learn enjoy travel

13 invaluable life lessons you learn through travel

Recently updated on August 1st, 2023 at 02:07 pm

Travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. It pulls you out of your comfort zone and plunges you into the unknown. It reveals a world of cultures to explore and people to meet. And it helps you develop virtues like patience and humility. So whether you explore a new neighbourhood or a new country, here are 13 of the best life lessons you can learn through travel.

1. To enjoy experiences over things

One of the greatest lessons you’ll learn through travel is that we need very little to be happy. And it’s not cars, phones or clothes that make us happy – it’s our experiences. A study published in the Journal of Psychological Science revealed that experiences provide more lasting happiness than material possessions. A Trafalgar study showed that 74% of people would rather have experiences over things. When you travel, you’ll form strong bonds with people, learn new skills and create lasting memories.

2. To leave your comfort zone and try new things

If you want to flourish in life, you must get out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. If you always stay in a well-worn routine, you’ll never truly expand your horizons. When you travel, you leave behind the familiar and take on a world of new things. You’re constantly learning through travel, with new cultures, friends, foods and languages. You may feel excitement or even fear, but usually never boredom… and it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.

GET INSPIRED BY: Splendours of Japan

3. To appreciate different cultures (and our similarities)

One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing different cultures. When you visit a new destination, you become immersed in a culture’s history, language, customs and cuisine. You’ll get to see famous landmarks like a historic temple or palace, take part in a traditional festival, eat at a local restaurant and even try speaking a few phrases. And as you explore the cultural differences, you may also come to find that we’re all not so different after all.

4. To be patient

Travelling teaches you not to sweat the small stuff. Whether you’re facing long lines at the airport or having trouble communicating in a foreign language, you’ll likely encounter many small frustrations on your journey. These little obstacles are a valuable lesson in patience, and at the end of your trip, you’ll be able to deal with almost anything.

GET INSPIRED BY: National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

5. How to make friends with strangers

When you’re learning through travel, you open yourself up to a world of human interaction. Whether you’re meeting fellow travellers on the road or swapping stories over a glass of wine with a local, you’ll find plenty of people are open to chatting. Strike up a conversation, and you might just make a new friend. RELATED CONTENT: 5 benefits of solo travel (And how it will change your life for the better)

6. To never take nature for granted

One of the best things about travel is exploring the natural beauty of the world. On the flip side, you’ll also witness the fragility of our planet. You may visit destinations where clean drinking water is a luxury or where natural disasters have caused mass destruction. You may see forests disappearing, coral reefs dying, or glaciers melting before your eyes. When you travel, you learn to appreciate every natural wonder, every sip of clean water and every bite of healthy food.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Switzerland

7. To be spontaneous

You may be a rigid planner at home, but travel teaches you how to go with the flow. Your travel journey won’t always go to plan and when obstacles arise, you must embrace your impulsive side. Sometimes it’s better to let go of the schedule and take a spontaneous adventure. You never know what you may find, and that’s the beauty of it!

8. To appreciate the little things

We’re often so busy in our daily lives, we forget to appreciate the little things. When you travel, you take time to slow down and reflect on your experiences. You treasure the beauty of things we often take for granted, like watching the sunset, savouring a delicious meal, and cherishing your friendships. Travel teaches us it’s the little things that count.

RELATED BLOG: 3 ways Trafalgar’s Make Travel Matter experiences connect you to a destination 

9. To be humble

When you open yourself to learning through travel, you are often humbled. You’ll realise just how small your footprint is in our enormous world. You’ll understand how lucky you are and how much you may take for granted in your daily life. You may also often encounter acts of kindness and generosity from strangers who have far less than you. Travel quickly teaches the value of humility.

10. The importance of smiling

We always advise Trafalgar guests to learn a few phrases in the local language before travelling to a new destination. It allows you to communicate more easily with locals and can spark some wonderful interactions. But for the times when words fail, you can always count on a smile. A genuine smile is a universal communicator and expresses friendliness and gratitude. Travel teaches that you can never go wrong with a smile.

11. How to think outside the box

When you travel, there will always be bumps in the road. Anything can happen, from getting lost or getting sick, to dealing with lost luggage or flight delays. You’ll often need to deal with problems without getting completely stressed out. Travel teaches you how to think creatively and adapt to all sorts of situations.

RELATED BLOG: What to pack: Travel Directors share their top tips

12. You are capable

One of the most important lessons you learn through travel is that you are more capable than you thought. Travel teaches you confidence, independence and freedom. It boosts your self-awareness and your problem-solving skills. Travel shows you that you can navigate a foreign country, make new friends, and overcome difficult situations. When you realise how powerful you are, your travel journey becomes one of the most transformative experiences of your life.

GET INSPIRED BY: Italy Belissimo

13. You never stop learning

“When you stop learning, you start dying” Albert Einsten

Just because we’ve left school doesn’t mean our education stops. Learning keeps us young, and travel is one of the greatest teachers of all. Travel inspires a sense of wonder and discovery, and there’s an entire world of things to do and people to meet. You could explore a forest or walk down a new street. Try a different cuisine or learn about another culture. When you travel, you never stop learning.

What life lessons have you learned through travel? Let us know in the comments below. ..

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler

Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

In the beginning, you just make a lot of travel mistakes.

But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes ( and I often make a lot of them ), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.

I’ve learned these tips over the last sixteen years being a nomad.

These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.

So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:

1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking – and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.

Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!

My favorite bag is the Flash Pack from REI . Other companies offering high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

This article has more tips on finding the best travel backpack for your needs.

The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one .

I also recommend packing cubes , which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.

3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.

I love Unbound Merino , as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look sylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Click here for more packing tips .

4. But take extra socks. You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks!

Here’s a list of all my best hostels around the world . If you’re planning on backpacking Europe , it’s worth getting HostelPass , a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.

6. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money for me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive.

Here are some helpful articles on banking:

• How to Avoid Banking Fees While Traveling
• 22 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Have Money for Travel
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card

7. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up!

Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that.

8. Don’t fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly in to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to where you need to go.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner . This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.

Here are some more tips on finding cheap flights!

Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:

• Why I Travel Alone
• The Joy of Solo Travel
• Travel: The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
• How to Overcome Being Alone
• Reading People: One Skill Travel Has Taught Me

10. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource!

11. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. Here are some of my favorite walking tour companies around the world:

• The Best Walking Tours in New York City
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Berlin
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere.

For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.

12. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!

13. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.

14. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.

15. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first. The best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – The BEST for upcoming US flight deals.
• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

16. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid. Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff!

17. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.

18. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)

19. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report.

20. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried.

Here are some tips on how to learn a language .

Here are some posts that highlight my favorite reads:

• 13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
• The Best Travel Books
• 12 Books to Take You Around the World

22. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.

23. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!

24. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.

25. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!

Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card . You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!

26. Write down your experiences. Even in this hyper-technological age, I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on. I never leave home without a journal. Not only do I use them for work (I’m constantly taking notes and writing down ideas) but I also use them to keep track of my travels.

Simple travel journals work great for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down logistical information like directions, contact information, and language tips.

If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, inspirational quotes, and more, grab our new travel journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes as well as write down stories and reflections during your travels.

27. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!

28. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp , Google Maps , or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.

Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists!

29. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!

30. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel.

I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.

31. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.

32. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.

You can either assemble a first aid kit yourself ( here are some tips for doing so ), or purchase a pre-made kit online .

33. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week, or if you search in an incognito window.

Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember, you usually have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Here are some article on how to save money on flights:

• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight Online
• How to Always Find a Cheap Flight
• Where I Find the Best Travel Deals

34. Use Meetup, the sharing economy, and hospitality websites to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win – and I use these resources all the time when I travel.

Here’s an article on how to use the sharing economy (and what websites to use) when you travel.

35. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.

36. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.

• My Favorite Restaurants in Europe
• The Best Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• 30+ Places to Eat in Tokyo
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

38. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!

39. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw .

40. Get city attraction cards. If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!).

41. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.

42. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!

43. Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

My favorite shoes for traveling are Suavs shoes , which are versatile and durable. They’re comfortable and great for exploring a new city all day, but also look nice enough that you can dress them up if you want to at night.

44. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.

Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road.

45. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market.

Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

47. Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

48. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture . Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

49. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.

You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.

My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
• Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
• Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.

50. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

51. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.

52. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!

53. Relax. See Be patient .

54. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

55. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep.

But even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!

These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.

56. Always carry a power bank. Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t.

We all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets, but it can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem.

57. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.

If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network . I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.

59. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!

Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!

Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!

60. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.

On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.

61. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Stunning nature near Shangri-La, China, makes these travelers dance for joy.

Travel Happy: How to Be a More Joyful Traveler

Follow these expert tips to cultivate joy during your next trip—and long after returning home.

By Sean O'Connor

In my personal and professional experience as a life coach, joy is found wherever you get completely enveloped in an experience, when you’ve really lost yourself: your worries, your ego, your past, and your future. Travel is the perfect time for this reboot. It’s also an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, explore new approaches to life, and form new habits.

Below are some insights into how you push your limits to really lose yourself in the travel experience, and cultivate more joy in the process. Then take the ethos behind these joy-inducing activities back to your daily life at home.

Lose Yourself in the Music

In Fiji last summer, I donned a sulu —a sarong-type garment both men and women wear—and danced the nights away in the village where I was staying on the southern tip of Taveuni , known as the Garden Island of Fiji. Never underestimate the power of dance. I was sweaty and a little uncomfortable, but I made friends shaking it with what seemed like absolutely everyone in the community. I danced with old women and men, too. I moved my hips enough that I had to constantly retie my sulu until a local helped me to tie it properly. Certainly I looked funny at times. My ego told me to stop. What’s really special is when you can push through any discomfort or self-consciousness to truly lose yourself in the moment.

Coaching Takeaway: Whether you are traveling or in your own environs, see where you can re-create this experience and take advantage of the smile-inducing, heart-rate rising, feel-good activity of dancing with abandon.

Connect Deeply With Others

Create real, true, deep connections. Introduce yourself to an elderly person. Make a new best friend. Get so connected with someone you will feel like their home is your home and vice versa. Learn as much as you can about who they are, and be willing to share yourself, too. When language barriers get in your way, there’s always a possibility of communicating with a translator or simply communicating deeply through other means—it doesn’t have to be spoken language. Don’t miss these kinds of opportunities; they can lead to doors opening that offer you something entirely unique, like when I attended a traditional wedding in the heart of South Africa’s Zululand at the invitation of a friend of a friend of the security guard at my residence.

Coaching Takeaway: Creating meaningful connections with people while traveling will help you deepen and expand your capacity to empathize with people in your world. This, in turn, will help you create more authentic, connected relationships in your family, your romantic life, and even in your workplace.

Happy kayakers high-five after an exhilarating swim in French Polynesia.

Help a Brother Out

On the coast of Mozambique , while my travel mates went out diving with whale sharks, my forgetfulness bit me in the butt. I had not packed my diver certification card, so I was left land-bound. With nothing else to do, I drove into town and, on the way, picked up some locals walking in from their villages. I decided to spend the day helping one run his errands. My rental car was a boon for him. We shopped for vegetables at the local market, made a visit to the clinic, negotiated on his wages with his boss at his job, and visited his young son. Using my day to explore the local scene and help this man sort out his problems helped me remove myself from my own. Whether it is a formal volunteer opportunity or something more spontaneous, help out others whenever possible to access a deeper level of joy within yourself. It gives us access to our highest selves.

Coaching Takeaway: You already provide service to your family or in the workplace while at home. See where you can go further and push your comfort zone of helping others. Look for opportunities while traveling to get this habit started.

Step Blindly Off a Cliff

Don’t do this literally. Figuratively, I am speaking about stepping out into the unknown. This must be practiced. Our natural inclination as humans is toward survival and comfort. We avoid the unknown. Find an experience on your trip that truly feels like stepping out into the unknown. This might be showing up somewhere with no itinerary or staying in a local’s home, if lucky enough to get invited. Or step off the side of a plane (parachute attached). It is going to look different for everyone. What is comfortable for one person is wildly uncomfortable to another. Personally, having no plans tends to make me a bit anxious. I have to practice being with the unknown and the unplanned. Doing so helps me expand my repertoire of how to deal with situations out of my control, quash the anxiety, and create more space for joy.

Coaching Takeaway: The landscape beyond our comfort zones is where we discover new things about ourselves, where we expand and grow. Challenge yourself while on your travels, then take the practice home. Be safe, be culturally sensitive, but be bold.

Engage the Senses

You may already be a person who lives by the adage of stopping to smell the roses. But life is a busy vixen. She is full of tricks and turns to throw us off our game. Our ability to be truly present erodes over time. Travel is a great opportunity to hit the reset button, and once we’ve reset we have the luxury of engaging our senses to practice being present. This can look a lot of different ways, but a simple exercise is to practice a different sense each day. Keep a sense journal and, on day one, inventory the smells that infiltrate your olfactory receptors. Then work through the others.

Coaching Takeaway: Re-upping your skills of being present is actually a meditative exercise to clear your mind, and in a clear mind joy has room to bubble up and spread within and outside of us.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Unpack the Story of Food

Food is a cultural staple. Every place you will visit has a food story and things that make the geography unique from a culinary standpoint. While cooking a large meal for a group at a ski lodge in the Southern Alps of New Zealand , I made new friends and learned heaps on the sheep-farming industry, all while cooking lamb steaks on the grill. Use food as your foray into learning about the ingredients, traditions, and techniques that make a place special. Curiosity and learning stimulate the brain and underpin creativity, which in turn can lead to joy.

Coaching Takeaway: Cooking is a way to practice presence and truly be in the moment, making yourself available for learning, laughter, and creativity. Taking time to learn and enjoy the process from beginning to end will be sure to raise our joy factor a few degrees.

Start With Yourself

Here you are. Right here, right now. Your joy matters. The world needs a lot more of it, and your capacity to cultivate it within you directly translates to creating a space for happiness around you. While on the plane or train traveling to your destination, make a list of joy-blockers. Note that we are not talking simply about the things that make you smile or laugh. Joy is that deep contentment and lasting happiness that you can call upon within yourself even in the most troubling of circumstances. Take a look at what factors, beliefs, and circumstances rob you of your joy. While you are out experiencing your destination, work through your list of joy-blockers and see what action there is or what support you might need to bypass them.

Coaching Takeaway: Joy is really something you can actively cultivate, so use your next chunk of travel time to create this garden for yourself and share the bounty with others.

Life and leadership coach Sean O’Connor hosts a podcast called Joy Riders. He is based in Los Angeles. Find him on his website , Facebook , and Instagram .

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• What Travel Teaches You: 23 Travelers Share Life Lessons From the Road
• June 28, 2023

FREE DOWNLOAD: 20 QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE(STYLE)

A simple roadmap for setting up a life you don’t need to escape from.

• Digital Nomad

One of the most important realizations I’ve had during my travels around the world: it’s not the place you’re in (or the work you’re doing, people you’re with, etc), it’s about the mindset. It’s always mindset. In this post, we hear from digital nomads who share life lessons from traveling the world.

Blake Miner

Travel  is the best teacher. It can open your eyes to new cultures, new landscapes and new ways of life. With every new place you visit, you gain a greater understanding of the world around you and what it means to be human. 

So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, because travel is guaranteed to teach you something new. These digital nomads give insights into what travel teaches you as they share their most important life lessons learned.

Ready? Let’s go!

Life Lessons Learned From Traveling the World

We're more similar than we think.

Human nature at its core is good

Keep an attitude of gratitude

View the world through the lens of opportunity

Life is yours for the taking

Travel without set plans

Expect the unexpected

Get in touch with your core self

Experiences trump things

Develop a sense of wonder

Go with the flow

Appreciate the feeling of "home"

You can design your lifestyle

Appreciate humanity

People are inherently kind

You are a product of your environment

Mindset is everything

Learn to be an observer

The importance of sharing

Experiences trump possessions

People are inherently good

Carry minimal possessions and keep an open mind

A Final Word

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of the most inspiring, interesting and brilliant people on my travels and have learned a number of important life lessons .

I hope these insights have given you an idea of what travel teaches you and inspired you to go on an adventure of your own.

The best part is that these insights are all things you can do yourself by simply picking up your bags and heading out into the world—no passport required. They can be applied no matter where you are!

What have you learned from your own travels? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

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Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

A Little Adrift… 20 Powerful Life Lessons You Learn from Solo World Travel

Last updated on January 22, 2023 by Shannon

Five years ago today, I sat at Los Angeles International Airport watching the ground crew load the plane outside the window with baggage and fuel. Conflicting emotions warred inside of me. In two short hours, I would board a one-way flight to Australia to start my year-long round the world trip. This moment was the culmination of five months of meticulous planning and the realization of my dream to see other places— to find a purpose for myself while traveling through the cultures and countries I had read about in National Geographic all my life. My brief but powerful panic attack earlier in the day gave way to acceptance as I sat at my gate. I was nervous and still unsure about what awaited a slender, solo 24-year-old woman from the states who possessed little travel experience but great curiosity. But, I had faith that even if everything went wrong and I hated this decision, that I would come out OK on the other side.

I didn’t know it then, but that solo trip in 2008 evolved into more than a decade of slowly traveling and working my way around the world. I have spent long periods of time exploring just a few regions of the world. And beyond that, I have used these years to gain a better perspective on myself . A few travel lessons were hard-won and humbling. Others came from unlikely tutors and at unlikely times.

Are you left wondering: But what do you really learn from travelling? So much. There are more lessons learned from travel than any person could fully articulate, but it’s worth a shot to try. These are 20 things I’ve learned from travel since that day I sat at the LA airport debating the wisdom of my decision to travel solo around the world.

1. The world is inherently kind.

New acquaintances hearing my story are often alarmed by the breadth of my travels. Or, more pointedly, by a few of the countries I have visited. It’s hard to have an open perspective on the world if you only hear negative stories and stereotypes perpetuated by the mainstream media. Traveling unravels those prejudices with a more complex story of the world. Even more, traveling illuminates the light of inherent kindness pulsing from the world. Though traveling has some dangers—I have discussed them before —there is a deeper well of gracious kindness that coats every corner of the world. In every place, and within every culture I have found new friends and new stories about these places. People have have welcomed me into their homes. Many others helped me when I was sick. All of them shared a nuance about their culture and country that has forever lit that place in a new light for me.

2. Language barriers are surmountable.

New travelers, and those with the dream to travel, write me to share their travel fears. Many express fear about the language barriers in new places. It’s also a frequent question asked middle schoolers when I speak at their schools (right up there with “what’s the grossest thing you’ve ever eaten?). The world has hundreds of languages and dialects. On a travel day in some places you can pass through half-a-dozen languages before you fall back to sleep that night. It’s all too easy to get bogged down in the perceived obstacle. That’s a lot of languages to learn! But the truth is, English is the language of tourism. While there are few places where English-language guidance is rare, major tourist sites generally default to English as the second language of communication. This undercurrent of tourism suffuses so many pockets of the world. But where it’s scarce, even then it’s not a travesty. I’ve always found that a bit of preparation (like a phrasebook or smartphone app) works when coupled with patience, a game of charades, and a big smile.

