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Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler's Guide to World Peace
An essential strategy book for how to have transformative, sustainable, responsible travel experiences--starting at your own front door. Recognized Peacemaker and National Geographic Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah shows how, by crossing boundaries, we can heal our world from stereotypes, prejudice, and ignorance.
Whether you're planning future travels or exploring the diverse cultures in your own community, Crossing Boundaries provides strategies for growth and getting out of your comfort zone. Moving between inspirational stories, humorous anecdotes, and helpful conflict resolution tips, Abu Sarah guides you through having personal, meaningful experiences with people from different backgrounds. He sketches a vision of a kind of travel with the power to help heal the divides of a world polarized by seemingly intractable conflicts.
Abu Sarah argues that transformative travel can start at home. He knows this a former Palestinian radical, he shares his own moving story of creating connections across his divided hometown of Jerusalem, and of co-founding a tour agency with a Jewish American. Today, they direct Dual Narrative Tours, co-led by guides from different communities in countries like Israel and Palestine, Ireland and Northern Ireland, North and South Vietnam, and many others.
Drawing on these experiences, Abu Sarah's book offers tips on how to meet people naturally and safely, design an inclusive itinerary, shop to support the local economy, deal with setbacks, and much more. A guide for going beyond museums and monuments, this book is for both the first-timer and seasoned veteran. Abu Sarah shows that if you put down your phone and strike up a conversation, you can break through the walls that separate people. You'll discover shared values, build lasting relationships, and realize that far more unites us than divides us.
Whether you're planning future travels or exploring the diverse cultures in your own community, Crossing Boundaries provides strategies for growth and getting out of your comfort zone. Moving between inspirational stories, humorous anecdotes, and helpful conflict resolution tips, Abu Sarah guides you through having personal, meaningful experiences with people from different backgrounds. He sketches a vision of a kind of travel with the power to help heal the divides of a world polarized by seemingly intractable conflicts.
Abu Sarah argues that transformative travel can start at home. He knows this a former Palestinian radical, he shares his own moving story of creating connections across his divided hometown of Jerusalem, and of co-founding a tour agency with a Jewish American. Today, they direct Dual Narrative Tours, co-led by guides from different communities in countries like Israel and Palestine, Ireland and Northern Ireland, North and South Vietnam, and many others.
Drawing on these experiences, Abu Sarah's book offers tips on how to meet people naturally and safely, design an inclusive itinerary, shop to support the local economy, deal with setbacks, and much more. A guide for going beyond museums and monuments, this book is for both the first-timer and seasoned veteran. Abu Sarah shows that if you put down your phone and strike up a conversation, you can break through the walls that separate people. You'll discover shared values, build lasting relationships, and realize that far more unites us than divides us.
- GenresTravelNonfiction
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2020
14 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Aziz Abu Sarah
8 books10 followersAziz Abu Sarah is Co-CEO of InterAct International, a nonprofit dedicated to Middle East Peace. He is a peacebuilder, entrepreneur, National Geographic Explorer, TED Fellow, and renowned speaker and trainer on conflict resolution and responsible travel. Aziz is the co-founder of MEJDI Tours, a travel company on a mission to transform tourism into a global force of citizen diplomacy. He has won numerous awards, including from the United Nations, Institute of International Education, and The Explorers Club. Aziz is consistently named one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan. He has written opinion pieces for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Al-Quds, and Haaretz.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 2, 2020
Absolutely a must read for anyone who loves to travel!
August 30, 2020
I was aware of Aziz Abu Sarah because of another book (Strangers, Neighbors, Friends) that he had co-authored with two others).
His writing in the first book was engaging, relatable and inspirational. So is CROSSING BOUNDARIES.
Aziz lets us know, straight away, that travel doesn't necessarily have to involve airports, train stations or bus depots. "I'm a firm believer that I don't explore or travel within my own community, then I'm not going to do it even if I travel 5,000 miles away."
His definition of travel is very straightforward. "Travel can be anything that helps us explore people, cultures and environments. Travel is about exploration. At times, this exploration can be challenging. But the most crucial travel we can experience is usually just outside our front door."
Before going much further into the specifics of responsible travel, Aziz reminds us that "We don't live on islands isolated from the rest of the world's political problems, climate policies, economic situations, and threats. The issues facing human society do not recognize the artificial boundaries and borders we've created. We are all connected."
Even before making this point, Aziz quotes Stephen Hawking's response to what he thought was the biggest threat to humanity: "The human failing I would most like to correct is aggression."
