The Privilege of Being Able to Travel

I just came from the travel clinic where I received my 2nd Hepatitis A/B booster, giving me 90% immunity before my trip.  To date I have spent well over $800 just on my travel vaccines.  When I first responded to the email about this class and the associated trip, I jumped at the chance, but I honestly had no idea how expensive it would be.

The class was limited to 12 participants, I'm very blessed to be able to go, and I have a different understanding about how costly it is to travel internationally.  I'm aware that for subsequent trips I won't have to spend as much on vaccines (2 of my 4 give lifetime immunity), but it's still an expense that can make travel difficult.

I recognize that I've felt some irritation with some of my classmates at the amount of international traveling they've been able to do. People spend money on the things they want to do, and they budget accordingly, but while I've never been rich by any means, I've generally been fairly comfortable.  I've finally reached the point in my adulthood where I've been able to take a vacation every year, although always domestic, but it takes a fair amount of planning on my part.  It amazes me that there are people in my age range who routinely fly overseas, to multiple countries.  It honestly makes me wonder "how?"  I wouldn't say I am doing anything wrong, I absolutely love my life, but even when I had a job that paid very well, I'm not sure I felt I could afford an international trip.

Most people don't get opportunities like this South Africa trip.  A lot of people will never step foot out of their country, or even their state.  The factors that affect that aren't just financial, they're also social and educational.  There are people who don't see the value in travel, people who are unable to place value on something like travel when their everyday needs aren't met.  There are those who are afraid or unable to travel alone, who have factors in their lives that prevent them from getting passports.  I can't help but wonder how the world would be different if more people had experience outside of their "bubble;" if the various countries of the world were more than just documentaries, pictures in books and magazines, and locations on maps.

I'm thankful to the friends and family who helped me make this trip.  I couldn't have done it without them, and it is something I will never forget. I hope to be in the position soon to help others do the same.  Community is so important to me, and so necessary to help others learn and grow.  I may expound on topic later, when I've had some time to think more about what I want to say.

11 days to go!
Camielle