3. Solo does not mean lonely.

It can mean lonely at times, I have never been lonelier than when I was sick on the road . Those moments, however, are the exception, not the rule. Traveling solo these past five years opened up conversations, moments of clarity, and deep friendships that would have been harder if I had traveled with others. Because I’m alone on the road, I seek friendships that other travelers may not need nor notice. And as a single woman, I am accepted into places males are not allowed. Women befriend me on buses and invite me to tea. In many cultures, men and women alike take me under their wing the moment they find out I am alone. Across dozens of cultures and countries, people have offered me help, friendship, and safety. Even more, traveling solo affords the solitude and space to work through thoughts and issues. It gives more time process each travel moment and assimilate the lessons and ideas. Solo travel teaches more about yourself than any self-help book ever could. Solo never has to mean lonely. Male and females both should travel alone at least once in their life.

4. Travel is affordable.

Traveling the world for five years on end is out of the norm for most people. Traveling away from home for long stretches in unimaginable for many people who have a strong homebase and routine. That’s OK, I’m not suggesting that long-term travel is the only way. But even shorter trips should be a priority for those who express a love of travel. Travel does not have to be a high-end luxury cruise around Europe. It can be that, but for those who dream of travel, it’s more affordable than many assume. My 11-months on that first year cost me about $18,000 for everything from lodging to airfare to food. Developing regions are not only more affordable, but they offer some of the most fascinating opportunities to learn more about the world . It’s also where your impact will go further if you spread your money responsibly by supporting social enterprises . Over the years, I have met travelers from every income bracket and socio-economic level. If you prioritize travel, you can find the ways to make it happen.

5. Travel, like life, is personal.

What one traveler loves, another might find dreadful. I eschew big cities and I am content to travel through towns with sub-500 people. That sounds like hell to some travelers. By traveling all these years, I learned that museums are not my thing, but I can wax poetic on my hike or the linguistic nuances of a new language I’m learning. We all geek-out on different things, and it’s totally fine to geek-out on whatever makes you happy. By personalizing a trip to exactly the activities you enjoy, it provides a fresh lens on the world and a deeper way to understand the local culture.

6. Gratitude is the greatest lesson in cultivating a happy life.

Traveling with my niece underscored for me the importance of instilling the character traits of empathy and gratitude into the next generation. With Ana, we talked about the wealth disparities we witnessed in each new place. A mother in  Laos shared how hard she had to work to send her child to the most basic schooling. And in turn, Ana learned a tangible appreciation for her educational opportunities. My niece saw the long, arduous hours farmers put in to grow the rice and coffee that fill our tables in the West. We watched workers spend hours to earn a living wage that barely supports their most basic needs. Practicing gratitude is not exclusive to travel, but long-term travel cultivates lessons in thankfulness and instills the practice deep into your life.

7. Eating the street food makes a trip memorable.

Some prominent travel guidebooks caution against sampling the local street eats in a new place. For shame. While there are definitely street-food safety precautions , the flavors, freshness, conversations, and friendships formed on tiny plastic stools sitting at rickety tables behind steamy hot street food stalls are many of my greatest memories. It’s worth it.

8. You should always carry travel medicine.

It can save your life , especially if you eat the street food. ;-)

9. Travel lessons come from unlikely places and unlikely people.

I have spent hundreds of hours in deep conversations with strangers on buses, trains, and planes all over the world. Each new person offered a fascinating story, a nugget of wisdom, or a nuance of the local culture. Through these conversations I learned a great respect for how different our lives can be, but even more the shared commonalities. Travel made me face my arrogant notions of “book smarts” and instead look at each conversation and experience as a chance to learn.

10. The developing world is more modern than you think.

Though I have seen great poverty and wealth disparities on my travels, it is the modernity of foreign places that surprised me. Bangkok, Thailand has some of the most spectacular glass malls in the world — a dozen floors of haute couture, trendy restaurants, and enormous cinemas.  Tokyo, Japan is completely developed and yet  nothing like the West. Sub-Saharan Africa has more developed cellular phone infrastructure than most Western countries. And they innovate through that network in ways no other places ever has. There are no stereotypes that prove true about any one thing, and that includes developing economies .

11. Make new friends, but keep the old ones.

I had a music box in childhood that tinkled the notes from a song into the air when it opened. The lyrics play as a refrain in my head as I travel the world and meet new people, “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” 

These past five years have taught me important lessons about nurturing and maintaining my old friendships even in the face of new ones. Travel has limited my ability to keep and build those deep, old friendships. There is joy and value in the new friends and new lessons, but also a limit to the depth of the human experience I can encounter when I constantly move. Through this website, I have formed connections within the travel community. I have also become formed deep friendships with several people I met through travel. I value these people and the role they play in my life, but equally important are the friends I know who know my history.

It hasn’t always been easy to balance traveling long-term with supporting those friends. Traveling all these year taught me to be increasingly grateful for the deep and lasting friendships—it has taken very specific focus to ensure I maintain the friendships that pre-date my travel days.

12. Accept kindness.

Somebody wise probably once said that cynicism is the great killer of joy. If not, they should have. Accept kindnesses from strangers and be open to invitations and new experiences. Accept the chai tea offered by the friendly shop owner and learn his story. Jump at the offer to go to a large Indian wedding in the next town, you’ll have a blast. Be gracious, bring a gift, and be open to the new experience.

13. Call your parents.

My dad has never made me feel guilty for staying on the road all these years. As a thanks for his support, I assuage his fears in whatever way I can. Although I am not a parent, I know my the weeks I drop off the grid without any contact are hard on him. So, whenever Internet allows I send frequent emails and we Skype a couple of times a month. I respect that this person invested 18 years of his life making sure I lived to adulthood, the least I can do is keep him in the loop.

14. It’s okay to buy souvenirs.

I buy myself paintings from all over the world and ship them home. This flies in the face of the traveling minimalists who huff at the notion of souvenirs and “stuff.” I think it’s a question of acquiring the right stuff. My paintings are all in storage right now, and I don’t know when or where I may eventually settle, but they are treasured possessions. I also ship home thoughtful gifts to the people in my life who matter. My dad receives coffee from all over the world, we bond over this and it has made him feel a part of it (see number 13). One friend loves collecting jewelry from new places, another is a fan of scarves. My mother loves nothing more than those super touristy t-shirts, you know, the ones with an embroidered Eiffel Tower and the name “Paris” in cursive just below it; I send these to her from new places. They’re little tokens, and some people don’t get it, but to me, these things matter.

15. Take your mom’s advice: Count to 10 when you’re frustrated.

Traveling in developing regions of the world could try the patience of a saint. There’s the constant bargaining. The swarm of people who surround you when you leave a train stations. The touts and tuk-tuks vying for your attention. It’s overwhelming if it’s you’re not accustomed to the chaos. There are moments when I desperately need space and I feel like everyone’s ripping me off. This is when it’s time to count to 10 and take a deep breath. Learning how to control yourself in the most stressful of situations. Step away from the situation and gain a little head space to take stock of the situation. Find a bench, find a bathroom, find some way to back off from the overwhelm and find some perspective. You are in a new, foreign culture and that takes adjustment. It’s not your place to yell and create a scene, it’s your place to find the way to progress forward in a way that respects the local culture while keeping yourself safe.

16. Spend money when it’s warranted.

While there are times to be frugal and keep to a budget, a once-in-a-lifetime trip should be memorable. Always convert local currencies back into the US dollar before you nix a new experience. It’s easy to freak out over that 120,000 kip day-trip in Laos, but it’s really only $15 USD and that’s not quite so alarming a figure, is it? This is also true when it means splurging on a central guesthouse, or taking the taxi home if it’s safer or if it’ll make your life a bit easier. As with everything, keep perspective. It’s also more polite and respectful of the local culture to maintain perspective that haggling vendors down to their last nickel discount makes little difference in your travel budget, but is a huge difference in local salaries. Travel is only humbling and perspective-shifting when you make a conscious effort to make informed choices and learn from each new experience.

17. Never leave your luggage unattended.

Airports make the luggage announcement every 15 minutes. Never leave your luggage unattended. It’s wise advice when you’re about to face TSA, and it’s also sage travel advice. In many places, take your hand off your purse and it may be the last time you see that purse. Be conscious of your belongings when you’re in public, and spread your valuables among your bags. To whip out another cliche, don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. Maintain a consciousness of your possessions at all times, this is one of those “hard-learned” lessons every traveler learns at some point.

18. Pack light, you really can it buy it there.

When I sat in that airport terminal five years ago, I had completely over-packed . I ditched heaps of the things that I thought I would need. And I also lugged a year’s-worth of some items that were easily replaceable. You really can find: tampons, shampoo, new clothes, safety pins, and all the other myriad things you think you might not exist outside the US. The one thing you can’t find? Solid deodorant. I don’t like roll-on deodorant, and it’s difficult to find solid deodorant in many places. Now, I pack my Diva Cup , I replace shampoo in each new place, and I pack an extra stick of solid deodorant. For all things non-deodorant related, however, you can likely find it there.

19. Great things lie on the other side of fear.

The idea of traveling solo terrified me when I first left. Over the years though, it’s at the very moment that I am most afraid to move forward with an idea—when fears paralyze me—that I know I need to push through. I don’t mean fears like a physical danger, but rather the fears that box us in and prevent us from reaching our goals. Travel taught me that when you feel resistance, it’s that very thing that you will like find most rewarding on the other side. Understand yourself first and foremost so that you can make know how to make the big choices that best reflect your life goals and aspirations.

20. Smile often. :-)

Smiling is a gift that transcends cultures. It is the universal communicator. You should learn the basic “thank yous” and “hellos” in the local language too. But smiling replaces either of these gestures, and it should always accompany them. Not only can you express gratitude with a smile, but a simple smile has been the start of many amazing conversations over the years. Only take caution in parts of the world where a smile from a woman is seen as forward or promiscuous. In the bulk of the world, however, one small gesture of curiosity and kindness from me opened the door to reciprocal offers of kindness. Smiling makes you approachable to foreigners and locals alike. Really, you can’t go wrong if you approach your travels with smiles, patience, and gratitude.

It’s been a wild ride these past five years. I had no idea I would find a way to continue working from the road and traveling this great big planet. I have the deepest thanks and gratitude for the support of my readers. Throughout this journey, connecting with A Little Adrift readers has long been one of the best parts. If I can ever help you shoot me an email. If you’re keen to meetup, sign up for event notifications on the Facebook page, and safe travels wherever you next find yourself!

112 thoughts on “A Little Adrift… 20 Powerful Life Lessons You Learn from Solo World Travel”

All these tips can be very beneficiary!!! Will try to refer them for sure!!! Thanks for sharing.

So much wisdom in this post! Thank you for sharing :)

So glad it resonated!

Dear Shannon, your story and travel tips are inspirational! I am taking a gap year between high school and college to travel around the United States and Europe by myself and it makes me smile to read such a wonderful blog and be reminded that there are still people who travel the world with an open heart and an open mind. Right now I find myself in Oregon and I plan to hitchhike out east into Montana and Wyoming in the weeks to come- I was wondering if you have any personal tips on hitchhiking? Thanks for sharing your travel experiences with everybody! You are amazing! :)

Hi Hayden! I am so glad that you have found inspiration here. And congrats on the upcoming gap year — that will be such an incredible adventure. As for hitch-hiking, it’s not something that I have done in the U.S. I did a small bit in Scotland, but I wish I had better advice. The biggest safety tip I have about most travel that puts you at the will of others in that manner is to trust your gut. If you’re ever in a situation where you are feel pressured to act a certain way, or to do something that feels off, don’t fall back on being polite. It took me a long time to believe that it was OK to be “rude” by saying no thank you if the situation felt off. People who wish you harm will often use against you social norms and an inherent need to be polite. Just stay aware and trust yourself. You will have a lot of kindnesses offered along the way, and it will take experience to learn how to trust your gut. Accepting offered kindnesses have created some of my favorite travel memories, but I also have given very firm “nos” in situations where I just wasn’t fully sure or comfortable. I hope that helps! Happy travels. :)

Hi Shannon, my family is travelling the world for 1 1/2 years. Even though I am with my family, I still miss my friends. I know it isn’t very long, but sometimes I can’t focus on learning about the fascinating cultures. I also have to stay on top of my schoolwork, as I am only thirteen. I think your posts are wonderful and inspire me to get more out of the places I am in. They teach me and help me see the marvelous places you have gone, and I will soon go.

Hi Natalie! I am so glad that you wrote. What an adventure you have in front of you. But it’s also a huge and a very long time. It’s completely OK that you will miss your friends, of course you will! I don’t know how much you are allowed to be on social media, but when my niece and I traveled it was a good way for her to feel connected to her friends. There will be times in that you just want to curl up with a pizza and not see anything cultural or cool, you’ll just want to chat and be at home. I have had so many moments like that when I am traveling for a long time. You should never feel guilty, just do reconnect with friends, take a break and then it always passes. It doesn’t go away, but it passes. It’s only in taking a break that you will enjoy all of the cultures and places you are going to see. Stay curious Natalie, that will take you so far on these adventures. And keep me posted! I’d love to know how it goes as you’re traveling. :)

Five years of experience in travelling, Your lessons are more effective I follow those lessons. Always i want to go for a travel for whole world but there is no companion for me. I think i will get my travel pleasure as soon as possible.

Thank you, so glad it resonated. I hope you are able to hit the road soon.

I am planning a trip around the world but I would like to get 1 or more people on this trip. If you have an interest in travelling around the world let me know. Thanks email me at [email protected] or facebook me at ovidiu ciortan

hi shannon , i just doing my research on travel tips and things you should know while travelling solo its a part of my school project . I have to collect all the info and pictures to complete my book , i am a current student of graphic design in Christchurch New zealand , belong to north india , i need your permission and help if you have time . i am still confused between you and “benny lewis 29 lesions learned” as i found your writing very neat and clean and its very straight forward…

Hi Saurav, I am happy to help however I can with your project. Do you need just photos, or questions as well? My email is on the contact page. :)

well now i am almost done .. i will send a pdf today to you and some pics of the book . you can suggest me that what can be improved my deadline is on thursday.

I love this, I’ve been reading through your blogs past and present, (I stumbled upon them doing my research for my own trip) and haven’t laughed and felt so inspired in ages. I love your energy and passion towards life and travel, you’ve opened up my eyes to some options and made me feel it’s possible to do, so thank you!

Your comment made my day Bekki, I am so happy you found both inspiration and help on the site, please keep me posted if there is anything I can help you do to plan your travels! :)

Wow, well where would I start?! I’m still narrowing down countries to visit and trying to think of experiences I don’t want to miss, you’re volunteering and vipasanna in Nepal, confirmed to me that’s where I’d love to go. I’ll definitely keep in touch and if you’re doing any talks in England at all I’d love to come along and pick you brains about the whole working to maintain travel saga!

Nepal is beautiful and has a wonderful vibe, so I love that it’s made it onto your list. I have no England plans at this point, but I would love to speak in that area and will keep you posted if I do! :)

I love it, we all geek out on different things and its okay if it makes us happy, too goo and such great life lessons especially great things lie on the other side of fear. Just as they say “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”

Glad the piece resonated Jaryd, sometimes even now I find myself resting in the complacency of safe, and I have to remember that having left to travel is but one step, it’s a continual facing of my fears and comfort zones to live a full life. Safe travels and thanks for reading! :)

This is Awesome, Shannon. I guess things seem so scary and foreign when you are sitting on your couch at home. It is good to get the message out that travel doesn’t need to be dangerous or expensive or lonely. I like the smile part, I always say, “Be humble and smile. People will want to help you.”

Glad the piece resonated with you — I think the humble part is a good piece of the phrase. In addition to smiling, if you approach travel with the right mindset, people will help you. :)

This is inspiring stuff. I have dreams of doing this and using my skills to serve as a physical therapist. Did you pre plan destinations or wing it. I would love to chat with you about this. You are inspiring. I have the will to do this yet need to work on the feasibility.

Thanks so much, glad the piece resonated. I planned the first year out with a rough route but. One of the particulars. Would be happy to help you however I can!

Hello Shannon, are you able to do a Skype chat or phone call this month? Thanks much!

Right now I am in Africa, so this isn’t ideal for connecting on the phone, but if you have time we can either chat this summer when I am stateside, or you can shoot me a quick email with your top question. :)

I just found your blog by chance and have read a couple of your posts. First being the one on Thailand (because I am considering ESL teaching abroad opportunities) and then your Mexico cost post (because I can’t help but feel terrified by the financial side of things). I think it’s amazing what you have accomplished and I feel very much like I need to mirror some of your international experiences. I am 22 and almost finished with my undergrad. I can’t decide between graduate school (likely MFA in creative writing) or trying my shot at abroad for a while. I guess I am writing for your opinion, based on the fact you are one of the few “qualified” to advise in these realms. Did you finish an undergrad and grad school before making these abroad choices? Or how would you do it again if you were your pre-abroad self at 22 trying to make these huge decisions. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope all is well, -Brenden (from St.pete, Florida)

Hi Brenden! Always great to hear from others from the Tampa Bay area, and boy do I know what it’s like to juggle the drive for education with work and then the beyond. For myself, I finished undergrad and then moved to LA for two years before hitting the road. I have never regretted those choices because they led me here. For grad school versus traveling — only you know if that is a good fit, but know that there are other options too.

A friend of mine lived and worked as a teacher in Thailand for two years while completing an online masters in Education. She just had to return stateside a couple times a year for testing, but other than that juggled the two. I say this not because you should do it too, but to say that there is middleground and you can blend things into the life that feels right for you. That being said — make travel happen sooner rather than later as it helps shape your career and give perspective to later decisions.

And lastly, if anyone tells you just to push through or you’ll never get back to you degree — tune it out. If you want it, you’ll come back for it. I am right now looking over grad schools as an option for once I return and settle somewhere stateside. :)

Well thought out. I think the pack light got me. I didnt pack light for my year around the world but I definitely do it from now on. Smile though is the most important. Gets you past so many problems.

