Sometimes our beautiful world seems like a scary area. The travel news that we fed through our devices frequently creates a distorted and scary picture. Technologically, we are more connected, but in many ways, we are more disconnected than ever.

Instead of using the internet to seek out data that expands our understanding and knowledge, too often we seek out information that reinforces our beliefs and fears. This is a fact that is acknowledged by politicians as well as other individuals who are able to make use of it to control and manipulate our actions in their favor.

Travel News can be challenging to accept data that challenges beliefs once they are established even if they’re not true. It can be difficult to question preconceived notions and assumptions. To me, one of the most effective methods to dispel inaccurate information regarding the world is by traveling.

Travel is the antidote to our fears

There is a tendency to feel overwhelmed and more fearful when we are unfamiliar with or aren’t sure about something. People who have never traveled to faraway countries express their anxiety. I am interested in hearing what they thought of when they formed this opinion. The most common source is old stories travel news, the anecdotes of friends or stories that are politically motivated to advance agendas.

It’s rare to find a fearful traveler as well as even more rare to meet one who becomes more afraid with time. There is something interesting about that.

Yes, there are areas in the world which are not recommended to go to, such as conflicts and disaster zones, but they are extremely small. It is easy to blame strangers. It’s a lot harder to demonize your family members. It is much easier to travel, get to know the world, and connect with people. This reduces the chance of conflict spreading.

When you travel, you realize quickly that it’s not wise to put people into categories and the snarky stereotypes that people give to different nations are often incorrect. It’s more revealing about the person who is being accused than the person being accused when they are vilifying the group they don’t know about.

Through traveling, we learn that people of all cultures have basically the same desires and aspirations we do. Although outside appearances can often differ but they are remarkably similar. Different Gods are worshipped, or none whatsoever. We dress in different manners and we have various traditions and languages. Certain cultures are more social than others. However, everyone loves their children and are proud of their culture. They also want to help their families be better and leave a legacy.

Traveling challenges our preconceptions and helps us discover more effective ways to get positive results.

In its definition “news” is anything that is unique or isn’t often seen. That is why, behind our borders, bad stories are the ones we hear about, and the positive ones go unreported. Since the world is so focused on negativity, we must not only see it ourselves, but also be informal ambassadors for the positive aspects in our country.

You will be more educated when you travel to far areas and get out of the comfortable zone that you have built around yourself. That is good for you and the planet.

Freedom is something we speak about, but do not often practice. Mindlessly waving flags and reciting pledges does not constitute freedom. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate your situation and then taking action to implement that knowledge is freedom.