Aziz follows up by writing, "If we accept Hawking's claim that human aggression is a major threat to human existence, then I don't know a better medium than travel to promote understanding and co-existence."
CROSSING BOUNDARIES is full of tips and helpful nuggets of wisdom. For instance: "When we visit a new place, we should look into what the local community wants us to learn about their neighborhoods, lives and traditions. Residents in the Brazilian favelas do not want us to learn only about their suffering; they also want their stories of struggle and innovation to be heard. When we actually listen to the local people, that's when we begin to see them as human beings and break the stereotypes that simplify their complex lives into a caricature of poverty."
Here's another gem to help avoid stressing out while traveling. "In most cases, how we react to the problem is more important than the problem itself... It's important for us to recognize what irritates us and focus on harnessing our reaction before responding to others. It is also important to remember that airline and airport staff are human too, and just like us, sometimes they make mistakes and have bad days."
Aziz's personal story (told in STRANGERS, NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS) of his growth from being a Palestinian radical to peace advocate, translates into life lessons applied to religion as well as travel "Overall, if we approach other religious communities with the same spirit of humility, respect, and learning that we extend to others, we'll discover both a world of diversity and surprising similarities But we have to be willing to suspend judgment and approach the existence of others with different beliefs as a learning opportunity, not as a threat."
The crossover between traveling and interpersonal relationships is powerful and potentially life-changing.
When approaching a culture that differs from our own, Aziz suggests that "Hearing stories that conflict with our own historical narratives should not be seen as a threat to our story and identity. Perhaps one of the worst things to come from the Enlightenment was the idea that conflicting stories can't exist side by side. But in many cultures around the world (and in many biblical narratives, including the four Gospels), different narratives are welcomed. They give us different perspectives."
Aziz writes about countries each having their own historical narrative, which while based on historical events, "are remembered or forgotten based on how they relate to current events and concepts of self... As a result, when learning about a country's history for the first time, it is important to consider how the present intersects with the past. How does an archeological site, museum display or historical event fit into the group's narrative of who they are? Who curates and promotes this narrative (the government, a majority ethnic group)? What historical events or groups are silenced in (or left out of) the narrative or museum display, because their inclusion might challenge the moral of the story?"
At the end of the day, whether we actually travel across countries or across town, Aziz encourages us "... [I]t's important to remember: be gracious. You and I have been that rude person before (and sometime in the future... we will probably slip up and be that rude person again)... Stop. Breathe. Reflect. And act in ways that will make the world a more kind and humane place."
His writing in the first book was engaging, relatable and inspirational. So is CROSSING BOUNDARIES.
Aziz lets us know, straight away, that travel doesn't necessarily have to involve airports, train stations or bus depots. "I'm a firm believer that I don't explore or travel within my own community, then I'm not going to do it even if I travel 5,000 miles away."
His definition of travel is very straightforward. "Travel can be anything that helps us explore people, cultures and environments. Travel is about exploration. At times, this exploration can be challenging. But the most crucial travel we can experience is usually just outside our front door."
Before going much further into the specifics of responsible travel, Aziz reminds us that "We don't live on islands isolated from the rest of the world's political problems, climate policies, economic situations, and threats. The issues facing human society do not recognize the artificial boundaries and borders we've created. We are all connected."
Even before making this point, Aziz quotes Stephen Hawking's response to what he thought was the biggest threat to humanity: "The human failing I would most like to correct is aggression."
Aziz follows up by writing, "If we accept Hawking's claim that human aggression is a major threat to human existence, then I don't know a better medium than travel to promote understanding and co-existence."
CROSSING BOUNDARIES is full of tips and helpful nuggets of wisdom. For instance: "When we visit a new place, we should look into what the local community wants us to learn about their neighborhoods, lives and traditions. Residents in the Brazilian favelas do not want us to learn only about their suffering; they also want their stories of struggle and innovation to be heard. When we actually listen to the local people, that's when we begin to see them as human beings and break the stereotypes that simplify their complex lives into a caricature of poverty."
Here's another gem to help avoid stressing out while traveling. "In most cases, how we react to the problem is more important than the problem itself... It's important for us to recognize what irritates us and focus on harnessing our reaction before responding to others. It is also important to remember that airline and airport staff are human too, and just like us, sometimes they make mistakes and have bad days."
