To Gain or to Give

Geoffs Birthday trip to the Grand Canyon

Why do you travel? Some would say to see the world! To try new foods! To see amazing places! I think in the age of social media, maybe you want to go to the place you saw your friends go. Or maybe it's as simple as taking that amazing picture. But let's not see the world though the privilege of traveling to new places, tasing a photo or buying all the gelato. But to know "the why". Why are there certain traditions and culture. To know why the monuments are there. Or to understand how the history has shaped the people and the landscape.

Then take a picture that is truly worth a 1000 words. Because you've read, and you've asked and you understand a little more than before.

Generations of fisherman in Puerto Vallarta

Then I challenge myself and challenge you to try and learn something new and give of yourself wherever you go. Don't just consume the beauty of a new place, or the thrill of being away from home or the excitement of all you want to share when you return home. Try to serve others, wherever you land.

Japanese children/classmates participating in their first Halloween on the US Military Base

Social Media tools makes that a little easier to give back either by raising awareness, teaching tools, finding places to volunteer and showing compassion to others.

The Bucket List Family, have you heard of them? One family that decided to sell everything and travel for 3 years. Learning more about the world was important to them and utilizing social media helped fund a lifestyle of learning and serving others in over 60 countries. Sites like Youtube, Instagram and a blog to fully integrate their unique family helped to raise awareness, fundraise and even built a school. Check them out and see this family was able to gain and give. https://www.thebucketlistfamily.com