Why travel matters • Finding connection and perspective • Resilience and joy

Do you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world? In this episode you’ll discover how travel can give you the tools to meet these challenges with empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why travel in uncertain times isn’t an escape but a pathway to resilience
• How encounters while traveling reduce prejudice and build shared humanity
• Ways to use curiosity as an antidote to fear and division
• How travel experiences put today’s challenges into a bigger perspective
• What research shows about the happiness boost from planning a trip
• Why travel often inspires meaningful action back at home

This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip

Put one simple adventure on your calendar—whether it’s a day trip, museum visit, or hike. Anticipating it will lift your spirits and remind you of the hope travel can bring, even in challenging times.

Reflection

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” — Rumi

Links & Resources

North Cascades Institute

Contact Hypothesis overview 

 Contact Hypothesis Meta-analysis

Pew Research on Why People Changed Their Minds on Marriage Equality

Curiosity Helps Learning and Memory

World Health Statistics

Travel Brings Happiness and Lowers Stress

Maya Angelou

Jane Goodall

Eleanor Roosevelt

Rumi Jalalud-Din

Editor’s Note: The first version of this episode included an incorrect quote from President Obama. I corrected it within a few hours — but if you heard that first take, my apologies. 

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