How does Paul RYKEN's experience shape his views on cultural immersion?

Full-time travel since 2016 has shown me that keeping your heart and mind wide open is what turns trips into transformation. I have seen how travel can harden people in their prejudices (like the Christchurch attacker), but for me it has done the opposite: the more I learn about other cultures, the more aware I become of my own biases and privileges.

Because I’m naturally curious, I dive into history, language, politics, and everyday life wherever we go, then read more afterwards. That habit of constant learning makes immersion less about “ticking sights off” and more about understanding why things are the way they are.

Over time, meeting people everywhere has reinforced that, underneath all the surface differences, most of us want the same things: safety, opportunity, love, dignity. That shared humanity is why I believe intentional, respectful travel really can make you a better person.

How has your own travel experience changed the way you see other cultures?