Glad it resonated with you; that first year I also totally over packed too! :)

PPS. ,,,I WAS BORN IN ST. PETE ,,,LIVED ALL OVER AND NOW BASE IN BRADENTON , FL!!!!!!! Heidi

Hi there !! Thank u sooooo much for your positive and courageous attitude!! And of course all the info ,,what a lucky woman you are ,,it’s fabulous! I’m a traveller too and will be celebrating my “”””BIG 60″””” ,,,solo,,,,,in UBUD,and all around Bali ,, leave early march ,,it’s amazing when you open up to the universe who pours into your life !!! I haven’t even left my area yet ,,but a BALANISE ,,whose working here,,, ,a woman whose building in UBUD , another whose been living there for ten years ,,,and so on ,,, like 5 more people,,,, have popped into my life and have made my newest ,,,trip,,,, already a ,,,trip,,,!!!! Hahahahah!!!!! SOOO, you never know what the life of travel has in store for your own going ,,,and growing!!!! I’m working on an Internet program that’s about travel ,,,and doing something that matters too,,, You just never know ,,,where you’ll be led ,,,and I just love that!! Happy travels!!!!!! Light , Heidi lane ,,photographer Ps ,,I live in Florida too!!!!!!!

Thank you for the wonderful comment Heidi — it sounds like your big birthday is going to be amazing and that you are on the right path if all these happy people are coming into your life right now! Travel is amazing and I wish you the safest of travels! Bradenton is just down the road a bit, so we’re nearly neighbors in this big world. :)

I love this post! I’m heading out for a big two month trip in March completely solo and I’ve had a lot of mixed reactions from people about being a woman heading out on her own to travel around Asia. I totally fear being lonely, and I also fear that even though this something I’ve dreamt about my whole life, I may not like it in the end. These tips (and the rest of your blog for that matter) really have put my mind at ease, given me lots to look forward to and made me start to consider the possibility that I may want to stay on the road longer….maybe indefinitely!

Congrats on heading out soon! You know, no matter if you love the solo aspect or not, it’s an epic adventure you are about to take. I have met some travelers who thought they wanted to travel a year and then decided three months felt better, then some time home, then out again. Do what feels comfortable to you, and have an amazing trip!! :)

I really loved your article. Unfortunately, I don’t think that I could ever have the courage to simply pack my bag and go on a “solo” trip.

Thank you Julie! And perhaps not solo, but the trick is to go to the edge of your dreams and comfort zone — that may be traveling long-term, but with a friend or family in tow! :)

#15 is spot on, especially in India. It’s easy to let the swarm of touts rattle you if you don’t prepare mentally for the onslaught that awaits when stepping off a train or bus.

Glad that one resonated with you! There were a few times, especially in the early days of traveling, when I just didn’t see it coming and boy did it rattle me to be swarmed like that! :)

So glad I found your page. I am a fellow Floridian and left St Pete in August to see the world! My only regret thus far…that I didn’t pack light!! Now we are trying to figure out how to get all of this stuff we don’t need back to our parents ;-) Love this post – great lessons learned!

Another St Pete native out there traveling — that is RARE. I love it. Perhaps if we’re back home visiting at the same time then we can meet up for coffee! Glad to hear you’re lightening the load — I think most travelers start out a bit heavier in the stuff department, so shipping back the expensive items and ditching the rest is the best bet for sure. Safe travels! :)

Love the paint festival photo! We can’t wait to follow your foot steps and get travelling!

Thanks and best of luck planning your travels! Let me know if I can ever help :)

Thanks! :-)

One of my favorite posts of all time, and definitely of late. LOVE

Oooh thanks lady! It was one of my favs to write and look back on the past few years. :)

Aww lovely post! And agree with every one of them. It’s really reminds me of how good people really are in the midst of hearing all of the terrible things on the news when you go to a new country and are greeted with nothing but a huge warm welcome.

So glad you have also had positive experiences on your travels! I love thinking of the smiles and welcome coming anytime I have an upcoming trip! :)

Great article Shannon! Frank (bbqboy)

Hi Shannon, Number 1 is spot on. I travelled for 4 years and I can count on 1 hand the people that have’nt welcomed us into their country

So glad you found the same kindnesses — so many people fear this aspect of travel, but the welcome is what I too remember so much about travel. :)

Number 19 kind of made me emotional. Fear has kept me away from doing so many things that I still want to do, especially travel. I’m still trying to cope with it. Anymore advice on it?

Thanks, I pray you many more journeys to come!

Hmm, think of what you want and set goals that get you closer to it, slowly stretching your comfort zone. If traveling across the ocean solo makes you nervous, perhaps try a solo trip in your country. Get the hang of it and increase your confidence. So much good luck! :)

Its really inspirational article. Glad to read your experiences… :)

Thanks for reading! Appreciate you stopping in, happy travels :)

Great blog Shannon. Thanks. Maybe you can get rid of your solid deodorants…I find that a chunk of fresh lemon works even better!

Thanks! I do try to use rock salt deodorant in the cooler months but I unfortunately am in the poor habit of using regular deodorant in the tropics when I travel. Thanks for the reminder though, and safe travels. :)

I so agree with all of this! We’ve been travelling for awhile now too and we’ve learned a lot of these tips along the way. The best part is meeting so many different people around the world who continuously surprise you! Travel certainly isn’t lonely. Great post, thanks for sharing :-)

It’s funny how loneliness is one of the big fears people have before travel, but the reality is that new friendships are waiting in so many people and places. Safe travels and thanks for reading! :)

11, 13 and 15 are so true!! No matter if a person travels solo or in a couple :) Many happy and inspiring moments in 2014, Shannon!

Three of my favorites as well. I hope you have a wonderful New Year ahead as well, safe and happy travels! :)

Congratulations on 5 years of travel! I agree with all of these but #5 and #16 stood out to me. No travel style is the right way, and how you travel is SO personal. With spending money I always advise spending according to your priorities and in the way that aligns with your personal travel style. Heres to 5 more years!

Thank you so much Laura! And I agree, I never try to tell people how to travel, but instead to look at the things they value — be in food, adventure activities, etc — and be willing to spend some money for the parts that make a trip memorable for you. Safe and happy travels to you! :)

I tried to pick one lesson I have learned more than the others, but that are all so true. However the day I learned that all people are good, it changed my travels forever.

Well done Shannon and keep the post coming!

Thanks so much for the support Stephen. I could have never whittled it down to one lesson, but I too find the one I most often mention is that people are good and kind. Safe travels! :)

#4 could not be more true. My friends have no idea how I can afford it. I also like to eat as much as possible :).

I think most people assume that long-term travel is the price of a vacation times the number of days on the road, but the flight is the biggest expense in many cases, so it’s actually way more affordable! Let’s keep spreading that message and get more of our friends out there with us :)

Its such a great list. The five year experience is so impressive. Thanks for sharing the experiences and its a great post

Nice list, it reminds me that travel rules are not set in stone and things are personal. Others tell you how to do it, but it’s ok to do it your way, I mean come on it’s your trip and it’s personal. By small souviniers, they look cool on the fridge at home or on the wall :)

Always lovely to see a little reminder souvenir at home later! Thank for reading and weighing in– any favorite souvenirs you’ve bought on the road?

What you accomplished in your 5 year travel experience is quite impressive. Actually another blog post headed me to your blog, and I’m glad to see the rest of your adventures and lessons you share here.

Thank you Rachel, so glad they pointed you this way. Do you have any upcoming travel plans? :)

Nope, I’m staying with family for the holiday. I’m planning to visit Turkey though some time in March.. to visit a friend and to celebrate my birthday. :)

Turkey seems to be getting a lot of buzz these days, I really want to go there too. A friend and a birthday are a good reason to visit! :)

Great tips. On packing light – it felt so free to only carry one duffel bag on our last trip (an Africa safari). Unfortunately we’ll probably fall back on our old routine of dragging heavy suitcases. And great photos. Especially the pink colorful faces :-).

Like you, I love it when I’m super mobile with light stuff, but I always manage to come home stuffed to the gills and carrying extra stuff! The pink faces was in India for their Holi festival — it was so fun! :)

I absolutely adore this post, Shannon. It’s been a pleasure traveling with you through this blog not for five years but probably pretty close to that. I’ve always admired your genuine travel style. Thank you for sharing this.

Thank you for your continued support JoAnna, it’s been a while since we’ve crossed paths, but I hope we do again soon for some in person chats. :)

An awesome bunch of lessons all of us can use in our lives. One of the reasons I travel is to remind myself of the beauty and kindness of others, especially when I am faced with small town prejudice. Congratulations on 5 years, I hope to be travelling long term from 2015.

Thank you Naomi! Travel is a great reminder of kindness, sometimes as you said, even more than be found in our own hometowns sometimes. Safe and happy travels and thank you for sharing your thoughts here :)

Great list! I am only two years in and know there are many lessons to come. My favorite one is that you should “trust your cape”, that is, things will work out.

Two years is no small feat! Congrats on your time on the road. I think in the coming years it’ll be more perspective on those experiences as you see more and look back on the early days — at least, that’s how it was for me! :)

I love how you blend practical advice with spiritual wisdom. My favorite is #3 – it’s so true that being alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. Congrats on 5 years!

Thank you Rashad! Number #3 is one of my favorites too because I was so scared before I left that I would be overwhelmingly lonely.

And it comes and goes, right? I try to tell myself that if I’m feeling lonely today, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll feel lonely tomorrow. One day at a time.

Absolutely one day at a time. I think more than anything travel has also reminded me that so many emotions are fleeting if we can get through hem for the day. :)

Dear Shannon, Lovely!! Thanks for sharing your experiences. These insights that you discuss through your experiences prove that travel makes you grow and these wise pearls cannot be taught in any university or schools. You deserve a PhD for this! Only if I was a chancellor of a university :)

I’d take a PhD if you were! Thank you so much for reading and sharing here, I truly do think travel is one of the few ways to really form a deep perspective of global citizenship. The idea can be planted in the classroom, but must be expanded on out there in the world. :)

I love your blog!!!!! I am new at this but would love to feature you on my blog….perhaps?

Thanks! Appreciate the sentiment, and just shoot me an email if you’d like to talk more! :)

Oh the joys of #18. Def made that same mistake in a big, big way…!! I brought a friggin sleeping back to Europe. In June.

http://blog.ohheyworld.com/rookie-backpacker-mistake/

Hah! That’s terrible! But you live and learn and you’ve done a lot of miles since then. :)

These are wonderful lessons, and I’ve learned many of the same during my two years of living in China. (Tampons are not available there, by the way.) Skyping with friends and family back home, staying connected through email and Facebook – it’s so important not to neglect the relationships that were important to you before you left. And now that I’m living in the States for a few months before moving overseas again, I’ve made spending time with them a priority. I also brought home a lot of fun souvenirs to give out so they feel like they’ve shared in my adventures :-)

I’ll have to update the post as you’re not the only one to say that about tampons. I use a menstrual cup so only saw anecdotally that they were in many places! Hope they love the souvenirs you brought, I love handing them out and seeing what my friends think. :)

I love #19…but sometimes, really dangerous things lie on the other side of fear. Like spiders. Dark alleyways in a bad neighborhood. The smell of expired milk. Those are just a few things. But in general, #19 is almost always correct :)

I laughed so hard at your comment about expired milk. So true, proceed with caution when sniffing that jug! Thanks for reading and sharing Wade :)

Yep, eating street food is a must. It might not always be the safest, but it is some of the tastiest!

Definitely the tastiest! Some of my favorite dishes I have tried to recreate I first tasted on a tiny plastic chair somewhere in the world. Thanks for stopping in and reading. :)

beautiful article! Love the The World is Inherently Kind, since I have always relied on the kindness of strangers!! stay fabulous!

Congrats Shannon, on five years of life experience that equates many more of a regular life. Your “Eat street food” and “always carry travel medication especially if you eat the street food” brings a smile to my face. The dichotomy of the two tells how we approach the broader life – be aware and prepared for the unlikely, and remain adventurous and optimistic about place, things and people.

Since returned, my every day thought of “Dear Life, Thank You For..” in the context of daily routine with some day much harder than the others. Thank you for #20 reminder and the smile.

Lovely post! Have to agree on the people are inherently nice thing. So often I hear that people from such and such country are cold, or not friendly… People just have different ideas about personal space and the like, and they abide by cultural norms. I think people are generally nice, and what is sometimes seen as “distant” or “cold” is actually an inherent respect for other people’s privacy. When you talk to people from these countries, you generally find them more than willing to help/open up.

Your 20 lessons are very real! I can relate to all of them! The language barrier is my favourite and something that can either be tiring or extremely entertaining! Great post!

Amazingly put! Do have even more fun on the road :)

That’s very nice. I really agree with one of your points: that people really are nice. Yeah, there’s jerks out there, but there’s a whole lot more nice people.

Love it Shannon! Thanks so much for sharing your hard and joy-fulling earned wisdom!

Your perspective on travel is so refreshingly down-to-earth. Love it.

Kindness and warm heart is what I have found in your post :) Thanks a lot for sharing and suggestions, Shannon. Take care and safe steps on the road for you too

It’s amazing that you left for perpetual travel at the end of 2008, at the time of tremendous economic peril. That must have taken a lot of courage–and of course it was the best decision. Very inspiring–thanks.

#12. I am still learning #12. I tell all I know about the kindness I see around the world but the cynic in me still has trouble letting it in. I am working on it though and plan to reap the rewards not only of accepting kindness but also of being more kind. Congrats on 5 years Shannon!

Beautiful observations, Shannon! Congrats on this big milestone and everything you’ve accomplished!

What a beautiful way to mark 5 years! Congratulations. Also, I agree with 99% of what you said…but… there are no tampons here on Roatan :) For real!

Shannon…thanks for this : ) My husband and I are 24 days away from the start of our 16 month adventure around the world and are riding the roller coaster of emotions…in a big, BIG way!

This is so great, Shannon. Congratulations on FIVE YEARS of travel! I’m about to hit my one-year anniversary and have definitely experienced some of these lessons.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

15 Life Lessons Learned From Traveling

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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They say that travel changes you. When you choose to indulge in your wanderlust and see the world, you will rarely ever return as the same person. More likely, you’ll come home as a more confident, independent, self-aware human. A better human. So what is it about travel that’s so life-changing?

After traveling meaningfully, you’ll never be the same.

There is something incredible about opening your eyes to how other parts of the world live, speak, eat, and work. It shifts your perspective in a whole new way when you visit new countries and learn about new cultures. And yet, some of the biggest life lessons learned from traveling are gained not only through the places you go, but how you handle your travel experiences—the travel mishaps and cultural blunders.

Every aspect of travel is a learning experience, and lessons learned from traveling can’t be learned anywhere else.

What does traveling teach you?

There is truly nothing more memorable in life than travel. It’s one of the few things we can do over and over in life while constantly discovering something new. Every travel experience is different—we’re exposed to different people, different ways of life, different food, languages, and cultural experiences.

Once we get a taste, we want more and more because there is nothing like the personal growth, expansion, and adventure that come with wandering through foreign lands.

Travel has the power to both delight us and challenge us. And it’s through both that we learn. What travel teaches you is that it doesn’t matter where you go—it only matters that you give yourself the opportunity to leave the places you know and let wanderlust take you by the hands and start to dance.

When you do, the life lessons learned from traveling can completely alter your path.

15 life lessons learned from traveling

Traveling is one of life’s greatest teachers.

So what does traveling teach you? These are some of the most important lessons learned from traveling the world.

1. Be humble.

No matter who you are, how many years you’ve been on this Earth, or what you’ve done with your life thus far, you will never know everything there is to know. There is always more to discover, more to learn.

What travel teaches you is that you’re not so big in the grand scheme of the world— you are no more important than any other person and there is always room for growth. Travel truly humbles you.

2. You are never alone.

You’ll be amazed how easy it is to bond with other travelers.

Loneliness is a universal feeling; all humans have a desire to fit in, to belong, to have a tribe. One of the most important life lessons learned from traveling is that you are never alone in your feelings of loneliness, and at the same time, you are never truly alone.

Travel brings people together. Even when you’re traveling solo , all you have to do is smile at a stranger and ask a question to spark conversation. Before you know it, you’ll have friends to join you for dinner or tag along with you to the next city.

3. The friends you make abroad are friends for life.

There’s no stronger connection made than between two people who are out of their comfort zones, having the experience of a lifetime, in the same moment in time. While it’s easy to make friends while traveling , the friendships made are also solid ones.

Travel allows you to get to know people in their most vulnerable states, creating bonds that are difficult to break. The friends you make while traveling are often friends you will keep for life and will open doors to further travel opportunities.

4. Do the things that scare you.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” When we leap outside of our comfort zones, we have the ability to continuously learn, expand, and shift our perspectives.

Travel allows you the opportunity to constantly do things that scare you, whether that’s eating fried crickets or jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet in the sky . Every one of these experiences teaches you something about yourself that you never knew before and allows you to push your boundaries.

5. Getting “lost” is relative.

Letting yourself wander can lead to some of the best moments.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting lost in a new place—wandering aimlessly down cobbled streets with no map, taking the train to the end of the line and exploring somewhere new, following your gut instead of your iPhone to show you hidden treasures.

What travel teaches you is that getting “lost” is relative. And in fact, when you find yourself somewhere unexpected, this is where the real adventure happens.

6. Go with the flow.

No matter how much you plan while traveling, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll throw your plans out the window. Things won’t always go your way when traveling; sometimes that will look like a canceled flight, and other times it will look like falling in love with a new city and canceling that flight yourself.

To quote another great, John Lennon reflects that “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” So forget the plans and let go of the schedule because travel teaches you to be impulsive and go with the flow.

7. Experiences far outweigh things.

When you’re living out of a backpack, sleeping under the stars, or spending hours on slow moving trains, you’ll find that you actually need very little to keep you happy. One of the most valuable life lessons learned from traveling is to place value on experiences over material things.

You don’t need fancy cars, a flashy wardrobe, or king-sized beds to bring you joy. In fact, the new experiences, exotic street foods, and late night conversations with new friends are what you’ll remember most while traveling.

8. Patience is the greatest virtue.

Be prepared to be unprepared.

Mishaps are inevitable while traveling. Whether that comes to you through a missed connecting flight, a train strike leaving you stranded in a foreign city, or a miscommunication while struggling with a new language, travel teaches you not to sweat the small stuff.

In the spirit of going with the flow, travel will teach you to deal with anything that’s thrown your way with patience.

9. There’s nothing more beautiful than Mama Earth.

Natural beauty around the world will take your breath away and leave you in awe, from snow-capped mountains to deep blue oceans to lush green rainforests and exotic wildlife, and everything in between.

You’ll also undoubtedly witness the heart break in earth’s ecosystem, the fragility of melting glaciers and dying coral reefs, the beaches and hiking trails covered in plastic waste . Both will give you a greater appreciation for the magic of Mama Earth and how precious her resources are.

10. Appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

Some of the best moments in travel could be sitting around a campfire telling stories with your travel mates, sharing a home cooked meal with locals, or having a hot shower after a day of wandering until your feet are caked in dirt.

These things don’t require elaborate plans or spending a lot of money. It’s one of the simplest life lessons learned from traveling—to be present with the people around you and indulge in your senses.

