Today is my 26th birthday. Today, I leave my “early 20s” and cross over into my “late 20s.” It's weird, in a way, because I feel like I barely got used to telling people I was 25, and now suddenly I'm a year older. Time certainly does fly when you're having fun — and I've definitely had my fair share of fun this past year!
Since I'm turning over another year today, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back at my life and travel and the things I've learned. I haven't been traveling for 26 years, but I'll still share 26 things travel has taught me thus far.
26 things travel has taught me
1. The world is not as scary as the media would lead you to believe
If you're like most people and get your opinion of the world from the news and movies, you probably view it as a dangerous, scary place. A place where terrorism is widespread, people kidnap tourists, and the likelihood of being robbed, maimed, or otherwise harmed is high.
The reality, of course, is that the world is not actually that scary, so long as you keep your wits about you.
2. A country's past should not decide its future
Certain parts of the world have particularly dark pasts — war, genocide, communism, terrorism… But the truth is, NO country can boast a completely peaceful history. Instead of judging a place by its past (and perhaps avoiding it because of that past), it's better to look at a country as it is right now.
Don't write a destination off just because of something that happened there 10, 20, 50 years ago. You aren't the same person you were 10 years ago — so why shouldn't it be true of destinations, too?
3. We are not so different
At the end of the day, things like language, skin color, religion, and culture differentiate us much less than we think. No matter where you go in the world, people still strive for the same things: to care for their families. To be successful. To be happy.
Keep this in mind whenever you start thinking “us” and “them” thoughts. Because, at the end of the day, our dreams and goals are not that different.
4. I am incredibly lucky to have the passport that I do
There's no doubt about it: my American passport is a very, very valuable thing. With it, I am able to travel virtually anywhere in the world; there are very few barriers for me to overcome. I realize how lucky I am to have been born in the United States and have all the rights and freedoms associated with my citizenship.
5. Being an American does not have to be a negative thing
I know some Americans who are ashamed of where they come from — especially when they travel. They say they're Canadian, or simply don't say where they're from at all. This is silly. Most people I've encountered around the world love Americans. They don't necessarily love our government or world policies, but they love us and are open to learning more about us.
6. Having an open mind will take you far
Other people keep open minds when meeting me; it's only fair that I do the same. Traveling with an open mind will allow you to have amazing, unforgettable experiences. Forget what you think you know, and life will be much more rewarding.
7. You cannot judge a culture that you know nothing about
Having an open mind will help you realize that stereotypes never represent everyone. You cannot judge a culture if you do not understand it — and basing your understanding on a stereotype does not equal understanding.
Before you pass judgment on traditions or beliefs, take some time to get to know the culture you are judging first.
8. I'm more capable of solo travel that I once thought
I used to think that solo travel wasn't for me. I didn't think I could enjoy it. I didn't think I could handle it, to be honest. But I underestimated myself. Now, it's hard to imagine traveling any way other than on my own.
9. The world is big, and I will never see it all
With each new country I visit, I become acutely aware of how many there are left for me to see. The world is a big, amazing place, and I will likely never run out of places that I want to explore.
It's like Socrates said: “The more you know, the more you realize you know nothing.” This is true of travel, too — the more you see, the more you realize you've seen nothing.
10. It's OK to keep returning to a place you love
Even though the world is huge with endless places to discover, I've realized that some places will keep pulling you back. You will leave bits of your heart in different corners of the globe, and those places will call to you periodically. And this is OK. You don't have to always go somewhere different to be a “traveler.”
11. My own country is incredible
I love traveling abroad, don't get me wrong. But I've learned that my own country is pretty damn special, too. It's huge and diverse and very, very beautiful. From New York City to the Florida Everglades to the Southwest to San Francisco, this country has SO much to offer. And so much to love.
12. No one cares about my eating/drinking habits
I've never been a very adventurous eater, and I don't drink alcohol. I always figured people would judge me for this. But I've learned over the past few years that trying weird new foods can be fun. And I've learned that most people accept that I don't drink, and don't try to guilt me into it.
13. Your travel style shouldn't be compared to anyone else's
Don't listen to anyone who tells you that they know the “right” way to travel. There is no “right way.” There's only the way that works for YOU. Whether you're a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, just travel the way that you want to and ignore everyone else. In the end, you will be a much happier traveler.
14. A travel style can change
Just as there's no one travel style that works for everyone, there may not even be one travel style that works for you all the time. As you grow and age and gain travel experience, your style may well change. And there's nothing wrong with that. A backpacker can stay in a luxury hotel, just as a comfort-seeking traveler can rough it in the bush.
15. Hostels are a great invention, even if I don't love them
I've never been the biggest fan of hostels (though they definitely are growing on me), but I have come to acknowledge how brilliant an invention they are. They are affordable, usually centrally located, and allow you to easily meet other travelers wherever you are. Forget what you know about them from the movies — they are actually great.
