Kaisaan Virani
COM-411
Final Paper
May 13, 2025
All One Journey
Fact Box
In 2024, Americans took an average of three domestic trips, with over 119 million
traveling 50+ miles during the holiday season alone. Millennials emerged as the most
active travelers, averaging 35 vacation days per year, more than any other age group
(Slingerland, 2025). Globally, the top travel destinations in 2023 were France (100
million visitors), Spain (85.2 million), and the United States (66.5 million). As of early
2025, over 170 million Americans hold valid passports, reflecting a significant increase
in international travel readiness (Rader, 2025).
When I think about travel, I look at it in a way that is meaningful. Travel is more than just
a journey from one place to another. It is an experience that shapes perspectives, broadens
horizons, and fosters personal growth. For me, travel is about discovery, not just of new places,
but of different cultures, people, and even aspects of myself that I wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
Whether exploring the historic streets of a European city, standing in awe of nature’s beauty, or
immersing myself in a different way of life, every trip has left a lasting impact. Through the few
experiences I have had, I have learned to appreciate diversity, adapt to new situations, and find
joy in the unexpected. It is not just about where I go, but how each journey transforms me. I am,
and forever will be, grateful for the opportunities my parents have given me to see the world
from different lenses.
My love for travel started before I even understood what it meant. I was born in Nairobi,
Kenya, so right off the bat, I was already exposed to different communities and cultures.
However, my journey began early. My first trip was to the New York in the United States when I
was just two years old. My dad had already seen several parts of the world by then, while my
mom hadn’t traveled much at all. I guess you could say I inherited his adventurous spirit. He
loves to tell the story of that first flight, how I would wander up and down the airplane aisles,
making friends with strangers and somehow always coming back with my cheeks smeared in
chocolate. Even though I don’t remember it myself, those little stories make me feel like travel
has always been a part of who I am. It wasn’t just a trip, it was the
beginning of a lifelong curiosity about the world and the people in it.
The first trip I truly remember was when I was 11 years old,
and we traveled to Thailand. It was an incredible experience. The
cities were vibrant, colorful, and completely unlike anything I had
ever seen before. At the same time, it was a bit of a culture shock. The
streets were buzzing with energy, the food was delicious, and
everything felt new and exciting. But what stood out the most to me
was how different the social norms were. It was the first time I saw
An image of myself enjoying
transgender people openly living their lives, and as someone born into my first trip to Thailand
a conservative and traditional family, it left a big impression on me. My mom was a little
skeptical and unsure at first when we interacted with them, but I remember feeling curious rather
than uncomfortable. That trip opened my eyes to the fact that the world is filled with different
ways of living and being. That’s one of the reasons I love to travel. It helps me grow, question,
and see beyond the world I was born into.
Moving to the United States changed a lot for me. It was more than just a new place to
live, it was a whole new way of life. Being away
from everything familiar pushed me to become
more independent, more outgoing, and more open
to new experiences. I had to figure things out on
my own, meet new people, and adjust to a
completely different culture. But through that, I
started learning so much about myself, what I’m
capable of, what excites me, and how much I
The neighbourhood we moved into when we moved to
enjoy stepping into the unknown. That experience Boise, Idaho.
made me realize how powerful travel can be. Every time I’m in a new place, I discover another
piece of who I am. It makes me want to keep exploring, not just the world, but also myself,
because I know there’s always more to learn and ways to grow.
When I left Nairobi before 2019, it was a city alive with nature. Trees lined every road,
animals wandered near the edges of the national park, and the forest by my home felt untouched.
Potholes marked nearly every hundred meters of road, but the raw, untamed charm of the city
made up for it. Returning in 2023, I barely recognized it. Skyscrapers now fill the skyline, luxury
hotels stretch into what was once wild parkland, and the forest of my childhood is now a
shopping mall. The Nairobi I knew has been swallowed by concrete and glass, its wild heart
fading fast.
Travelling is important because it is one of the most enriching experiences a person can
have. It gives you a whole different perspective on life, allowing you to step outside your
familiar surroundings and see the world through a new lens. When you experience different
cultures, traditions, and ways of life, you
begin to see that there is no “right” way to
live. Witnessing how people in other parts
of the world approach daily life,
relationships, and challenges helps break
down stereotypes and promotes an
appreciation for diversity (Maricar, 2023). It
A group of American males interacting with the people of Maasai
allows you to develop a more open- culture in Eastern Africa (Omari, 2023)
minded and informed worldview. Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, teaching you
resilience and the ability to adjust to new circumstances. These skills are not only valuable while
traveling but also in everyday life, as they help you become more resourceful and independent
(Jeffries, 2021).
