It’s been about 20 years since I started traveling at a very young age. And over those 20 years I’ve learned some traveling lessons first hand. So for my 100th post I would like to share 40 lessons I’ve learned from traveling the world. These are in no particular order and all are great travel lessons.
What I’ve Learned from Traveling
1) People have good great stories
When I travel, people always ask about my life and what its like back where I live. And honestly it’s fun to tell my stories to people who want to listen. If people are curious about what I say than I will say it. And I’m just the same when I want to listen to other people’s stories. We all come from different points of views, experiences and walks of life. And all of it is interesting. Everybody has at least one good story and usually several. We all lead pretty fascinating lives and that’s exciting.
2) Change is inevitable
We all want everything to stay the same. When I travel I want to see the same quaint street that people saw in 1915 or I want to experience way of life from the past. And when I see things have changed I realize that nothing is permanent and nothing stays the same. The Eiffel Tower in France was once never there and was considered ugly when it was built. It was new at the time and went against the Paris everybody knew. Times have changed though. Now the Eiffel Tower is old and new modern buildings are being built.
I’ve realized that I can’t get mad when something disappears and changes because the truth is that we will disappear at one point so why not buildings and structures. Change is good and necessary and once you realize that you won’t be so heartbroken about the ancient monuments being ruined. Although I do feel that if there’s a way to save the past for a museum or if it’s still functional, why not keep it! I realized that it’s not a good idea to become too attached to things because they will disappear. Enjoy it and travel while it’s still there.
3) Slow pace travel is better travel
Truth! And it’s cheaper. When I have more time to relax and slowly do my travels, I’m happier and a better person. I usually become inspired instead of running the gauntlet of monuments and sites that I should see. I love traveling so much that I will probably be back to visit if I miss anything. The goal is to make it count and really experience a country and its people.
I made the mistake of trying to fly all over Asia in one 2 week trip and that really was a bad idea. Yes I saw all the important sites but it was exhausting and I didn’t feel as connected to the countries I was visiting. That’s like flying all over the US and spending only a few days in each city. It’s tiring and frankly a terrible way to travel.
4) Healthy Travel = Good Travel
This has been one of the biggest changes throughout my traveling career. I’ve completely changed my diet, as I’ve gotten older, and that has in effect made me a happier traveler. I see distinct differences when I eat poorly and when I eat healthy so I know it’s real and I know it’s important. Healthy travel always is a good idea and can make you feel excellent. If you have a workout routine at home try to bring a mini version of that while getting ready for your day. Do what you have to do to make sure you’re being healthy and to feel great when traveling.
5) Try native food
Eat local, that is the way to go. Part of traveling is experiencing the local food and drinks that are native. It’s not always what you want or expect but it’s usually worth it. I always figure that if locals are eating it, it must be good (that’s not always true as some food requires patience). But majority of the time if everybody is eating it, then I will try it as well. Why not? If it doesn’t kill me than I think it’s worth trying out and worth my time. I know several people who travel to foreign countries and just eat American food. You’re missing out on part of the culture then!
6) Water, Tea, and Coffee are good. Soda is never good.
When I travel on planes I only choose 3 drinks. Either water, tea, or coffee and mostly just water or tea. Because the cabin is pressurized and soda doesn’t digest easily inside you; soda just makes you feel bad when you’re flying! And I don’t want to feel like crap when I’m traveling the world. I don’t want to be constipated. I want to land and feel refreshed and new and drinking the right liquid is very important. You are what you drink and water, tea or coffee are about the only drinks that are natural. I don’t take my tea or coffee with sugar or milk. Even juices are not great for you because they are made out of concentrate (meaning they are not made of real fruit) and can still make you feel like crap.
When in a foreign country, try a local drink and be adventurous. You’re traveling so you’re meant to experiment. It won’t always be pleasant.
