EXPLORER'S HEART UNEARTHING the a guide to travel in our modern world

WRITTEN BY: HOLLIANN CONKLIN

Through the Rocky Mountains, over the Mojave Desert, and across the Pacific I trekked enroute from Kansas City to the 50th state in our union. My trip to Oahu was a much-anticipated adventure, nearly a year in the making, that included meticulous planning and a few surprises along the way. What began as a comment in jest - to join some friends - resulted in a ten-day journey filled with keepsake memories that will last a lifetime.

It takes roughly ten hours to venture backwards in time from KC to Honolulu. I’ve always been fascinated by the opportunity to travel westward, feeling that I've somehow unlocked the secrets of the universe in gaining a few added hours to the day. I arrived at the airport before five o’clock that morning, was 36,000 feet in the air by half past six, enjoyed breakfast at nine, on the nose, and had a light snack with coffee just an hour later... at nine again. It’s the small moments, where I sit back with childlike wonder and filter through the construct of time, that give me a greater appreciation for what it’s like to truly live.

Our aircraft played host to three-hundred-and-some-odd souls that day, all hailing from different backgrounds, ideologies, and routines, united in one singular journey across the sea. As I tried to find comfort in the middle seat of row 26, I had to wonder… why do we travel?

We are made better by the opportunities we gift to ourselves to experience life differently. Be it a daring safari adventure through the canvas of the Serengeti or a peaceful breath of fresh air embraced somewhere in the middle of turquoise sea, the momentary escapes provide an unmatched perspective into life beyond ourselves.

When we travel, we make an equal investment into our global community as we do into our own existence. We make the world a better place as we become the best versions of ourselves. Small and meaningful interactions with strangers, which often happen naturally when we travel, offer proven biological benefits. Connecting to those around us promotes better overall health, stronger mental focus, and a greater long-term probability for happiness.

We travel as much to explore and get lost in the adventure of life as we do to find ourselves time and time again. We foster an appreciation for the world around us, deepen the connections we share with one another, and promote vitality and a more meaningful existence. We are truly made better when we travel.