11. Just smile.

As a traveler, how could you ever run out of reasons to smile?

With over 7,000 languages spoken throughout the world, it’s incredible that there is one universal language: a smile. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what language you speak, travel teaches you that smiling is the same everywhere.

It displays friendliness, gratitude, and helps you connect with those around you. When in doubt, offer a smile…and don’t be afraid to smile more often!

12. Think outside the box.

Travel opens your mind in more ways than one. When dealing with the inevitable mishaps that come with every travel experience (whether that is losing your luggage, getting sick with food poisoning, or struggling with the language), travel teaches you to deal with all kinds of situations by thinking outside the box.

You’ll become more innovative, adaptable, and gain problem-solving skills that will help you deal with anything life throws your way.

13. We are all the same.

Through travel, you have the ability to experience different cultures and see how other parts of the world live and operate. Yet what travel teaches you is that we’re not all that different. Humans all over the world appreciate connection and family above all else. And there is comfort knowing that no matter how or where we live our lives, we all have core values in common.

14. You can do ANYTHING.

Travel changes you. It makes you more confident and independent. It offers a freedom you can’t find anywhere else. It teaches you how to problem solve, make friends even in the loneliest times, navigate language barriers, and get through hard things. All in all, it teaches you that you are powerful and gives you the courage to do anything you set your mind to.

15. There’s no place like home.

The flight home is almost always a bittersweet moment.

Travel offers a completely new perspective on home. It may help you appreciate what you left behind and help you dig stronger roots to where you’re from. For others, it may reveal that you belong elsewhere and help you plant roots where you truly belong. No matter the outcome, travel teaches you there’s no place like home.

3 ways to start traveling

Are you ready to change your life? Here are some of the top programs to get you out of your comfort zone.

• Why it’s great: GVI is one of the top volunteer programs in the world, with opportunities to travel, learn, and volunteer with sustainable development projects across many countries. This program partners with international organizations all over the world, so you’ll have the ability to work alongside locals to make a difference, whether you want to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand , in marine conservation in Seychelles , or conduct wildlife research in Costa Rica .
• Read GVI reviews

2. Intern Abroad HQ

• Why it’s great: If you’ve ever dreamed of gaining valuable work experience abroad, Intern Abroad HQ could be your answer. This program helps students, graduates, and young professionals jumpstart their dream careers through coordinating global custom internships. It’s one of the world’s largest international internship organizations and can open doors to work experience in every corner of the world and in every career path, from psychology to finance to advertising to teaching.
• Read Intern Abroad HQ reviews

3. International TEFL Academy

• Why it’s great: International TEFL Academy could be the first step in your career as a global citizen. This program offers TEFL certifications both online and in-country to help you gain the knowledge and experience to start teaching English abroad. Whether you want to make a little money to fund your travels or open the door to working across multiple continents, International TEFL Academy is committed to getting you abroad and immersed in local culture, all while funding your travel and making an impact.
• Read International TEFL Academy reviews

Get connected with 5 meaningful travel programs for FREE

Your life will feel full after traveling.

Traveling allows so much to gain and nothing to lose.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or have yet to leave your hometown, there’s no doubt that traveling is the experience you need to make your life fuller. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and transform into a new and better version of yourself, let yourself catch the travel bug. It will teach you endless lessons about who you are as a person and what life is all about.

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Online Courses to Brush Up Your Wine and Dance Skills Before Traveling

By Mary Olivia Keith

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began derailing travel plans, we’ve been spending more time finding ways to satisfy our curiosity from home . Every day, it seems like there are more livestreams and videos available that let you experience new places without leaving your couch, from museum exhibits to wildlife webcams . For those looking for something a little more interactive, we’ve compiled a list of classes to help you hone your language and dance skills, brush up on historical facts, or enjoy the food and beverages waiting for you on your next adventure, whether you’re mentally planning a trip to Madrid, Tokyo, or Buenos Aires. Below, the best online courses to try out during quarantine, divvied up by category.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Learn the language

Driving through any country is a lot more fun when you can actually read the signs. (You'd be pretty irked to miss the turn for a hot spring in Iceland because you didn’t know what hverir meant.) While you’re dreaming of your next vacation, take some time to learn a bit of the language . DuoLingo is a free app and great for beginners trying to learn basic vocabulary, though it doesn’t give the freedom for personalization to learn about specific topics. If you’re looking for more, Rosetta Stone ($200 for unlimited lifetime access) provides personalized plans and live coaching. And if you want something tailored to vacations, Living Language has language courses specifically for travel. Their passport courses ($50) give you three months to learn language basics, as well as history, culture, and traditions of a specific country.

Study Greek Architecture on Udemy so you can point out the Temple of Poseidon on your next vacation.

Brush up on your historical and cultural knowledge

For history or art buffs planning a trip to a new city, chances are at least a few museums and famous landmarks will be part of your itinerary. In order to fully appreciate what you'll see, refresh your memory on the country’s history first. There are basic history courses, like Coursera’s free Russian History: From Lenin to Putin class, hosted by U.C. Santa Cruz. Then there are more specific classes tailored to niche interests. Harvard hosts free culture courses, like Japanese Books: From Manuscript to Print , which details historical writing formats and storytelling properties. Udemy runs introductory classes, like Egyptian Art ($165), which goes through different time periods and styles of art in Ancient Egypt. Architecture, an often overlooked topic, is influential to a country’s cultural history; Udemy offers multiple courses on architectural history with varying depth, including Essentials of Byzantine Architecture ($25) and Greek Architecture ($195).

Deepen your appreciation for food

If you’re craving cuisine from a specific city or region, now is the time to try and recreate it at home. While some of our favorite chefs have been sharing tutorials on social media , there are more structured options, too. Learn the Art of Sushi Making ($200) from Udemy gives lifetime access to resources, on-demand videos, and completion certificates with step-by-step virtual instruction. If you’re looking for instruction from the best of the best, look no further than MasterClass’s culinary section. Dominique Ansel , celebrated pastry chef and creator of the cronut, teaches French Pastry Fundamentals ($180). There are 17 pre-recorded lessons, each building on the last. Massimo Bottura offers a 14-part modern Italian cooking class ($180) on MasterClass, too. Other courses provide even more engagement: The Chef and the Dish hosts private Skype sessions with global chefs to learn specialized recipes like seafood paella ($300). The class goes through making paella and a side salad in two hours, and the one-on-one time with a professional chef allows you to ask questions while you learn.

Earn a wine certificate through the Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Become an alcohol aficionado

Like food, beverages are an important part of any country’s culture. Rather than rely on bartenders’ recommendations (though that is a good way to use your new language skills), use this time to get to know your own tastes. Skill Share ($100 a year, or $20 per month) has a wide range of online courses, including one on Belgian Beer . Not only does the class go through Belgium’s beer culture, it helps you learn to differentiate styles and understand the production process. Napa Valley Wine Academy’s course, Discovering Italian Wine ($125), provides maps to discover the regions where certain grapes grow, and exercises and exams, which, if completed, earn you a wine certificate. If you’re eager to head south to Mexico City or Jalisco , consider expanding your tequila knowledge first. Tequila: Origins, Standards, Styles, Flavors ($10) from Beverage Edu is extensive for its price and covers tequila’s history, drink and food pairings, and production methods and locations.

Dance like a pro

If you’ve always wanted to tango in Argentina or salsa dance through Colombia , consider learning a few steps before you visit. Coursera offers a free class from Emory University, called “ So You Think You Know Tango? ” There are two modules: the first focuses on the Argentinian dance’s history and development, and the second teaches basic movements. Other courses focus more on dancing, less on history. Learn How To Dance Bachata ($50) from Udemy has 25 short tutorials, so you can follow the instructor over and over until you get it right. This class focuses on the basics, and won’t get too advanced by the end. For people looking for mastery, try the Salsa Bootcamp ($67) from My Salsa Online. It starts with the fundamentals, but progresses into more complicated steps and patterns quickly, so you’ll be dancing like a pro in no time.

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5 Easy Steps to Actually Enjoy Your Vacation

Stop stressing, and start making the most out of your time off.

You'd think planning and going on a vacation would be a dream. But, for a surprising number of people, taking time off of work, family, and daily responsibilities can be a stressful nightmare.

In 2015, Healthline surveyed more than 2,000 working adults and found that 62 percent of respondents had "very" or "somewhat" elevated levels of stress during their winter vacations. But stress is the last thing that should be holding us back from taking time off. Here are five ways to keep stress at bay when planning, taking, and returning from a vacation — so you can enjoy your hard-earned getaway.

Don't be so hard on yourself, to begin with.

"If you're someone who works, you're checking your emails, you're getting text messages, maybe you're going onto social media, you're digesting a lot of information, so it's no wonder that we're going to have a hard time settling down from that and quieting our mind on vacation," Dr. Megan Jones Bell, clinical psychologist and former chief science officer at meditation and mindfulness app Headspace , told Travel + Leisure . "It's a lot to expect that you just go flip a switch."

To help combat the stress of planning travel, try to unpack what is actually making you stressed in the first place. Is it the idea of unplugging that has you worried? Then maybe book a vacation where you know there will be reliable Wi-Fi . Are you stressed about feeling like you have to check in with work but don't really want to? Try an internet-free vacation instead. Worried you can't plan the ultimate trip? Hire these A-list travel agents to do it for you. No matter the source of your stress, there is always a way to help ease it.

Start the relaxation process before you leave.

According to Bell, you should begin the relaxation process before you even leave for the airport. This, Bell explained, can be done by building in rituals and routines you can perform before, during, and after a trip "that help anchor you and act as a buffer to the stress that's going to try to creep back in."

For Bell, this entails settling in for a Headspace meditation routine, which means she begins a new 10-minute daily practice several days before leaving for an excursion. If you're new to meditation, you can always sign up for the app (free trials are available for newcomers) and work your way up minute by minute each day until you find a comfortable length.

For others, those rituals could also mean journaling what you hope to gain from your vacation or creating a personalized itinerary so you can ensure you get to see everything you want to while away. Just make sure you make your routine your own.

Make sure all your vacation goals are achievable.

Making plans for your vacation is a great idea, but stuffing your days with too many to-dos can be a real buzzkill. In fact, multiple studies have proven that meticulously planning your leisure time can seriously ruin your fun. And it's not the activity, but rather the act of assigning a time to an activity that will do you in.

To combat this itinerary-induced stress, Bell suggested starting each morning of your trip by setting an intention. Taking just a few minutes to quiet your mind and think about what you'd like to accomplish that day will help mitigate any stress you may feel later on.

And before your departure, try creating a looser itinerary for your journey. Create a list of all the "must-see" places and another of "would like to see." This way you can prioritize your time without feeling constrained by the clock.

Use vacation time to kickstart healthy new routines.

Instead of thinking of vacation as a few days away from your real life, think of it as a few days away to help improve your everyday.

"Vacation is a really great time to initiate healthy habits that you just don't have the time or energy to start during your day-to-day life," Bell said, noting that you're much more likely to pull healthy routines back into your life if you can start them in a happy, conducive environment.

To do this, look into a vacation that is tailor-made for your goals, such as a yoga retreat , a culinary journey to improve your kitchen skills, or even an all-around wellness getaway to renew your mind, body, and soul. Or, as Bell suggested, use it as a great time to — you guessed it — start a meditation practice, which has some seriously impressive, scientifically-backed health benefits .

Keep up your new habits for at least 10 days after you return.

According to Bell, it takes just 10 days to form a new habit, meaning if you start a new one on your vacation you should bring it home with you to reap all the rewards.

"Research at Headspace has shown that the use of the app for just 10 days can reduce stress," Bell said. "So that's where I'd say before your vacation, if you start meditating and you can do just 10 minutes a day during it, it's gonna help reduce your vulnerability to stress."

But really, no matter what new habits you form or how relaxed you were on vacation, re-entering your normal life can get you down. To combat the post-vacation blues, make sure to build in an adjustment day to settle in, decorate your home with your new souvenirs, and stay in the vacation mindset as long as you can. Follow these steps and you'll be a master at beating vacation stress in no time.

Now, there's only one thing left to do: Plan your next stress-free adventure .

inspiration

Destinations.

I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. At Messy Bun Traveler, we promote travel that allows the traveler to either kick-start, maintain, or enhance a healthy lifestyle. So whether you're someone who travels for business, travels for pleasure, or new to travel and looking for health advice while on the road, this blog is for you!

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Privacy & Disclosure The Messy Bun Traveler is designed to bring you fun stories, destination guides, and healthy travel advice. To help cover the cost of running this site, all posts are sprinkled with hand-selected affiliate links. When you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only accept affiliate links and paid advertisements from brands I believe in, trust and use personally. Thank you for your continued support!

What Does Traveling Teach You? 12 Lessons Travel Has Taught Me

December 20, 2018

As a college graduate, I spent most of my life studying from textbooks and case studies, newspaper articles, and online journals. I spent five years in a classroom listening to a professor lecture on various topics each day.

Although I loved college and learned so much, there are some life lessons no classroom, website, scholarly journal, or professor can teach you. These lessons come from traveling the world and experiencing the world around you.

What does traveling the world teach you?

In this post, i’m going to share with you the  12 lessons i’ve learned from traveling., travel teaches you to appreciate what you have.

My very first trip overseas was to Fiji for an international service-learning project through my college. We went off the beaten path to a remote village on the island, hours away from any major city, grocery store, or hospital. The village had no electricity, running water, working sewage system, or refrigeration.

I will be honest, at first, I felt out of place. I never had in my life lived without any of these things. It was hard. And was definitely an adjustment…It never crossed my mind that many people in the world live like this.

The biggest lesson I have learned from going to Fiji, as well as the many countries I have visited after; is that having a roof over my head, hot meals, clean water, transportation and the mere ability to travel is a luxury that most individuals in the world do not have. For that, I am so incredibly lucky.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the hype of celebrity gossip, dropping a pretty penny over the latest Michael Kors purse, or drooling over your friend’s new set of wheels. Today’s society continuously convinces us we’re never good enough; therefore leaving us always wanting more.

Traveling has given me a whole new perspective on life. It’s not about money, fame, or fortune. It’s less about what you have, and more about what you have to offer to others. Whether it’s a helping hand, kindness, or even a simple smile- these small things go so much farther.

Travel teaches you to learn to live without

I had realized that the more I travel- especially when I started travel nursing and living life on the road, the more I de-complicated my life by getting rid of or donating my possessions. I’ve come to find that the less I have, the easier it is to enjoy every moment.

I still like clothing, shoes, jewelry, and purses, and occasionally, I want to browse online stores. But then I ask myself, “ do I really NEED this? ” and 99% of the time, my answer is no. Less really can be more.

• How Does Travel Nursing Work? 10 Common Questions Answered by a Travel Nurse

Travel teaches you to budget

Traveling is very doable if you know how to budget your money well. Whether you’re on a minimum wage or a six-figure salary, traveling is very feasible as long as money is being put away for it.

I have to say I started managing my money a lot better when I gained the motivation to travel.

You learn it’s actually not that hard to travel

MANY people are doing it, so it can’t be that hard, right? I’ve learned traveling isn’t rocket science- the traveling industry has made it very doable.

All you need to do is get on a plane, train, car, or bus. The rest will just fall into play. There are also many books, journals, and blogs out there to help you along with your journey.

You inevitably learn that you are more capable than you thought. Travel teaches you confidence, independence, and freedom .

Travel teaches you a lot of useful skills

By traveling around the world, I’ve learned how to adapt and be more flexible. I’ve learned how to be more social and also better understand nonverbal communication (especially when traveling overseas).

Overall, I’ve become a more independent, more open, and better person from roaming the globe and interacting with other people.

You learn you’ll meet some of your closest friends while traveling

I have always been more of an introvert; I’ve had and still sometimes have social anxiety and find it scary to just throw myself out there amongst a group of strangers. It took me a while to learn how to say “hello” to random people, but traveling has made me much more comfortable doing so.

In the end, everyone is amicable, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone who shares the same passion for traveling as you do.

If I had never gotten out of my comfort zone and socialized more, I would have never connected with some of the best friends that I have now.

And believe it or not, I met my boyfriend and travel companion on an overseas trip !

Distance and time cannot break the bond you form with people while traveling.

Travel teaches you to step out of your comfort zone

With that being said, traveling has helped me expand my view on life. I’m not afraid to try new food, jump out of an airplane , take a cooking class, pick up on dialect from a foreign language, jump off the top deck of a boat, and the list can go on.

I’ve eaten tarantulas in Cambodia, ridden in a tuk-tuk through Thailand, and walked across the Nicaragua-Costa Rican border when my international flight was canceled.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all this- is that it’s essential to challenge yourself to seek adventure. Life is too short not too.

• The Truth About Solo Travel

You’ll learn there’s no such thing as a mistake

Plans will fall through, flights will be delayed, and people with try and scam you. But no matter what happens on the road, it’s never a mistake.

I’ve learned that the journey is an adventure- and no matter how hard or rigorous you plan, some things are bound to fall through. That’s life. It’s best to go with the flow and let the road just pave itself out in front of you.

I’m starting to realize it’s imperative to live life with no regrets, and the misfortunes that sometimes happen are not a  mistake , but more of a lesson learned.

• The BIGGEST Mistake I Made While Traveling: And How You Can Avoid Doing the Same

Travel teaches you how to go with the flow

I’ve always been a master planner- planning every moment of every day by writing to-do lists and trip itineraries and goals. And although all those are important, sometimes it’s just as important not to have a plan at all.

I’ve learned that traveling is about finding ways to change yourself for the better- and just letting life take you where you never knew it could go.

• Travel Quotes & Photos: The Ultimate List to Inspire Your Next Vacation

Travel teaches you how to relax

Life is full of natural wonder and beauty; there’s no reason to be stressed or worried all the time. The universe will play out as it may. Relax, and go with the flow.

The biggest thing I’ve learned while planning trip itineraries is that it’s vital to make time just to relax. Spend the day lounging on the beach, lounging by the pool with a good book, or take a stroll along the mountainside with the sound of nature. Don’t get caught up in all the “must-sees.”

Part of traveling isn’t about finding the latest and greatest travel destination- it’s more about finding  yourself .

• Wellness Tourism: How Wellness is Changing the Way We Travel

You’ll learn that people are generally good

Everywhere I have been, I’ve met the most amazing, like-minded people. People, even without having spoken the same language- have gone out of their way to help me.

For example, when my boyfriend and I were crossing the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, a gentleman went out of his way to help us find the bus that would take us to our destination, Liberia. He knew we didn’t have any cash on us, but he helped us anyway.

It was then I realized that it’s important not to be guarded against unfamiliar faces- most people are genuinely kind and will help you in your time of need.

The American culture has taught us to fear strangers- stories of murderers, rapists, terrorists, and thieves flood the news making it impossible to believe that most people are good and just trying to be friendly.

