practise your English, see a new part of the world and make new friends. Oxford Royale Academy’s versions of these courses last for a term of 10 weeks, but with other providers you might study for even longer. What’s important is that at the end of your studies, you feel confident about your ability to keep up with your peers in your forthcoming time at university. .

4. Artistic retreats

Outside of the world of academia lies the wide range of purposeful travel opportunities that can be grouped under the vague heading of ‘artistic retreats’. These can take all kinds of forms, but the overall aim is that you travel in order to have a relaxing holiday while also having the opportunity to learn and develop new creative skills. The classic artistic retreat is a painting or sketching holiday: going somewhere beautiful with a group of people and an instructor to spend your days painting or sketching what you see around you. Some people do this out of a strong desire to improve their artistic technique, but for others going away and painting for a week or two is relaxing, and if they produce a decent artwork in the process, then that’s a bonus. But a painting holiday isn’t the only form of artistic retreat that you might choose. There are retreats for just about any kind of creative activity, whether that’s visual art, poetry, scriptwriting, filmmaking, woodworking or just about anything else. There’ll typically be some excursions and evening activities, but the focus is on your chance to get away from it all and express your creativity. If you like the sound of this, but it seems a bit slow-paced for you, you might want to consider Oxford Royale Academy courses such as Film Academy or Architecture and Design , both of which combine elements of the artistic retreat with a vocational focus so you can put your new skills to use. Similarly, courses such as Creative Arts allow you to combine a creative option with academic study.

5. English-language study

Every year thousands of people travel in order to study languages, with English as the most common language they choose to study. It’s easy to see why the opportunity to study a language is such a popular form of purposeful travel; indeed, many people who are travelling with a different purpose will also hope to improve their language skills at the same time, perhaps choosing their destination country on that basis. Studying a language in your own country isn’t the same as studying it somewhere where that language is native and being spoken around you every day. It’s even better if you’re learning alongside people from different countries with different native languages themselves, so the process of making friends with your fellow students incentivises you to get better at your target language and represents an opportunity to practise it. There’s almost every kind of programme for studying English as a foreign language that you can imagine, from intensive weekends of one-to-one study designed for executives with little time on their hands, to two-week courses that combine classroom study with activities and excursions, to courses over weeks or even months that might allow you to work a part-time job or carry out other study at the same time. The beauty of any of these options is that once you’ve travelled to an English-speaking country, almost everything you do will help you learn: whether that’s reading road signs, buying something from a shop, chatting to your fellow students, or seeing the sights.

6. Voluntourism

Voluntourism is a particular form of volunteering (more on general volunteering in a moment). It’s where you follow a planned-out package that includes some volunteering work, such as teaching schoolchildren, building necessary infrastructure like schoolrooms or wells, conservation or animal rescue work. Alongside your volunteering, there’ll be planned sightseeing trips and opportunities to socialise and have fun with your fellow volunteers. Typically, the fee for voluntourism will put profits back into the communities or activities you’re supporting. Voluntourism has a bad reputation, and that because some voluntourism is decidedly unethical. For instance, the charity Lumos has criticised voluntourism trips to orphanages, as they encourage the development of orphanages rather than the use of foster homes (which have better outcomes) and can increase an already traumatised child’s sense of abandonment as they form a connection with a series of volunteers, only to be left behind when the trip comes to an end. Other voluntourism can seem more ethical, but takes jobs away from local communities and saps their ability to support themselves. That’s not to say that voluntourism should be avoided altogether. It can be a great way to enjoy yourself in often beautiful surroundings while making the world a better place. You can separate the good from the bad by asking questions like whether a local worker would be paid to carry out the activity in the absence of a volunteer working for free, breaking down where the money goes from your fee, not doing anything you wouldn’t be qualified to do at home, and asking what the impact has been of the work of previous volunteers.

7. Volunteering

The less-organised cousin of voluntourism, volunteering is any activity that you do for an organisation without pay; typically, for a charity, though some volunteers choose to go and work in non-charitable organisations like schools or hospitals instead. Travelling to volunteer differs from voluntourism in a number of ways: first, it’s seldom packed so neatly that you can hop in for a week or two and then leave again; second, you’re not paying for excursions and social activities, so you’ll have to organise them (and sometimes even your food and lodging) for yourself; third, because you’re not giving the organisation any money, just time, they’ll typically want to make sure that you’re worth their investment, so there might be a job interview and vetting process. But the counterpoint to this is that while voluntourism is a way to have fun while helping others, volunteering can go far beyond this in teaching you new skills and enhancing your CV . While a short volunteering commitment is still valuable, organisations are typically looking for longer-term volunteers and that’s usually when you get to do something more interesting; you’ll need to be trained before you can do something that isn’t entry-level, and that takes time. What you could be doing at that point could be anything from volunteering in an animal sanctuary, to working in a charity shop, to supporting the elderly in a hospital, to helping children with special educational needs in a school. Choose the volunteering opportunity that plays best to your strengths and interests, and it can be a very rewarding form of purposeful travel.

Image credits: airport ; Fiji ; dog .

Purpose of Visit to USA – What is it? [ANSWERED]

What is the “Purpose of Visit to USA”? Decoding the Many Shades of American Adventures!

🌍🦅 If you’ve ever filled out a U.S. visa application or even just chatted with someone about traveling to the States, you’ve probably bumped into that age-old question: “What’s the purpose of your visit?”

Well, the USA isn’t just a one-trick pony.

From business meetings to road trips, let’s unravel the diverse reasons people hop on a plane to Uncle Sam’s land!

Apply Online

In this article…

Tourism & Leisure (B-2 Visa)

The most common reason for many! This includes:

• Vacationing: From the neon rush of Las Vegas to the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
• Visiting friends & family: Because reunions are a universal love language.
• Medical treatments: The U.S. is home to some world-renowned medical facilities.
• Participation in social events: Think conventions, music festivals, or even a wedding.

💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.

Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.

Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.

Business (B-1 Visa)

Not just skyscrapers and suits. Business visits can encompass:

• Conferences & Seminars: The U.S. hosts a plethora of global events year-round.
• Negotiating contracts: Closing deals and forging partnerships.
• Training: Whether it’s a two-day workshop or a month-long course.
• Short-term projects: Got a task that doesn’t require an actual work visa ? This is your stop.

Study & Exchange (F, M, and J Visas)

The States is a hub for global education:

• Academic Studies (F visa): From Ivy Leagues to community colleges.
• Vocational and Non-Academic Training (M visa): Think cooking schools or technical institutes.
• Exchange Programs (J visa): From internships to cultural programs.

