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Lansky urges students to take a chance on world travel

By Amanda Stegall
[email protected]
Staff Writer

"The world is the greatest classroom," said Doug Lansky, world traveler and journalist, as he encouraged his audience to create an individual experience and discover a new adventure when traveling. Lansky encouraged students and community members to find their own adventure that cannot be replicated during his lecture in the Lakeview Auditorium on the Floyd campus Oct. 11. "Traveling is like making love to the queen it's a great honor but nobody wants to do it," Lansky said.

A slideshow presentation ranging from photos of toilets to picturesque images on postcards accompanied Lansky's lecture. As he clicked through the photos, Lansky reminded all in attendance that " there is no right place to go. " He said, " Make your own trip based on what you enjoy. " "Use your trip as a chance to try something new, " encouraged Lansky, " Take lessons, try a new sport, travel by different means of transportation and experience the culture. "

Lansky noted methods of transportation vary from region to region. As Lansky continued through his photography presentation, he pointed out the diverse modes of transportation that a traveler may encounter. " Yes, that is an ostrich and I rode it, " said Lansky, as the audience chuckled at the photo. " Transportation isn't about getting from place to place quickly, " he said. " It's about enjoying the scenery and the adventure of the journey. "

Myths of travel were addressed with a word of caution: " Don't believe everything you have heard, " said Lansky. " Try different fruits and vegetables as well as the water and other drinks. Also try the street food available at kiosks. Some of it is good, some of it is bad, but you'll never know unless you try it. "

"Fifty years ago travelers were guaranteed a culture shock when they visited a new country, " said Lansky. " Now, almost every country has become westernized and there are McDonald's and Hilton Hotels everywhere and people are too afraid to really experience the country they visit. Everyone wants comfort and familiar places, but you don't benefit from travel if you stay with what you know. "

There are several things that prevent many people from traveling, noted Lansky. " A few years ago everyone was terrified of SARS and terrorism is still an issue, " Lansky said. He added health and safety issues " are important to consider, but I'm just waiting for someone to get creative with these acronyms and call an epidemic SAFE-Some Asian Foreign Epidemic. We�ll see how many people are afraid to travel to a country affected by the SAFE virus then. "

"The type of experience you have varies based on what you can afford, " said Lansky. " If you have a low budget and you're traveling across the U.S., stop by universities. Walk into the student center, find a group of cool looking peers and offer to buy them dinner or a drink in exchange for crashing on their couch. Most people are willing to help out, and there are networks online that can establish a system of places to stay. "

As the presentation continued Lansky emphasized traveling intelligently. " Don't wear jewelry, " said Lansky, " and if you do, make sure that it's cheap and looks cheap from a distance. " Designating a safe place to store money and important documents is also critical. " Take a fake wallet and use it as a decoy to trick thieves. Keep your real money and papers in a front pocket or passport pouch that can be hidden under clothing,"said Lansky. "You can also keep emergency cash taped to the inside of your belt or sew it into your backpack."

Lansky closed his lecture by encouraging everyone to push themselves out of their comfort zone when traveling. " Don't follow the 'Gringo Trail' as a trip and believe that you're getting the best experience,' he said, while describing the typical routes that most travelers take around the world. " Remember, brochures are misleading and travel is beneficial for the places you visit, "

"Keep in mind that you are an ambassador for America at all times. Meet people in a normal way and be friendly, you might change their opinions about Americans, " Lansky said. "I enjoyed the lecture, and I wish that I had seen him before I had gone on two trips, " said Cassie Taylor, an early childhood education major from Rome.