7) I must have tolerance
In my travels things can be uncomfortable and maybe downright miserable (although that rarely happens). But I must have tolerance. People may annoy me or a flight may annoy me or circumstances I can’t control annoy me but tolerance is key. I must accept people and cultures as they are, even know I may not fully understand them. Maybe there is something I can learn from the situation I’m in. In any instance I must be tolerant and understanding wherever I am. I’m the guest/traveler so this is my duty.
8) Less is more in travel
This is absolutely true. Less is more when packing. Less is more in terms of touring. Less is more in terms of emotional baggage. When you’re traveling you want to mentally and physically leave as much behind as possible to truly enjoy wherever you’re going. I know this first hand. I use to bring so many clothes and luggage and over the years and after reading blogs I’ve scaled down. I realized that bringing so much clothes was hindering me from actually enjoying my trip. To enjoy it I needed to let go and really minimize as much as possible. Over the past years I’ve traveled by backpack for 2 weeks and usually I only bring a small carry on instead of a huge luggage.
And mentally I’ve learned to stay in the moment and mentally leave all baggage at home where it belongs. I don’t need to worry about work, friends or family while I’m away. That shouldn’t be my main concern. My main concern is whatever is right in front of me and to enjoy the trip. To experience the trip. To be apart of the trip! Remember less is always more while traveling.
9) I’m more grateful/humble
What a chance to be alive and doing well! And what a bigger break that I’m given the luxury to travel. Most people are not given the luxury to travel the world and see beautiful sites and meet new cultures. Most will never even step on a plane. So I feel humbled and privileged to get the opportunity to see the world for myself. And if I can bring joy to people who can’t travel or want to “travel” through this website; I’ve done my job!
10) My thinking has changed
Traveling has taught me to think in new ways and to understand new concepts. By leaving the United States I no longer have just a US bias in my head. I have a French one or a Moroccan one or a Chinese one. I’ve come to see ideas from a new light and understand that no country is fully ever right or wrong. Some countries do things better and I think it’s my duty to learn from them and to adapt other ideas.
I do feel that if more people traveled there would be less conflict and more understanding of others. When people are far away and all they see is pictures on a computer, they become distant and desensitized from all of it. It’s much easier to say negative things about a group of people far away then while you’re in their home country. Try it out and you’ll see.
11) Knowing where I travel is important
This sounds stupid but I know many people who don’t know where they are even going when traveling. Personally I research a city, its land and its people before I even step foot because I want some understanding of wherever I’m going to. It’s actually helpful because there are instances where I’ve helped myself out through my research. But then again I like cultures and maps and I can’t expect everybody to do extensive research. It will help though.
12) Patience goes a long way.
Most of my travels involves me waiting for something. Waiting for a taxi. Waiting for a plane. Waiting for tours. Waiting to buy tickets. Waiting. It’s a simple fact that any travel will involve a lot of waiting and a lot of patience so I must be patient. I can’t get upset that a flight is delayed and I can’t be mad when there is a long line to buy tickets. What really needs to happen is to be present and to stay calm. Work through solutions and problems that are at work. If I can’t solve them or there is only one solution, I’ve learned to accept them. Some things need my full acceptance so that I can move on. Simple as that.
13) It’s usually never as it seems
This is true with most things in life but especially true when it comes to travel. We all have preconceived ideas about a place or people in our head that we assume it to be true before we have even experienced them. In my findings things are never quite as the appear and the truth is always a little complex. Sometime the truth is not so clear and it takes some prying. But that’s the way it should be since our world is complex and there is never an easy solution or answer. I understand now, that there are some things I just don’t understand.
14) Staying calm is essential
Under pressure most people tend to freak out and become hysterical. This is totally the wrong way to approach traveling. I try my hardest to stay calm and be present when I travel, especially in a challenging situation. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps you out especially if you’re dealing with people who may seem dicey. Keep calm and play the confident card even know you may not be. Besides there is no reason to not be calm. You can only solve problems when you keep your cool and when you’re coherent.