If I were continually guarding myself for fear of being taken advantage of, I would have never met some of the most amazing people that have ultimately changed my life.

Travel teaches you to put down the technology

Ever since I bought myself a smartphone- although useful, it has turned me away from many social interactions. We see it everywhere we go- on a bus, or train; at work…people are so constantly consumed by what’s on their screen that we forget about interacting with the people around us.

Traveling has forced me to put the phone down and experience life. It has forced me to say hello to that stranger next to me, explore areas with no cell service, and not panic when my battery dies.

Sometimes it’s best to live life unplugged for a while.

Traveling is a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you. These 12 lessons are just a taste of what traveling can teach you. I encourage you to get out there and explore as much of the world as possible.

Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new that will forever change your life. Did any of these lessons resonate with you? What other life lessons have you learned from traveling? 

If you liked this post, please share it!

Related posts:.

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33 Meaningful Reasons Why People LOVE to Travel

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“Do you like to travel?”

This is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with seeing the world. In high school, I joined all of the clubs that had travel opportunities to out-of-state conferences.

In college, I studied abroad four times – and planned solo trips and trips with friends in between!

You could say that I LOVE to travel – it’s also one of the reasons I created this blog! Traveling is in my blood, and I have two major missions in life: 1. see as much of the world as possible, and 2. inspire others to do the same!

There’s even a word for people like me. I’m a hodophil e , which means “one who loves to travel.”

I could talk all day long about why I love traveling and the fulfillment that traveling has brought to my life. And there are tons of other travelers out there that feel the same as me!

To put together this ultimate list of reasons why people love to travel, I worked with some fellow travel addicts to tell stories of what travel means to us.

You’ll find stories of personal growth, checking off bucket list experiences, and learning new things – all thanks to travel.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling the world for yourself, or are just wondering about how traveling can change your life, keep reading for personal stories of why people love to travel!

Table of Contents

1. Travel helps you check things off your bucket list.

Written by Sydney from A World in Reach

Growing up in a small, rural town, I dreamed of one day flying across the ocean, visiting world-class cities, and seeing the landmarks I had only seen on TV in real life.

I had always found Stonehenge and its history to be so fascinating, and I thought that climbing the Great Wall of China would be one of the coolest things anyone could do.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris sparkle at night was something I often dreamed about, as was walking through the hectic streets of Tokyo.

At the time, all of these experiences seemed like a pipe dream. How would I ever be able to afford to visit such faraway places?

But now, thanks to the gift of travel, I’ve been able to check all of these things and more off of my bucket list. And thanks to learning how to travel on a budget, I’ve been doing it cheaply while still maximizing my experiences.

Today, my bucket list is never-ending – each time I check something off, something new gets added. I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids of Giza, going on a South African safari, and eating my way through Mexico City.

I wake up each day thankful for the experiences I’ve been given, and I look forward each day to checking the next thing off my bucket list.

2. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone.

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it gets me out of my comfort zone.

To me, travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in the world. Hopping off a plane and being in a completely new environment is a feeling unlike any other.

When I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, I crave the excitement (and sometimes, chaos) of a travel day.

Traveling forces you to do something difficult – you might have to navigate a city with a language barrier, get accustomed to cultural norms totally different from your own, or figure out how to get a spare key to your accommodation when you got locked out of your Airbnb late at night with a dying phone battery (if you’re wondering why that’s so specific, it’s because it was easily my most stressful travel experience to date!).

Thanks to travel allowing me to get out of my comfort zone, I’ve improved my critical thinking and decision-making skills. I’ve also become a more empathetic person, and striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t seem so intimidating since I do it regularly when traveling.

Travel is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and expand your worldview. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, confront your fears and insecurities, and connect with others.

If you’re ever yearning for an escape from the routine, start planning a trip.

3. Travel lets you try new foods.

I travel for a lot of reasons – seeing iconic landmarks in person, learning something new at museums and historical sites, and meeting new people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite things about travel though is all of the different food!

I’ve always been a foodie, and traveling has opened me up to so many unique dishes and cuisines that I can’t get at home.

Some of my fondest travel memories include eating my way through Ueno Market (one of the best things to do in Tokyo ), trying cuy (guinea pig) in Ecuador, and taking a Hawaiian cooking class in Oahu.

When I’m planning a trip, I always keep a list of foods to try and the best restaurants to visit. I also love taking local cooking classes so that I can learn how to make the dishes at home!

One of the #1 pieces of travel advice I always give others is to always try a new food , even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might end up with a new favorite!

4. Travel lets you escape everyday life and discover yourself.

Written by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

Traveling helps you discover not only new places but yourself.

Having grown up in a small town that I never left where I faced bullying at school, it was hard to imagine life outside of my reality.

At 12 years old, I got on a plane for the first time, to visit family in Sweden. This was my first taste of international travel, and it taught me more than just that there are beautiful, breathtaking landscapes abroad.

In meeting my extended family members, I learned that life could look different from how I grew up. Travel became my passion that fired my spirit, and became the dream at the end of the tunnel whenever I faced hard days.

I pursued traveling in my teens and early 20s. I traveled back to Sweden and also lived abroad in France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.

Overseas in far-off countries, it didn’t matter whether I was popular in school or not. I got to meet people as a whole new person and discover what I liked and who I really was.

I empowered myself by doing adventurous things, like skydiving on the beach in Australia.

Now as an adult, I love to give the gift of travel to my own two children. Our most recent family trip was to Costa Rica , which is the perfect destination with kids, a partner, or on your own.

5. When you travel, you get to learn about other cultures.

Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

One of the main reasons why I love traveling is learning about other cultures. Although you can read books, watch documentaries or hear other travelers’ stories, nothing is better than experiencing the culture yourself.

Each destination I’ve visited has taught me something about a culture, but Mexico stands out for me. Despite Spanish being my first language, Mexican Spanish and culture are very different from Spain’s.

Visiting places like Chichen Itza and eating at local restaurants inspired me to cook more Mexican foods at home, learn more about its gastronomy, and made me curious about their traditions.

I also love that you can take new habits and traditions from other countries. Having traveled and lived in the UK , I adopted new habits like drinking tea and using words and expressions from regions like Yorkshire.

6. Traveling allows you to meet new, interesting people.

Written by Tammi from Wander Healthy

Traveling is a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, especially for first-time travelers.

It puts you outside of your usual routine, providing opportunities to interact with people who share unique insights and experiences about the places you’re visiting. This is an easy and awesome way to learn about different cultures and customs.

Whether it’s chance encounters or shared experiences, you’re likely to interact with others every time you turn around.

It could be striking up a conversation on a train, meeting someone in a coffee shop, or attending a local event, but the possibilities for meeting new people are endless.

Staying in hostels or going on tours, my personal favorites, have a way of leading to conversations and lifelong connections with friends you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or taking a road trip across the United States, you’re likely to meet people with interests and hobbies similar to yours, and your community builds naturally.

Traveling is the only thing that does this so effortlessly, letting you meet new and interesting people from all walks of life and create memories for a lifetime.

7. Traveling lets you see unique landscapes unlike any you’ve seen before.

Written by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering

Traveling has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

There are many places on earth that, without protection, would have disappeared with time. I’m grateful for our protected lands and historic monuments to allow me to experience nature and history from a first-hand perspective.

The ability to see fossils along my hikes in Moab, Utah, bike along 75-foot sand dunes in Cape Cod , or stroll the grounds of 12th-century castles in Portugal is invaluable.

Travel allows every day to be a different story and a different adventure. I don’t have to read about history or natural wonders just in books – I can experience them in real life.

Traveling to unique landscapes sparks our curiosity and childlike wonder. How were humans able to build the Roman Empire in ancient days with the most primitive of tools? How were the caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico formed over millions of years by just wind and water?

Travel constantly inspires me and keeps me exploring the bounds of history, science, and nature. What a privilege we get to travel and see such unique historical and natural places on Earth.

8. Travel helps you see things from a new perspective.

Written by Jo from World Wild Schooling

One of the things that I love most about traveling is the ability to see things from a new perspective.

Whether it’s a different culture, a new environment, or simply a change of scenery, traveling has a way of opening up your eyes to the world around you.

When we’re stuck in our daily routines and familiar surroundings, it’s easy to become complacent and forget about the wider world.

Traveling helps to break us out of this bubble and expose us to new ways of thinking and living. It allows us to see how people in other parts of the world approach life, work, and relationships.

For example, I was surprised to find out that in Phuket, Thailand, buses have no glass in the windows due to the consistently warm climate. This may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the unique ways that different cultures adapt to their surroundings.

Similarly, my jaw dropped when I first visited Brussels, Belgium , and saw that all signs are bilingual, even the subtitles in cinemas (yes, this means 4 lines of text!). This reflects the country’s complex linguistic history and the ongoing efforts to maintain both French and Dutch as official languages.

9. Travel can make you feel alive.

Written by Michele from Adventures Abound

Traveling makes simple experiences feel momentous, it sparks creativity, and it makes me come alive!

My first time going to another country was when I studied abroad in Costa Rica , and I realized that even the smallest experiences like taking a bus to a cool landmark or walking to a neighborhood festival were suddenly interesting in a new country.

I loved meeting new people, learning about the culture and the language, and traveling around to see beautiful nature in Costa Rica. Even just taking a bus to go visit a coffee farm felt like the most fun adventure.

Once I went on that trip, I was bitten by the travel bug as they say.

I started seeking out ways to feel like I was exploring and that often meant getting out around where I lived.

It’s so fun to explore little towns, peruse around farmer’s markets and shop with local vendors with the lens that I am traveling like I would if I were further from home.

10. Traveling allows you to see art in the world’s best museums.

Written by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

One of the reasons that I love to travel is that it gives me the opportunity to visit world-class art museums and spend time looking at fabulous pieces of art up close.

It’s quite a special way to experience art when you can look at a statue from different angles to note and admire all of the fine details.

If you can, always walk around a sculpture to view it from all sides. You just can’t appreciate it in the same way from a photo.

In some museums, the way that the art is displayed improves the viewing experience. In the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of my favorite Paris attractions ), Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are displayed in a unique oval room for an immersive panoramic viewing experience.

Visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. And it’s also a great option for a rainy day!

11. Traveling strengthens friendship bonds.

Written by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

One of the biggest reasons why I love to travel is because it allows me to strengthen the bonds I share with friends.

My friends and I traveled together right after graduating from university.

Although we somewhat knew each other before going on the trip, we didn’t really know each other!

But on this trip, we spent over a week laughing our butts off, dealing with stressful situations, and generally going on all kinds of crazy adventures around French Polynesia together.

There was no shortage of mistakes during this intense period, but we all came out on the other side for the better!

Fast forward almost two years later, and we all still speak so fondly of that time together. In addition, we went from mere acquaintances to the best of friends.

So, for me, I love traveling because it helps strengthen the friendships and relationships I have with others!

12. Travel helps you learn about history and its impact on places you visit.

Written by Diana from Travels in Poland

Traveling has always been my passion, but when you visit a place where you really feel something you can’t explain, it can transform your perspective on travel.

This happened to me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau .

My family is Polish and my grandmother, who was there with me, couldn’t get herself to enter the camp fully for several hours. She lived through the occupation and knew people shipped off to the camp. I realized how deeply this impacted me when I visited.

I’ve long been captivated by the way events shape societies, leaving indelible marks on the fabric of their being.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, I felt the weight of the past heavy on my shoulders.

My grandmother’s eyes, glistening with unshed tears, told a thousand stories. This was where she lost family and friends, their lives snuffed out by the unimaginable cruelty of the Holocaust.

It was in walking onto these grounds that I grasped the true power of travel: the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into the myriad of ways it continues to shape our world.

Through this poignant journey, I found a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of travel, and a deeper understanding of the impact places have on people. Learning not only about history, but about the way it has shaped our world, and how we can learn from it.

13. Traveling helps you find a home base.

Written by Mal from Where To Stay Bali

Traveling was always my passion, but since I quit my career in finance and my conventional life in my home country, traveling has a whole new meaning for me.

Slow travel has become my way of life and a search for somewhere I can one day settle.

Since the beginning of my digital nomad life, I’ve lived part-time in Greece, Albania, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I loved each of these places for different reasons – for their weather, culture, food, and people.

But, there has been one place that felt different to me, more special, a place that I want to keep coming back to. I found a place in Bali , which is now my second home.

If you keep an open mind during your travels, you may also find a place like that – a second home that can change your life!

14. Travel gives you the chance to study and learn in a new culture.

Written by Amber from Amber Everywhere

I love to travel because it allows me to experience new cultures and ways of living.

In particular, I had wonderful experiences studying abroad when I was in college because it gave me a chance to learn and live in a new place.

I stayed with a host family during my first two trips abroad, once in Guatemala and again in Jordan.

Living with a local family gave me a chance to experience the culture, try different foods, and see entirely different parts of those cities that I would’ve otherwise found.

Studying abroad also gave me a chance to travel slowly, and I stayed in each place long enough to have a favorite restaurant or route to take to school.

There were smaller cultural nuances that I learned, either because they were explained to me by locals or because I just picked them up as I went.

15. Travel teaches self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Written by Chelsea from A Wandering Redhead

I want to personally thank travel for the self-love and self-acceptance that it has taught me. 

Pre-travel, I was shy, people-pleasing, and disbelieving if someone called me pretty. 

Post-travel, I am confident, I love my body and what it can do for me, and I’m overall more radiant and bubbly. 

Without travel, I may have never started my self-love journey and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I love the progress that I have made and believe that everyone should solo travel at some point in their life.

16. Traveling fulfills childhood dreams.

Written by Colleen from Then We Walked

As a girl, I would watch Whicker’s World on our black-and-white TV.

Every week, Alan Whicker would appear on screen like a traveling James Bond, complete with his very correct English accent, and transport me to a new exotic corner of the globe.

I was enthralled. It lit a flame. I wanted to explore, too. I dreamed of Table Mountain, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sphinx, the Parthenon, Hal Long Bay, and the Cook Islands.

But ordinary people didn’t travel in the 1960s, and I was a child.  I started work, married, bought a house, and had a family. Inside, I still dreamed.

We traveled a little, ticking off some of my bucket list, but last year, our children had flown the nest and we retired.  Now, we’re traveling and exploring in earnest!

I’ve waited half a lifetime to go exploring and I’m beyond excited about our plans.

My advice to the girl who watched the TV: don’t wait.

17. Traveling allows you to connect with nature.

Written by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with nature.

I love the simplicity of hiking and wilderness camping because it removes all the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It’s just me and the mountains.

It’s also a great way to understand the local ecology. I find it fascinating to learn about the way glaciers and volcanoes work or what unique animal species live in the area.

Instead of just looking at a spectacular view, I can understand the way the landscape came to be, and that deepens my relationship with the place.

Spending time traveling in nature has also been pivotal in my life.

Back in 2019, I had some time to think while hiking the 65-kilometer Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia . The trek made me realize that it was the right time to leave my 9-5 job and write full-time.

Since then I’ve expanded my outdoor adventure website, written a hiking guidebook, and moved to a small mountain town so I can hike every day. 

18. Travel increases feelings of gratitude.

Written by Kristin from World on Wheels Blog

One of the reasons I love to travel is that it makes me more grateful.

When you are constantly in the same country or even environment, it’s easy to take things for granted.

As a traveler who uses a wheelchair and lives in the United States, it’s easy to forget that not all countries have ADA laws that guarantee access.

When I travel to places like South America, I am reminded how little things like curb cuts make a huge difference in how hard or easy it is to navigate a town. I can’t help but feel sad for the people with disabilities that actually live there.

Aside from reminders about how lucky I am to live in a country that encourages accessibility for all, I also feel a sense of gratitude that I’m able to explore the world and witness some of the immense beauty it has to offer.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing the power of Iguazu Falls and realizing how small you are in this massive world of ours. It’s a feeling and experience that photography just cannot seem to capture.

Travel is important for so many reasons, but helping to feel more gratitude is one of the things that I love the most.

19. Travel humbles you.

Written by Milijana from World Travel Connector

Gustave Flaubert, a literary genius and a wise man, once noted: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

And indeed, it is one of many lessons that traveling teaches you. Traveling puts you into a broader perspective of time, place, and the universe.

Visiting fascinating archeological sites like Petra in Jordan, Angor Wat in Cambodia, Giza in Egypt, and Pompeii in Italy made me see what a tiny place I occupy in today’s world and question the knowledge of contemporary times. It made me think.

Meeting other cultures while traveling showed me how oblivious I could be to other customs and traditions and how much there is always left to learn.

Traveling made me aware of the prejudices that I thought never existed. Travel shamed me. However, it also taught me the importance of being always open to learning while keeping the ego in check. 

I found it especially rewarding to hike Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walked the trail before me. The Camino reminded me of the importance of modesty, effort, perseverance, and purpose. And, most importantly, what a tiny place I occupy in the world.

So, if you like meaningful travels, prepare your  Camino de Santiago packing list and walk the Camino. Let the Camino teach you valuable life lessons! 

20. Traveling helps you de-stress and recharge.

Written by Paulina from UK Everyday

Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress and recharge.

Discovering new places can allow you to reconnect with yourself. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing a change of scenery and an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.

Traveling can also provide people with a sense of freedom from their work-related responsibilities, allowing them to relax surrounded by natural landscapes.

Exploring some of the best beaches in Wales can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Additionally, traveling can help boost creativity, as it encourages new ideas and perspectives. This can help spark creativity by introducing fresh ideas that you might not have otherwise thought of when stressed.

For these reasons, traveling is great to help de-stress and recharge.

Furthermore, travel also provides a break from your daily routine, allowing you to step away from your comfort zone and explore the unknown without worrying about your daily problems.

21. Travel lets you connect with other cultures through the arts.

Written by Dawn from Culture Feasting

If you consider yourself an artistic person, know that traveling can be a total game-changer.

As a creative person myself, I’ve found that exploring new destinations has the power to expand my spirit and give me all sorts of new artistic opportunities.

Over the years I have come to crave the stimulation of experiencing different cultures and their unique art forms.

From visiting local museums to catching a traditional dance performance, there are so many ways to connect with the arts while on vacation.

It’s not just about admiring pretty paintings or sculptures, either. It’s about immersing yourself in a foreign environment and gaining a whole new perspective on the world.

I’ve found that this can really inspire me to incorporate new artistic elements into my own creative projects.

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider how it could enhance your love for the arts and help you connect with other cultures on a deeper level.

22. Travel gives you a change of scenery.

Written by Tina from Veganderlust

I grew up in a small village in Austria, a country with beautiful lakes and mountains, but also a landlocked country.

The best part about traveling is the change of scenery. My favorite places to go to are cities next to the ocean, which is a completely different scenery from landlocked Austria.

There’s nothing better on your holiday than exploring a city and then relaxing at the beach.

