More of our Q&A with Peg Thomas, president of People to People Ambassador Programs and mother of six
What does travel mean to you?
Travel is a way of life for me. I have worked in this industry for almost 15 years and have been a lifelong traveler before that. It is a way to experience history and culture—not just read about it.
Where did you travel to in the Middle East, and why was it important for you to take your kids?
My husband and I recently traveled to Jordan and Egypt and took four of our boys with us. They are at an age where they can fully understand other cultures and the difference between ours and theirs. I think one of the main problems with American thinking is that we have had too much for too long and we do not understand how underprivileged other areas of the world are. I wanted my children to see firsthand how the rest of the world lives—what they value as important, what needs they do not have met on a daily basis. In addition, all four of the boys had studied this region of the world in school, and we were able to show them the history of these lands ourselves. It was a very rewarding trip for me as a parent to see them grow and learn and have a different sense of other cultures, religions, and livelihoods.
What do you think is the most important place to travel to now as the world is becoming one global society?
China. Hands down. They are the next global giant on the horizon. It is a changing, growing, developing nation that will impact every one of us in the next few generations.
In this economy, why is it still important for students to travel?
Travel is education that comes to life. How many times have our students studied a period of time or an area and never gotten to see it, feel it, or touch it?
This world is increasingly competitive, and travel, more than any other extra curricula, gives children a head start on the competition around them.
What are your top five travel must-haves?
- A great roller bag. Racing to catch connections has helped me to appreciate long, sturdy handles and smooth-rolling wheels on my luggage!
- My camera. Going through my photos from each journey instantly sends me back to what I learned, people I met, and how I felt at a given moment.
- An excellent book to make the long flights more fun. I love to find a fictional book set in the area I’m traveling to.
- Candy. Reese’s is my favorite. The kids all get to bring their favorites too, and then we always try the candy bars of the country we’re in.
- Clothes that help me blend into the environment. In Jordan, for example, it is okay to dress like a Westerner but not exactly acceptable. I do my best to wear the dress of the region so as to not offend but also to blend in. That is when you see the real side of any culture.
How do you keep in touch with family and friends while travelling?
I email, I text, I Facebook. I plan on trying Twitter and blogging on my next trip.
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
I don’t think I could pick a favorite, honestly. I have seen so many beautiful places and still have so many I want to see. If you forced me to choose only one place, I would have to choose Italy. I lived in Italy for a time, and hope someday to get a chance to move back there and perfect my Italian—both the language and the cooking!
Peg, thank you for taking the time to share your travel tips and experiences with us!
You are welcome. I hope to see many of you out on the road sometime soon!
