Viewpoint: There’s nothing more valuable than the freedom of travel

Dan has this goal that, he doesn't think he will be able to achieve: Drive a car across the world.

I have this goal that, realistically, I will never be able to achieve: Drive a car across the world.

I’ve always been a fantastic navigator since I first developed an interest in maps. I get a buzz off successfully reaching a location, especially if it’s hard to get there. For example, I love driving in New York City because it’s a challenge to get in and out.

Unfortunately, I’ve used Google Maps more than enough times to know transcontinental driving looks possible, but it isn’t. The terrain and climate at certain crossing points are just a couple hindering factors.

So for now, my dream is spoiled barring the acquisition of a Wild Thornberry-esque comvee. I’ll shoot a little smaller.

After studying abroad in Israel for two summers, a buddy of mine is currently backpacking through Europe. He’s already been through most of the western countries and seen a ton of global landmarks.

Currently, he's in Denmark.

If I could muster up the money and the companions, it would be the experience of a lifetime. Without the constraints of classes at a local university, I could move about cities and countries at will. I could act on a whim in an unfamiliar place.

Many students’ sole international experience comes from studying abroad, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It provides a unique opportunity to spend a semester in another country, earn credits and build a resume at the same time.

Traveling independently is different. It’s strictly a self-enriching experience. To schools and jobs, it’s nothing more than a vacation.

I would call it an expedition.

I believe that everyone should leave their home at some point and see a little of the world -- the good and the bad. The only time I’ve ever left the country was to go on a cruise of the Mediterranean, and I spent just hours in each city on a tour.

Even though that cruise infected me with the travel bug, I realized it’s impossible to fully absorb the scenes around you if part of your mind is focused on a following an agenda.

So, at least once in your life, make your own agenda, or scrap it altogether. Go on tours, and go off tours. Visit famous places, and visit obscure ones. Don’t just learn a culture. Live it, and have fun doing it. Then move on to somewhere else. Repeat.

I want to take it step further. If I can’t drive across the six main continents, I want drive in each of them. I rarely feel more in control than when I’m behind the wheel of a car. There’s nothing more valuable than the freedom of travel.

I may be an idiot to have such steep aspirations. I may be an even bigger idiot to think I can find other idiots to join me. Heck, I’ve never driven eight hours north across the Canadian border.

But here’s a suggestion if you want an idea of how I feel. Go check out Google Street View. Zoom all the way out so you can view the entire world map. Grab the little orange man with your cursor. Drop him in a few different places.

See where you end up.

Dan Norton is a Summer 2012 USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent. Learn more about him here.

This story originally appeared on the USA TODAY College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.