That’s why I really loved my last trip to Barcelona . There’s so much culture and history to discover in this city, and afterward, you can go swimming in the sea.

By visiting different places with a change of scenery, you also develop a new appreciation for your own home scenery – one of the many positive side effects of traveling.

As much as I love traveling to coastal destinations, I always love seeing the mountains when I come back home.

23. Travel can strengthen your romantic relationships.

Written by Amy & Liam from Plain2Plane

There are so many wonderful reasons to travel.

If you’re in a relationship then there is nothing better than sharing experiences with your significant other.

Imagine waking up in Egypt with your partner, ready to go out for the day. You are going parasailing together, enjoying cocktails, quad biking – the list really is endless. You get to enjoy all of this with someone that you love and care about.

Traveling can be challenging at times and you have to make many different, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You have the luxury to share these moments together and form a closer relationship unlike any other. This will help you create a deeper bond with your partner.

You will also be able to step out of your comfort zone and try new things together. This will ultimately bring you closer together too!

24. Travel is inspiring.

Written by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is because of the many ways it inspires me.

Traveling inspires me to better myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m inspired physically when I’ve committed to a trip that involves physical effort. One example would be hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.

When I learned that the trail involved miles of steady incline at high altitudes I felt motivated to prepare for that physically. This resulted in healthier eating habits and weeks of exercising leading up to my trip.

I’m inspired mentally by the way traveling increases my desire to do even more of it. This usually prompts me to tighten my budget to save for my next trip.

It also helps put into perspective the things I need vs. want and how that plays into not only my budget but also my overall happiness.

Emotionally, traveling inspires me to be a better person. When I see the way people in other parts of the world live, many times with very little, I feel humbled.

I feel inclined to be more grateful for the things I have and the experiences I’m afforded. It contributes to my overall well-being when I’m reminded of how little I need to truly be happy.

There are many reasons why I love traveling; but, the way it inspires me is definitely high on the list.

25. Travel turns kids into global citizens.

Written by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life

As full-time digital nomads, my family has seen so many places and experienced so much that I never thought possible when I was younger.

My son is learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that he would have never been exposed to if we had stayed in one place.

Traveling as a family has allowed him to gain a greater appreciation for the world around him.

He’s able to see how people live differently in different parts of the world and understand why those differences exist.

He is also learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving as he navigates through unfamiliar places and situations.

Most importantly, traveling has given him the opportunity to explore his own identity as a global citizen.

He is developing an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – a global community – and how he can contribute positively to it.

26. Traveling helps you find new opportunities in life.

Written by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Traveling is not just visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, and trying local food. It can mean much more than that; it allowed me to find new opportunities and has changed my life forever.

When traveling to Europe for the first time at 18 years old, I noticed how big the world was, and life was so different on the other side of the world.

Because of that, I became more motivated to embrace the world. I decided to travel and meet more people.

While traveling in Amsterdam , luckily, I met some friendly people, including international students from Paraguay and South Africa. They studied in the Netherlands with a full scholarship.

They told me that the Netherlands was their first choice since they could have more connections with people around the world quickly while studying, and easier to find a job here after graduation as a non-European.

I came from Taiwan and grew up there all my life. After working for a few years, I quit my job and studied in the Netherlands. Now, I finally moved to The Netherlands permanently on my own, and if I didn’t travel, I would not know that it was possible to move here.

I encourage you to travel more and be open to meeting new people. The world is so big – people you meet can help you see the world from a different perspective and get valuable information about your life.

27. Travel can help you create change in your own community.

Written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Travel is not just about the place you visit, but the transformation you experience and how you transform your community in response.

I learned this when I spent a few months volunteering with a reconciliation organization in the Middle East.

Despite decades of violence between their communities, I saw ordinary people working together to build bridges across social divides.

As an outsider looking in, I only saw the tip of the iceberg of the challenges locals were facing—yet I could see that peacemaking was not an easy or quick task.

After a few months, I returned to the US completely changed. The framework for reconciliation that I learned abroad guided how I navigated the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, conversations about immigration, and even interpersonal conflicts.

Personal transformation is available to you as you travel whether you’re traversing war zones or relaxing on  tranquil tropical beaches . You just have to lean in and allow your biases to be broken.

28. Travel lets you see the vast landscapes of the world.

Written by Jessica from Uprooted Travel

As an outdoor adventure lover, one of the primary reasons I love to travel is to experience the vast array of landscapes the world has to offer.

This can take shape in so many different ways, from exploring the lush rainforests and rugged beaches of my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest to checking out any of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah, with unique sandstone fins and dramatic natural arches.

Of course, this takes me beyond my home country of the United States—there’s endless natural beauty to explore, like the turquoise waterfalls of Costa Rica , the luscious highlands of Iceland, or the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti.

Along the way, of course, I get to enjoy all of the other aspects of travel, like trying new cuisines, befriending locals, and seeing the world through a new perspective.

But for me, getting to step foot in a uniquely stunning landscape propels me to keep traveling and seeing this big, beautiful world.

29. Travel helps you make the world a better place.

Written by Chloe from Passport Down Under

Traveling has allowed me to positively impact the world by leaving the country in a better position than when I entered it, which is what I love most about traveling.

Traveling has allowed me to give back by supporting local businesses and economies.

By choosing to buy locally-made products and using local services, I have helped to create jobs and support the growth of small businesses. This can contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, traveling has allowed me to give back through volunteering and community service.

I have participated in activities such as clean-up projects on the beaches of Byron Bay, wildlife conservation projects in Cambodia, and teaching English to local children in Thailand.

These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the local people, especially in counties such as Cambodia.

Overall, traveling has allowed me to leave the world a better place by positively impacting the communities I visit.

30. Travel is great for learning a new language.

Written by Diana from Avagu Press

Learning a language is a huge reason to travel. While textbooks and classrooms might work for math and literature, learning a foreign language requires a bit of independent study and a lot of practice time.

The best way to get that practice time?

Immersion — spending hours, days, weeks, and even longer completely immersed in a foreign language, using it to live.

Unless you happen to live somewhere where multiple languages are spoken, travel is key to immersing yourself in a foreign language.

For the most effective language-learning, language-learning resources that specifically target your travel plans (like a Swahili-learning guide specifically for safari ) will help you make the most out of your experience.

Focus on communication, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

The beautiful thing about being a novice in a foreign language is that nobody expects too much, so the pressure is off! Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your language learning.

31. Travel brings adventure.

Written by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

One of the reasons I love to travel is for adventure and trying adventurous activities.

When traveling to new destinations, not only do you get to immerse yourself in different cultures and try new foods, but you have the chance to participate in exhilarating adventure sports that will leave you breathless.

From snorkeling with turtles to parasailing over beautiful coastlines, and volcano boarding down an active volcano, the rush of excitement is unmatched.

For adventure-seekers like myself, traveling to participate in activities like these create memories that last a lifetime.

I have chosen many of my vacation locations specifically for the fun adventure sports I can try there, and often, it is the first time I’m trying each activity.

The thrill of adventure travel is hard to beat, and the rush of excitement that comes with it is truly unforgettable.

32. Travel inspires me to write about and share my experiences.

Written by Wayne from Always On The Shore

The biggest reason that I love to travel is because it inspires me to write about places I’ve visited and my experiences, so I can motivate others to travel and do the same.

I have always liked traveling but I never had the money to travel until my mid-30s.  Once I started traveling more consistently, I fell in love with the idea of warm-weather locations, such as Florida.

Since I’m from Minnesota and half the year is snowy, cold weather, beach vacations became something that I became obsessed with. Later, that became writing about all things Florida and even the Caribbean.

I know that other people can relate and have similar reasons for wanting to get away, but maybe there’s something stopping them. Like maybe they’re too nervous to fly, which I also experienced, until I did research on flying, and learned ways to cope with flight anxiety.

The main takeaway is that if you’re passionate about seeing amazing places and the world like I am, don’t let anything stop you. If I can inspire others to do the same by sharing my experiences, then I’m happy.

33. Traveling gives me a creative outlet.

As I was growing up, I always assumed that I wasn’t creative. I couldn’t draw, didn’t play an instrument, and I certainly couldn’t sing or dance.

I always did great in English class, but I never enjoyed the creative writing assignments. Coming up with fictional stories just wasn’t my strong suit.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I had studied abroad four times in four different countries. I had also gone on several independently-planned trips, both international and domestic. At that same time, I also discovered a new creative outlet: travel blogging.

In school, I was always great at writing research papers and writing travel guides was a fun way to use my strengths. Plus, I had always enjoyed giving travel advice to friends and family, so why not share my stories and tips with the world?

Since starting A World in Reach in 2018, I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m so glad that I have a creative outlet where I can share about one of the most important aspects of my life – travel – and help others explore the world on a budget.

Reasons Why People Love to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are SO MANY reasons why people love to travel.

For some, traveling sparks creativity, brings personal growth, and helps them escape the routine. For others, traveling brings bucket-list-worthy experiences, delicious food, and adventure.

The question “Why do you love to travel?” has no right or wrong answer. Traveling is a deeply personal experience that can bring happiness to different people in many different ways.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling in the future, I hope this post and the stories told within have shown you all of the positivity that travel can bring to your life.

If you were asked, “Why do you love to travel?”, what would your answer be?

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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Learn as you go: 5 tips for making every travel experience an educational journey.

Understanding the Value of Travel as Education

Travel is more than just a break from the daily grind. It's a chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, languages, and environments. This exposure broadens your perspective, enhances cultural understanding, and nurtures empathy. By viewing travel through an educational lens, you gain more than just memories; you gain insights that shape how you view the world. 

In this context, Grabmyessay.com can be a valuable resource for student travelers seeking professional essay writers for hire who can deal with their academic tasks while students enjoy their travel. This kind of preparation and reflection transforms travel into a truly enriching educational experience, where every destination becomes a classroom and every interaction a lesson in diversity and human connection.

Embracing the Journey as a Learning Opportunity

Every destination has its unique story, history, and lessons to offer . When you travel, you're not just a visitor, but a student of the world. Whether it's understanding the historical significance of a landmark, appreciating the nuances of local cuisine, or learning a few phrases in a new language, each aspect of your journey contributes to a broader understanding of our diverse world. 

This learning process is much like what writinguniverse advocates for—continuous exploration and enrichment through varied experiences. You're compiling a living journal of knowledge and memories as you traverse different landscapes, engage with local communities, and encounter diverse ways of life. Each trip becomes a chapter of your personal growt h, echoing the philosophy that travel, at its core, is an invaluable educational experience.

5 Tips for Making Every Travel Experience an Educational Journey

Transforming your travels into educational experiences can be simple planning and a curriculum. It's about being open to learning and embracing each moment with a curious mind. Here are five practical tips to help you make every journey a learning adventure.

1. Engage with Local Culture

Enjoy local culture by interacting with residents, attending cultural events, and trying traditional foods. This firsthand experience is invaluable for gaining a deeper understanding of the area. Participate in local workshops or crafts sessions to learn a unique regional skill. Spend time in local markets to observe the daily life and practices of the community. Conversations with locals can provide unique insights into their way of life and perspectives.

2. Visit Historical Sites

Combining travel and studying can be fun. Exploring historical sites provides a tangible connection to the past. It's a way to experience history firsthand, offering insights into the events and people that shaped the destination. Reading about the site beforehand can enrich the experience, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of its history. Consider hiring a local guide who can share stories and details tourists often miss. Reflect on the historical significance of each site and how it relates to the present day.

3. Learn the Language Basics

Picking up basic phrases in the local language enhances communication and shows respect for the culture. It can open doors to more authentic interactions and experiences. Learning the language can also help understand local humor and idioms, deepening your cultural immersion. Use language apps or pocket dictionaries to aid your learning. Practice with locals , and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as it's a part of the learning process.

4. Participate in Educational Tours

Guided tours often provide in-depth knowledge about the destination’s history, culture, and natural wonders. Look for tours led by knowledgeable locals or experts in the field. These tours can offer access to areas or information that might otherwise be unavailable. Ask questions and engage in discussions during the tours to gain a deeper understanding. Sometimes, specialized tours, like culinary walks or art history tours, can offer unique perspectives on a destination.

5. Document Your Experiences

Keep a travel journal or blog to reflect on your experiences. Writing helps consolidate learning and can be a fantastic way to share your newfound knowledge with others. Include photos, sketches, or even collected items like ticket stubs in your journal for a more vivid memory. Share your experiences on social media or blogging platforms to connect with other travelers and exchange insights. Reviewing your journal can help you see how your understanding and perceptions have evolved over time.

Final Takeaways Every trip is an opportunity to grow and learn. By actively seeking educational experiences, you can enrich your travels and return home with much more than souvenirs. Remember, the world is your classroom, and every journey is a lesson waiting to be learned.

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WHY DO YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL?

Worldwide thoughts and quotes on the benefits and beauty of travel.

Carolyn Canetti

I polled my friends and family from all over the world on why they love to travel. Here are their responses:

"I think the exposure to new places and new people can be really reviving personally and also eye opening to see how other people live. To see how life functions, whether human or natural life, in other places is really humbling. It's easy to have your status quo at home, but as soon as you're in a new place - all bets are off. You can do anything, and are so willing to try new stuff to push your own boundaries purely because you're in a new place."

"I love to travel because not only is it the ultimate adventure but it also exposes you to new types of people, different ways of living, and opens up your mind. I just like to walk around in beautiful places that resemble the shire from Lord of the Rings while exploring new culinary terrains."

-Matty G "Traveling reminds me that my life isn't the only one I could live and that in the grand scheme of things, I'm pretty unimportant to this world we live in. People get so caught up in their daily lives and forget that they can be somewhere or someone else tomorrow if they'd like. There are no limits in the grand scheme of things except the ones we create for ourselves. Traveling helps make sure I don't forget that ."

"Travel puts me out of my comfort zone and inherently breeds challenge . I'm a firm believer that challenge leads to curiosity, maturity and growth."

"I use travel as an escape from daily life. Having future trips already planned brings me joy and gives me something to look forward to. I've never regretted a single trip I've taken ."

"I love to travel for a few reasons. First, you automatically become a naturally curious being . You are a traveler, tourist, backpacker, etc and even the most basic thing on a trip becomes an adventure - like catching a bus between cities. Second, you are hyper aware of your surroundings and appreciate the beauty or intrigue of a new land and culture! Third, when I travel and then return home, I see home in a whole new light . For example when I studied abroad in Buenos Aires and came back to NOLA, I realized there was so much more exploring of my own city that I needed to do and I was excited and motivated to do that, whereas before I was stuck in my daily routine."

"I travel to eat all the foods ."

" I love figuring things out . I love seeing new people."

"When I think about travel, I mostly think about traveling solo. I love it because it displaces you. In a state displacement you experience wonder, discovery, awe, discomfort. If you go with an open mind, you discover things about yourself, about others and about the world you would have not learned otherwise. It opens you up, turns on new lights so you can see and experience the world in a new way- even when you go 'home'. We get so involved in our current environments and lives - the chance to step out and explore and experience elsewhere gives us perspective and often provides new lenses with which we can see and think about who we are , what are doing with our lives and what we care about. The whole experience is filled with all these beautiful and crazy colors and feelings."

"I like the discovery part of it... I like to explore new things, new places, new views, new people, new everything...T here are many ways to explore new things, but traveling is the most satisfactory as it is the most comprehensive way as it encompasses many elements from views to people to foods etc. I also like getting away from the routine, and the daily chores and daily work and daily life and have a kind of a break from reality if you want... On the other hand with all the new crazy security issues, travel is not so "free spirited" anymore, as now one has to keep in mind and be aware and even worry a bit when traveling, when in the past the idea of travel was to get away from worries."

"I like to travel so that I don't have to text anyone for a week."

" It's fun ."

"People. Whether it's hiking a scenic overlook with old friends, or eating flatbread on the side of the road with new friends, you forge a special bond when you're both out of your elements. Every moment is an adventure."

"I love to travel to experience things and places that are completely unknown or different to me."

"Traveling somewhere new is an opportunity to really engage in being lost. You have to pay close attention to figure out what's your place, and how to act, and how to be respectful. You start to question and reflect on your own assumptions and behavior. You have a chance to represent your home , which both makes you consider other people's perspectives and better articulate who it is you want to be putting forth into the world." ​-Ella

"I love to travel for so many reasons. There is nothing like getting off a plane/train/bus and seeing the beauty of a new place for the first time . Sometimes, the outer beauty is overwhelming and I have to stand still and let time stop to try to take it all in at once. Sometimes, the beauty is less about aesthetics and more about that first conversation with a local when I am pleasantly overwhelmed by their openness and rich culture. I love walking several miles each day in a new place and thinking about who has walked there before me. It can be startling to realize that I do not know a single person for miles and miles, but I think that's part of what keeps it exciting. I feel the most 'alive' when I am exploring ."

"I love to travel to get away from the chaos of life, when I come home I've gained more perspective ."

"The world is full of interesting people, beautiful landscapes, incredible food, amazing music, and different cultures, and life is more interesting when you make time to enjoy as much of it as you can! We are lucky enough to have the ability to access all of this relatively easily, it's our responsibility to travel as much as possible and learn from other cultures."

“Because everything unimportant falls away - all the little stresses of New York. And I can just be. And learn. And see. And really truly lose myself in all the new things in a new different place.”

"I like getting out of the every day routine of things - it helps me get perspective on ma lyfe. And I like seeing how other people live and meeting the Matt Goodmans of other countries ."

“I love to travel because there's so much I haven't seen and every time I go somewhere new I learn about people and places I never thought about before and that's pretty neat. You can only see so much in a photo you gotta go live it to experience .”

“I love that a totally new perspective makes me reconsider my priorities and allows me to kind of recenter myself. Also food is delicious and I'm a sucker for taking pictures of things I've never seen.”

“I love moving away from the tourist trail and exploring where the locals eat, drink, dance and live. I find it so much more meaningful to see and immerse myself in that side of a city. It's nice to get away from the Aussie accents, English speakers and cameras, and just wander around and explore, and imagine yourself living there . I love everything about traveling, particularly trying new cuisines. I despise even the thought of eating at a Western fast food restaurant, when you have so many incredible and new foods to try. Even the experiences that are frustrating or difficult at the time, end up being some of the most memorable, and some of the most hilarious stories to share and reminisce about.”

“I love to travel because it excites me and energizes me ! It takes me out of my comfort zone and exposes me to cultures, landscapes and people that I find so inspiring.”

“Mainly to meet, experience, and learn from different people, for those wild unimaginable moments that just fall into place and make you question if your dreaming , for that crazy sensation of not knowing what's next, and overall for self reflection and personal growth.”

“I'd say I love to travel because I don't want to wake up one day when I'm 80 years old and say to myself I wish I had done that .”

"I like the feeling of adventure, like anything could happen ."

