I’ve been doing a bit of planning for 2010, including planning an exciting new project, and I’ve been trying to set some travel goals for next year when I came across this ad in the brand new travel magazine called AFAR.
More Experience than Escape
I love this magazine and have just become a subscriber. Too much travel literature is about escape or simply checking places off a list. This is nothing like that…
Their mission is “to inspire and guide those who travel the world seeking to connect with its people, experience their culture, and understand their perspectives.”
This is a thinker’s travel magazine! It’s engaging and focuses on the experience and the connections created rather than merely escaping the humdrum of everyday life. The stories that I’ve read in their first two issues cover topics ranging from food (making baguettes in France) and culture (experiencing the nightlife in St. Petersburg) to a country’s economic situation (the Seychelles). Of course, there are articles about specific attractions and destinations, but they’re done in a nontraditional way.
I had no idea how much I wanted a magazine like AFAR until I discovered the first issue on the magazine rack at Whole Foods. Now that I think about it… It’s arrival is long overdue. When popular culture spreads seamlessly across borders as it does now, establishing communication and respect among cultures is imperative.
Promoting Time Abroad
Americans need to change how we think about travel, and we need to travel more (another post entirely!). The AFAR foundation was established in 2008 prior to the magazine, and it looks like they have a lot of great programs in the works with the goal of promoting “cross cultural exchange by sponsoring international travel and study for students who cannot otherwise afford to experience another part of the world.” An important goal.
I credit the experience of studying and living abroad for who am I today and for much of my personal and professional success. It changed me and how I think permanently. I continually seek new opportunities for travel and recommend the experience to anyone who will listen! :)
So, what do you think? Are you culturious? How do you choose to travel?
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Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from AFAR and am recommending the publication based solely on my own opinion!
If you liked this post, please help spread the word! Thanks, Angela