Employment & Work (Various Visas)

For those chasing the American dream:

• Temporary Workers (H visas): From agriculture to modeling.
• Specialty Occupations (H-1B visa): Think techies, doctors, and other professionals.
• Artists & Athletes (O and P visas): Because the U.S. is where big dreams come to life!

Transit (C Visa)

Just passing through? Whether it’s a layover in L.A. or a connecting flight in Chicago , this is for travelers who need to make a short stop in the U.S. before jetting off to their final destination.

Immigration & Family (Various Visas)

The heartwarming tales of family and fresh starts:

• Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen (K visa): For lovebirds taking the plunge.
• Family-based Green Cards: For those joining close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Diplomatic & International Representatives (A, G, NATO Visas)

For the folks who work on the world stage:

• Ambassadors, public ministers, and consular officers: The big wigs of international diplomacy.
• International organization employees: Think United Nations or the World Bank.
• NATO representatives: For those working on behalf of NATO in the U.S.

So, whether you’re presenting a paper in Palo Alto, sunbathing in Florida, or just breezing through en route to Ecuador , the U.S. has a visa category (or exemption) tailored to your journey.

Each purpose paints a unique shade on the vast canvas of American visits. Wherever you fit, here’s to an amazing and purposeful U.S. escapade! 🇺🇸🌆🚖🌄

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Answering “purpose of your visit” In detail or not? - Air Travel Forum

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I will enter SFO by ESTA in August for a holiday. We will go to San Francisco, Napa, Hawaii, San Diego, Vancouver And home from there.

I am Italian but living now in London so I think my English has gotten better and I can handle easily the situation but maybe I think too much. When I am asked “What is the purpose of your visit” am I expected to go into details. That is to say “I take a vacation starting here in San Francisco then moving to Hawaii, San Diego and I go home from Canada” or do I just say “I am on holiday”

Is “I am on holiday” sounding cheeky, too short? It does to me but then everyone I know says don’t ever tell too much or you open up to many questions and then I would panic and lose my English maybe. My friend and his wife said before to that question that he was celebrating a marriage anniversary and officer did not seem to like it so much and gave them a rude, hard time so I try to get it right.

Thank you for any help on this one.

“I am on vacation/holiday” suffices.

If this is a genuine question, then "Holiday" is all I say if asked.

There is no need to give any other information unless asked for it.

I usually just say “On holiday”. Sometimes they ask what I plan to see or do and I answer truthfully, saying things like “shopping, sightseeing, beach or [whatever]”.

If they want to know more they will ask. Often we are asked where we are staying and then briefly list the places.

Just say you are on vacation - if they want to know more they'll ask

'I'm on holiday' is fine. I made the mistake once of saying 'I am here to celebrate my 40th' and that led to the worst quizzing I've had in 20+ trips to the US. Less is better.

If they want to know more they will ask and I see from your question on the Vallejo ferry that you are preparing a detailed itinerary so you should have no trouble answering any follow questions.

By the way, I thought this was a good question and don't know why it wouldn't be genuine. I remember being very nervous the first time I travelled outside the EU and had to face an immigration officer.

"For holidays" is perfectly fine.

If the immigration officer wants to know more, he/she will ask.

>> By the way, I thought this was a good question and don't know why it wouldn't be genuine. <<

Totally agree - the OP may be overthinking it a bit, but that's an easy thing to do, these processes do worry people, particularly if they haven't done it before. I remember transiting in the US where I was only spending about 4 hours in the country before leaving again, yet still got a bit flustered by the questions about why was I visiting, how long would I be staying and where was I going next...

In terms of the official question, all they want to know is whether you are travelling for holiday/vacation/leisure, or business, or to study or some other general aspects. If they want to ask further questions they will.

As many of my trips to the USA are long and complicated, if they ask me for more info on the trip, I ask back 'how long do you have?' before reeling off my first half dozen stops. That's usually enough for them. I've seen far more the USA than the average immigration officer, it seems!

I cannot see how or why 'I am on holiday' would sound cheeky (or wrong).

I find the best answer to give worldwide is simply “tourism.” Going on holiday, while perhaps understood, is not a phrase used in the United States. A holiday is national or religious holiday and not a “vacation,” as we would say here.

It also sounds weird (to me and perhaps to locals) if you went to Aushwitz or the Killing Fields or the Cape Coast slave fort on “vacation” or “holiday.” All of these places are visited by millions of tourists, but that doesn’t make them “vacation spots.” And I realize this is a picky answer, but you asked an question about semantics and it’s true that these words don’t carry over exactly through cultures. The meanings are subtle, but different. As someone who is rather drawn to dark tourism, I find myself making these distinctions often.

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What Are The Primary Business Travel Purposes?

Home » B2B » What Are The Primary Business Travel Purposes?

Most organizations try to find the answer to why business travel is essential, as online meetings can serve the purpose of interacting with partners, prospects, and customers. Many travel experts opine that business travel is crucial for meeting business objectives despite the extensive use of online platforms for virtual meetings during the pandemic. Virtual meetings cannot effectively accomplish the business purpose of engaging prospects in a real-life setting. Face-to-face interactions boost long-term relationships, making business travel a crucial factor for robust business growth. Among the most significant business travel purpose, sales and business development can deliver maximum ROI, followed by strategy meetings, customer service, and training and development of employees.

What is a business travel solution?

A Business Travel Solution refers to a comprehensive approach or service that addresses various aspects of corporate travel. It includes:

• Streamlining the booking process for flights, accommodations, and transportation.
• Providing tools to monitor and manage travel-related expenses.
• Ensuring adherence to company travel policies and guidelines.
• Implementing measures to address and mitigate travel-related risks.
• Focusing on tools and strategies to enhance the overall efficiency and productivity of business travel.

Purposes of business trips

A business travel purpose need not be a purely sales-oriented one. There are several objectives of business travel besides sales development. You may consider the following examples to understand the meaning of a business trip:

• Procuring raw materials or purchase
• Presentation
• Internal meetings
• Project work
• Site visits
• Survey or market research
• Training and conferences
• Event participation, such as trade exhibition
• Incentive tour
• Negotiations
• Partnerships
• Employees should clearly state the business travel purpose that directly or indirectly influences business volume and profitability. Clarity of the business travel purpose is crucial for tax auditing.

One should plan the purpose of a business trip to help derive a clear conclusion about its fulfillment. Submitting the feedback report is necessary after the completion of the business trip, mentioning the successful execution of the task.

Why is business travel still important?

