TED talks–those phenomenal 18-minute-or-less presentations–are designed to share information on every topic…”to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation.” I’ve yet to watch a TED talk that wasn’t interesting. The speakers are articulate. They want us to understand their experiences and beliefs, even if we don’t agree with their viewpoint. TED only asks that you listen and keep an open mind.
Of course, I love the TED talks about travel. I’ve gathered some so you can watch experts talk about different aspects of travel, maybe things you haven’t considered before.
Let’s start with some basic thoughts about travel
Why bother leaving the house? Ben Saunders wants you to get out–because that’s where life’s lessons are. And they’re not always easy. Exactly his point!
Where is home? As people travel to and live in other countries, what does “home” mean these days? One of my faves, Pico Iyer, discusses this.
The value of travel. Rick Steves, America’s travel expert, tells us why he spends four months a year on the road…because he wants us to understand the importance of exploring new places.
How and why travel transforms you. “Going into the wilderness,” Francis Tarpon has walked across the United States four times and visited 25 Eastern European countries. He’ll explain how travel can change us.
TED talks about amazing destinations
Magical houses, made of bamboo. Bamboo is flexible and each pole is unique. Elora Hardy set out to make homes in Bali that reflect the beauty and sustainability of bamboo as a building material.
The oldest living things in the world. How old is OLD? Rachel Sussman tells us with a gallery of her spectacular photos of things going back over 100,000 years.
The boiling river of the Amazon. Think everything’s been discovered? Andrés Ruzo wants us to know that there are still amazing things to be found.
Individual stories of all types
A journey from Afghanistan. When he was seven, Abbas Nazari’s family fled from the Taliban and went to Australia. While not a typical travel story, it’s worth remembering that travel has more purposes than just visiting a new place.
The joy of surfing in ice-cold water. Sometimes we don’t want to DO what’s being presented, but it’s still fascinating. Chris Burkard loves to surf…anywhere. Risky and remote, no problem.
Why I’m rowing across the Pacific. Yep, Roz Savage is one tough broad. She rowed solo across the Atlantic, then set out to conquer the Pacific. Learn why…
The BIG picture
What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? Hugh Evans thinks we should not see ourselves as a citizen of a certain place, but as someone who wants to make the world a better place.
My year reading a book from every country in the world. Ann Morgan thought she was pretty well-read…until she realized she mostly read books by writers of the English language.
For more tolerance, we need more…tourism? Nothing changes minds and attitudes like getting to know our neighbors, no matter where we encounter them. Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian activist who believes in the power of travel to erode hate.
Got a few minutes? Less than 18, to be exact? Treat yourself to a TED talk…then find someone to discuss it with. That’s what TED wants: “a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other.”
More thoughts on travel:
Anthony Bourdain: He Inspired Travel
Frugal Foodie: Why I Don’t Eat at Expensive Places
Gratitude from a Traveler: Thank You, World!
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