St Augustine of Hippo once said ‘The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page’. He is right; the world is one big classroom when you think about it, full of new opportunities to explore, discover and learn. What could be better for grounding learning than seeing the mountains discussed in geography, or hearing the language you’ve twisted your tongue around all year in school spoken fluently for making you appreciate learning?
In the modern age with the convenience of travel, the ability to experience these rich educational opportunities is easier than ever. We are recognising this too; a survey from Tripadvisor earlier this year found that the majority of people questioned see travel as part and parcel of holistic learning. A clear majority 97 per cent said they consider travel to be important for their children’s education, with 70 per cent among these claiming it to be very important.
Perhaps this is why a recent news story that caught my eye reported that Brits are getting better at learning and speaking languages. It’s encouraging to see that more than half of us are now trying to speak another language when abroad, as well as experiencing the wonder of the world around them. As primary languages become compulsory too, children who are often far less self-conscious than their adult counterparts, are likely to become more willing to put their knowledge into practice as they grow.
Brushing up on some essential knowledge or key terms before you leave for your adventure can help make it all the more enjoyable or beneficial; understanding how to have a basic conversation in Spanish, or how a desert or jungle was formed and survives before you visit can inspire you to take more interest and take more from it.
For instance, the Middle East is an increasing tourist destination for many families, and knowledge of Arabic is fast becoming a desirable skill for tourism or work. More than this, being able to say hello, please and thank you at the very least shows the local community you are making an effort to understand their language and culture, and is seen as a sign of respect.
For the really adventurous out there, a trip to the Amazon might be the ultimate geography challenge! Learning about how the jungle ecosystem operates, how the Amazon River forms the vital life source, and understanding the issues for deforestation are all essential for enhancing the trip.
There is a learning experience around every corner and at the end of every journey if we open our eyes to them. And taking the time to prepare to make the most of them only makes these even richer.