A business trip can serve various purposes, but it mainly focuses on the retention and development of the organization’s internal and external customers. Several studies and surveys establish the importance of real-life meetings that are more impactful than online interactions.

A sales representative can discuss product benefits with the prospect more effectively by leveraging non-verbal cues in a face-to-face meeting. They can build a strong rapport with customers who appreciate the efforts of the sales executive to travel and meet them.

Internal meetings and training programs boost employee engagement. These are the main reasons for business travel among most corporate organizations. The following motivators help us appreciate the business travel purpose better.

1. Development and retention of internal customers

Employees are the organization’s internal customers and the tight labor market makes it difficult to replace them. The main objectives of business travel in 2022 included internal meetings, training programs, team-building events, and skills development sessions. Organizations learned the shortcomings of online training programs during the pandemic, as these sessions failed to meet the developmental objectives.

You require a real-life environment to learn certain skills and competencies. Business travel helps teams to travel and stay together, creating strong personal bonds. Employees are more creative and receptive in a real-life setup.

Remote working made employees impacted bonding between colleagues and reduced engagement. Incentive trips, group travel, and conferences can help employees re-establish a strong connection. Many companies focused on face-to-face group events to motivate employees after months of working in isolation.

2. Developing and retaining external customers

Customers are crucial for organizational growth. Organizations emphasize retaining and developing existing customers, as finding and developing new customers requires time, patience, and expenses. Business travel to develop and maintain strong customer relationships is justifiable as many organizations are leaving the virtual environment to have face-to-face interactions with their customers.

Organizing business travel to cover business destinations and meet customers in person boosts loyalty and confidence in your organization. Companies must take care of employees’ safety and well-being by implementing an online travel management solution to fulfill the duty of care in the post-pandemic era. Paxes helps organizations streamline their travel programs to simplify business travel policy compliance.

How to stay connected with the office during travel?

Staying connected with the office while traveling is crucial for efficient business operations. Key strategies include:

• Mobile Connectivity: Ensure your mobile plan supports international use for calls, texts, and data.
• Cloud-Based Tools: Utilize cloud-based collaboration tools for real-time document sharing and communication.
• VPN Access: Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure access to office networks and files.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular virtual check-ins with the team to stay updated on projects and tasks.

Adjusting to different time zones

Adjusting to different time zones is essential for maintaining productivity during business travel. Consider these strategies:

• Gradual Adjustment: Adjust your sleeping and waking times gradually before the trip to adhere to the new time zone.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and opt for light, nutritious meals to support your body’s adjustment.
• Daylight Exposure: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
• Strategic Napping: Take short naps strategically to combat fatigue and adapt to the local time.

Despite the easy availability of online meeting apps like Zoom or Skype, business travel continues to boost organizations’ business, fulfilling myriad business objectives. Appreciating the value of business travel purpose is crucial to explore the true benefits of business travel.

Physical or face-to-face interactions are more effective in establishing a strong relationship with customers, colleagues, and associates. Automating business travel processes using online travel management solutions like Paxes streamlines business trips. Organizations can implement policies and ensure cost savings by integrating advanced AI into the platform.

Suggested Read: All About Global Corporate Travel Management

Business Travel Purpose FAQs

Which is the top business travel purpose.

Sales and business development is the most frequent purpose of a business trip.

What are the four reasons for business travel?

Sales, internal meetings, client management, and employee training are the four reasons for business travel.

Why is business travel necessary?

Business travel allows face-to-face interaction and boosts engagement. It is more effective in establishing a sound business relationship than in virtual meetings.

What are the main benefits of business travel?

Business travel allows personal interactions, builds confidence and helps learn new ideas.

Which is the most suitable way to establish a business relationship?

Meeting the person face-to-face and discussing matters of business interest establishes a business relationship.

How can I efficiently plan a business trip?

Efficient planning of a business trip involves defining objectives, making bookings, managing expenses, crafting an itinerary, and adhering to company travel policies.

What benefits does business travel offer for networking and professional development?

Business travel provides networking opportunities, face-to-face meetings to strengthen relationships, exposure to different cultures.

What essential items should I pack for a business trip?

Pack travel documents, business attire, electronic devices, essential toiletries, and important contacts for a business trip. Be prepared with everything you need for meetings and personal comfort.

What cultural etiquettes should I be aware of during international business travel?

When traveling internationally for business, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with local greeting customs, adhere to dress codes, understand gift-giving practices, and adapt communication styles.

Explain examples of business trip purposes?

Business trips serve various purposes, such as client meetings for project discussions, attending conferences or exhibitions for networking, participating in training or workshops for skill enhancement, and conducting market research for business expansion.

Pratyush is a traveling enthusiast who always looks for innovations in business travel management. He has 5 years of experience writing content on corporate travel management and working closely with expert business travel facilitators.

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Purpose of a trip is the main activity at the destination of a trip. Trip purpose categories:• Work (commuting): Work/commuting is first of all trips to the workplace at the location of the respondent’s employer. A meeting outside the address of the company is a business trip. For employees working at a construction site for a long period, trips directly from home to the construction site are work/commuting trips too.• Professional / business: Trip related to work but not considered as commuting.• Education: School or educational institution, school field trips, etc.• Shopping: Shopping, groceries, non-daily shopping, etc.• Escorting: Picking up/accompanying/escorting people, taking children to school, bringing someone to the station etc.• Leisure: Visiting friends/relatives, going out to eat or drink, touring/walking, sport/hobby, visiting vacation home, recreation at water/beach/mountains, cultural activities, entertainment, holiday, sightseeing, agro-tourism, voluntary work, private meetings, other leisure, etc.• Personal business: Services/personal care, health treatment, hair dresser, personal reasons, visiting a lawyer, religious activity, bank, post office, bringing or picking up things, etc.

From Yosemite to Acadia, National Park Week 2024 kicks off with free entry

National Park Week kicks off April 20 with free entry to every national park in America. 

That’s not just capital NP national parks like Grand Teton and Olympic , but all 429 sites within the National Park System , ranging from national battlefields to seashores.

Entry fees are only waived that first day, but there are special activities planned throughout National Park Week (and many sites don’t charge entry fees anyway).

"With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a statement.

What travelers should know:

What is the purpose of National Park Week?

The first National Park Week in 1991 marked the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The next wasn't until 1994, but since then, it’s become an annual, presidentially proclaimed celebration across America’s ever-growing list of national parks, according to National Park Service spokesperson Kathy Kupper.

“During National Park Week, and throughout the year, I encourage people to discover and enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities available in national parks and through National Park Service community programs,” Sams said.

