Summary
We have never taken for granted how lucky we are to have the freedom to travel and how lucky we were to have our first opportunity to visit a faraway land in 2000.
Dave and I often talk about how strange life can be. Who decides who has access to opportunity and how were we so lucky to be born where we were born? As a couple of middle-class Canadians, we have always enjoyed a comfortable and privileged standard of living. Even if we weren’t considered rich in our own country, we could appreciate the luxuries of life.
There was always food, clean water, air conditioning and heat, and of course, opportunities and freedom to travel. It was those opportunities to travel that helped shape who we are today.
Freedom to Travel
Mark Twain famously stated, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” We wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.
We’ve been fortunate enough to experience the freedom to travel to remarkable destinations such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. These travels exposed us to cultures that we could never understand or comprehend had we remained in our small corner of Otterville and Burlington, Ontario. Upon returning home, we always have a new perspective on the beliefs and ideologies of other cultures.
Travel has significantly broadened our understanding of various worldviews, consequently enhancing our appreciation and respect for different perspectives. We firmly believe that travel serves as the best form of education.
Even though we studied foreign lands in school, we only truly grasped those concepts after visiting those countries. Over the last 15 years of travel, we have become more open-minded, compassionate, tolerant, and patient. For further insights, explore the impact of Visa facilitation at the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Appreciate and Understand Culture Through Travel Freedom
As Canadians, we’ve always been taught to embrace other cultures; however, how can one genuinely comprehend another’s life without experiencing it firsthand?
We are indeed fortunate. Canadians enjoy the privilege and freedom to travel to 173 countries and territories without the need to obtain a visa. This travel freedom is a luxury that many other citizens worldwide do not share.
Moreover, an increasing number of individuals from developing nations are gaining more freedom to travel, which is an exciting development.
People are beginning to experience our lifestyle here in North America while delighting in the beauty of the world. We have consistently believed that if more people traveled, there would be less conflict globally.
Through our travels, we have witnessed that most individuals desire the same fundamental things in life. Regardless of religion, race, or culture, humans simply wish to be happy, safe, and surrounded by loved ones. We are all more alike than we realize.
A couple of years ago, we attended the Adventure Travel World Summit and observed the profound changes occurring as more people embrace the freedom to travel.
According to Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, “1 billion people are now crossing borders, and instead of fighting it, countries should perceive this as an opportunity rather than a crisis.” This statement resonates deeply with me. That’s a massive number of people traveling.
Freedom to Travel by Fixing Visa Restrictions
I comprehend that countries may be concerned about security issues; however, there must be better methods to screen threats than imposing exorbitant fees.
Several months later, we traveled to Turkey, where Canadians, like many other countries we visit, do not need a visa beforehand—only a visa on arrival.
Nonetheless, we discovered that Canadians are charged more than US and EU citizens. When I inquired with the officer at the desk, he replied, “You should see what Canada charges us to enter your country.”
This revelation struck me profoundly. While our entry fee was $60, he mentioned that Turks must pay $600 to come to Canada. Further investigation revealed that Canada charges $500 for a family to enter, $100 for an individual, plus an additional $85 biometrics fee. Considering the average income of a Canadian compared to that of a Turk, the fee is disproportionately high.
Therefore, why does Canada shut its doors to so many potential tourists, limiting their freedom to travel to our nation?
The WTTC states “Freedom to Travel means ensuring that individuals have the right to cross international borders safely and efficiently for tourism purposes. It involves smarter visa processes, increased visa waiver agreements, and trusted traveler programs.”
We cherish our freedom to explore the world, and learning about the challenges other countries face only heightens our appreciation. Whenever we have to obtain a visa in advance, we often find ourselves expressing dissatisfaction over the complexities and costs associated with the process.
Visas and Travel Freedom
During our participation in the Mongol Rally, driving a car from England to Mongolia, we actually adjusted our route based on visa costs. It’s a vast world; why should we visit countries that impose significant fees for entry?
We recognize that visas have often been and continue to be a crucial aspect of immigration policy. They regulate tourist populations, serve as a source of revenue for countries, and, to some extent, contribute to security. However, with the technology available today, I believe there must be a more efficient approach.
Travel Freedom Makes the World Better
We have reiterated that the world becomes a better place when freedom to travel is embraced. As technology advances and diminishes geographical barriers, individuals now possess both access and freedom to conduct business across continents. New job opportunities are emerging daily, promoting prosperity across borders. Even we have become mobile in our business pursuits.
I never imagined I’d be collaborating regularly with companies across five different continents. Without these freedoms, fulfilling our professional obligations would be nearly impossible.
It’s an exhilarating time for travel; consequently, let’s embrace an open mindset and allow everyone the freedom to explore that we have cherished for so long.
Have you encountered visa restrictions that altered your travel plans? We’d appreciate hearing your experiences in the comments below.
For more information regarding Freedom to Travel, visit the World Travel and Tourism Council