Aziz's personal story (told in STRANGERS, NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS) of his growth from being a Palestinian radical to peace advocate, translates into life lessons applied to religion as well as travel "Overall, if we approach other religious communities with the same spirit of humility, respect, and learning that we extend to others, we'll discover both a world of diversity and surprising similarities But we have to be willing to suspend judgment and approach the existence of others with different beliefs as a learning opportunity, not as a threat."
The crossover between traveling and interpersonal relationships is powerful and potentially life-changing.
When approaching a culture that differs from our own, Aziz suggests that "Hearing stories that conflict with our own historical narratives should not be seen as a threat to our story and identity. Perhaps one of the worst things to come from the Enlightenment was the idea that conflicting stories can't exist side by side. But in many cultures around the world (and in many biblical narratives, including the four Gospels), different narratives are welcomed. They give us different perspectives."
Aziz writes about countries each having their own historical narrative, which while based on historical events, "are remembered or forgotten based on how they relate to current events and concepts of self... As a result, when learning about a country's history for the first time, it is important to consider how the present intersects with the past. How does an archeological site, museum display or historical event fit into the group's narrative of who they are? Who curates and promotes this narrative (the government, a majority ethnic group)? What historical events or groups are silenced in (or left out of) the narrative or museum display, because their inclusion might challenge the moral of the story?"
At the end of the day, whether we actually travel across countries or across town, Aziz encourages us "... [I]t's important to remember: be gracious. You and I have been that rude person before (and sometime in the future... we will probably slip up and be that rude person again)... Stop. Breathe. Reflect. And act in ways that will make the world a more kind and humane place."
August 15, 2020
This book offers a pragmatic and meaningful approach to travel, but more than that underscores a deeper paradigm shift that must take place in our homes, in our communities, and when we travel. Aziz argues that we must actually talk to (and learn about) one another instead of acting (or travelling) based on what we think we know or the stories we tell ourselves.
He takes us on a journey around the world and demonstrates how being vulnerable and starting conversations can not only develop long-lasting relationships, but bridge divides and even lead to peace. If, like Aziz and many Palestinians, your first memories of Israelis are of IDF soldiers raiding your schools, harassing you at checkpoints and firing on you during protests, then you understandably may resent Israelis. But, Aziz argues that the conversation does not have to (and should not) stop there.
Just as making his first Israeli friends in Hebrew school led him to see Israelis as humans and not enemies, his participation in that class as the only Palestinian led his Israeli classmates to see his humanity as well.
The main thing I learn from this book is that there is always another part to the story. Whether it is learning about Israel and Palestine from the perspectives of both an Israeli and Palestinian tour guide or learning about Paraguay’s devastating 1864 Triple Alliance war from local community groups, Aziz illustrates how travelers are not simply instagram photographers, but can be peacemakers and ambassadors for causes and people. When we travel, we must consider if our presence and activities benefits local communities economically, socially, and environmentally and if we are actually learning about the places we visit (or simply checking off the top ten places to show our friends back home).
Finally, Aziz emphasizes that travel starts in one’s community. For example, before going on that resort beach trip to Mexico, we should develop closer ties with the Mexican-American and broader Latin American community where we live. That way, we will better understand our destination, know the best places to go, and most importantly develop long lasting relationships with our fellow community members and those who we meet on our trip.
Aziz is a masterful storyteller and an exceptional human. Definitely give his book a try.
He takes us on a journey around the world and demonstrates how being vulnerable and starting conversations can not only develop long-lasting relationships, but bridge divides and even lead to peace. If, like Aziz and many Palestinians, your first memories of Israelis are of IDF soldiers raiding your schools, harassing you at checkpoints and firing on you during protests, then you understandably may resent Israelis. But, Aziz argues that the conversation does not have to (and should not) stop there.
Just as making his first Israeli friends in Hebrew school led him to see Israelis as humans and not enemies, his participation in that class as the only Palestinian led his Israeli classmates to see his humanity as well.
The main thing I learn from this book is that there is always another part to the story. Whether it is learning about Israel and Palestine from the perspectives of both an Israeli and Palestinian tour guide or learning about Paraguay’s devastating 1864 Triple Alliance war from local community groups, Aziz illustrates how travelers are not simply instagram photographers, but can be peacemakers and ambassadors for causes and people. When we travel, we must consider if our presence and activities benefits local communities economically, socially, and environmentally and if we are actually learning about the places we visit (or simply checking off the top ten places to show our friends back home).
Finally, Aziz emphasizes that travel starts in one’s community. For example, before going on that resort beach trip to Mexico, we should develop closer ties with the Mexican-American and broader Latin American community where we live. That way, we will better understand our destination, know the best places to go, and most importantly develop long lasting relationships with our fellow community members and those who we meet on our trip.