How long is National Park Week?

National Park Week spans nine days. It runs from April 20 through April 28. 

Each day will spotlight a different parks-related theme.

◾ April 20: Discovery

◾ April 21: Volunteers 

◾ April 22: Earth Day 

◾ April 23: Innovation 

◾ April 24: Workforce Wednesday 

◾ April 25: Youth Engagement 

April 26: Community Connections 

◾ April 27: Junior Ranger Day

◾ April 28: Arts in Parks 

Travelers can find their nearest park through the National Park Service and National Park Foundation’s Find Your Park site.

What is the most visited national park? Answers to your biggest park questions

Are national parks free on Earth Day?

Not this year. Earth Day is April 22. 

Last year, it happened to coincide with the first day of National Park Week when parks offer free entry. 

However, this year, the first day of National Park Week is April 20.

When are all US national parks free?

There are five more free entry dates this year:

◾ April 20 : First day of  National Park Week

◾ June 19 : Juneteenth

◾ Aug. 4 : Great American Outdoors Day 

◾ Sept. 28  : National Public Lands Day

◾ Nov. 11 : Veterans Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was also an entry-fee-free day in January.

Certain groups like military service members, veterans , and U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities are eligible for free entry any time of year. Fourth graders and their families are also eligible for free park visits through the Every Kid Outdoors program.

Visitors should note some parks charge fees for parking , access to specific facilities, and other things, even when entry fees are waived.

What activities can people do when visiting the national park?

Activities vary by date and location and can be found on the National Park Service’s event calendar . Junior Ranger Day events include the chance to build biplane models at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama and learn about the history of dogs in Hidatsa villages and earn a BARK Ranger badge for their own pups at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota.

“Of course, we hope that kids will want to protect parks and want to make sure that we pass on parks to the future generations of kids, but in order to do that, we have to make sure that we are letting kids come to our parks to have fun, to fall in love with nature, to fall in love with history and culture,” Caitlin Campbell, interpretation and engagement coordinator for the National Park Service, told USA TODAY.  “Our primary objective is to make sure that kids feel welcome in parks and know that parks are a fun and safe place where they belong.” 

All year long, kids of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the free Junior Ranger program in parks and online .

"They can find Junior Ranger programming probably pretty close to where they live," she said. "Any day of the year, they could celebrate (being a) Junior Ranger, but we hope that they celebrate during National Park Week."

Travel With Purpose | Hilton ESG

Our Progress

“ Hilton was founded on the noble premise that travel can make the world a better place and that premise still guides us today . ” Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hilton In line with this vision, we set bold Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals to redefine sustainable travel.

2030 Goal Tracking

Since the launch of our Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals in May 2018, we have been tracking all targets to ensure that we reach our goals. Below is a progress report on all targets. For additional reporting, please visit the  Our Reporting page.

Categories:

Environmental: paving the way to net zero.

Science-based targets:

• Reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity from managed hotels by 75% (MT CO 2 e/m 2 , 2008 baseline) 
• Reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions intensity from franchised hotels by 56% by working collaboratively with franchisees (MT CO 2 e/m 2 , 2008 baseline) 

Align with global environmental certifications that require third-party verification (e.g., certification to ISO 14001, 50001, 9001; US EPA ENERGY STAR)

7.2 7.3 7.a

PROGRESS TO DATE

• Committed to new, more ambitious science-based targets, which were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)  
• 47.1% reduction in carbon emissions intensity (managed hotels) 
• 44% reduction in carbon emissions intensity (all hotels)  
• 100% of hotels mapped in LightStay against climate risks 
• Opened Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, believed to be the first net-zero carbon emissions hotel in the U.S.  
• Working in collaboration with Schneider Electric, developed a robust plan of action to achieve our science-based targets by 2030  
• Established LED bulbs as a global brand standard for new builds and existing buildings across all brands 
• Invested in two ESG innovation funds with Fifth Wall, a VC firm that invests in innovative ESG technologies that decarbonize to tackle climate change  
• Expanded roll out of Aquicore, our building analytic program, to 33 managed Hilton properties, cutting energy costs through “low cost and no cost” energy efficiency measures 

Reduce water use intensity in our managed operations by 50% (liters/m², 2008 baseline)

Activate 20 community water projects to increase access and resilience

6.3 6.4 6.6 6.b

• 33.49% reduction in water intensity (managed hotels)
• 38.1% reduction in water intensity (all hotels)
• 9 community water projects completed
• Mapped 100% of hotels against WWF water risk indices
• Refreshed our Energy and Water Efficient Design Companion Guide to guide hotels on design decisions that can improve properties’ energy and water efficiency

Reduce landfilled waste intensity in our managed operations by 50% (MT/m², 2008 baseline)

Reduce food waste across our global operations by implementing a food waste reduction program in every kitchen

Send zero soap to landfill by recycling all used guest soap bars, where available 

• 65.4% reduction in landfilled waste intensity (managed hotels)
• 57.6% reduction in landfilled waste intensity (all hotels)
• Joined WRI Cool Food program to engage on best practices to reduce food waste and opportunities to adopt lower-emissions food selections
• Collaborated with WWF and the hotel industry to develop a standardized waste measurement methodology 
• Completed a pilot with GOODR, a food waste donation program designed to pick up edible food waste and donate it to local nonprofits 
• Partnered with Winnow, leveraging AI technology to help chefs accurately pinpoint food waste streams to cut costs and tailor purchasing decisions in select hotels across EMEA and APAC 
• Continued to expand Digital Key and transition hotels to bulk amenities, reducing plastic waste from key cards and miniature toiletry bottles 
• 5,500+ hotels partnered with soap recycling organizations to donate soap to those in need 

Social: Creating an Engine of Opportunity

Create 5 million learning and career growth opportunities for Team Members and communities with a focus on underrepresented groups

Achieve 50% Gender Diversity at our leadership levels globally by 2027

Achieve 25% Ethnic Diversity at our leadership levels in the U.S. by 2027

8.5 8.6 8.b

• In 2022, we created more than 677,359 learning and career growth opportunities against our 5 million commitment 
• 40% Women at global corporate leadership levels in 2022 (+3 vs. YE2020) 
• 19% Ethnic Diversity at our U.S. corporate leadership levels in 2022 (+2 vs. YE2020) 
• In 2022, training on Diversity & Inclusion/Unconscious Bias and creating a Harassment-Free Workplace was completed by 98% of managed hotels globally 

