More Than Just a Destination
The Power of Knowing the History of Where You Travel
By Joy Grant
Travel is and always has been about more than simply sightseeing. Even if you’re in a city just for a day, the place you’re visiting has been shaped by cultural, historical, and political factors that led to your arrival. Being even slightly aware of that background can transform a simple trip into a lasting and meaningful experience.
My first time out of the country was during my senior year of high school on a trip to Italy led by a couple of my history teachers. At every destination, some key fact was used to emphasize the location’s importance and relevance. At the time a lot of the information felt useless, but now those are the details I remember the most. Those stories helped to shape my perspective and enabled me to discover my place in the world. Staring up at Michaelangelo’s mural on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling meant so much more knowing the context of his life. I found out that he once viewed this commission as an inconvenient distraction (given that he had to learn a new technique) and it’s now considered one of his most beautiful works. I recall this detail often in the midst of pivotal moments in my own life.
That experience made me realize how much more meaningful travel is when we engage with a place’s history which is something Dr. Carmen Hutchinson-Miller emphasized when we spoke. Dr. Hutchinson-Miller is a black-conscious Afro-Costa Rican historian whose life’s mission is to fill in the historical silences that have left her ancestors and her community out of the narrative. Her emphasis on history humanizing people and places stuck out most during our conversation. She highlighted that understanding the struggles and triumphs of a community adds layers of empathy and respect to our experiences. She also believes that learning the history and listening to locals can help you be more realistic about your expectations, be more humble, and prevent you from being unintentionally disrespectful.
Traveling should always be treated as a privilege that comes with responsibility. Whether it’s a few informed Google searches or booking a tour with a local guide, going the extra mile will always be worth it. The least we can do as guests is be mindful of our surroundings and look at these adventures as an opportunity to learn and grow. By taking a conscious approach to travel, we not only enrich our own experiences but also show respect and gratitude to the communities that welcome us.