Akeem L., based in the continental U.S., shares his travel journey and how opportunity met travel over time. Check it out below!
What inspired you to travel?
When I was younger, my family used to drive to Miami to the Carolinas to visit family. We would be in the car for hours, but it was a new experience, a new scenery, different from Atlantic City. I didn’t realize the influence it had on me. Then, I started playing sports on a travel team. Going to these different locations gave me something to look forward to, something I wanted more of. I never forgot the experience and visual stimulation of visiting family in the Bahamas.
When I travelled out of the country as an adult for the first time, it was full circle. The seed was planted when I was a child, I just didn’t know it.
What inspired me to travel - opportunity.
What did you learn about love through travel?
I still had room to improve and grow. I’ve been in communities, and countries where they “really love” their neighbor. I’ve seen the example of “I’ll give you my last” in full display, to me that’s love. There can be no boundaries if we embrace it and the people around us. There’s another level of love and openness I can grow in, and I’m grateful for that level of awareness.
What is a travel tip you would share with others?
Learn as much of the language as possible.
How many places have you visited, and where is your next trip?
I've visited 15 locations, and Ghana is next!
What was your favorite trip and why?
I don’t have a favorite; the next experience will always be my favorite
How else has travel impacted your journey?
Travel has impacted me so much that I have created the opportunity for youth to be able to learn on their on own travel journeys. I founded a non-profit called A Leadership Journey. Our mission is to "provides BIPOC youth ages 13-18 from marginalized identities equitable access to international & domestic cultural exploration through travel, utilizing travel as the vehicle to discuss the importance of Mental & Emotional wellness Global Citizenship, Self-awareness, Leadership, and Ubuntu." We have celebrated five years of existence, have traveled 66, 916 miles and served over 3,500 youth. Learn more about A Leadership Journey here!