COMMUNITIES

Meaningfully impact 20 million community members

Contribute 10 million volunteer hours

Participate in food donation programs, where allowed by law (managed hotels)

Award 300+ Action Grants for hotel-led social and environmental impact projects that provide local support for our communities 

Design, standup and activate a disaster relief program to support our community members and Team Members 

Leverage our large global footprint and deep integration within our communities to expand local sourcing and business with diverse and small suppliers 

1.1 1.2 1.5

• In 2022, Hilton and the Hilton Global Foundation meaningfully impacted 2,793,920 community members through local support, disaster relief efforts and economic opportunities 
• Since establishment in 2019, awarded $8M+ in Hilton Global Foundation grants to more than 130 NGOs and community-based organizations 
• 2,155,702 hours volunteered since 2017, including 344,958 in 2022 
• Distributed nearly $3 million in critical financial support to more than 3,600 Team Members impacted by disasters, crisis, and personal hardship instances since 2014 
• Reached 78,588 refugees since 2015 through volunteering, in-kind donations, purchasing, training, shelter and employment 
• Awarded 39 Action Grants to nonprofit organizations around the globe for hotel-led social and environmental impact projects 
• Sourced from more than 2,400 women, minority, veteran, disabled and LGBTQ–owned businesses in 2022 
• Over $3.6M of spend moved from imported to local sourcing in 5 EMEA markets 

Promote responsible, inclusive conduct across 100% of our operations 

Promote responsible sourcing of beef, poultry, pork, eggs, seafood and produce from third-party recognized and/or certified suppliers across our managed hotels 

Embed ESG due diligence across our supply chain and partner with suppliers to advance positive impact 

Engage guests in supporting responsible travel and destination stewardship 

12.2 12.5 12.6

• Continued making progress on sourcing from Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified fisheries, with Japan, Korea and Micronesia becoming our first region to achieve 25% sustainable seafood volume in 2022 
• Achieved the following egg purchasing from cage-free sources across our Hilton-managed hotels: 54% in the Americas, 46% in EMEA, and 7% in APAC 
• 110 key suppliers invited to complete EcoVadis Assessment in 2022 to strengthen due diligence and support ESG performance across our supply chain 
• 50% of brands have at least one brand standard requiring local sourcing 
• Introduced Meet with Purpose checklist to enable customers to host more sustainable meetings and events, and launched feature in LightStay to purchase high-quality carbon offsets for carbon neutral meetings 

Governance: Advancing and Measuring our Goals

Public affairs.

Advocate for public policies that advance our Travel with Purpose goals 

Actively shape legislation and regulation to advance our corporate objectives, including making progress toward our ESG goals 

• Led advocacy efforts on behalf of our Team Member and owner community to support COVID-related relief and recovery 
• Advocated to advance legislation related to preventing human trafficking, immigration reform, climate action, plastic elimination, skills training and apprenticeships programs, and diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Monitoring forthcoming government regulations related to ESG disclosure requirements 
• Led advocacy efforts to stimulate leisure and business travel including removing remaining pandemic-era travel restrictions, tax incentives and funding for destination marketing 
• Supported policies to address our workforce needs and attract a diverse and talented workforce through immigration and visa reform, expanded skills training and apprenticeship programs, and commitment to DEI 
• Advanced legislation that helps our hotels become more sustainable including tax incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and EV charging stations and plastic elimination. Shaped forthcoming government regulations related to ESG disclosure requirements through public comment letters and advocacy 

PARTNERSHIPS

Create and partner with cross-industry networks to advance Travel with Purpose objectives. 

Build long-term relationships with organizations that help advance our enterprise objectives, including our ESG goals and advocacy efforts 

13.1 13.2 13.3

• Participated in Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and World Travel & Tourism Council committees and working groups and contributed to the development of the industry’s “Net Positive Pathway” 
• Collaborated with expert partners, including ECPAT and It’s a Penalty, on human rights topics 
• Led engagement with key industry trade organizations 
• Continued to work with partners, such as World Wildlife Fund, on sustainable destination management 
• In partnership with American Express and Hilton’s ownership community, in 2022 Hilton donated hotel rooms across Europe to support Ukrainian refugees in need 
• Continuing our legacy of prioritizing innovation, Hilton made an investment in two Fifth Wall climate technology funds that aim to decarbonize the global real estate sector 
• Committed to grant $500,000 to AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund over 3 years 

POLICIES AND REPORTING

Operate through best-in-class measurement (LightStay), governance and oversight  

Continue board oversight with robust quarterly reporting at the committee level and annual reporting on ESG strategy to the full board 

Ensure accountability for LightStay compliance, enterprise risk management, annual trainings, and regular reporting efforts 

Provide mandatory annual training on preventing human trafficking to all hotel Team Members globally 

• Progressed partnership with EcoVadis to track and validate supplier sustainability performance 
• All suppliers are encouraged to observe and abide by Hilton’s Responsible Sourcing Policy, which is included in all corporate and managed property contracts 
• Where relevant, routinely incorporate sustainability criteria into our sourcing exercises, catalogs and purchasing data 
• 100% of hotels mapped against human rights risks 
• Continued to enhance LightStay, including the addition of a Meeting Impact Calculator report to calculate the environmental footprint of meetings and events 
• Continued Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)–Recognized Standard status for LightStay 
• 98% of managed hotels completed training on preventing human trafficking 
• Quarterly reports on progress delivered to Executive Committee, Board and key leaders across the business 

Little League players from the metro learn about more than baseball on trip to Cuba

A group of Little League players from St. Louis Park traveled a long way from their home field earlier this month when they spent a week in Cuba playing with kids and coaches from Havana. 

The purpose of the trip was to not only become better players, but to become better people.

The team brought school supplies and medical supplies to share.  They also brought an eagerness to learn about a different culture.

“I learned their language a little bit and their playing style,” said 12-year-old Cam Howell.

“They don’t have a lot of stuff that we have.  We have more technology.  It had me be more grateful,” said 12-year-old Gary Cooper.

The trip was led by former St. Louis Park Little League coach Luis Versalles. Versalles founded MVP65 Cultural Exchange, an organization that facilitates cultural exchange experiences for groups. 

“It’s really neat to see their love of baseball become the shared language,” he said.

He says the trip was inspired by his late uncle, Cuban-born Minnesota Twins shortstop Zoilo Versalles, who was named the American League MVP back in 1965.

“We talk about how sport is life.  We have success, we have challenges in sport.  We have a lot of lessons we draw strength from,” he said.

