Good piece Brad. I have always thought that the connection between people shouldnt be blocked by politics, nor should people be defined by the actions of their leaders. I know that visiting some places i have been may mean supporting an oppressive regime somehow, but I have learned a lot by being there from the people i met, with my own prejudices and simplistic thinking usually being an early casualty. It can be a fraught and complex situation sometimes, but i think we need to find ways to connect and thats often a messy thing to do perfectly.
I agree with your statement about discovering your own limits of perception and how they get challenged. I should have said more about that in the article because it is an important revelation. In a way travel has made me more confused than ever!
Amen to all that, Brad. Just avoiding some country is a type of head-in-the-sand approach, while going somewhere and writing about it, can teack all of us a lot. Including the fact that countries are not just black-and-white, but can be complicated.
I love this topic -- I tend to feel that travel anywhere is almost always a net benefit. People see you, you see people, and the transmission of ideas and money is what makes the world grow. I've traveled through a few authoritiarian regimes recently, and underneath the state-level politics are people who just want to connect.
And, I'd hope that people still travel to the U.S. in spite of our leadership.
Thanks for commenting, Andrew. When I originally wrote this article it was before all the recent changes in how the US govt receives foreign visitors. It must seem rather intimidating now! Sort of authoritarian, just how I've felt in going to some countries where it is forbidden to criticize the govt.
I'm often struck by how relatively easy it is to enter other countries, compared to returning to the U.S. For example, when I landed in Senegal, I basically just stepped off the plane into the country. But returning to the U.S. through JFK is two hours of oppressive queues, even for a citizen. Says something about how we see visitors!
The most demeaning treatment I've ever received while entering a country has been from US immigration/customs officials. Fortunately it only happened once. I can only imagine how it would have felt if I were a foreigner.
Brad, such a thoughtful nuanced piece about a complicated issue. Really appreciated reading this. Having travelled extensively - both in my own travels, as well as in previous international roles and for human rights work - for me too people are not the politics of place. Curiosity and connection opens so many closed doors. How places are presented on a news cycle is not the reality of what it is to call that place home - they are at best partial glimpses of a moment in time.
Almost all of the countries I had the most reservations about visiting, turned out to be some of the best, most educative life experiences I’ve had.
I second the point about being careful not to put others (or yourself) at risk - whether through photographs, behaviour or sharing conversations that are particularly sensitive. That is essential. Also recognising sometimes it really isn’t the right time to visit a particular place - don’t endanger local guides. If they seem concerned or say it’s a no-go, listen.
If you travel with respect, are informed and understand the local politics, you can focus your energy on learning about somewhere that perhaps few other people will ever choose to visit. Just travel with your eyes, heart and mind open.
Thanks for your comments, Laura. I can see that you've been in enough situations to have thought a great deal about this already. And I agree that the most problematic places can lead to the most profound experiences.
Great perspective Brad! As a fellow traveler and someone who might be called Woke, it’s something I have struggled with. I would love to visit Iran, North Korea, Russia, Myanmar, but I’ve been avoiding them. Malaysia is also on that list… but here I am. I think being educated and aware of any issues in a destination is important before I go. But it doesn’t make the decision any easier.
Yes, it never does get any easier. Some parts of the world are so resistant to openness and tolerance, two qualities i think are so important for our joint survival.
I agree with other comments here as well Brad. I think yiur travel philosophy is good, go, see, learn, respect. All with a degree of caution and common sense.
Oppressive regimes and corrupt politicians aren't the ones we interact with on our travels, the people are. And that's what matters most to me.
Nice read Brad as always! Will be in Myanmar at the end of March. Unfortunately as you know, there are many areas of the country closed to foreigners. I think boycott visiting some countries because of its government, is missing some of the most interesting places and also missing some of the most friendly, warmth and caring people.
Hi Roberto. It is an interesting time to visit Myanmar. Fortunately many of the famous sites are still accessible despite the fighting. The people are wonderful, as I'm sure you will find. If you pass through Thailand on your way please let me know, you should come visit us.
I'm returning to the U.S. from Thailand, but still not sure if I'm spending more than the previous day before my return flight. Still working on the second half of my itinerary. I'm visiting Myanmar, Bangladesh, Laos and Malaysia.
