The Union County High School World Travelers are exactly what they sound like! After a forced hiatus due to Covid, the group was back this year and better than ever. It had been a long wait for guidance counselors Robin Durham and Tony Duritsch, who run the program along with history teacher Pat Tafelski. The self-described “three-headed monster” orchestrating these adventures had been eager to get back on the road, after their trip in 2020 was canceled just two weeks before departure. Due to the initial Covid outbreak and its effect on travel, they’d been unable to take a group abroad since. But 2023 was their comeback year, and the crew was “very grateful that we got to do this, especially in light of international situations,” said Tafelski, referring to war in Ukraine and residual tensions around the globe. Nevertheless, the trip went smoothly, “almost surprisingly so!” remarked Duritsch. Over 200 UCHS students have been able to travel the world since the program’s inception in 2015. Scholarships are available to those interested, as local benefactor Jack Thompson has graciously offered $1000 to every student who goes with the group. Further funds were made available through the UC Foundation and other private donors, making it possible for local students to spend a week in Europe seeing truly historic places. This year’s tour visited Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and even took a brief U-turn into France as well as traveling through Canada on the way home. UCHS Senior Jack Whipple had always wanted to go to Germany, but had never had an opportunity to travel outside of the US. Jack said he jumped at the chance when the 2023 trip itinerary was announced. The group travels through a company called EF Tours, which scheduled details from sightseeing tours and hotels to transportation and meals. Whipple described some of his favorite moments, including a visit to Dachau concentration camp. “Dachau was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had,” he said. “To stand where thousands of prisoners once stood in the past made me grateful to have the life I have.” Jack and his buddy UCHS student Ty Elleman also went to the top of Rigi Kulm, joining a very select group of Union County residents who can say they’ve stood in the clouds at the top of the Swiss Alps. Other historic landmarks included “real life fairy-tale” Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian region of Germany, world famous Cologne Cathedral, and many more. Mr. Duritsch called this trip a bit of a “recovery tour” after the years off, but said that he hopes this can “instill hope in people to enjoy themselves again, and travel.” For those interested in going next year, Jack Whipple says Do it! “Explore the unknown…when you get that feeling on the plane that you’re somewhat of a time traveler, it’s quite a unique feeling.” As the travel group’s slogan reminds future World Travelers, “Anyone can see the world. You’re going to experience it.” For more information on the program, contact Union County High School World Travelers.
