One cannot take a real vacation and come back the same person. Being outside of one's usual element is crucial for growth. European kids are lucky to have such a variety of culture that's so easily accessible.
Some basic daily living in other places can be a true eye-opener. One questions one's usual practices and routines. There's nothing inherently right about the way that one has been socialized. If a trip is truly educational then one plays a lot of what-if questions throughout the journey. For example, I wondered if I'd have a different sense of humour if I spoke a different language. Or, I thought about how those who grew up under communism feel about brash, new billboards touting the latest in Euro-fashions.
I could spend a lot of money on a new vehicle or take several months of vacation a year where I question things about the planet I'm on. I guess I'll choose the latter.