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MPH Student Harnishad Kaur Binner Shares Experience from Campus Ministry Spring Break Immersion Program

Second-year master of public health student Harnishad Kaur Binner participated in the ‘ Campus Ministry Spring Break Immersion Program ’ along with other Saint Louis University students.

Harnishad Kaur Binner and SLU students at 'Thrive for Life' in The Bronx.

Second-year master of public health student Harnishad Kaur Binner participated in the ‘Campus Ministry Spring Break Immersion Program’ along with other Saint Louis University students.

Each year, several students apply to travel over spring break to various locations in the United States for a week of immersion into a new culture and lifestyle to be people for and with others.

This year, Binner, with several other students, spent the week with ‘ Thrive for Life ’ in The Bronx, New York, with formerly incarcerated individuals, learning about the flaws in the US justice system and the issues within the prison system today.

Thrive for Life’s founder, Zachariah F. Presutti, SJ, completed his master’s at SLU in clinical social work. His mission is to positively impact the lives of individuals both within and beyond prison walls, offering avenues for education and assistance in finding employment opportunities, ultimately facilitating their successful reintegration into society. This noble work is realized through the operation of two supportive residences: Abraham House in the Bronx and Ignacio House in Manhattan. This year's group of students stayed at the Abraham House and lived amongst the other house members who were formerly incarcerated.

In preparation for their trip, the students met weekly to learn about the mission they would partake in as well as the community they would be immersing themselves in. Upon their arrival, they were shown to their housing accommodations where they would spend the next week.

Although some were apprehensive to be staying in the Bronx for a week, Binner said “The residents were very kind and welcoming towards us and helped us feel safe. They would even accompany us to get food in the neighborhood and wanted us to feel safe.”

One of the most impactful experiences was visiting Rikers Island and participating in Mass with some of the inmates. Binner and the other students were able to converse with these incarcerated individuals as well.

Binner shared that Mass participants were so excited and grateful that the students had come and were sharing in fellowship with them. The prisoners talked about those whom they missed outside of prison and talked about life before and after with the students.

Binner reflected on the trip and shared how public health is called to be involved in this work. Binner expressed the want for coursework at SLU to discuss the justice and prison system, to bring light to it, and to help educate the next force of public health professionals in this field.

Binner’s offers a piece of advice for those thinking about applying for an immersion spring break trip next year centered around issues such as the justice or immigration system.

“Be ready to hear some powerful stories that might move you emotionally. Also, be ready to handle sudden changes that can happen during the trip. Being too stuck in your ways will not help. While these experiences can be emotionally taxing, approaching them with an open mind will enable you to derive the most benefit in a healthy manner," Binner said.

If you are interested in applying for a spring break immersion trip, check out Campus Ministries website.

College for Public Health and Social Justice

The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is the only academic unit of its kind, studying social, environmental and physical influences that together determine the health and well-being of people and communities. It also is the only accredited school or college of public health among nearly 250 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Guided by a mission of social justice and focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.

Out-of-State Travel Procedure

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Purpose Statement

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure all out-of-state travel is done in accordance with Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and State of Minnesota policies. All out-of-state travel, including student travel, must be approved by the College’s president prior to any financial commitments being made or fundraising activities beginning.

This process applies to all College employees or programs involving out-of-state travel.

Definitions

Out-of-state travel.

Travel that takes employee(s) or student group(s) to any location outside of Minnesota. Travel to North Dakota border cities that does not include registration fees, overnight travel or vehicle rental is not considered out-of-state travel.

• This form must be completed and approved prior to any commitment of financial obligations or starting fundraising activities.
• A copy of the conference, meeting or activity agenda (or similar documentation) that includes dates and whether meals are included, must be submitted with the form.
• If using professional development funds for all or a portion of the travel costs, a signed copy of the Professional Development Form must be attached to the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form.
• If students will be traveling out-of-state, the Overnight Travel Form must be attached to the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form.
• If travel is all or partially funded by non-college sources, all funding must be received and receipted into the College financial system prior to departure.
• If approved, the supervisor signs the form and forwards it, along with any accompanying documents, to the appropriate vice president for review.
• If denied, the supervisor returns the form to the employee with an explanation of the reason for denial.
• If approved, the vice president signs the form and forwards it, along with any accompanying documents, to the president for review.
• If denied, the vice president returns the form to the supervisor with an explanation of the reason for denial.
• If approved, the president signs the form, returns the original form to the requesting employee, and sends a copy to the supervisor.
• If denied, the president returns the unsigned form to the employee with a copy to the supervisor and includes an explanation of the reason for denial.
• If submitting for reimbursement, the employee completes the Expense Reimbursement Form and submits it, along with the required receipts and a copy of the signed Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form, to their supervisor for approval.
• If submitting invoices to be paid through accounts payable (by purchase order or procurement card) the employee includes the receipts and a copy of the signed Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form to their supervisor for approval.
• If the employee is requesting reimbursement, the supervisor signs and forwards the Expense Reimbursement Form, receipts and a copy of the signed Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form to the Payroll Office.
• If the employee is submitting invoices to be paid through accounts payable, the supervisor reviews the expenses incurred on the procurement card and ensures that all required receipts and a copy of the signed Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form are attached.
• The Business Office verifies required documentation has been received and processes the expense reimbursement request, invoice or purchasing card submission. All documents are retained on file for audit purposes.

Responsibility

Completing and submitting the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form and other required documentation to their supervisor for review prior to any commitment of financial obligations or starting fundraising activities.

• Review and approval or denial of the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form.
• Upon completion of travel, supervisors are responsible for reviewing the employee’s Expense Reimbursement Form and/or procurement card expenses to ensure that required receipts and a copy of the signed Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form are included prior to forwarding the reimbursement request to the Business Office.

Vice President

Review and approval or denial of the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form after it has been approved by the supervisor.

Review and approval or denial of the Authorization for Out-of-State/International Travel Form after it has been approved by the vice president.

Business Office

• Verify that all receipts and required documents are attached and process expense reimbursement. 
• Retain all documents on file for audit purposes.

Other Supporting References

• Know Before You Go – Out-of-State Travel Brochure
• Employee bargaining unit contracts

Associated M State and Minnesota State System Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Employee Business Expense Reimbursement Procedure

Tips For Tourists On The New York City Subway For The First Time

• There are plenty of New York subway tips, one of which is to stay away from the yellow area to avoid accidents and incidents on the subway platform.
• One of the things to know about the NYC subway is that the numbers and letters on the New York subway map are more important than the colors.
• Pay attention to signs, announcements, and the subway map to navigate the subway system effectively and avoid getting lost.