“ My first trip to Kenya made me examine and question how I live and what is important . It made (and continues to make) me wonder who is ‘happier’. I see such discrepancies between my life and others, although I live in a nice apartment with all of the ‘things’ I can desire - my life might be lonelier without a small community support system. So which life is ‘better’? This existential question is made sharper to me by traveling to countries whose cultures, customs and socioeconomic levels are different from what I grew up with and still. I also enjoy learning about the history of other cultures, why heritage and values result in suspicion to refugees and foreigners. This is a wake-up to me that not everyone (not most people) embraces diversity in every way . Much as I like to travel, I love to come home though.”

"I love the smells, tastes, sounds, sights and feelings of a place - new or familiar. I think my memories are closely interwoven with the scent of an event or a period of time so being able to catalogue a place by smell helps me remember the feeling of being there. Also food. Hooray for all the food and recipes that have been passed through generations, families and communities . I also love the feeling that I am somewhere removed from my everyday experience. It is exciting and relieving all at the same time. I love that traveling is not just one thing. Traveling can be fun. It can be invigorating, enlightening, powerful, relaxing, overwhelming, emotional or even a struggle.."

"The anticipate of travel is always the first exciting thing for me. The sheer idea of going somewhere far away. It's part coping mechanism, part restlessness, and part soul seeking. I love witnessing the way different people and cultures move through the world - how they interact with each other, love each other, how they make art, how they define community, what they value, what they fight for, and what they believe in spiritually . With every new encounter, you experience a new part of yourself."

“I love to travel because it takes me out of my comfort zone and I am always learning something new about myself and about that place each day I'm there.”

"For me it's meeting new people and learning about their different way of life - culture, traditions, food. And seeing what makes each place so unique ! Love finding a spot with a view that I'll always remember about that specific trip."

"I love the anticipation of a trip. Looking ahead, saving, planning, researching, all make the trip a greater adventure. I love the sense involved in experiences a new place, especially the taste. Every trip is magical and I feel fortunate; free to have wings at this stage in life."

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't dreaming about exploring a far away place. Trying to answer why I love travel is like trying to ask myself why I eat ice cream. I just love it. There's something so magical about getting the chance to live in each new place, surrounded by a new culture of sights, food and people."

"I love to see how other cultures eat and dance! Food and music is the best way to interact with people if you can't speak each other's language, and getting involved is the best way to show your appreciation . I also love challenging my own ideas about other cultures. It's so refreshing (and educating) to experience another side to what we see on TV, in movies and online.”

"I like to travel to understand history and learn how others live across the world. And for the food obviously ."

“I love to travel because I love to learn and meet inspiring people. It's important to educate yourself about different cultures and its pretty sweet to learn new skills (even if you pay for something 'tourists' do). Submitting yourself to the unpredictability of travel gives you experiences, some good others bad, that ultimately contribute to your world knowledge - even if it's only becoming a bit more aware of what is around you . Oh, and its fun learning dirty words in different languages.”

“I love to travel because it takes me outside of my culture and privilege and reminds me of great inequities in our world. Travel inspires me to learn more, think more and to better serve our world community. ”

“I rewatched Midnight In Paris last night. So I ask, 'is the age we are living in a golden age?' Certainly if Trump is president then No. But how would we ever know? The path towards the answer is to travel. Traveling allows you to drink with Hemingway, walk the path of Jesus, and gush over Joni Mitchell. I travel so I can debate and discuss this necessary question."

"My favorite part of traveling is being exposed to food, people, places, and things I've never experienced. To get that feeling of the first time is exciting ."

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The Complete Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

So you’ve decided to travel internationally, have you? Traveling to another country is something I wish for everyone to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to do so. But for those of us with passports that allow us such opportunity, it’d be a shame to never explore an international destination in our great, big, beautiful world !

It might seem a bit scary to take your first international trip, but I promise it’s not that bad. To help you, I’ve put together this thorough guide on everything you need to know in order to have a successful international trip ! Let’s get straight to it.

Before You Depart for Your Trip

There’s quite a bit to get ready before your international trip. But, don’t worry. It’s all doable, and it’ll all be worth it!

Apply for a Passport

First things first. In order to travel internationally, you’ll need to have a valid, unexpired passport . On top of that, many countries require you to also have at least three or even six months validity left on your passport from your date of travel. So, if you don’t have a valid, unexpired passport or your passport is expiring in three to six months, it’s time to get a new passport before your trip. This process can take a couple months! So plan ahead, and submit your passport request early to save yourself stress and/or expediting fees closer to your departure date.

If this is your very first passport, your last passport was from when you were under 16 years old, your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or your last passport was from 15 or more years ago, you will need to apply for your passport in person. Here are the official steps for the new passport process .

If the above doesn’t apply to you, you simply have to renew your passport. You can do this via mail. Here are the official steps for the renewal process .

Choose Your International Destination

Yipee! Now that you’ve either already got your passport or have applied for a new one, you can choose your international travel destination. This is largely based on your own interests. But as this is your first trip internationally, keep in mind things like language, similarity in culture to back home, and ease of travel-related infrastructures (like trains or buses).

Apply for Any Visa(s)

Once you have chosen your destination(s), check whether you need visas or not . A visa is basically permission from a foreign government for you to be in their country. Some countries may grant you a free visa upon arrival with a simple stamp on your passport. Some countries simply require you to fill out a form online and pay a small fee before you can board your flight. And some countries require expensive visas which you must apply for months in advance. It all depends on that country you are visiting, your passport country, and how long you plan to stay. I love using Travisa ‘s free search tool to quickly and easily check what requirements exist for me before I book a flight. 

Get Any Necessary Vaccines

Before confirming your destination, you should check if any vaccines are necessary for that place. Some vaccines are simply recommended for your own health, while others are requirements before you will be allowed into the country , or even allowed into other countries afterwards (like yellow fever). The CDC website is an easy way to check this. Some vaccines, like yellow fever, are low in supply and hard to get last minute. Others, like malaria pills, require a doctor’s prescription. So don’t leave this step until the last minute !

Check Travel Restrictions

Lastly, make sure there are no travel restrictions or decision-altering political tensions for your destination. Do this by checking the Travel Department site . Simply type in your destination country’s name into the search bar on the left hand side of the screen. 

Preparing Your Finances

Now that your passport is on its way and you’ve settled on your international travel destination(s), it’s time to start thinking about finances.

Some destinations are very credit card friendly. Others operate on only cash and debit cards. And some don’t even have ATM machines! So you’ll need to do a bit of planning before departure to make sure you’re not stressing during your trip, and to save yourself transaction fees.

Get a No Fees Credit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee every time you use your credit card to pay for a foreign transaction. As you can imagine, this adds up to a lot over the course of even a one week international trip. The good news is, many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees . Do a quick internet search to see if your bank offers such a card. 

Get a No Fees Debit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee and $5 each time you withdraw foreign currency from an ATM. Especially if you are traveling to a mostly-cash destination, this is a surefire way to rack up unnecessary travel costs. To avoid this, consider opening a free brokerage account with Charles Schwab to also receive their debit card with zero transaction fees . I first heard about this card when moving to London to study abroad, and I have to say it’s served me well. 

Get Foreign Currency Beforehand

Sometimes, but not often, it’s necessary to have cash in your destination’s currency either before you depart home or right when landing . This might be because your destination does not have ATMs, or because you just want to feel prepared.

If you need foreign cash before leaving home, head to your local bank and exchange currencies. (Just FYI, you’ll get a bad conversion rate doing this, since the bank needs to make commission.) If the currency you need isn’t a common one, your bank won’t have it on hand. In that case, you’ll have to request the exchange online with your bank. 

Many countries that don’t have ATMs also don’t allow their currency to be taken outside their country (like Cuba). In this case, you’ll need to bring enough cash with you in a common currency (like USD, GBP, or Euro). Then, when you arrive at your destination’s airport, you can exchange your cash from home for the local currency.

Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs

You might already know this if you fly domestically, but most airlines have rewards programs. These allow you to accumulate “miles” in your rewards account each time you fly. Eventually, you might rack up enough to redeem those miles in exchange for a flight !

Consider Travel Hacking

Now, some people use airlines rewards programs and racking up miles on steroids, and this is called travel hacking. Many airlines and banks offer huge amounts of miles when you sign up for a card, or offer miles every time you use that card for a purchase. This allows you to rack up enough miles for a free flight or hotel stay more quickly (or sometimes immediately!). I personally have no energy for travel hacking, as I’m not convinced the miles rewards are worth more in dollars than my current card’s cash reward system. But I would be amiss to not mention travel hacking in a guide to international travel.

Planning Your International Trip

Phew! Now that you’ve got all the annoying administrative work out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff; planning your trip .

I have a whole ten-step guide to planning a trip , so I won’t go into too much detail here. But this can be broken down into planning out your travel itinerary, booking your flight, and booking your accommodation.

Create Your Dream Itinerary

Decide everything you want to see in that destination. I love using Pinterest , Instagram , and travel blogs for inspiration. This is my favorite part of planning a trip , because it gets me so excited about what’s to come! Then, figure out how many days each spot deserves if you are moving around, and figure out how to get from point A to point B (train, cab, ferry?). 

Book Your Flight

After you’ve decided how many days you need, you can decide what your travel dates are and start looking for a flight. You can sometimes find good deals really close to the date, but that isn’t guaranteed. I recommend not leaving this until the last minute! I go into more detail how I search for cheap flights in my trip planning guide .

Book Your Housing

Once you have your flight booked, all that’s left is your housing. I love using Booking.com because of its interface, but any hotel search engine will suffice. Also consider AirBnB if you like the idea of staying in a local apartment, or Hostelworld if you’re looking for a social (and often budget-friendly) option. I go into more detail on different types of travel accommodation in my trip planning guide .

Here are some discounts if it’s your first time using AirBnB or Booking.com:

• Save 15% off your first booking by using this link  to sign up for AirBnB for the first time.
• Get  10% back  from your first booking when you use this link  for your first time using Booking.com.

Preparing for Departure

Woohoo! You’ve got your passport, your trip is planned, and all that’s left is to depart. There are a couple things you should do to best prepare for your upcoming international trip.

Scan the Front Page of Your Passport

Before leaving home, make a copy of the front page of your passport (the page with your picture). Either print it out or send it to yourself via email. In case your passport gets lost, stolen, or damaged during your international trip, this makes it easier to have your passport replaced abroad at an embassy.

Expect Cultural Differences

Every country or region has its own culture and norms, and that’s what makes traveling so great. In some places, like the US, it’s common to greet strangers “hello,” or for shop associates and waiters to be extra doting. In other places, like much of Europe, the slower cafe and restaurant culture means your waiter might not come to you unless beckoned. It’s almost seen as if the waiter is rushing you! Similarly, in Japan, it’s offensive to tip waiters, as it suggests their only incentive to do their job well is receiving your pocket change. No culture is right or wrong, but keep an open mind as you travel, and don’t assume something means the same as it does back home .

Prepare for Language Barriers

Many popular travel destinations have adopted English as a common language due to how many international tourists they receive. So, if you know English, chances are you’ll be fine getting around many travel destinations around the world. But it still doesn’t hurt to learn some basic words in your destination’s language .

Saying “hello” or “thank you” in a person’s mother tongue can go a long way in warming them up towards you. Learning common menu items or words on train station signs will also likely make your life easier and give you more confidence abroad. I love using the free version of Duolingo’s mobile app ( iOS and Android ) for a few weeks before I head somewhere new to learn a language’s basics. Alternatively, you could simply head to Google translate and jot down key words on a small piece of paper before you depart. Then, keep this paper handy while you’re out exploring for easy access.

What to Expect on an International Flight

Even if you’ve flown domestically before, flying internationally can be a whole different experience . Here are my top tips for flying internationally.

What to Pack in Your Carry On

Packing carry on luggage for an international trip is similar in many ways to for a domestic trip. The same rules apply with regards to liquid sizes and electronics. However, as international flights tend to naturally be longer than domestic flights, there are a few extra considerations.

Make sure you are comfortable. Bring your own favorite headphones instead of using the uncomfortable free or for sale ones on board the flight. Also bring an eye mask (and a neck pillow if you need that) so that you can try to sleep a bit. You’ll also want to pack clothing items like one pair of pajamas and one or two proper outfits, in case your luggage is lost or delayed . It would be super inconvenient to buy these things right after you land in a foreign country!

Common Flight Etiquette

No one likes flying. So to make it easier on everyone, here are some best practices for being polite while in the airport and on the plane.

• While in the airport, don’t stand up and crowd around the gate way before your boarding group is called. Everyone will get their chance to board.
• Once on the plane, the middle seat person gets dibs on the inner arm rests .
• Right after the plane lands, don’t rush to pull your luggage from the overhead before the plane doors have even opened (especially if you’re in the back of the plane!). If you’re in a rush to catch a connection you think you might miss, ask the flight attendants before landing if they can help you get off first. Sometimes they’ll make an announcement that everyone should stay seated until those about to miss a connection exit first!

Staying Healthy While Flying

The last thing you want is to get off your flight and feel unwell the first days of your epic trip! Here are precautions you should take to ensure you land in tip-top shape.

• Stay hydrated . Airplane air has less humidity (only about 10 – 20%!), so make sure you are drinking enough water, especially on long haul flights. I always bring a large, refillable water bottle when I fly. I fill it up at an airport water fountain right after passing security and finish it all before boarding. Then, I refill it again to have a full supply while on board. This is important not only for headaches and such, but also to prevent skin breakouts in the days after landing.
• Keep the blood flowing . Not only are you not moving for hours upon hours when flying internationally, but your feet are flat on the floor the entire time, too. This isn’t great for blood circulation, and can cause swelling in your ankles and feet the days after your land. (It’s also just not good for your health to not move!) So, make it a point to get up and walk around the plane. Since you’ll be drinking a lot of water anyways, maybe walk up and down the aisles for some minutes each time you finish using the toilets. Do some stretches , like pulling your feet up to your booty one at a time and holding, or lifting each knee up and holding. If you have a layover with enough time, walk around the terminal for some time before boarding your second flight.
• Stay clean . Even pre-Covid-19, planes and airports have never been the cleanest places to be. Wash your hands frequently with soap, use hand sanitizer , and consider disinfecting your food tray, screen, and arm rests right after getting on board. Make sure not to touch or pick your face too much, especially since it’s already dealing with the dehydrating air!

Flying with Dietary Restrictions

Airplane food is pretty much never great, especially if you aren’t flying first class. But if you’re on a particular diet or have dietary restrictions, you’ll need to plan ahead of time. Consider packing some of your favorite nutritious snacks instead of relying on the salty pretzels you can expect on board. If you have a specific need, like vegan meals, call the airline 24 hours before your flight to put in your request for a special meal . You might also want to double-check the meal request before take off at the gate.

Staying Safe While Traveling Internationally

While the world isn’t the big, bad, scary place we’re often made to believe, that doesn’t mean travel is free of risks.

A lot of the safety precautions and considerations you should take while traveling abroad are similar to those you take at home. But a few aren’t. Here are my main safety tips for international travel.

Solo Travel

By its very nature, traveling alone is more risky than traveling with a companion. Is it significantly more risky? I think not. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t take any extra precautions when traveling alone.

One precaution I take is to always let someone know where I am . If I have a full itinerary planned, I send my mom a summary of each city and accommodation I plan to stay at. If I’m doing something like a hike without any new friends I’ve met, I’ll let the front desk know my plans before I head out. I also try to be confident . Even if I don’t know where I’m going, I try to look like I do! If I need to look directions up on my phone, I might do it before leaving the hotel or shop or restaurant.

Another thing to remember is that traveling solo is not traveling alone . Especially if staying in hostels, you’ll meet other people traveling solo like you are, and you can do activities with them.

Solo Female Travel

Something my loved ones tell me often is how it’s so unsafe to travel alone as a woman. But the truth is, is it perfectly safe to be a woman anywhere in the world? Even when I’m in in the comfort of my home country, I rush to my car when in public garages at night, receive uncomfortable comments from strangers on the street, and face the potential of sexual harassment or even assault. Sexism exists everywhere, not just abroad. Of course, I do take extra precautions as a solo female traveler compared to a male solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a female in my home country, too.

These are some of the precautions I take while traveling as a woman, in addition to the precautions I take for traveling solo in general:

• I never walk alone past dark . Ever, ever. Even if I “feel” safe in a place (which is most of the time), it’s just something I’ve promised myself I wouldn’t do.
• I try to dress conservatively in certain destinations. Especially as a Californian, I’m used to super short shorts and low-cut shirts being totally normal. While these are still often acceptable abroad, they definitely cause a lot of stares that I personally have decided I’d rather avoid if I can. So, I’ll wear looser, longer shorts instead of tight short-shorts, or midi skirts and dresses instead of what I consider normal length. This isn’t so much because I feel unsafe, but because I’ve realized it decreases bothersome male comments and advances immensely.
• I haven’t actually done this yet, but it’s a trick I have in my back pocket. Bring a fake wedding ring . Depending on the destination, this can help ward off some comments (and even playful marriage proposals!).

Traveling as a Person of Color

Similar to the solar female travel issue, a lot of my family fear that I’ll stand out like a sore thumb as a black woman. Also similar to the solo female travel issue, racism is simply something that exists everywhere, not just abroad . Of course, I do take extra precautions as a black solo traveler compared to a white solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a black person in my home country, too.

The main extra consideration I take while traveling as a person of color is to research the experiences of other black people or black women in destinations I know less about , or that I know have few black people or tourists. I recommend you do the same for whatever race or ethnicity you might identify with, as destinations might be used to one group but not a different group. This, of course, can be difficult, as the voices in the travel sphere are mostly white men, and next white women. (This is why it’s important to have better representation.) If you can’t find the insight you need online, consider directly emailing or messaging any travel writers or influences whose experiences you’d like to hear.

Traveling with Cash and Valuables

Like you would in certain areas of your home country, don’t flash valuables while traveling. Be cognizant as you withdraw or exchange any cash . Being a tourist can make you a target already, so don’t give pickpockets any extra incentive!

Be careful not to carry all your cash and cards in one place. If you can, take some with you as you explore, and then leave back up cards, unneeded cash, and your passport back in a safe in your accommodation . That way, if anything gets stolen or lost while out exploring, you have back ups to hold you over.

Bring Locks for Hostels

If you are planning on staying in hostels, definitely purchase a lock before your trip. Hostels usually have lockers, but charge a couple bucks to rent a lock. It’s much more economical to purchase once and not pay each time.

Register with Your Country’s Embassy

This is a step I never usually did before, but one I’ll be doing every time in the future! I was “one of those” people who got stranded abroad in a foreign country when the world started closing borders in response to Covid-19. I always thought registering with the local embassy for my country was a waste of time, but this turned out to be the best way to get up-to-date information on the situation. After missing out on crucial info once, I signed up. And it’s thanks to that I was able to eventually get home!

