Music blares around her as she walks down the unfamiliar street. Excitement overshadows nervousness as a diverse group of friendly glances pass her by. Everything sounds different, smells different and even feels different. She is no longer in Kansas; she’s in Cape Town, South Africa.

English teacher Lindsay Kincaid has been traveling the world since studying abroad her sophomore year in college at Australia’s University of Newcastle. After returning home and receiving her bachelor’s degree she decided to take a year off from school to travel. Her travels ranged from Egypt to Hong Kong.

Because of Kincaid’s busy schedule she hasn’t been able to travel until this past summer rolled around. Finally, Kincaid’s chance to travel came again when her and her mother left Kansas and started their trip in Italy.

“We spent two weeks there and then flew to Cape Town, South Africa and spent about a week in a half there. Then I flew to Zimbabwe and went through Botswana and Newbie,” Kincaid said.

Kincaid enjoys experiencing the diversity of cultures. During her stay in Africa she didn’t know what to expect. What she discovered was extreme poverty, but hidden behind it was happiness and contentment.

“They always have bright smiles on their faces, and dancing and entertaining the public,” Kincaid said. “Our expectations for necessities are different than other cultures so it was interesting to see what’s important to them. That seems to be family, story telling and their traditions.”

Kincaid’s travels aren’t over yet. She hopes to go back to Africa and reach Alaska to see the bus where “Into the Wild’s” Chris McCandless died.

“I’ve studied it enough and I have always been intrigued by Alaska and it’s sense of adventure,” Kincaid said. “I have talked about this book so much that I have to go and experience it.”

For Kincaid the adventures she’s encountered and the lessons she’s learned are priceless.

“I would think that everybody should figure out who they are and travel helps with that,” Kincaid said. “Having an independent experience whether it’s going to Missouri or Delaware -- you don’t have to leave the country -- but go somewhere by yourself. Plan it, set a goal and have the experience.”