Is it socially conscious...

Personally, I think social consciousness should begin at home and part of your human interaction wherever you are. If you have limited interest in these other countries, then you shouldn't feel guilty about it. But I know for myself, I gained a broader understanding of what is important and the members of my multicultural city, after sitting in a Maasai hut talking to the momma, walking markets and streets in India and avoiding stepping on iguana tails in the Galapagos (though that is more eco consciousness). Delving into the unknown outside of first world countries is humbling.

I know many people who travel only on guided tours, or plop themselves on beaches at guarded resorts around the world. In my mind, that doesn’t expand their social consciousness. If you really want to “broaden your horizons”, consider a mission trip where you actually have interaction with locals and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Several years ago we went to Guatemala and stayed in an orphanage doing various construction projects and helping with a feeding program for local families. It was life changing for our family. My kids have never complained about a meal that I’ve cooked since then.

And yes, I think you are cheating yourself by not exploring other parts of the world.

Visit places that interest you. Viva la difference. There are certain countries that don't interest me that much. There's nothing necessarily wrong with those countries or me. Just as with some sports that I don't care about.

I know people that go to the the same places year after year. I'm not really sure why people think traveling to other countries makes you well-rounded as people I know who have traveled extensively can be some of the most conservative people.

Do what you want. It sounds like you want to try something new. So go for it.

Why does it matter what others think? You’ve already seen several responses where people have their set ideas about what makes a good trip or not! You should decide what is important to you, what travel style you prefer, and just for it.

PS. There are many ways to give back and many ways to learn about other cultures.

You are missing quite a lot by not visiting Central or South America and East Asia. Also, you didn't mention Australia and New Zealand.

1) Central America, careful there, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are somewhat dangerous places to visit but Panama and Costa Rica are great. Going through the Panama Canal is amazing.
2) South America, have been there four times and my favorite countries are in this order Peru, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Do a cruise around the horn of South America, spend some days in Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile. Also, visit Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru. Ecuador has the Galapagos Islands and we did a great cruise there with Celebrity. The wildlife is amazing.
3) East Asia has so much. China is loaded with history with much to see in The Great Wall, Bejing and the Forbidden City, Giant Pandas, Summer Palace area; Xian with the amazing terra cotta warriors; Shanghai is loaded with history; there is so much more. Japan is great, love the people there and there is so much to see around Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto (Must SEE), Nara, and more. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines are all great with lots to see. I haven't been to Vietnam and Cambodia, but that is more to see.
4) Australia and NZ are special and deserve consideration. Don't miss The Great Ocean Highway south of Melbourne, Philip Island and the Penguins, Sydney and its museum, opera house and harbor as well as Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains. Also, check out the great wineries around Sydney and Melbourne. Perth in the west and the Great Barrier Reef are more to see. NZ, just go it is great.

I didn't mention India, but yes, lots to see there, as well as Egypt and Israel.

I'm on the down-side of my travel "career"....so I'm going to places that interest and please me no matter what anyone else thinks. Well, actually "they" all think I'm crazy for travel anyway so there you have it.

Do what you enjoy!

It's interesting that you chose the title "socially conscious". I'm curious why you think that travelling to different places would meet that definition.

When I looked up what "socially conscious" means, I found one definition that said: "To be socially conscious means being deeply aware of the people around you in society – how you impact them and how they impact you. Being socially conscious can make you feel empathy for others and therefore mindful of how your actions impact them." So instead of wondering about going to places you've never been, I like what an earlier poster suggested about their experiences volunteering in a small village and having an impact on people's lives. Having said that, I don't know who you find out about volunteer activities, but I'm know that there are many different ways to get involved wherever you choose to go.

Yeah same reaction. Seems like two things you've posted about. Should you recreationally travel to places other than Europe, and is traveling to places outside of Europe more "socially conscious" than traveling only to Europe.

On the first question, I guess it's who you are and what you're interested in. I've done a lot of travel all over Latin America, but never Asia. I'd like to go to Asia and think I will at some point, but it's a big world and you can't do everything. So for your recreational travel do what you like and what makes you happy.