Good piece Brad. I have always thought that the connection between people shouldnt be blocked by politics, nor should people be defined by the actions of their leaders. I know that visiting some places i have been may mean supporting an oppressive regime somehow, but I have learned a lot by being there from the people i met, with my own prejudices and simplistic thinking usually being an early casualty. It can be a fraught and complex situation sometimes, but i think we need to find ways to connect and thats often a messy thing to do perfectly.
I agree with your statement about discovering your own limits of perception and how they get challenged. I should have said more about that in the article because it is an important revelation. In a way travel has made me more confused than ever!
If your not confused, youre not educated....😁
Amen to all that, Brad. Just avoiding some country is a type of head-in-the-sand approach, while going somewhere and writing about it, can teack all of us a lot. Including the fact that countries are not just black-and-white, but can be complicated.
Thanks for reading, Ron!
I love this topic -- I tend to feel that travel anywhere is almost always a net benefit. People see you, you see people, and the transmission of ideas and money is what makes the world grow. I've traveled through a few authoritiarian regimes recently, and underneath the state-level politics are people who just want to connect.
And, I'd hope that people still travel to the U.S. in spite of our leadership.
Thanks for commenting, Andrew. When I originally wrote this article it was before all the recent changes in how the US govt receives foreign visitors. It must seem rather intimidating now! Sort of authoritarian, just how I've felt in going to some countries where it is forbidden to criticize the govt.
I'm often struck by how relatively easy it is to enter other countries, compared to returning to the U.S. For example, when I landed in Senegal, I basically just stepped off the plane into the country. But returning to the U.S. through JFK is two hours of oppressive queues, even for a citizen. Says something about how we see visitors!
The most demeaning treatment I've ever received while entering a country has been from US immigration/customs officials. Fortunately it only happened once. I can only imagine how it would have felt if I were a foreigner.
Brad, such a thoughtful nuanced piece about a complicated issue. Really appreciated reading this. Having travelled extensively - both in my own travels, as well as in previous international roles and for human rights work - for me too people are not the politics of place. Curiosity and connection opens so many closed doors. How places are presented on a news cycle is not the reality of what it is to call that place home - they are at best partial glimpses of a moment in time.
Almost all of the countries I had the most reservations about visiting, turned out to be some of the best, most educative life experiences I’ve had.
I second the point about being careful not to put others (or yourself) at risk - whether through photographs, behaviour or sharing conversations that are particularly sensitive. That is essential. Also recognising sometimes it really isn’t the right time to visit a particular place - don’t endanger local guides. If they seem concerned or say it’s a no-go, listen.
If you travel with respect, are informed and understand the local politics, you can focus your energy on learning about somewhere that perhaps few other people will ever choose to visit. Just travel with your eyes, heart and mind open.
Thanks for your comments, Laura. I can see that you've been in enough situations to have thought a great deal about this already. And I agree that the most problematic places can lead to the most profound experiences.
Great perspective Brad! As a fellow traveler and someone who might be called Woke, it’s something I have struggled with. I would love to visit Iran, North Korea, Russia, Myanmar, but I’ve been avoiding them. Malaysia is also on that list… but here I am. I think being educated and aware of any issues in a destination is important before I go. But it doesn’t make the decision any easier.
Yes, it never does get any easier. Some parts of the world are so resistant to openness and tolerance, two qualities i think are so important for our joint survival.
I agree with other comments here as well Brad. I think yiur travel philosophy is good, go, see, learn, respect. All with a degree of caution and common sense.
Oppressive regimes and corrupt politicians aren't the ones we interact with on our travels, the people are. And that's what matters most to me.
Thanks for the thought provoking essay. 💙🌎
Awesome piece, this article echoes exactly my sentiments and some of my actual experiences. Cheers, Alex
Thank you, Alex, I'm glad it resonated with you.
Nice read Brad as always! Will be in Myanmar at the end of March. Unfortunately as you know, there are many areas of the country closed to foreigners. I think boycott visiting some countries because of its government, is missing some of the most interesting places and also missing some of the most friendly, warmth and caring people.
Hi Roberto. It is an interesting time to visit Myanmar. Fortunately many of the famous sites are still accessible despite the fighting. The people are wonderful, as I'm sure you will find. If you pass through Thailand on your way please let me know, you should come visit us.
I'm returning to the U.S. from Thailand, but still not sure if I'm spending more than the previous day before my return flight. Still working on the second half of my itinerary. I'm visiting Myanmar, Bangladesh, Laos and Malaysia.
Really thoughtful piece, Brad! 🙌
Thank you, Scott.