15) Most countries barter
The truth is that most countries barter for their things. That seemed foreign to me until my dad started doing it in the Caribbean. Want something from vendors; you never have to pay full price or the price they are asking! Many people might say I’m being cheap but that’s not the case. That is literally how some cultures trade goods. In China people are expected to barter to get what they want and if you suck at it you kind of suck at life (alright maybe a little harsh but they do believe everybody should barter and that you should be witty and good at it).
16) Americans are just different
And this is a good thing! I really don’t like self hating Americans or people who constantly bash Americans as evil because clearly most of us aren’t. But I do believe that Americans should come to understand others more and to understand themselves more. How do they look to others? I realize that I’m American and that I hold a strange status when I travel. Most countries are neutral towards me but some really do hate us and some are oddly curious about me. It was the same for me when I traveled to Europe for the first time. I was curious about the French, the British, the Germans, etc.
We have our own ways and many countries and cultures wouldn’t agree with what we do. We get it right sometimes and we get it wrong sometimes. There are plenty of things I don’t approve of about our government but I still like being an American.
17) Most countries are welcoming
And down to earth! Seriously most of the globe is full of inviting and happy people. On the surface they may seem cold and distant (awkward glance towards Europe), but through understanding you realize that this is just culture. They’re not really cold people on the inside. However there are places where people truly do hate Americans or my kind (gay) and it may not be the best idea to travel there. After all you can’t control people’s minds or thoughts or their actions. You can only hope they come to their senses.
18) Most people don’t care I’m American
Fact: Most people don’t give two glances or care that I’m American. Many Americans have long felt that they can’t travel because they are American and that there would be a target on their backs. There are other people from other western countries that are just as likely to get targeted. In fact because Americans really don’t travel compared to other nations there is less of us in other foreign countries. We are a rarity and most foreigners really just hate our government not the individuals. Just be respectful and be American. Most instances people won’t even care.
However it is worthy to note that sometimes it’s not a good idea to drop that you’re American. Some regions have this thing towards Americans and would like to inflict hurt. In that instance you should lay low. Sometimes simply being western is reason enough to get you into trouble although you would have to be traveling in an extremely volatile region.
19) Doesn’t hurt to ask
Yeah sometimes I just simply ask for whatever I need and people help. In Vancouver people didn’t even wait for me to ask… they just helped because I looked lost. In Tokyo I did ask around and people were more than willing to go out of their way to help. They would even go so far to get someone else if they didn’t know. And most people will go out of their way to help you out. They will bring you to wherever you need to go, let you borrow their phone, or even give you money if need be. No the world is not full of heartless people. Just ask!
20) If it looks shady it probably is
This is really common sense but I’m always shocked with how many people are stupid and get themselves into shady situations. If it seems out of sorts or looks shady… it probably is. And how do I know if it’s shady? I can usually tell if somebody is acting strange and if you’re buying into something that may not be real. Like if somebody is scamming you. This won’t happen most of the time but it does happen and people who are not aware will get scammed.
In Nepal, I probably got scammed at a temple for a fake ceremony where the woman giving the ceremony literally ripped money out of my hands. I should have known better but I was caught in the moment. However in the same country I also bought airline tickets, with cash, with an airline and didn’t even know if I would get a refund back like they said I could. That turned out to be legit but I was a little nervous about doing it. The lesson here is that your gut is usually right and if you’re feeling uncomfortable about a situation, it’s time to move on and find a different solution to your problem. Most people can be trusted but some people will screw you over. Use your senses.
21) The world is big
Yes it is. I’ve flown around the world once and it is definitely big. And there is so much to see and do and understand that a lifetime of travel couldn’t even do it. But I still make myself travel so I can see what I want to see and understand new things when I come across them. The world is big and I may not see it all but I will damn sure try.
22) Ignorance is not bliss
To be ignorant about the world is not bliss. I feel like those type of people might fear more, than people who actually go out and experience the world. I know for a fact that traveling is always scarier in the mind than in reality.
