As Americans, we are blessed with so much, including the chance to travel.

That means different things to different people. For many, it means heading home for the holidays to see family. For a lucky few, it means cashing in those frequent flier miles and exploring the world. For lots of people, it means heading to the library to check out books, videos and other media that allow them to explore the world from their own family rooms.

Whether we travel regularly or virtually, continue to go back to the same place or explore the globe, every trip opens our kids' minds (and ours) a little more.

I am been among the lucky few blessed with the ability to take my kids with me to see many parts of the world in person. One of my greatest joys as a parent is seeing my kids' eyes light up when they see in person things they previously only read about in books. It is just as powerful when they see things in books or on television or in a movie that they have seen in person.

It enriches our lives and makes me believe that my kids will join a generation of adults who are curious about the bigger world and forgiving of its flaws. The more we can do that, the more we all will have to be thankful about.

Cindy Richards is the mom of two who gets her muse from traveling the world, usually with kids in tow. She also writes for TravelingMom.com, where she also serves as editor.

See more of Cindy's stories here.

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