16. Technology has changed the way we travel
As I've traveled around the world and grown this blog from the ground up, I've become very aware of the effect technology has had on all of it. These days, I can book a hotel, a plane ticket, and a car all in a few clicks. I can get great travel tips from strangers on Twitter. I can instantly share photos with my friends on Facebook in real-time. And I can keep in touch with just about anyone, no matter where they are in the world. Technology has made the world smaller.
17. Being able to read a map is crucial
Despite smartphones and Google Maps and all that, being able to read an old-fashioned paper map is still a great skill to have. I've learned that I am actually a pretty good navigator once I get a real map in my hands.
18. Getting lost can sometimes be a blessing in disguise
Sometimes, though, losing the map and just allowing yourself to get lost can be a great thing. As long as you don't find yourself lost in a bad neighborhood or otherwise dangerous situation, being lost can help you discover a place in a unique way that you just can't do by following a map or a guidebook's suggestions.
You'll stumble across tucked-away restaurants, funny street art, and scenes most people probably don't see. You may even be forced to talk to some locals!
19. You really can make lifelong friends while traveling
Yes, it's true that traveling long-term often means having to say a lot of goodbyes. Frequently. But it also allows you to meet a ton of amazing people who love traveling just as much as you do. Occasionally, you'll form bonds so strong that things like distance and time won't matter. With technology today, maintaining international friendships is easy. And having friends all over the world is never a bad thing.
20. You and your excuses are the only things holding you back
I can't tell you how often people tell me that they wish they could do what I'm doing. Well guess what? They can. So can you. If you want to travel but currently aren't, it might be because you're hiding behind excuses. Time. Money. Responsibility. Fear. In many cases, YOU are the only thing truly holding yourself back. You can make time by prioritizing and planning ahead. You can save money by staying in hostels and flying budget airlines. You can manage the responsibility smartly. And you can overcome the fear.
21. Being nervous is natural
Fear and being nervous are natural when it comes to traveling. I'm not any braver than you are (no matter what you tell me). There have been several times when I've seriously considered canceling a trip at the last minute because I was scared. Scared of the unknown, mostly, because travel is full of unknowns. It's pushing through this fear and nervousness that really make you brave.
22. When the universe sends you signs, pay attention
Over the past few months, I feel like I've been getting a lot of signs from the Universe, pointing me down this path of travel. And, finally, I'm starting to pay attention. Whether it's related to travel or not, if Fate or God or the Universe or whatever is sending you signs, you'd better be listening.
23. Every destination has something to offer — you just have to find it
Maybe I'm just an overly positive person, but it's my belief that every destination — no matter where — has something interesting to discover about it. I try my best to uncover these redeeming qualities wherever I travel, and I think it helps me enjoy the whole travel process more.
24. It's OK to not love a place
#23 being said, of course, you don't have to love every place you travel. Destinations are like potential partners, I think — sometimes you just don't mesh well together, and the relationship doesn't work out. This is OK. As positive as I am about new places, there have still been destinations that just haven't wowed me. Like this one. And this one.
25. People back home may never understand
As much as I've tried to convince myself otherwise, the reality is that, sometimes, you are the only one who can truly appreciate your travels. When you return home from a trip and have all these amazing memories and experiences buzzing around in your head, chances are your friends and family back home won't be nearly as interested to hear about your adventures as you'd like them to be.
While you were off traversing the world, they were carrying on with their normal lives. They might be jealous of you. Or they just may have no sense of how amazing traveling is. They may never understand, and I've learned that you just have to come to terms with this.
26. Travel WILL change your life
Lastly, I've learned that travel — no matter how, where, or how often you do it — truly can change your life. Maybe travel will inspire a huge change, like convincing you to quit your job or move abroad. Maybe it will just inspire a little change, like opening your mind up to new foods and cultures. But I have no doubt that travel IS life-changing.
I know it sure has changed mine.
Do you agree with these lessons? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I’m working on a similar post for my upcoming 25th birthday, so don’t be angry if I do publish it haha! But I agree with most of the items you listed. Travel IS a life changer.
Hahaha, go for it! These sorts of posts are always fun to read – they are a good insight into the writer!
Happy Birthday, Amanda! I have so enjoyed following your travels. I started living overseas at a young age, and I absolutely agree with all of your Travel Lessons. I especially agree with #23 (every place has something to offer– you just have to find it) and I think that applies to so many things, and especially people. Wishing you a wonderful year.
Thanks, Ariana! And yes, #23 can definitely apply to people, too!
Awesome post, Amanda! As I read each one, I was thinking ‘heck yeah!’ you’ve done a great job articulating things that I’d thought haha
I hear ya on the ‘late 20’s’ as well, as I turn 27 in 2 months, and am having trouble comprehending its proximity to 30 lol oh dear, just a number!
Just a number indeed. I think age is most felt on the inside anyway!
I’m glad you liked the post and could relate to most of my points!