I’ve heard many stories of Americans going to Iran and being shocked to find that people are actually welcoming towards Americans. I was shocked to find that China is not really a full communist state and that religion is everywhere. So much for the idea that North Korea and China are the same. Finding this out lead to a realization that the world is complex and there is never one complete answer.
Traveling to a different country helped me realized that ignorance is not bliss and that you should be curious and ask questions. That’s the only way countries move forward and it’s the only way people make progress. Learn from others and solve problems!
23) Don’t like it, change your liking
I’ve learned this from Rick Steve’s. In travel there is sometimes only one option and one option alone. It may be difficult or uncomfortable but not everything on your trip will be perfect and the best. On majority of my trip I found something that I didn’t like but I accept it or tried it and then moved on. Travel is about immersing yourself into new experiences so it’s important to open your mind up and actually try new experiences. Maybe you won’t like it the first time but will the next. Maybe you will never like it. Maybe you will instantly! You never know and so the point is that to be content on your travels… you must change your liking.
That’s the best you can do.
24) I’m more cultured
I’ve always known that travel can do this to a person. Because I started traveling at a relatively young age I have become fascinated about the world and the people who live in it. Why do people live there? Why do those mountains form? Inevitably, as I traveled more, I’ve come to an understanding about the huge world around me. Traveling for me puts everything in perspective. We must learn from others and enjoy what precious time we have on this Earth.
25) Most places are safe but they’re a few unsafe places
Just because you don’t recognize a name doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. While traveling there is always a certain element of risk.There is always a risk that some freak accident could happen. Know the risks and take the precautions. If something doesn’t feel right, follow your gut. Research comes in handy if you’re traveling to places that most tourists don’t go. I’ve been to some places that were less than ideal but I’ve always done research and realized what kind of risks I’m getting myself into. Sometimes it’s uncontrollable.
Like 9 months after I visited Marrakesh a bomb went off at the same restaurant I had eaten at. Not to sound morbid but what if that had happened while I was there? Can’t control any of that and it doesn’t deter me from traveling. I’m well aware of risks and I try to look out for anything suspicious.
The great thing is that governments give warning to citizens of a potential threat and many blogs and tourist forums write the dangers that may be ahead. Be smart and don’t do anything that could get you into serious trouble. Travel is fun but it’s not worth getting yourself kidnapped, murdered, etc. What it comes down to is that a few places are really not safe but they are usually pretty isolated. Most places are safe even if they border the not safe ones. Rarely is a whole region unsafe.
26) A little effort goes far
I try to speak whatever language necessary, even if it’s only phrases and words. This little effort goes a long way in people’s eyes. People become more relaxed and easier to handle when you’re attempting to speak their language. Notice how I said attempt. Just by trying is enough in most places and most will try to help you out. Politeness goes a long way and a little understanding goes a long way. You may not agree with anybody you meet on your travels but it doesn’t mean you’re right and they’re wrong.
Attempt to understand why these group of people feel the way they feel and attempt to connect on a fundamental level. The results are awesome. I connected with Moroccans while on a trip there and I was honest. I told them that I was gay and how gay lifestyle is in the US. They weren’t rude or disrespectful to me at all even know being gay is a crime in Morocco. It shocked me as I probably shocked them admitting that I was gay. It’s opportunities like those that I’m grateful to travel as I bring my lifestyle and understanding about the world to people and they bring theirs.
27) I come from the land of abundance
As an American, I’ve realized that I come from the land of wastefulness and abundance. I’ve known many Americans who have come back and had a culture shock partly due to how much abundance we have here. I’m not saying this is good or bad but we should appreciate how much we do have compared to most of the world. Traveling definitely has given me perspective on wanting new things. I realized that things would never make me temporarily happy but investing in travel will last a lifetime. I don’t feel guilty when I travel to poor countries but I realize the lucky status I have and how grateful I am from where I come from. I’m not as wasteful and I don’t consume as much. I’m a happier person.
