By Carys Brown
Photo of ice cream in Dominican Republic by Carys Brown
Although Americans are rumored to be poorly traveled and uncultured, after interviewing some students at Willow, their travel plans say anything but. Through the summer, students are traveling across the globe. To historic monuments and unique cultures, the world is filled with vibrant civilizations to visit that must be on your bucket list.
For travel plans located on this side of the globe, we have at least two students traveling to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. One is traveling between cities, and the other is enjoying one place at a time.
“Over the summer, I will be going to the Dominican Republic with some friends,” said freshman Olivia Gelder. “We’ll be going to Sosúa and Cabarete.”
“During the break, my family and I are going to Mexico. We’ll be in Cancún mostly,” stated freshman Dominique Spears.
While most students’ traveling stays somewhat close to home, or at least in the North American region, the same does not apply to a few, especially not to Willow student Laila Nugdalla, whose hunger for travel, and wallet depth, apparently, is endless.
“In the summer I’ll be all over the place,” said freshman Nugdalla. “From Germany to Egypt, and from Egypt to Saudi Arabia. I’m not so sure where in Germany or Saudi Arabia I’ll be, but I know I’m going to Alexandria in Egypt.”
Everyone has their reasons to travel, whether for a simple need of a vacation, or to visit a bucket list location that you have been waiting to see. Visiting family is another common cause for temporary migration between place to place, especially for people whose family tends to like one climate, economy, culture, etc., over another.
“I’ll possibly be visiting Berlin, too,” said Nugdalla. “From America to Germany, just to meet with my extended family in Europe.”
Although traveling far and wide is an appealing idea, it’s not something that everyone gets to experience often. If you get the opportunity, it’s a pleasure that should be enjoyed. Taking pictures, recording videos, and making memories are good ways to look back on those moments out of town when you return and need a break from the stress of school work. Remember to savor every moment and to pack all that you’ll need.
Underpacking is the bane of every traveler’s plans. It can lead to having to miss prepaid and thought-out plans because you didn’t have the correct clothing, or, for example, sunscreen. Packing with a carry-on and a suitcase is ideal for the average overseas trip, or at least based on the average trip and the clothing necessary. From underwear to skincare, in almost every trip, something will be forgotten. Pack thoroughly and methodically with a prewritten list of all that may be needed. Remember to pack absolute necessities in your carry-on in case of a lost checked bag.
Every person has an ideal vacation spot waiting for them, whether that’s in the snowy Alps or the scorching Sahara. Bring sunscreen wherever you go, though. Sunburns seem to attack when you least expect them, even in winter.
