My mom and I went over to Cambridge last night to see a talk by Rick Steves. He's part travel guide, part philosopher, part stand-up comedian. Definitely worth hearing speak. His "Europe through the Back Door" book and TV series (new seasons continue to be aired on PBS) have inspired many travelers with his unique approach to travel. The notion of the "back door" is that the point of going to these foreign places is to really know what it's like to BE there, not to drown in superficial touristy kitsch, but to meet the people and see what life is really like in those places. To make a connection.
The importance of making those connections becomes more acute the more isolationist our country becomes. As long as we think the world is exactly like us (or that if anyone differs it's a shame they are so flawed) our policies might appear to make some sort of sense. They make no sense at all, however, on a planet with millions and millions of people who are not like us, and who may have a thing or two to teach us themselves.
Traveling helps broaden everyone's horizons and build tolerance. Of course to do that we need to travel responsibly. If we travel to places and bark at people because they don't speak English, no connection will be made, and we'll all be much worse off for the encounter. Rick Steves' work - his shows, his books, his tours – attempts to show a better way to travel, a way where more is gained than just some souvenir knickknacks.