28) Stereotypes are seldom true
The reason stereotypes exist is usually because there is some sliver of truth into that stereotype but rarely are they wholly true and sometimes they aren’t true at all. Traveling has taught me to never assume anything and really nothing is as it seems. I experience people and places first hand and I’m constantly shocked how it isn’t the way people described it. Then again we all wear rose-colored glasses and sometimes see only what we want to see when we travel. It’s time to expand past that.
29) People will accept whatever situation they’re in… eventually
The first shock of getting stranded due to an erupting volcano can be heart wrenching but I got over it after I realized what it meant. I had no idea what day I would even get back to France but I just had to accept it. Yeah it was a stressful day but I eventually accepted it.
Or there was that time while I was in Sweden and me and my brother didn’t pay for a room to stay in, foolishly. It was cold outside and we had nowhere to go besides McDonald’s and the Stockholm train station. It sucked major but we both learned to accept it. There was nothing else we could do at that moment.
Or there was that one time where my flight got canceled while flying to New Delhi and I had to stay in Cleveland for an entire night. That whole day was a mess but sure enough I had accepted that I wasn’t getting to New Delhi that day. It wasn’t ideal but the fact that I got a flight for the next day was exciting and I learned to accept the situation I was in. That was after I cried on a bench but I accepted eventually…
30) There is much to learn from other cultures
There is a lot of things I’ve picked up on my travels that I never use to do. Like drinking hot tea, speaking French or wearing boots. Being from Texas most people don’t do these things but traveling has shown me that just because it’s not popular in the US it usually is popular somewhere else. And a lot of things could be useful to an average American. Traveling to other cultures helps to shape a more rounded person. When I travel I see new things to eat and drink and things that are healthy for me and things I would benefit from. I learn the value of space and the value of how uncrowded the US actually is. There is much to learn from other cultures and I will forever be learning.
31) Airlines from the US have some catching up to do in terms of looks but are safe
US airlines may not be as glamorous or have the touted 5 star rank from skytrax but they are reliable and do offer some of the best deals in the world. My experience is that US airlines are really generous in handing out miles and it’s easy to get miles so you can get a free flight. Their fleets may not be the youngest or the shiniest but they are efficient and they rarely do they have an accident. The last US airline to have an accident that involved a fatality was back in 2001.
32) Complaining can get you further but don’t abuse it
There are times when I have “complained” or been observant enough to make a wrong a right. And sometimes it is good to speak up and fix a wrong! But sometimes complaining is not necessary and even unwarranted. There has been plenty of times where I was stuck and all I could do was literally wait it out. There was nobody I could complain to and even if there was how would that help. Some people are convinced that by complaining everything will be solved but complaining makes you feel negative and restless. Better advice is to see the situation and look at your solutions. Complaining is necessary but only if you have a legit reason to complain about something.
33) Thoughtful travel is important
Know your shit and research before you travel. Know all the rules and regulations so you know how to get yourself out of a situation if you need to. Several times I’ve kept paperwork that was needed by an airline or a hotel for a reservation. Always have documents to back up for hotels, flights and rental cars.
When I was flying to New Delhi they told me I needed a visa to connect through which is not true. I knew that because I did the research. It took hours of conversation and telling them that they were wrong and I was right to fix the problem. I did research and that ultimately saved me. I also kept my documentation that they gave me which was a good idea for all the connections I made. They didn’t believe me in Belgium either until I showed them the documentation.
34) Travel happens all at once or really slowly
When I travel most things move really slowly. Especially when I’m in Caribbean countries. Most travel is waiting around for something and much of it is out of your hands. And most of the time all of it happens really slowly. But then there’s is that one time where everything happens so quickly and decisions must be made very quickly. At that moment it’s important to stay calm and be present so you can think everything through.
