MCRT - The TV Show - Traveling Like the Rest of The World
TV Show Episode Outlines:
The Importance Of Travel
Travel is not just a fun seeking waste of time pursued by people trying to escape from the dreaded "real world." As we've traveled we have met hundreds of people who are well educated or already have that "dream job," but understand the value that travel encompasses. - St. Augustine put it best in the 4th Century when he said "The World is a book and those who don't Travel read only a page."
Life Changing Experiences – Interviews
The travel experience does not begin and end during the time of the actual trip, if done correctly it can be a life changing experience. Whether its realizing that work life balance is more important than you ever thought or finding your soul mate on a beach half-way around the world travelers definitely go home different than they arrive.
Why Americans Don’t Travel
Dispelling Cultural American Myths and revealing foreign cultural experiences. The idea of: "Work to live not live to work" is something that is embraced in other countries, but seems to be shunned by Americans. The philosophy of get good grades in high school, excel in college, get a good job, work 40 years, and then retire is embedded in the heads of many Americans. This model is broken and leaves no time for the adventure and life-changing journeys that can only be taken at a young age. America's isolated geography makes this difficult and keeps the average citizen from experiencing the different interpretations of what makes a life complete in countries around the world....and it's a lot more than money.
How To Travel For Cheap
What's the number 1 thing stopping American youth from traveling more....money, of course. There are tons of ways to stretch the dollar. Whether its planning the trip to a country like Thailand where the exchange rate will enable you to live like a king or taking a Nalgene to Europe so you don't have to buy bottled water there are little methods to save a buck in countless situations anywhere you go. This is a collection of the best ways both from personal experience and submitted by other travelers from around the world.
Volunteering Abroad
More and more students are volunteering abroad. There are countless organizations in other countries that badly need help. Whether its volunteering in an orphanage or building a school there are tons of opportunities. Lot's of students seem to be looking to "travel with a purpose" and finding the right volunteer opportunity can help them do that.
Working Abroad
The American model of work vs. life balance is broken. Most students graduate and get a job where they have 10 days off a year. In our travels we have met numerous people who take 4, 6, and even 8 months off a year. Try selling fish in the Bergen, Norway fish market and then spending 8 months relaxing in the Carribean. If that doesn't suit you try teaching english for a year in Korea and then spend some of the $20K that you walk away with in the Thai Isles.
SE Asia Backpacking Loop
This loop is still not taken advantage of by U.S. travelers, but is dominated by Europeans and Australians. Traveling in South East Asia opens your mind to a new culture and surrounding of nature that is nothing like what you will find anywhere else in the world. Best of all the currency is extremely in your favor! Snorkeling for $9, a room for $4, dinner for $3, a giant beer and late night pad thai for $1 .... its all possible in South East Asia.
Common Countries Include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, with more reaching to Malaysia, China, and India
Eastern Europe Backpacking Loop
Another underrated and under explored backpacking loop. Whether its hitchhiking in Lithuania, kayaking in Croatia, or hiking in Turkey there are tons of journeys to be found. This alternative to the beaten path of the normal loop offers a realer side of Europe that is rarely seen. These non-Euro countries are cheaper and the difficulties of traveling here are more than made up for by the genuineness of the locals.
Common Countries Include: Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland.
Western Europe backpacking Loop
This is the "Right of Passage" that every young traveler needs to have and probably even heard their parents talk about. The hot spots include Paris, London, Italian Coast, The Greek Isles, and much, much more. Grab a Euro Rail pass or bus ticket or now a days a Ryan Air flight and start your journey of hopping between some of the most famous sights in the world. Exposing yourself to the culture will change you and slowing your life down from American to European speed will make you realize just how great it is!
Common Countries Include: UK, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and the Netherlands
South America Backpacking Loop
If you want to try out the Spanish that you've learned or just desire a greater level of Adventure than can be found in most other travels then head to South America. Home of places like Patagonia, the Bolivian Salt Flats, Machu Pichu, and Iguazu Falls it is packed full of nature that can blow your mind. While it may take a 24 hour bus instead of a two hour train to get around they are probably the same price and what you find will be well worth the time spent traveling.
Common Countries Include: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Alternative Backpacking Loops
Sick of seeing other travelers or want to do a loop that isn't in any guidebook. Any of these could amount to trips of a lifetime for most people, but can be stacked back to back for the thrill seeking traveler. Popular destinations include Africa, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Australia.
This Idea is Echoed All Over the Blogosphere
What Makes Travel Abroad Unique, and Why Should Americans Do It?
Are Americans Scared to Travel Abroad?
Why Americans Don't Travel Overseas
Are Americans Afraid of Overseas Travel?
Why Travel Can Change the World