Aziz is a masterful storyteller and an exceptional human. Definitely give his book a try.
September 21, 2020
I loved this book and completely agree with the author's philosophy of travel, both at home and abroad. I wish my father, who could speak conversationally in about 20 languages, was still alive to read it. My first trip out of the US was with my father in 1984, to the Olympics, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. It was wonderful walking through Sarajevo with him, talking with locals and trying warm cevapcici on those cold nights in the street. Our last night there, my father brought tears to the eyes of locals when he gave a thank you speech in Serbo-Croatian. I was especially thankful that he learned some of the language when we got to the airport the next morning and I was allowed on the flight, but he was not. He had accidentally packed his passport, which was in his checked bag. I waited with the full flight, about to leave this Communist country, terribly worried that my father would not be allowed to join us. Soon, he appeared with a big smile, explaining that after he was taken into a room with six or so officials to be questioned, they were so happy that he could respond to him in their own language, they smiled and let him board the plane. What a wonderful lesson that taught me. He, and now I and my family, try our best to meet locals on our trips, and to become part of the community if we can. Reading your book brought back so many wonderful stories of meeting locals and not just seeing the places listed in tourist guides. Thank you for all of your recommendations, and for opening my eyes to new ways to look at travel.
February 11, 2025
I bought this book after we met Aziz, wanting to know more about his ideas on travel as a path to building understanding and a better world. When it arrived, my wife grabbed the book and read it before I got the chance. This is her review:
Crossing Boundaries is both a timely and transforming read - a must read for every traveler. It will help you get the most out of your trip, so I would recommend reading it, before making any travel plans…
The concepts are simple. They just make sense. But they are life changing. Not about where to travel, but rather about how to travel wherever one may venture…
The author uses personal life stories to illustrate the educational experience that travel can provide, while doing so with an awareness of our planet’s sustainability. The stories are thought provoking at least – and many touch both the heart and the soul. I found it to be a truly life changing read…
Most importantly, it presents a whole new perspective and gives a greater understanding of how travel can be a powerful peace-making tool– wherever you plan to go…
Crossing Boundaries is both a timely and transforming read - a must read for every traveler. It will help you get the most out of your trip, so I would recommend reading it, before making any travel plans…
The concepts are simple. They just make sense. But they are life changing. Not about where to travel, but rather about how to travel wherever one may venture…
The author uses personal life stories to illustrate the educational experience that travel can provide, while doing so with an awareness of our planet’s sustainability. The stories are thought provoking at least – and many touch both the heart and the soul. I found it to be a truly life changing read…
Most importantly, it presents a whole new perspective and gives a greater understanding of how travel can be a powerful peace-making tool– wherever you plan to go…
July 27, 2020
Must-read if you are a traveler
I will never look at travel in the same way after reading Aziz's book. His work inspired me to look beyond what people usually tell you to look when you explore new places. It invited me to be more interested in the stories, history, motivations and dreams of the people I meet when I visit. It also made me understand that by traveling I can also help build a better world. I also liked that it provided actionable suggestions to make sure your trip is socially conscious such as what to ask your tour guide to make sure they're involved in responsible practices, how to plan your trip, how to make sure you're open but still safe, etc. It's also told in a very relatable and personal way. Aziz's story is remarkable. Must-read if you're a traveler.
I will never look at travel in the same way after reading Aziz's book. His work inspired me to look beyond what people usually tell you to look when you explore new places. It invited me to be more interested in the stories, history, motivations and dreams of the people I meet when I visit. It also made me understand that by traveling I can also help build a better world. I also liked that it provided actionable suggestions to make sure your trip is socially conscious such as what to ask your tour guide to make sure they're involved in responsible practices, how to plan your trip, how to make sure you're open but still safe, etc. It's also told in a very relatable and personal way. Aziz's story is remarkable. Must-read if you're a traveler.
August 11, 2020
I loved the author's empathetic approach to travel and relating to the people we meet as we move through the world. I especially appreciated the chapter written by a guest writer on tips for traveling as a solo woman. Looking forward to exploring the world again once the pandemic has passed!
October 27, 2020
Revolutionary and necessary rethink on travel. A strategy for a pandemic-wary and globally warming world. Easy and entertaining read.
November 16, 2022
Great tips on being intentional when traveling. Favorite tip was to travel for the people, not the sites.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews