A friend of mine wrote a blog post recently about the Department of Education study that proves kids who travel do better in school. To which I have to say, "You didn't expect that?!"

By opening new doors, new experiences, and most importantly, stepping outside of one's comfort zone, kids learn to take further leaps on their own.  By nurturing inquisitive children keen on new experiences, we are building the foundation for a much stronger generation.  Without learning about one's past, one cannot truly understand the present, let alone the future.  Without the ability to see everything this country has to offer, one cannot really appreciate all that the US could - and should - be.  And without experiencing other cultures and their customs, one cannot realize the breadth of possibility in this world. 

I believe strongly in travel; by the time I was in high school, I'd been to nearly every (contiguous) state in the union as well as to many countries in Europe.  For a fourteen-year-old girl to see first-hand the building scars in Budapest was life altering.  Meeting UN soldiers in the former Yugoslavia  - well, that's another blog post. 

Travel broadens our horizons and opens up opportunities one would never consider previously.  Even if its to the next town or a day trip, make time to take your kids places.  And see the beauty of the world.  It's there - just over there - waiting for you.