2008 Woodie Awards
International Traveler to Address ISU
Cameron Homer ; Program Board
Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: News
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With 1.3 million students among the millions of people traveling internationally every year, it is certain that the travel industries are making money hand over fist. However, with such money to be made, there is money to be saved also; enter Gil White.
On Monday, February 27, international speaker, traveler, and author, Gil White will be on the ISU campus presenting "Europe and the World on 84 4 a Day," a presentation geared towards how students can save money while traveling without sacrificing quality.
White will share many of the 75 cost-saving methods he has gleaned over the past 20 years, while visiting fifty-five countries, to help students save money on the road.
White's journeys began when he took his first solo trip at sixteen- a five month excursion to Australia to pursue tennis and an education. With only one contact in the country, he roomed with them and in a boarding house until homesickness called him home.
"I was naive," White said, "But I had ambition and a dream, so my parents stayed in Canada and I went to Australia, striking out on my own."
Australia was followed up by another semester studying in San Diego, and then a three month hitchhiking tour of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, which cost him a meager $300.
And so the wanderlust was born.
Always on a limited budget, the next few years would find White traveling to Europe, North Africa, and more as he turned his passion into a science.
"I discovered this wanderlust within myself," White says.
As a child White's vacations were very similar to those experienced by many- car trips and camping with his family.
"The only way I can think that I may have been different," White says, "Is that when we went camping, I always wanted to hit every trail in the camp."
Throughout his travels, White's experiences have extended far beyond that of just travel, to include friendship, culture, and human nature.
"I've learned that people throughout the world are essentially the same."
When you meet with someone, you're meeting with someone singular - there is no one like that person in the entire world.
"It is a unique experience."
With the personal and educational experiences White has had, it is no wonder he encourages all to adopt a habit and lifestyle of travel.
"I encourage everyone to get rid of your fears - leave your culture behind and explore other cultures without any biases," White says. "Open your mind."
Europe and the World on 84 4 Day will begin at 7 pm in the Wood River Room of the Student Union Building. Admission for students, faculty, and staff is free, while people not falling into these categories may get in for $2.
On Monday, February 27, international speaker, traveler, and author, Gil White will be on the ISU campus presenting "Europe and the World on 84 4 a Day," a presentation geared towards how students can save money while traveling without sacrificing quality.
White will share many of the 75 cost-saving methods he has gleaned over the past 20 years, while visiting fifty-five countries, to help students save money on the road.
White's journeys began when he took his first solo trip at sixteen- a five month excursion to Australia to pursue tennis and an education. With only one contact in the country, he roomed with them and in a boarding house until homesickness called him home.
"I was naive," White said, "But I had ambition and a dream, so my parents stayed in Canada and I went to Australia, striking out on my own."
Australia was followed up by another semester studying in San Diego, and then a three month hitchhiking tour of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, which cost him a meager $300.
And so the wanderlust was born.
Always on a limited budget, the next few years would find White traveling to Europe, North Africa, and more as he turned his passion into a science.
"I discovered this wanderlust within myself," White says.
As a child White's vacations were very similar to those experienced by many- car trips and camping with his family.
"The only way I can think that I may have been different," White says, "Is that when we went camping, I always wanted to hit every trail in the camp."
Throughout his travels, White's experiences have extended far beyond that of just travel, to include friendship, culture, and human nature.
"I've learned that people throughout the world are essentially the same."
When you meet with someone, you're meeting with someone singular - there is no one like that person in the entire world.
"It is a unique experience."
With the personal and educational experiences White has had, it is no wonder he encourages all to adopt a habit and lifestyle of travel.
"I encourage everyone to get rid of your fears - leave your culture behind and explore other cultures without any biases," White says. "Open your mind."
Europe and the World on 84 4 Day will begin at 7 pm in the Wood River Room of the Student Union Building. Admission for students, faculty, and staff is free, while people not falling into these categories may get in for $2.