The goal of travel is to return transformed

“It may sound naive, but when you enter a cross-cultural situation, you are by definition an ambassador for your culture. Decency and pride dictate that we present ourselves well, with respect and integrity. Think of every such cultural encounter as a reciprocal obligation. If you make a promise to return to a village, to send a photograph, keep it. Always leave behind more than you bring away, give more than you take. Whether we travel as tourists, journalists, or academic anthropologists, it is our comparative wealth that allows us to be in these places, to have these life-affirming interactions. This is always a privilege but never a right. The goal of travel is to return transformed. And that’s the gift of engagement with another cultural reality.”
–Wade Davis, “On Native Ground,” Condé Nast Traveler, December 2008

Posted by | Comments (3)  | May 23, 2011
Category: Travel Quote of the Day


3 Responses to “The goal of travel is to return transformed”

  1. The goal of travel is to return transformed | Travel Guide And Holiday Says:

    […] Vagablogging :: Rolf Potts Vagabonding Blog Related Posts:Travel is about interactions, not sightsMaterial wealth doesn’t necessarily make your life richAn argument for return travelCulture is a garment for the spiritYour culture affects every aspect of your life […]

  2. An introduction to applying lean startup techniques to your life Says:

    […] “The goal of travel is to return transformed.” Wade Davis. […]

  3. Rick Tocquigny Says:

    Wade- We are interested in interviewing for our next Life Lessons book about family vacations. What is the best time to reach you next week?

    Rick Tocquigny
    Executive Producer
    Life Lessons Network
    303-324-6298