Second question no, traveling places other than Europe is not inherently more socially conscious than traveling to Europe. Some people travel to Thailand to do charity work for the poor, others too buy teenage prostitutes on the cheap. Totally different ends of the virtue scale, and there is a lot of territory in between.

Maybe you're asking is it more socially conscious to travel outside of the most developed parts of the world. Again, tough to say. I have friends who love India and Brazil. They're also a bit of cheapskates and a lot of what they love is that they can live more of a luxury lifestyle day to day for little money. But they're also smart people who are also to some extent involved in charity work and are interested in learning about cultures. So are they more or less virtuous than a person on a bus tour of Europe? I don't think it's really a question with any hard or fast answer. It's all pretty complicated and multi-factorial.

Pam:
The “They” in my life sometimes think I’m a bit crazy for travelling on my own, too.
My husband isn’t a traveler, so I’m quite happy to go on my own.

I have no desire to go in depth to Asia or South America or Africa, so going back to Italy, France and the UK every year or two suits me fine.
I always go to a new part of them each time, as well as some old favourites.
I have visited 23 countries, and now zero in on ones I really like, instead of feeling like I have to see certain places.
I’ve lived in five countries and worked in four of them, so I want to spend my travel money where it makes me happy.
If we were all going to the same must-see places, it would get pretty crowded. (Or….more crowded!)

Which countries have you lived and worked in SJ? So many, sounds like a big adventure :)

There are only a few countries I wouldn't visit for political reasons: Russia, Belarus, and North Korea, and probably any country supporting Russia in some fashion.

This post is to address the travel as a volunteer idea.

I’ve traveled as a volunteer to several places, but it always started with a relationship with the organization that wasn’t about travel. Are there organizations that you already support or have connections with? Is there an organization involved with something that resonates with you? Maybe start off by simply supporting that organization financially.

My relationship with Africa New Life Ministries in their child sponsorship program led to a trip to Rwanda where I was part of a teacher training group. This trip was a great blessing to me, far beyond any help I brought to Rwanda teachers. I especially loved meeting my sponsored children in person.

My relationship with Holt International through international adoption led to a several week volunteer opportunity in Korea for my daughter and I at the Ilsan Center for the disabled when she was a teen. Once again, a precious opportunity.

My point is that if you truly want to have a worldwide impact, start by supporting organizations that are in place doing the work to meet the needs of people. There are many worthwhile organizations doing wonderful things around the world. I know you can find some that are “matches.” Perhaps some travel/volunteer opportunities will come up, but if not you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference.

My best wishes on however you choose to move forward.

Hank:
Born in Canada, lived in Canada, the UK and the US as a child.
Studied in the UK and worked there on and off for a few years.
Also worked in Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
Worked and now retired back in Canada.
People did go and work in different countries a lot more back then.
I’m so happy I had all those opportunities!

Thank you all for your responses.
Since retiring (excluding the Pandemic), I have done 3-4 trips per year spending about 4 weeks renting an apartment in a city or small town. Living, shopping, and commuting, like locals is what we enjoy the most. We have not spent time in the same place twice, other than a day or two as a stopover. When home, I spend about 30-50 hours a week doing charity work for several organizations. I have the opportunity now to do a full 10 months someplace or places beginning in September, and I am working towards planning that out.

Visit what appeals to you. I live part time in Europe but places like the Falklands, Oman and a return to Japan all lurk in my mind. What does social consciousness have to do with your choices? You’ve traveled extensively with what appears to be great satisfaction….no need to apologize.

I have been to 72 countries by choice and by direction from others. I’ve been to every state in the USA and know that I’m American to the core from that experience. If you feel good about your adventures for 40 years you’re doing pretty good.

Thanks for the further details. I would ask some questions for you to ponder for your decision making.
1. Is there a country or region related to one of your organizations that a visit would improve your interactions upon your return?
2. Do any of these organizations have kinks elsewhere where you can volunteer?
3. Is there a reason not to go elsewhere? You don't have to stay the full 10 months, but I am tempted to challenge you to get out of that comfort zone and try somewhere different. I believe, given your interests and travel method, that benefits will outway anything else.
Regardless, enjoy the time away.