No one can dispute that New York City is one of the ultimate travel destinations in the US and is where many people's dreams come true. From the epic foodie neighborhoods in NYC to the city's museums, stores, and brands, many things in the Big Apple have left their imprint on the United States and worldwide, all of which are found in this concrete jungle.

More than 8 million people call New York City home , and around one-third of them were born outside the country. The city attracts between 60 and 70 million tourists a year due to its diversity and liveliness, earning it the title of "cultural center of the world." As exciting as that sounds, getting around may seem difficult for first-timers, especially when taking the subway. So, how does the NYC subway work, exactly?

The subway New York City offers is one of the busiest in the country, and it can be challenging for newcomers to navigate safely and seamlessly. Therefore, here are a number of NYC subway tips for a safe, successful vacation in what is easily the most famous city in America!

UPDATE: 2023/12/27 21:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Wondering How The New York City Subway Works?

Taking public transport in NYC for the first time? No need to worry; here are a number of additional, updated, and useful tips and information on the NYC subway system

Related: 10 Crazy Things You Should Know About New York City's Abandoned Subway Stations

Stay Away From The Yellow Area

Purpose: for safety and to avoid any incidents.

The yellow part of the subway seems obvious, doesn't it? Still, first-timers on New York’s subway would be shocked at how many passengers choose to disregard the line and stand in (or too close to) the yellow area at the edge of the subway station.

Sadly, after buying a New York subway pass for tourists, some unsavvy first-timers stand too close to the edge, which may result in a serious incident (some locals even do this, too). Therefore, passengers must keep their distance from the yellow area at all times, not only when a train is approaching the station.

Get Ready Well Before Your Intended Stop

Purpose: to avoid missing your stop.

Distractions aboard the New York subway are commonplace. Characters on the train may be so interesting that first-time passengers could miss their stop, ranging from adorable Mariachi bands (sometimes too loud) to children selling candy to downright vibrant New Yorkers.

Have fun on the ride, but be mindful. During peak times, it is better to get ready and head near the train's doors before the intended stop to avoid missing it due to door closure. The doors don't stay open for long, after all, and trying to fight one's way through a crowded train during rush hour to exit is not a pleasant experience when riding the NYC subway for the first time!

Read The Signs To Find Your Train Station

Purpose: to avoid getting lost.

Over 36 separate subway lines transport people between Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The majority of subways in NYC go below ground, as the name would imply. There are a few lines that cross above, though.

However, tourists will mostly be moving underground. The secret is to pay attention to the signs that identify the subway lines that each station serves and the direction in which each train is traveling.

Related: 10 Tips For Riding New York City's Subways & Trains During The Holidays

Pay Attention To The Signs & Announcements For The Previous & Next Stations

Purpose: to know when to get off and reach the intended destination.

Modern subways contain light-up graphics that show which station tourists are on the route for, but older trains will not . Travelers should not be afraid if they miss the graphics and station signs, though, because the conductor will always make clear which stop they are at and which station is coming up.

Passengers can also see signs for the station the train has just pulled into by looking out the window if they miss the announcement. Additionally, each train car contains a New York subway map spread of the full subway network, making it easier to learn how to use the subway in NYC , even as a newbie.

Follow The NYC Subway Map’s Numbers & Letters But Not The Colors

Purpose: to understand the subway map.

Travelers pondering how to use the NYC subway as a tourist should take the map's letters and numbers into account (the colors aren't quite as important). Travelers may see the many lines on the NYC subway map in a variety of colors and counts; they should make sure they choose the appropriate subway line by letter or number since New Yorkers don't really refer to the train lines by their colors.

This is because, for example, despite the blue line showing lines A, C, and E, these train tracks ultimately diverged, and tourists can find themselves in an entirely different and even unintended location from where they started.

For more information, check out a guide to using the NYC subway and how to ride its trains .

Choose An Appropriate NYC MetroCard

Purpose: to get the most suitable card for tourists (not locals).

Two different NYC subway card types are available: an Unlimited Ride card and a normal Pay-Per-Ride card. If travelers buy the Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard, they can take the bus and metro as much as they choose and use the subway like a true New Yorker.

If tourists choose Pay-Per-Ride, they can utilize Tap-To-Pay instead of purchasing a MetroCard. They can touch their credit or debit card on the screen and even use their phone's wallet to pay.

• Costs : The cost of an Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard is $34, including a $1 card charge. Each subway ride costs $2.75 with a standard Pay-Per-Ride card, though travelers get one free transfer to a bus.

Check If Your Destination Is Uptown Or Downtown

Purpose: to select the right subway platform.

So, how do tourists use the NYC subway without getting lost, even with all the maps and tips available? Well, one answer to this is that travelers must select the appropriate platform, which tends to be based on whether the train goes uptown or downtown.

Additionally, certain subway stations feature distinct entrances for uptown or downtown-bound trains. This implies that to go in the desired direction, travelers might need to cross the street. Entry to both uptown and downtown platforms is often available from each station door at express stations.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Riding The NYC Subway

Know The Difference Between Red And Green Globes

Purpose: to understand the subway's operating hours.

Travelers may notice that most subway stations in NYC feature either a red or a green globe. These were initially put in place to inform passengers which stations are open 24/7, referred to with a green globe, and which stations are closed at night, marked with a red globe. The red globes were also intended to indicate exit-only staircases.

However, most residents and tourists to New York City probably ignore these markings.

Change Your Train Line Using Pedestrian Tunnels

Purpose: to save money and time.

Another mistake first-timers on the NYC subway system make is leaving one stop and going to another to catch a different train, incurring another fare. Some stations are connected to other stations via pedestrian tunnels; using those tunnels between the two stations can save travelers time and money.

Once someone heads down the subway, they shouldn't need to leave and enter another area; everything will be connected.

If You Need Help, Ask Someone!

Purpose: to get help from a local (or a conductor) in the know.

Travelers who are unsure if they are standing on the right side of the platform or boarding the correct train shouldn't hesitate to ask someone. They might be astonished to learn that a lot of New Yorkers are pretty friendly, and some even like helping out tourists.

Travelers can also ask the conductor aboard the train, who often points at each station's black and white striped boards. It's always better to speak up and ask questions rather than to be stuck in the wrong subway car headed toward a completely different destination.

Avoid Staring At People In The Metro

Purpose: to avoid offending (and potentially angering) anyone.

The New York City subway is typically one of the most fascinating places in the Big Apple for people watching; however, passengers should try to keep their eyes off others, for the most part. Looking without staring is usually fine; however, just like in most big cities around the world, gazing at someone for too long is a surefire way to offend them (and maybe even anger them).