You never know what could happen when you are abroad, whether that is a pandemic, weather-related disaster, local protests, or political tensions. It’s near-impossible to keep up with your foreign destination’s news while traveling. So registering with your embassy is an easy way to get a simple email for key things you should know . For Americans, this program to register is called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , but other countries have pretty much the same thing.

Get Travel Insurance

I’m not sure I believe “everyone” should “always” get travel insurance. But for a first trip abroad, it’s worth considering. I typically never purchased it when I traveled places I knew well. But these days, as I’m no longer on my parents’ good insurance, and as I travel mostly solo, I do purchase travel insurance. It often only costs a couple dollars a day , and usually covers lost baggage, medical visits for accidents or illnesses, theft, and more. Especially if you are planning adrenaline activities or traveling somewhere distant, you should consider it! 

What Do You Think About My International Travel Guide?

And there ya have it, folks! Are you feeling prepared for your international trip! I hope this guide was helpful. If you still have more questions before your trip abroad, definitely comment below and I’ll answer. Or, if you have any advice you think I missed that others should know, please also comment below!

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Further Reading...

How to Travel Cheaper: A Beginner’s Guide to Budget Travel

How to Travel Carry On Only: A Beginner’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

Best Offline Travel Map App: Ulmon CityMaps2Go Review

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

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On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction. This announcement of the most outstanding hotels in the country comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to look at all the Keys.

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Take a peek at SingleThread, the five room inn with Three Keys and Three Stars. Explore the one street in Chicago that leads to seven Key hotels. Or find out more the Cliff House suite at our only Three Key hotel in Big Sur, California. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the United States 2024 Key Hotel List

The Three Key Club in New York City

Expect: The highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District. Within the small club of Three Key hotels in the United States, four make their home in New York City. The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life. Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of Three Key hotels in New York City. Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp. Click the links here to explore the whirl of colors and collage of art that define the Crosby Street (Soho) and the Whitby Hotel (Midtown). Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Jewels on the Coast: Up and Down California

Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most Key hotels in America. Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur ( Post Ranch Inn and Ventana ), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian ), and wine country favorites like SingleThread and the Madrona . What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations — and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.

Across America: The Golden Age of Celebrity

Our French Keys bask in the tradition of ancient vineyards, stone chateaus, and historic palaces. In the United States, we see a different tradition. In Los Angeles, places like Chateau Marmont , the Paramour Estate , Sunset Tower , and the Charlie date back to guests and residents as illustrious as Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. These are spaces that play ingeniously with their history, even as they forge ahead with cutting-edge amenities and experiences. But it’s not just California. New York’s historic artist hotspot, the Hotel Chelsea , once hosted Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Today, it decorates every space with art donated by former residents. Look too to the Chicago Athletic Association , a former member’s club for 20th century business magnates and athletes — now among the city’s most impressive and vibrant hotels. Also read: Hollywood Glamor at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

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California (Beverly Hills):  The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn California (Los Angeles):  Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection California (Rutherford):  Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection California (St. Helena):  Meadowood Napa Valley California (Woodside):  Canyon Ranch Woodside New York (NYC):  Aman New York New York (NYC):  Casa Cipriani New York New York (NYC):  Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels New York (NYC):  The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

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California (Beverly Hills): L'Ermitage Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Maybourne Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Peninsula Beverly Hills California (Carmel Valley): Bernardus Lodge & Spa California (Big Sur): Ventana Big Sur California (Guerneville): The Stavrand California (Healdsburg): Montage Healdsburg California (Healdsburg): The Madrona California (Laguna Beach): Montage Laguna Beach California (Montecito): Rosewood Miramar Beach California (Napa):  Milliken Creek Inn & Spa California (San Francisco):  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero California (San Francisco):  The Battery California (Sausalito):  Cavallo Point Lodge California (West Hollywood): Chateau Marmont California (West Hollywood):  Pendry West Hollywood California (Yountville):  Bardessono California (Yountville):  North Block Washington D.C.:  Rosewood Washington, D.C.   Washington D.C.:  The Jefferson Florida (Miami):  Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Florida (Miami Beach):  Faena Hotel Miami Beach Florida (Miami Beach):  Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Florida (Miami Beach):  The Setai Miami Beach   Illinois (Chicago): Pendry Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Langham, Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Peninsula Chicago New York (NYC): Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York New York (NYC):  Nine Orchard  New York (NYC):  Pendry Manhattan West New York (NYC): The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel New York (NYC): The Fifth Avenue Hotel New York (NYC):  The Mark Hotel

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The Guilty Pleasures of the Chicago Athletic Association

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Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

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10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

W hile classic family vacations like theme parks and all-inclusive family resorts never go out of style, embracing the newest travel trends for 2024 might expand your idea of what a family trip can look like. That's especially true if you've stayed close to home the past few years, because 2024's emerging vacation trends are all about finding brand-new experiences to enjoy together as a family.

Here are the newest travel trends that could help you make this year's family vacation the best yet.

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1. Set jet (yes, you read that right)

Jet-setting might feel like the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, but set-jetting is for everyday travelers who are fans of media made "on location." From vacationing in the City of Light a la "Emily in Paris" to journeying to Sicily to see the sights of "The White Lotus" Season 2, visiting the spot where your favorite movie or television show was filmed is an emerging trend for 2024 vacations. In the U.S., Los Angeles is the epicenter of family set-jetting. Fans of "Barbie" can rollerblade in Venice Beach, just as Barbie and Ken did in Greta Gerwig's hit. 

For set-jetting with multigenerational appeal, channel Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, where much of the iconic movie is set. Dine like Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop" overlooking Rodeo Drive at The Blvd (the large kids menu should please even finicky eaters). Or stay at The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles and imagine yourself in the presence of the "Ghostbusters" (scenes from the original movie were filmed there) or Molly Ringwald from "Pretty in Pink."

More 2024 vacation ideas:

• 14 most anticipated new family resorts and hotels of 2024
• What's coming to Disney’s theme parks and cruises in 2024
• 50 fun family vacation ideas for all ages in 2024

2. Bring more, it's merrier

The popularity of multigenerational family vacations shows no sign of slowing in 2024. When you travel with extended family, booking an accommodation with room to spread out offers privacy and togetherness in the right proportion. Some families opt to rent a big house , maybe even hire a cook or organize meals together, while others relish having it all included. Either way, making memories in person has rarely felt quite as important as it does these days.

My family and I recently took a multigenerational vacation to Beaches Negril in Jamaica. We stayed in a new Eventide Villa with a kitchen, living room, four bedrooms, and 4½ bathrooms that sleeps 18 people comfortably. While it was far from a cheap family vacatio n, the per-person cost fit into our budget and hit the sweet spot straddling independence and family time. You could also purposefully choose a combination of rooms and suites across a Caribbean family resort like Beaches so meet-ups for activities are all the more special.

More multigenerational vacation ideas:

• How to plan a multigenerational Disney World vacation
• 19 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S.

3. Renew your passport the easy way

With post-pandemic travel demand still soaring and so many possible travel trends to pursue in 2024, the process of applying for or renewing your passport through traditional methods continues to be unpredictable and, at times, downright frustrating. I recently used It’s Easy, a passport and visa expediting company that has been in business since 1976 but is experiencing renewed interest in today's travel environment. 

I downloaded the app, which allowed me to take my passport photo in my living room, then filled out a few forms and mailed it all to their office. My new passport arrived straight to my mailbox in a jiffy. The process was efficient and well worth the reasonable fee. Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person, but It’s Easy can facilitate the process, holding your hand throughout. 

More vacation ideas with (or without) a passport:

• 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a U.S. passport
• 6 ultra-affordable all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

4. Learn indigenous history and culture

After a strong year in 2023, tourism that allows us to learn about the culture, traditions and homes of our nation’s first inhabitants will continue to gain in popularity in 2024. This kind of travel can guide you to some of North America's most beautiful natural settings while helping you learn history you may not have been taught in school. 

Seek out Navajo-led tours through Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly to learn not only about the area's cultural history but also about geologic time. In Monument Valley, you can do both by hiring a local guide to take you beyond the prescribed 17-mile loop. In Canyon de Chelly, there's no other way to see the valley from its floor than with a local guide which adds power to the stories of the generations. Both the The View Hotel in Monument Valley and Thunderbird Lodge at Canyon de Chelly are Indigenous-owned and -operated, so your visit serves you and channels important resources to local communities. 

Similarly, purchasing crafts made by Native American artisans is welcome at a variety of Native Art Festivals all year long around the U.S., and you can learn about the creative process of some of the most prized crafts from Acoma potters with a visit to Acoma Sky City in New Mexico, the longest continually inhabited community in the United States.

Near the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, stay at Shash Dine EcoResort in a traditional off-grid Native hogan near Page, Arizona. Or, for a more curated experience, consider joining Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas guided group tour. On this nine-day trip, you'll gain a deeper knowledge of Indigenous history and current issues, including the value of respectful tribal tourism as a source of income.

More indigenous tourism ideas:

• Tour review: Trafalgar’s national parks and native trails of the Dakotas
• 5 family-friendly luaus in Hawaii that celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures

5. Engage with outdoor art 

Even a few years on from social distancing, Americans continue to want to incorporate open spaces into their travels, and the many outdoor sculpture gardens around the U.S. are a perfect and low-key way to do it. Liberated from the constraints of an indoor museum, sculpture parks hold special appeal for families. Kids can run and play while absorbing color, form and the ever-changing dialogue between art and the environment. 

This past summer, my family and I visited the Olympic Sculpture Park in the heart of Seattle. The kids ran circles around Alexander Calder's immense The Eagle while the adults took a seat on Eye Benches, surrealist eyeballs that double as surprisingly comfortable benches. It was free, easy and fun. Of course, sculptures abound in the form of monuments, statuary, and fountains around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., most notably at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and the easy-to-miss Vietnam Women's Memorial .

For one of the best sculpture treasure hunts in the country, build a visit to the Storm King Art Center into a New York family vacation . Stretch your legs while you walk among marvels by Calder, Maya Lin and Andy Goldsworthy, among others, or rent bikes to travel further afield. The 500-acre outdoor museum just 90 minutes from New York City is worth a whole day's visit, and if you run out of steam or simply prefer to see more with less energy, there's a regular tram tour throughout the day. 

More nature and outdoors vacations:

• 10 best campgrounds and RV parks for family vacations
• 10 incredible family glamping resorts in the U.S.

6. Discover the joys of low-season vacations

For the family who sees art in all of nature and loves an outdoor adventure, ski resorts make great summer playgrounds , providing ample opportunities for mountain biking and hiking in particular. Though vacationing in swanky, snowy wonderlands in places like Aspen and Jackson Hole is expensive in winter, prices tumble as temperature rises. At the exclusive St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, ski trails are transformed into a patchwork of mountain biking and hiking trails. Out-of-the-box activities like falconry and candle-dipping are also part of the summer experience, and the giant swimming pool is a magnet for kids. 

Similarly, Limelight Ketchum 's central location in Ketchum, Idaho, makes for an ideal home base for mountain adventures. A fly-fishing mecca, Ketchum offers the thrill of the river, an extensive trail along the valley riverbed, and downhill mountain biking with handlebars pointed toward the water. Bikes are available at Limelight, and it's a gentle jaunt to the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens or deeper into town for any of Ketchum's awesome dining spots. 

More Affordable Family Vacation Ideas:

• 8 cheap spring break trips that don’t skimp on the fun
• 7 cheap California vacations for the whole family

7. Savor a new kind of culinary travel

Travel tends to be best enjoyed with delicious dining options , and everyone can enjoy a special setting. After all, why have dinner at an ordinary restaurant when your family can feast in a novel setting with plenty of panache? Pair your Colorado vacation with a stop at The Airplane Restaurant and dine inside a real Boeing KC-97. Then, take a quick trip to Denver to dine at Casa Bonita, where waterfalls, all-you-can-eat Mexican food and seating for 1,000 create a true dining experience. 

Other special dining experiences worth building a 2024 vacation around include Tellers , an Italian eatery inside The National Hotel in Oklahoma City. Once the First National Bank, today it's a place to enjoy luscious pasta while sitting in restored original teller booths. Similarly, you can dine in a renovated train factory in Montreal's Hoogan et Beaufort , where architects preserved the history of the building while creating an inviting space for meals. And in Rhode Island, dine inside a Hobbit house straight out of "The Lord of the Rings."

More food-themed vacation ideas:

• Skip the buffet: 7 all-inclusive resorts with the best food offerings
• 11 one-of-a-kind Disney foods you need to try at Disney World

8. Enjoy wine instead of whining kids

Though you have to be at least 21 to drink, wineries are opening their doors to kids with fun activities from cider tastings to cornhole toss. The relaxed atmosphere that tends to come with wine tasting can be ideal for visitors of all ages as long as the kiddos have something to do.

All of the wineries in Traverse City, Michigan, welcome children. Black Star Farms in Sutton Bay has a herd of goats, horses, hiking trails, an outdoor patio and organic apple cider. Seasonal sleigh rides and brunch with Santa are a hit with families. Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley is another respected viticulture region, and at family-owned Woodward Canyon Winery , kids can play lawn games while parents taste.

In Northern California, your whole family can enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train . If staying on terra firma is more your style, nearby Sonoma's Cline Cellars offers not only delicious wines but also opportunities for kids to feed the koi, birds and goats; it's also home to a California Mission Museum with scaled models of the California missions, so kids can have a learning opportunity while you enjoy your wine. Further south in Paso Robles on the Central California Coast, Sculpterra Winery’s sculpture garden, giant kaleidoscope and table tennis will keep kids occupied while parents sip and savor. 

More Wine-Themed Vacation Ideas:

• How to plan the perfect wine tasting trip to Napa and Sonoma
• 9 Napa Valley hotels that actually welcome kids

9. Avoid the crowds at state parks 

There are nearly 4,000 state parks scattered across the United States, many of them offering excellent recreational facilities and pristine beauty. The two things state parks often lack? Big crowds and big prices. State parks are often extremely affordable hidden gems. I've learned that not all of North America's beauty resides in the bigger and busier national parks , and you can usually find a great state park within an hour of most urban centers.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a family favorite with 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls and miles of trails. Camping, fishing, disc golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are recreational possibilities.

New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park sit on the shores of Echo Lake and is just an hour's drive from Concord. With boating, fishing, swimming and views of Cannon Mountain, this state park is a scenic delight.

At Florida’s Cayo Costa State Park , you cam make like Robinson Crusoe. This secluded island state park is accessible only by boat, but once you're there and pay a $2 entry fee, you'll find an undeveloped shoreline and a rich array of marine life and shorebirds.

More state park vacation ideas:

• 10 best Florida state parks for families
• 12 super fun Midwest family vacations

10. Finally get a good night's sleep on vacation

Parents know the saying "sleep like a baby" can be misleading. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your family’s well-being, but it can be tough to achieve when you’re in a new environment. In 2024, many hotels will be prioritizing the intersection of sleep and hospitality. 

At the hip Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, the Rest and Recovery Suite aims to induce slumber with a pillow menu, mattress with an adjustable thermostat, and eco-friendly earplugs. In New York, buck the "City That Never Sleeps" label with a restorative sleep bed by Bryte at the Park Hyatt . At Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, there’s a resident sleep expert to guide you toward better rest after a day spent enjoying any of the many Orlando theme parks .

10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
• 15 best all-inclusive family resorts around the world
• 8 all-inclusive family resorts for a tropical winter escape

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

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WEATHER ALERT

4 warnings and an advisory in effect for 6 regions in the area

Entertainment, 5 family friendly travel destinations in texas to visit this spring, a mom’s guide to exploring the outdoors in the lone star state.

Krisna Menier , Membership Director

HOUSTON – Hey there, fellow adventurers! As winter fades away and the flowers begin to bloom, spring in Texas is the perfect time for families to venture out and explore. As a mom on a mission to ensure maximum fun during our travels, here’s my round-up of the coolest spring nature destinations in the Lone Star State.

Santa Ana National Refuge

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Lush trails, chasing after colorful birds, and crossing a tree bridge for the ultimate bird’s eye view awaits you at the Santa Ana National Refuge ! It’s like stepping into a real-life nature documentary, and trust me, your little adventurers will be buzzing with excitement.

• Distance from Houston: 5 hours
• Admission: Daily passes are $5 per vehicle and yearly passes are $10 per vehicle. The first Sunday of every month is FREE!

Llano River State Park

Who’s up for a splash-tastic adventure? Head on over to the Llano River , where the water’s cool and the vibes are even cooler! Head to the visitor center and pick your kids up a FREE junior ranger explorer pack, packed with goodies to conquer the great outdoors. From floating down the river to casting a line for the catch of the day, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

• Admission: Adults are $5 daily. Children 12 years and under are free. Camping is between $10 - $20.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is your ticket to sun-soaked bliss and sandy shenanigans. Managed by Blue Wave Beaches, this slice of paradise boasts squeaky-clean sands and low tide waters for every swimmer to enjoy.

• Distance from Houston: 3 hours
• Admission: $10 daily or $40 annual vehicle parking fee.

Comal River

Grab your tubes , slap on some sunscreen, and prepare for a tubing adventure like no other. With gentle currents and heart-pounding tube chutes, it’s the perfect blend of chill vibes and adrenaline rushes. The Comal River is known for its shorter float and calmer waters making it perfect for families.

• Admission: Expect to spend $15-22 per person, including shuttle, tube rental, and parking fees.

RELATED: Play in New Braunfels: Grab your inner tube, sunblock and beach towels!

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a haven of adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, you are transported to a world where time slows down and nature takes center stage. Through hands-on activities like nature walks, guided photography grotto hikes and star gazing , there is something for everyone to relax and enjoy the serenity of the environment.

• Admission: Varies based on tours between $5 - $50.

So, grab your crew, pack your sense of adventure (and some sunscreen), and get ready to make memories that’ll last a lifetime. When it comes to family fun in Texas, the sky’s the limit!

Have other spots your family loves to visit in the spring in Texas? Share your favorites in the comments section below!

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Krisna menier.

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

TikTok Notes 12+

Share, connect, discover, tiktok ltd..

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• 3.5 • 21 Ratings

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TikTok Notes is a lifestyle platform that offers informative photo-text content about people's lives, where you can see individuals sharing their travel tips, daily recipes...

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Real, diverse, useful photos and texts here!

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Audio would be cool but it’s an ok app, I think it needs audios bcs it’s too silent and it makes me hear the voices

Isn’t this supposed to work in Canada?

I could only download the app but it doesn’t let me login with my tiktok account…

complete joke

much like the main app this is horrible too with zero settings , none of your followers and no views! and they released it in canada even tho they dont include canadians in their creator fund. when america bans them ( god willing ) i hooe america makes canada ban them too . horrible company horrible app

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