By Dhruti Patel
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As we hear the stories of wars and intolerance that occur around the world these days, it seems that learning about different cultures and accepting different lifestyles should be a priority for everyone in order to stop these tragic occurrences from happening.

This generation has the opportunity to experience such a diverse world and dispel the hatred so prevalent within it, which is something that I find incredibly important. Traveling to different countries and becoming familiar with other cultures are some of the ways that ignorance can be stopped, and I find that my vacations abroad have taught me valuable lessons about the ways of the world.

However, having been able to personally experience so many different cultures from around the world, I find it surprising that many Americans have not. According to a February 2011 article on CNN.com, out of the 308 million-plus citizens in the United States, only a mere 30 percent have a passport.

Furthermore, this number has only recently increased after the Western Hemisphere Travel initiative was adopted, requiring all passengers to have passports in order to travel to Canada and Mexico. This means that even when Americans travel abroad, it is usually only to their neighbors to the north and south.

I admit travel can never be labeled as “easy.” The difficulties range from packing suitcases so they fall just under the weight limit to spending seven hours on an airplane next to crying babies and then ending up in a country that is completely different and unfamiliar. Paying for a trip can be even more difficult, especially now with such a terrible economy. Add to that the risks of flying, such as the chance that the plane might malfunction and the threat of terrorism, and the walls discouraging people from traveling abroad are strongly built. However, for those who travel often, as I have, the reality is that those supposed barriers are paper thin, and they are often easy to break through. My trips, for example, have been hassle-free other than an occasional flight delay.

However, even if I did have more trouble traveling and staying in foreign countries, I would still never consider staying at home due to how fulfilling experiences abroad can be. Even my most demanding vacations, like my trips to India, were worth it due to how I got to witness how life is lived over there.

For one thing, traveling to a foreign country familiarizes visitors with the development of the world. For example, during my trip to Italy last year, I was able to see different paintings and architecture, which helps me with my AP European History class this year. Although not everyone finds history as interesting as I do, I guarantee that no one can deny the wonder he feels when he first catches a glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica or the Taj Mahal. These places are breathtakingly beautiful. If someone has the opportunity to go see them, the minor hassles of travel should definitely not stop them.

In addition, the world always offers something for everyone with so many diverse activities. Artists may find inspiration while strolling the streets of Florence. The beaches of the Caribbean are a perfect get away from daily stressors. Activities such as white water rafting or rock climbing can seem even more thrilling for adventurous travelers when done in the beautiful Kenyan wilderness, and the list goes on and on. My point is that the entire world offers so much, and everyone can find something that they would enjoy: Why let a few annoyances or a little bit of fear prevent such experiences?

The best part of taking a vacation abroad, though, is the culture you are able to experience when you travel to a different country. Yes, the United States has a lot to offer, from big cities to beaches. However, what it lacks is a sense of one, unique culture: America is the “melting pot” of many different ethnicities and nationalities, and while it’s great that we have integrated so many different cultures into our own, the unique aspects of other countries get lost. Traveling abroad offers a completely different experience, whether it’s with food, language or even people –watching (which is common in southern Europe). Travel also allows you to adjust your own lifestyle. For example, if someone was stressed out from work or school, he/she might find a cultural tradition from another country that will help them. Certain practices, such as yoga, meditation, or even taking a nap in the middle of the day, aren’t all-American rituals, but could help improve daily life.

The ability to observe the differences and similarities between people all across the globe is one I find useful, as it helps promote acceptance and combats ignorance. With such a hostile world out there, doing something like traveling abroad can be rewarding for oneself and for others.

While there are legitimate reasons why someone does not travel abroad, the outcomes of such an experience greatly overshadow them. If there is time to travel somewhere, it is a waste to not take the opportunity and learn about the world while still enjoying a worthwhile vacation. In the end, there are always a million reasons not to do something, but sometimes taking a slight risk can pay off.