Travel Makes You Kinder: Richard Bangs

One of the gurus of world tourism and "the father of modern adventure travel" Richard Bangs traveled to Armenia with his family. He shared his first impressions of Armenia with Sira, who guided him around Armenia this summer.

Richard Bangs is an American author and television personality focusing on international travel. He is the host and executive producer of a series of American Public Television specials, including Richard Bangs Quests and Richard Bangs Adventures with Purpose. He was part of the founding executive team of Expedia.com. Bangs' articles and essays have appeared in many places, including in The New York Times, Slate and The Huffington Post. Bangs has authored 19 books.

Why did you choose this part of the world as your travel destination?

Armenia and Georgia are little known in the USA and I think we are always looking for new places to explore and discover. Those countries were under the cloud of misrepresentation and sort of poor impressions. Some of it is justified because of historical events, but much of it is unjustified. This is a time of peace and promise and both countries have so much to offer: assets that few of the places in the world do. One of the things that intrigues me the most is that the tourism industry in both countries is relatively new and this is the best time to look around to the worlds’ best developed tourism countries and to see what are the things they have done right and have done wrong and to choose the best pathway. You have the luxury of being able to look at thousands of other destinations to value them and to develop your tourism destination and programs. That’s an exciting opportunity. To come here feels like we are seeing it as early stages. We will be back to the US and will interpret what we saw and will help to shape the platform.

What were your expectations before you came and what you experience now?

Very different from reality. Many photographs that we were shown many of them date back to the last century and many of them are black and white. The whole Armenia for American eyes is the place that is challenged. But first crossing the border and passing through these forests, melting canyons, valleys and this clear stream and monasteries were like a piece of paradise. It was astonishing. I had no expectation that Switzerland existed in Armenia.

What are the unique aspects of this destination? How will you promote Armenia?

The landscape itself is a powerful reason to visit here. Land always defines the people. You have a collection of people that is so proud of their heritage, their identity. The biggest surprise is how joyful, happy and hospitable everybody is. You think that after all the tragedy and challenges that Armenia as a country has faced it might be a little bit less than optimistic. But there is a flowing of optimism. You don’t find that type of character in many other countries. That is a unique proposition.

Another thing is Armenia is the first country in the world adopting Christianity and it has probably the highest concentration of churches in the world. There is something fascinating historically, culturally, architecturally, and musically. It’s stunning. This all ends up with a compelling cocktail.

Do you feel safe here?

I feel very safe. There is not any issue. I have traveled to many places that unsafe. This feels as safe as the safest places in the US. There are many places in the US that you don’t feel safe. But look at this. This is outdoor café culture. This feels like Vienna, Paris or any great café culture destination in the world. You sit outside and you read poetry, tell stories and enjoy life. I think people here enjoy life.

What is your opinion about food and wine here?

It was surprising to find out that this is such a wine culture. And it is not well known. We spent some time in wineries. What a magical experience. It was not like they were trying to promote their own product; it was national pride. My personal favorite was brandy. It was like a strong note of Napoleon and Churchill. I bought some to take home.

Why do people travel and how travel changes the person?

Oh, that’s a good question. I become an evangelist when it comes to travel. Travel is transformation. We prosper and become better when we celebrate the diversity of humanity and appreciate how much we do have in common and how much we all can bring to the table. We learn new things, there is an evolution of consciousness and we become better for ourselves. Travel moves the world to a better place. I think everybody should travel. The more you travel, the more you understand the people we meet are part of the global family. And as you would never want to harm family member. Travel makes you kinder.

I can’t think of a better ending of our interview than these words… Travel makes you kinder.

Travel more, get to know people more and be a part of our global family, that’s the only way to warm your heart with memories and unforgettable people. And please don’t forget to include Armenia to your list of destinations as we know how to make you feel at home and happy. See you in Armenia.

Author: Siranush Piloyan (Sira), a tour guide, traveler and blogger

Source: SiraVerse

Travel makes you kinder: Richard Bangs