Sometimes, I see friends and acquaintances post photos of a beautiful landscape in the U.S. along with the caption, “I don’t know why anyone would want to do international travel when we have the most beautiful country right here in our back yard.” I agree that the United States is a beautiful country. You don’t have to visit Switzerland to see mountains (go to Colorado or Utah) or visit the Mediterranean to enjoy beautiful beaches (hello Florida and California!)
However, international travel is not just about the landscape and the historical sites. It’s about experiencing more of the country, including the people and culture. It’s about putting faces behind the name of the country and humanizing it. International travel is also about seeing our own country through the eyes of others and gaining a new appreciation for things we have that we take for granted.
My Sister’s Trip to the Soviet Union in 1984
I grew up during the Cold War with Russia. As a kid, it was common knowledge that Russians were the “bad guys”. After all, that’s how they were depicted in almost every movie that has villains. It’s always the Russians!
My sister studied Russian language in school. In 9th grade, her Russian teacher took her class on a two-week trip to the Soviet Union. Of course, it was optional to go. But at the time, in the mid-80s, going to the U.S.S.R. was considered risky and scary. Not everyone in the class went on the trip. But for those who did go, wow, what an experience!
As her younger sister, I remember going to the airport to pick my sister up with my family. Back in those days, you could go all the way to the gate. All of the parents and families were there, anxiously waiting. When the plane pulled up to the gate and the students got off the plane, there was a huge sigh of relief. And loud applause!
My sister still has a scrapbook and journal from her trip.
After the trip, our local paper ran a story about the trip. “When the visit was over, all had a new view of the Soviet Union and the 250 million people who live there.” A few quotes from the students:
“Before it was always like they were the bad guys in the world. That’s not true at all.”
“Russian people asked us about nuclear war. They’re just as afraid as us.”
The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same
When I traveled to France for my honeymoon, my husband and I stayed at a B&B in Amboise. After our hosts and the other guests asked us where we were from and we replied Texas, there were audible gasps. At the time, George W. Bush was president, and he was not very popular in Europe. But, we are not the President. We are people who may agree or disagree with our government on a variety of issues. Talking with the other guests ended up being a good experience for all of us.
When I traveled to Russia in 2007 and 2009, the Cold War had been over for years. Russia wasn’t such a scary place. My husband and I met many kind Russians who gave us an earful about Putin. The Russian people are not Putin, Belarusians are not Lukashenko, just like all of us are not Trump or Biden. We are mothers, fathers, co-workers, friends. And most of us don’t want war.
My Russian-born sons are dealing with a whole new round of hatred towards Russians right now. I can’t help but think that if more people traveled to other countries to meet the people, the world would be just a bit more kind and compassionate.
When it is safe to do so, my family still plans to travel to Russia. We will earn and burn miles and points for international trips in the next few years. Whenever we have an extra bed in our hotel or apartment, I will invite someone else to share the experience with us. I will encourage my kids to study abroad during college, and I hope that my kids want to continue to explore other cities, states and countries after they are grown and flown.
It’s just so important to get out of our bubbles to see more and hear more. Just do it.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Thank you so much for sharing. keep it up and update more information.
International travel playes important role in our life. We need certain luggage bags to carry our items so if you want to buy luggage bags then read this article:
https://rytchoice.in/best-trolley-bags-in-india/
Nancy,
I am so sorry your boys are dealing with hate towards Russians. We should always educated our children about world politics. Shame on the parents allowing their kids to be mean to your boys.
I live in a Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek neighborhood in NYC and yesterday I went grocery shopping at the Russian grocery store and I could feel the sadness on people’s eyes. They all escape USSR in the 80’s, some arrived later and they all live in peace in my neighborhood. I am praying for all the families affected by this senseless war.
Travel is one of the best gifts we can give our children. They will learn about other cultures, different languages and see the world with different lenses.
And if your boys want to taste a little bit of Russia they can come to NYC and visit Coney Island/Brighton Beach in Brooklyn and my neighborhood in Queens – Rego Park.
@Tania I’m sure the mood is quite sad in your neighborhood. We love the Brighton Beach area! We visited there a few years ago to do some shopping at Russian stores and eat at Tatyanas. I loved seeing the older folks hanging out in the parks.
“I don’t know why anyone would want to do international travel when we have the most beautiful country right here in our back yard.”
I laugh very time I hear this. It’s as if the idea that there are things in other countries that don’t exist in the U.S. has never crossed their mind. Frankly, it’s a bizarre viewpoint, let alone international travel offers the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and people.
And I’ll fully admit; I haven’t traveled much internationally. Now that our kids are a little older we have our sights set on a few destinations. Well, once the covid entry/exit/testing restrictions settle down!
@projectx I agree that it’s a bizarre viewpoint, but oddly enough I know several people who have this view. Pretty sure they think I’m nuts.
Oh it’s very common. Reminds me of a great stand up bit from comedian Daniel Tosh:
“It is great to be here in AMERICA! Oh yeah! The greatest country in the world… if you haven’t traveled a lot.
Do we have to constantly scream we’re number 1? Its always the people who live in the most boring parts of this country that scream the loudest. People in Kansas, “We’re the greatest country in the world!” Its like, do you guys have internet there? Have you ever seen a photo of Fiji?”
This is such an interesting post. I love the old photos! Brings back memories of growing up in USSR. I can’t even imagine what a big deal it was for them to host a group of American kids in 1984. Looks like they went all out with costumes and dances. You are right, people are basically the same everywhere. They just want to live their lives in peace. What’s happening in Ukraine right now was planned by one person, and nobody really asked the opinion of the populace.
It’s absolutely horrifying, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around Kiiv being bombed by Russia and Belarus, the same way it was bombed in 1941 by Germans. What was once unthinkable is now a sad reality. The repercussions will be huge for decades (centuries?) to come.
As far as you going to Russia, my strong advice is to wait until the regime change. I don’t believe it’s safe to do otherwise, but of course, it’s your decision. I follow that part of the world, and the rhetoric towards Americans has changed over the last few years. I don’t listen to propaganda, but I do know they call Americans rabid dogs (who need to be put out) right on national TV. Of course, most normal people don’t feel that way, but it’s a hostile environment where you will not have any protection from the law. I don’t intend to go to Belarus any time soon, and I have family there.
@Leana I’m afraid you’re right, and we will need to wait until the regime change (if that ever happens) to visit. We’ve had so many setbacks to visiting Russia that sometimes I feel this trip will never happen.