35) Question things
I’ve learned to always question my surroundings, people, anything! This has saved me from getting into more trouble than needed. Sometimes people won’t help you unless you question something! Sometimes something is overlooked and I’m overlooked because I didn’t question it. Some people hate to speak up and don’t want to cause a fuss but it’s better to question everything. Sometimes I have a simple question or sometimes I’m looking for directions. Sometimes my gut is telling me one thing but someone has told me another.
So I question it and then make an informed decision. One time when I was in Madrid I was trapped there for days due to a volcano erupting. Luckily our group questioned if we could get a hotel on the account of EasyJet and they said yes. They never offered us that hotel when we were at the counter hours earlier. We had to question it.
36) Accepting my situation is good but not always
Sometimes I travel to dirty places and it can be hard to look, smell and be in. But I accept it because that’s the reality of what’s going on. Complaining won’t change the situation. Either I remove myself from it or accept it. Now if I’m in a situation that I can physically change it then I will or I will accept it. If there is something that will greatly improve my life than I won’t accept it. I’ll take action! And that is the lesson here. Taking action is always a better option to improve your situation. If I can’t change my situation I accept it.
37) Planning out a schedule is helpful but leave time for spontaneity
I love planning out a schedule and having one is a great idea. However I don’t always plan my schedule down to the hour and I always leave room for doing something spontaneously. The reason is that plans never go exactly how they are planned and that I’m usually improvising. Sometimes I get down with a tour earlier than expected or I had over estimated my stay in a city. So then I go to backup mode and creativity kicks and think of something I could do. Something I would have never planned for and that I can do right away. Some of my best times in other countries have come from doing something spontaneously.
38) Sleep is important to have a good day traveling
I hate to feel tired while traveling and I hate to go to important landmarks before I get some sleep in. If I’m exhausted then I won’t enjoy my surroundings if I don’t have proper sleep. When tired I miss important facts and I generally just don’t care as much as I should. When I was younger I used to rush to go see all the landmarks but now that I’m older I’ve realized the best way to approach traveling is to always get a full night rest in. There is plenty of time to see the sites and if you planned properly, you’ll have time left over!
39) It really is about the journey
The truth is that the journey really is important. You have to love the journey and accept the journey to enjoy the trip. I’ve learned to accept any and all parts of my travels and to enjoy the journey. Not always be thinking in the future. Of course I’m excited to get off the plane to my destination but I also enjoy airports and the nuances of travel. Most people don’t enjoy the nuances of travel but the least they could do is accept it.
40) Travel is worth it
Travel is totally worth it. It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I make a conscious effort to go travel and spend my money on it. I’ve experienced and seen so much. I’ve met worldwide friends and know so much about this world. I’ve become more humble and I’ve realized that the world I live in is not so scary despite what the media wants you to believe. I’ve learned that I have it pretty lucky in life and that buying into experiences and not things is a really smart idea. I’ve learned that most countries seek the same for their citizens but that we are all different in ways you can’t even imagine. And that the differences are not a bad thing. They are just different.
I’ve learned that most places are safe to travel but that it’s always a good idea to research before you go. I’ve learned to be humble, patient, more cultured, ask questions, accept my Americanness, accept situations and change them if I need to. I’ve learned that travel is always better slower, that learning a bit about a country before traveling is always a good idea, stereotypes are seldom true, Americans have excessive abundance, change is the only thing guaranteed, people have great stories, and complaining can work.
I’ve learned that less is more when traveling, that people will accept most situations they are in but not always, that people or places are never really as they seem, staying healthy is important, and trying native foods is a really good idea. I’ve learned that planning out a schedule is a good idea but that I should have more time to be more spontaneous, airlines from the US are worse quality but have a great track record, drinking water is always a good idea (sometimes only in a bottle though), things happen all at once or really slowly, accepting travel situations is good only if I have no other way, and sleep is really important. I’ve learned that travel is really about the journey and the more I do it the happier I will be.
I’ve learned from travel but there is still way more to learn from traveling and I look forward to all of it. Good or bad.
image by: shawnvoyage
