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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | OCTOBER 2026 11 By Janet Boyce, Resident Travel has always been a passion of mine ever since spending a summer with my Girl Scout troop in Mexico. We stayed in the small village of Valle de Bravo, which is just a little southwest of Mexico City. Education was not as readily available in 1966. Our goal was to instruct them in how to read and write the Spanish they were speaking. The following year, I was chosen to be one of the five foreign- exchange students to Japan through Rotary International. I stayed with a Japanese family during the summer between my junior and senior years of high school. This incredible experience changed my life and established my love for travel. I am still very close to my Japanese family today after almost 60 years! I have been back to Japan four times to visit them. More recently, however, we met for a week in Hawaii. Travel, both near and far, has many benefits. It broadens your perspective since you can experience different cultures, customs, and ways of life from other people. It reduces stress, since you are taking a break from daily routines. This allows you to relax and recharge. It improves confidence by navigating to unfamiliar places and situations. This builds independence and problem-solving skills. The opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures is magical! Your communication skills are enhanced as you interact with the locals from other countries. The educational experience is so special as you visit historical sites, museums, and natural wonders of the world. The best benefit by far is that travel creates lasting memories, due to unforgettable experiences with family and friends. Material things will go away, but memories can last forever. Travel also has its challenges, but I think they are less significant than the experiences you gain. It can be expensive, but you can create time to gradually pay for a dream vacation. There can be safety concerns and health risks. That's why trip insurance is smart to have. It's important to carry your wallet or purse discreetly, to be on top of any potential theft. The biggest complaint tends to be travel delays or disruptions. This is hard to avoid, but it is how you react to something unexpected that counts. Basically, the more challenging part of any vacation is getting there and then getting back home. In between, your time and experiences can be wonderful and beyond anything you could have imagined. That's what makes travel worth it — so much fun! Travel offers valuable opportunities for learning, relaxation, and personal growth, but it also requires careful planning, budgeting, and awareness of potential risks. By preparing well, you can maximize the benefits while minimizing the disadvantages. So, happy travels to everyone who is inclined to do so. Get out there; otherwise, you don't know what you're missing. As for me, I'm looking forward to an African Safari in Kenya for half of September. I can't wait! Motown Musical Bing THE ADVENTURE AND JOYS OF TRAVEL