My concept of "travelling" is a bit different from what you do with your crew in layover honestly.
I`d prefer to plan my trip in my holidays and I`d like to spend time with friends or loved ones instead of my colleagues chatting at the all inclusive bar.
As for the experience, long haul is definetely a different challenge, but considering you`ll be soon offered a command place, I would definitely stay there.
You`re 24 man, you have time to travel and on your own..