I totally agree that countries shouldn’t be judged based on their history nor on how they’re perceived by the media. At times in my trip, my parents would call or email to ask if I was alright or safe…. I had no idea there were riots or strikes or whatever it is that makes parents worry. The media portrayed certain places as dangerous, but if you are actually there, you can’t find what they’re talking about…. so read the news with caution.
Yup, you are exactly right, Amy. There were a couple places I went this summer that my mom especially was worried about just because of things she’s seen/read in the news recently. But the reality was that those places were absolutely FINE!
From a 47 year old who has been a traveler (and writer) most of my life, may I say bravo. You captured it. Your words and photos combined to capture why we travel. Well done.
Thank you so much, Carole. What a lovely comment. There are plenty of other great reasons to travel and lessons to learn from it, I think, but these are the most important ones to me.
A lot of great points. I can particularly confirm the validity of points 1 and 5 after just coming back from Egypt. Before I headed out there two and a half weeks ago, friends and family urged me not to go because it was too dangerous for an American (let alone one of Jewish heritage). In the days prior to my departure, there were anti-American demonstrations going on at the U.S. embassy in Cairo. And I have to admit, some of the footage I was seeing on the TV news looked pretty frightening. But when I got to Egypt, it quickly became apparent that the perils were overblown and overhyped. The protests fizzled out within a few days and had always been very minor (involving only a few hundred people in a city with a population of something like 18 million), and I never felt in any danger when I was in Cairo or anywhere else in Egypt. To the contrary, all the locals I met were friendly and hospitable. What’s more, to the extent the subject of my nationality came up, the people I met uniformly had good things to say about America. That made me very glad that I didn’t act ashamed of where I was from or pretend to be from Canada (as one of my Facebook friends had actually suggested I do — not that I would have ever considered putting a maple leaf on my daypack). Anywhere I go, even in my home city of New York, I just have to exercise common sense and appropriate caution. Egypt turned out to be no different in this regard.
I had the most amazing time in Egypt, and I am so glad I went and didn’t listen to the fear-mongers who tried to get me to cancel the trip.
I also wanted to comment on point no. 10, because that’s something I’m constantly thinking about. For the last few years, when I decide on travel destinations, I’ve been focused mainly on continuing to plot adventures in countries that I haven’t visited before. It’s not so much that I feel the need to prove that I’m a “traveler”; rather, I just want to see as many places as possible. At that same time, I’ve recognized the tension between that goal and my desire to return to my favourite locales (such as London, which I’ve been to seven times so far). But in recent years, I’ve been comfortable in mostly resolving that dilemma in favour of seeing new corners of the world.
Oh, and I liked point 16 too. It was awesome posting photos of pyramids, temples, etc., and getting instant feedback on them from my friends, often within hours of seeing all those wonders. And I never use travel agents because it’s so easy to make all my own travel arrangements online.
Thanks so much for sharing that about Egypt – that’s EXACTLY what I’m talking about!
I love posts like these. It’s always the right time to think back on what we’ve done or experienced and what we’ve learned that will shape where we are going. I particularly like #3–we are not so different. So true. And thank you for not being ashamed that you’re American! Beautiful Yosemite shot, btw.
Thanks, Jenna! And no, I’m not ashamed at all to be American. I come from a beautiful country. Yes, we have issues – but all countries do! Nothing to be ashamed of.
What a wonderful list. I started serious solo travel too late in life. Then I decided if I had to wait for somebody to go with me I’d never get anywhere. Just go. I found a great travel company that caters to singles. But I know I can navigate most places now alone, so don’t sit around and dream about travel, just pick a place and go (but do some homework first).
That’s always awesome to hear, Mike! And you’re so right – if you wait around for someone to travel with, you’ll never go anywhere!
So, re #12, I shouldn’t have forced you to drink that Radler in Slovenia?? Haha! Great list Amanda, and a happy happy 26th to you!
Haha, did you force me to drink something? I don’t remember that!
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Great post, Amanda. I agree with all of these!
Happy Birthday 🙂
Thanks, Erik!
I’m 26 too, I found turning 25 a lot harder though! 26 will be the year that I start travelling, thanks for your tips!
Yay for 26 being the year of travel! I’m hoping it will be for me, too.
All great lessons. I especially like the getting lost one because you never know what you are going to find. I love wandering around and find the most interesting things when I do.
Exactly! That’s what I love about getting lost, too.
What a great list of lessons learned! It is always nice to reflect in a general sense. To know that you’ve grown and gained at least a little wisdom over the years. Heres to 26 MORE years of lessons through travelling! And Happy Birthday too!
Thanks, Chrystal! And yes, it’s good to just reflect sometimes. I definitely have grown and learned a lot, especially in recent years – but I know I have a lot more growing and learning to do!
Love this! Travel teaches us so many things…and sometimes even those things contradict each other (like you do in # 23 and 24)
Happy birthday 🙂
It’s very true! So many lessons to be learned – I know I have a lot more on the way!
Can I get an amen?
Amen! Haha.