Travel writer Rick Steves said that encouraging Americans to travel abroad makes the United States a better country.
Steves' perspective suggests that global exploration serves as a tool for national improvement by broadening the perspectives of citizens. This philosophy underpins his career as an educator and guide for those seeking to understand the world beyond domestic borders.
In a conversation with NBC News journalist Tom Llamas for the "Great Americans" series, Steves said he has inspired millions [1] of Americans to visit other countries. He framed the act of traveling not merely as a leisure activity, but as a civic contribution to the health of the nation.
"Travel makes America a better country," Steves said.
The interview focused on Steves' position as a "Great American" who uses his platform to promote cultural exchange. By encouraging citizens to engage with different societies, Steves said the resulting empathy and knowledge benefit the domestic social fabric.
Steves has spent decades providing resources for independent travel, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness. His approach focuses on the idea that seeing the world firsthand allows travelers to return home with a more nuanced understanding of their own identity and government.
The discussion highlighted the connection between individual exploration and collective national growth. Steves said the insights gained from international experiences help bridge gaps in understanding and reduce provincialism within the U.S. population.
“"Travel makes America a better country."”
By framing international travel as a benefit to the United States rather than just a personal luxury, Steves aligns cultural tourism with civic duty. This suggests that global literacy and the reduction of isolationism are viewed by some as essential components of a functioning, modern democracy.