Additionally, in New York, citizens normally keep calm when they see a famous person or an unusual character—the less attention someone brings to themselves, especially when new to the city, the better. Many long-time residents also claim that blending in helps keep them safe in NYC during their commutes.

Watch Your Valuables

Purpose: to avoid falling victim to pickpocketing.

A useful piece of NYC subway advice is to safeguard valuables. Travelers should avoid putting their wallets and other valuable items in their back pockets. Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, so keeping one's guard up is essential when traveling not just the NYC subway but any public transportation. That also applies to electronics, like phones, tablets, headphones, speakers, and whatever else holds a high value.

As tempting as it is to get some work or study done on the subway using a laptop or tablet, it can be a super quick and easy target for thieves. Instead, it may be safer to do any work on a smartphone, holding it very tight or having a case with a connecting string/cable to one's pants/jacket/bag.

Don't forget that there are other ways to get around NYC besides the subway .

Download Games To Play

Purpose: to pass the time and stay entertained.

One of the best ways to pass the time on the NYC subway is to play games on a phone. However, sometimes there might not be internet connectivity in the tunnels, so it's best to have a pre-downloaded game like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Sudoku, or whatever one enjoys playing.

It is surprising just how much faster the time goes by on the subway when having a distraction (a good old-fashioned book or even a Kindle also works as well).

Remember That The NYC Subway Never Stops

Purpose: to reduce "last train" anxiety and relax.

NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. Unsurprisingly, its extensive system of metro trains also never rests; the NYC Subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The subway really is the easiest way to get around the Big Apple, and it's rare that someone ever needs to hurry to get the last train at one of the system's 493 stations. As such, travelers can ditch the notion of rushing around for fear of missing the last train (there are plenty, and there's always another train to get people home!).

Not all lines run through the night, though, so refer to the NYC subway's late-night service to see what's operational.

Never Forget To Pay The Subway Fare

Purpose: to avoid fines.

The fares on the NYC Subway cost $2.75 for most riders (there are reduced fares for those 65 and older and certain other categories of people). People can pay using OMNY - the contactless fare payment system - or a MetroCard.

Both ways are simple and easy to use. Up to four riders can use the same payment method; just tap or swipe the appropriate number of times for each rider. Whatever the case, travelers must never forget to pay (or indeed try to fare dodge altogether), as this will incur penalties for fare evasion . In fact, those who enter the NYC subway system or ride buses without paying are subject to a $50 or $100 fine !

Related: Little Island: Discover NYC's New Artificial Floating Island Park At Pier 55

Bring Cleaning Wipes For The Seats

Purpose: to boost hygiene and reduce the risk of illness.

Another good plan for riders of the New York City subway is to bring cleaning wipes. Before taking a seat on the subway, many native New Yorkers and visitors wipe down their seats before getting comfy. This is good practice whether there is an active COVID-19 outbreak or it's regular cold and flu season (the subway is a germ field and one of the easiest ways to get sick in NYC, with all the daily passengers that commute!).

Any standard disinfectant wipes, whether Clorox, Windex, or store-brand wipes, will do. The key is finding a product to kill bacteria and clean whatever dirt, oil, or debris could be on the seat. Luckily, most NYC subway cars feature plastic seating, which is easy to clean off between stops.

Bring Headphones To Listen To Music Or Stream Shows/Movies

Purpose: to reduce exposure to subway noise.

For those who don't want to hear noise during their trip on the New York City subway, bringing a pair of headphones along for the ride for music or to watch a show or movie can be a lifesaver. Generally, it's normal to see New Yorkers in subways with their earbuds or headphones on while riding between subway lines/stops.

However, passengers don't want to be unaware of their surroundings for safety. For example, if the music playing through the headphones is too loud and someone can't hear an emergency alert or a problem in their subway car, headphones may pose an issue. As such, try to keep one ear open or have the volume turned down enough so that the subway noise is drowned out but without risking missing any issues or announcements.

FAMU players raising money to interconnect faith and football on mission trip to Argentina

Florida a&m football players nay’ron jenkins and lamar clark are raising money for a may mission work trip work in buenos aires, argentina. the duo works under the fellowship of christian athletes..

When he isn’t looking to attack the ball carrier on the football field,  Florida A&M  linebacker  Nay’Ron Jenkins  serves a bigger purpose.

The junior is  raising money  to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for mission work under the  Fellowship of Christian Athletes .

Founded in 1954, the FCA is an interdenominational Christian sports ministry that sees the world impacted by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, its website says. The FCA headquarters is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and has offices across the United States and abroad.

With a goal of raising $2,500, Jenkins began the campaign in early April and hopes to reach the threshold by the end of the month. The money will be used for flights, food, and lodging.

Jenkins and FCA’s Argentina trip is scheduled for May 4-11. Jenkins’ teammate, junior FAMU defensive back  Lamar Clark , also plans to attend and is  actively raising money .

“I’ve been working with FCA since high school, and I met a guy named Ryan Sprague (FCA College Director and former Florida State football player), who has allowed me to teach them football and get them closer to Christ,” Jenkins told the  Tallahassee Democrat .

“Lamar and I are trying to go over there and raise the money so we can be as beneficial as possible to help them.”

A well-versed student-athlete, Jenkins, a Broadcast Journalism scholar from Alachua, is a  Southwestern Athletic Conference Honor Roll Student  and represented the league in last weekend’s  NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum .

He’s excited to share his faith and introduce American Football to Argentinian children while he spends a week in Buenos Aires.

“We’re doing mostly camps for the kids,” Jenkins said. “We’re going to set up football drills because the FCA leader over there said that the sport they haven’t learned much about is American Football. We want to be able to teach them that and help them gain a relationship with Christ.”

On the football field, Jenkins enjoyed the success of his  FAMU football team winning the SWAC and Black College Football National Championships  during the 2023 season.

Jenkins said part of that triumph has been because of the giving nature of Rattler Nation and all who love FAMU.

Jenkins hopes the FAMU faithful financially supports him and Clark as they travel to Argentina for a bigger purpose in two weeks.

“Rattler Nation, I love you guys and know you will go above and beyond. I want to thank you in advance for all the support that’s already been given,” Jenkins said.

“I will do my best to represent us well when I go to Argentina and ensure the Rattler joy is not only through the US but also around the world.”

Support FAMU football player Nay'Ron Jenkins on his mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Support FAMU football player Lamar Clark on his mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at  [email protected]  or on the app formerly known as Twitter  @3peatgee .

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