MARSP Traveler Spotlight: Bill Richardson on Enrichment Through Exploration
Name: Bill Richardson
Age: 84
Years in public education: 33
Role in public education: English teacher, Pontiac Central High School; Oakland University
Why he joined MARSP: Bill joined MARSP based on recommendations from his trusted union representatives.
Travel experience: Bill’s passion for travel began with a transformative experience in 1988 when he joined Oakland University’s Summer English Language Institute in Guizhou Province, China. “I’d never been abroad before – what an experience that was! There can be a lot of uncertainty when traveling abroad, but I went with three awesome and well-traveled colleagues, and they were a big help.”
For the next 27 years, Bill continued to work with the program, making regular trips to China. In retirement, he explored the world with his brother and a close friend. After his travel companions passed and his trusted travel agency was sold, Bill took a hiatus from travel. However, MARSP provided an opportunity to rekindle his passion for exploration, and he hasn’t looked back.
Traveling with MARSP: Bill chooses the MARSP Travel Program for the well-organized itineraries, professional guides, and camaraderie of fellow MARSP members. To date, he’s toured the National Parks of the U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii with MARSP. He’s visiting Iceland in November 2024 – his fourth journey and first international trip
with MARSP!
Travel style: Bill prefers a balance of activity and leisure when he travels. He appreciates that MARSP’s tours offer a mix of guided excursions and free time to follow his curiosities — or take a nap!
Group travel: Bill enjoys group travel, especially with MARSP, for the shared experiences that give way to lasting friendships. “People tend to be more open and social on vacation because they’re away from everything they know and all their responsibilities. For the most part, it’s all new. And that lends itself to more openness and more “wow” moments. I can always turn to someone and share in the beauty of what’s out there.” Bill also finds that having trusted travel companions helps ease stress in unfamiliar places or situations.
Travel philosophy: Bill views every journey as a way to broaden his understanding of the world and gain new perspectives. He sees travel as a gateway to continued personal growth and discovery. “Open up, have fun, and expect the unexpected — perhaps even discomfort. If you try to control too much, you’ll end up disappointed. With MARSP, you’ve always got a group of people to help you navigate and make the most of the experience.”
Incorporating hobbies and interests into travel: Bill finds his passion for photography adds another dimension of appreciation to travel. He tries to be intentional and likes to observe his surroundings before snapping any photos. “With phones, everyone is a photographer. I see people get off the tour bus and immediately take photos. My advice: when you go off somewhere, capture the scene with your eyes first. Take it all in. See what’s around you and decide what you really want to remember. There are times that I take things in and miss the photo. That’s just the way it is. You’re not going to get it all. The question is: What are you going to get?”
Looking ahead: Bill has long dreamed of visiting Iceland and will finally do so with MARSP this November. He is excited to photograph the breathtaking waterfalls and stunning natural landscapes.
He hopes to one day visit Patagonia and Antarctica.
Photos by and of Bill (Alaska and Hawaii)
UPDATE: Bill made it to Iceland!
A note from Bill:
“Iceland is truly a magical place. I have now been on four MARSP trips and have thoroughly enjoyed the people on all of them. Try one and I’ll bet you will sign up for another.”