The opportunities to visit new places and experience different cultures has shaped me in
several ways and given me new perspectives I will always be grateful for. Whether it's exploring
new cities, immersing myself in different traditions, or simply experiencing life in another part of
the world, travel has shaped my outlook and influenced my personal and academic journey.
However, while I see travel as a positive and enriching experience, I recognize that not everyone
shares this view. For some, travel can be a source of stress, disruption, or even harm, whether
due to environmental concerns, financial burdens, or cultural erosion.
When reading about what travel means to other people, I stumbled across an avid travel
writer named Nomadic Matt. Matt travels the world, asking people what travel means to them.
He notes that some people travel to get the bug out of their system, check things off a list to say
they’ve been there and done that and Some run to escape their problems. For Matt, travel means
freedom. He states “It’s about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement.
Travel was an escape. Travel was ‘elsewhere’. That place where exciting things and people
resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and
how they act. It’s about pushing myself to the limit and getting more comfortable in my own
skin.” (Matt, 2024). I agree with Matt. Travel sets you free. It allows you to discover things about
yourself that you didn’t know before. It forces you to adapt, navigate unfamiliar situations, and
gain confidence in yourself. In this way, travel is not just an escape, but a tool for personal
transformation.
But, some people aren’t too fond of travel. Agnes Callard, a philosopher, challenges the
idea that travel leads to personal growth or a deeper understanding of other cultures, suggesting
instead that it mainly serves as a form of self-indulgence. She argues that while many see travel
as a way to learn, grow, or escape, it often fails to deliver on these promises. Instead, she
believes that travel is mostly a form of self-deception, that people think they’re expanding their
minds, but they’re just tourists consuming a packaged version of another culture without truly
engaging with it. She states that “People want to be seen as the kind of person who travels—not
just because it makes them look sophisticated, but because they believe it makes them better.”
(Callard, 2023). She believes that true personal growth happens through deep thinking and
engagement, not just by going to a new location. However, she is not saying no one should ever
travel but pushing back on the idea that its inherently life changing.
Another reason people don’t and have not traveled is simply because it is expensive and
not many families can afford to travel. When interviewing Cyrus Blodgett, the questions I had
asked were “Why haven't you traveled anywhere, and if you do travel in the future, where is one
place you would like to visit?” He responded,
We haven’t traveled, because we simply cannot afford it. Traveling is very
expensive. If I were to travel, one place I would like to visit is the western coast
of Scotland, because the landscape there is beautiful, so I would like to experience
it firsthand. My ancestors were from that part of the world as well, so connecting
with where they were from would be an incredible experience.
His answer was straight forward and as real as they come. Traveling is expensive, which
made me appreciate on a deeper level how lucky and privileged I am to have experienced this.
While travel may be a way of learning and growth, for others it is a lifestyle. The next
person I interviewed was my dad, Dr. Munir Virani. He is an ornithologist who travels around the
world capturing birds from different ecosystems to understand breeding, migration and
population patterns. The first question I had asked him was “What does travel mean to you?” He
responded,
It’s not just about seeing new places, it’s about experiencing ecosystems firsthand,
from the jungles of Panama to the plains of India. Travel has given me the
opportunity to witness migration patterns, study rare species, and contribute to
conservation efforts. But beyond my work, travel also means reflection. Being out
in nature, binoculars in hand, reminds me of how vast and interconnected the
world is. It’s a way to step away from daily routines, embrace the unknown, and
keep learning, something I hope to pass down to you.
The second question I had asked him was “What was the most memorable experience
you have had traveling?”
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had while traveling was playing golf
with my kids on the coast of Wales. The combination of breathtaking scenery, the
challenge of the links-style course, and the pure joy of sharing the game with my
kids made it unforgettable. I am truly privileged to have experienced this and
forever grateful.
His responses were sentimental and shows that travel not only helps you grow but leaves
you with lifelong memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
The next person I interviewed was a close friend and teammate from Ireland, Jack
Phipps. I had interviewed him to understand how he adapted to a new culture moving from
Ireland and what culture shocks he experienced. The question I asked was “Have you ever
experienced culture shock? If so, how did you adapt?”
One of the biggest changes was how open and friendly people are here. Strangers
striking up conversations in grocery stores was something I wasn’t used to. Also,
the food, portion sizes, and even the way sports like American football dominate
the culture were new to me. I kept an open mind and embraced the experience
rather than resisting it. I tried to engage with local traditions, tried new foods, and
joined activities on campus, which helped me connect with people and understand
the culture better.
I enjoyed speaking to Jack, because he kept restating that being open minded and willing
to participate in new cultures is the key to having a meaningful travel experience. You must be
willing to get out of your comfort zone and interact with new ways of life. This, I believe is the
most important aspect there is to travel.
Travelling has undoubtedly had a significant effect on my life, what I know and who I
am. Through all the places I’ve been
and the experiences I’ve had while
traveling, one thing has become clear.
Travel has taught me more about
myself than I ever expected. Whether it
was moving to a new country, visiting
somewhere completely unfamiliar, or simply stepping outside my comfort zone, each journey
has helped me grow in ways I didn’t fully understand until I looked back. I’ve learned how to
adapt, how to be independent, and how to embrace people and perspectives different from my
own. These lessons weren’t always easy, but they’ve shaped who I am today. In reflecting on my
travels, I’ve come to see how deeply those moments have influenced my identity, mindset, and
future goals.
Reading the first few chapters of Airplane Mode by Shahnaz Habib made me realize that
the freedom to explore the world isn't something everyone has. I hadn’t thought much about that
when I was younger, but now I see how travel is shaped drastically by things like class, borders,
and history. Habib talks about how travel is often told from a Western point of view. Coming
from Kenya, I’ve felt that difference, sometimes being seen as out of place, even when I’m just
another tourist. It’s made me think more deeply about who gets to feel ‘at home’ everywhere.
When I traveled to Thailand at 11, I experienced culture shock. My mom’s cautious reaction to
the transgender community stuck with me, and it wasn’t until I read Airplane Mode that I
understood how travel challenges not just our geography, but our comfort zones and beliefs.
Travel teaches empathy, adaptability, and humility, things that can’t always be learned in
a classroom. It breaks down stereotypes and helps build a sense of global connection. For me,
travel has been a mirror and a window. A mirror that reflects
parts of myself I didn’t know were there, and a window into
lives and cultures very different from my own. That’s what
makes it so powerful and important.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned through travel
is how much it teaches you about the world, and yourself.
Every new place I’ve visited has challenged me in different ways, whether it was adjusting to a
new culture, trying unfamiliar food, or stepping out of my comfort zone socially. These
experiences have helped me become more open-minded and self-aware. That’s why I believe it’s
so important for people to travel. It’s not just about seeing beautiful places or taking photos, it’s
about expanding your understanding of how other people live and realizing that your way of
thinking isn’t the only way.
Travel has always run in my blood, woven into the fabric of my family's story for
generations. My great-grandfather made the bold move from India to Kenya, where he planted
new roots and started a family. His son, my grandfather, grew up with a restless curiosity. He
studied in England, and after that, he wandered through Europe, soaking in different cultures,
histories, and languages. My dad inherited that same wanderlust. He stepped onto a plane for the
very first time at 21, heading to England for his studies. That flight sparked something permanent
in him, a deep love for discovering new places. He later found work that married his passions:
traveling the world to study birds of prey in their natural habitats. Thanks to him, I was exposed
to the magic of travel from a young age. Airports, the open plains of Kenya, and unfamiliar
languages were part of my childhood. That early exposure turned into a lifelong love for the
world and all its corners. A love that started generations ago and continues to grow with every
new place I visit.
Sources
Maricar, M. (2023). Why Traveling Abroad is Important. GoAbroad.
[Link]
Weiner, E. (2020). Why travel should be considered an essential human activity. National
Geographic. [Link]
considered-an-essential-human-activity
Sissons, M. (2023). On the Importance of Making Happy Travel Memories. Everett Potter.
[Link]
memories/
Jeffries, L. (2021). The Benefits of Travel in Education. The Learning Adventure.
[Link]
education/
Weiner, E. (2020). Why travel should be considered an essential human activity. National
Geographic. [Link]
considered-an-essential-human-activity.
Rader, J. (2025). US Travel Statistics (2025). Savy Nomad. [Link]
domestic-travel-statistics/
Slingerland, C. (2025). 99+ US Tourism & Travel Statistics In 2023. Wandrly.
[Link]
Matt, N. (2024). What Does Travel Mean To You? Nomadic Matt.
[Link]
Callard, A. (2023). The Case Against Travel. The New Yorker.
[Link]
Dr. Munir Virani
Cyrus Blodgett
Jack Phipps
Free Write-
I feel like I’ve lost myself. I used to wake up smiling, excited for whatever the day had in
store. Everything felt light, joyful, effortless. I laughed more. I lived freely, without caring what
others thought. Now, every day feels heavy and slow. I overthink everything, worry constantly,
and the things that once brought me joy feel distant. It’s like I’m watching life through a fogged-
up window. Present, but not really there. I miss the old me, the one who felt alive. I’m trying to
find my way back, step by step, even if I don’t quite know how yet.
