I took my first international trip over 17 years ago and  instantly fell in love with the adventure, glamour and challenge that travel entails. Over the years and many trips later, my passion for travel has deepened. I have learned so much along the way about the world and the people in it, and most importantly about myself. Many fellow travelers I talk to echo similar sentiments. It’s what keeps us coming back for more. Below are 20 lessons travel can teach you and that it certainly has taught throughout the years.

1. PEOPLE ARE MORE ALIKE THAN THEY ARE DIFFERENT

The most important lesson that I’ve learned from all my travels is that we as a human race are more alike than we are different. This lesson more than any other is what I find to be the most precious. It is what fuels my passion to explore the world. Realizing that in spite of our different cultures, religions, ethnicities and orientations, we are all driven by the same simple desires- provide for ourselves and our families, spend time with friends and loved ones, to love and be loved. If we could just realize this simple truth there would be more peace, love and understanding in the world.

2. BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE

From the postcard worthy beaches of Hawaii and misty ruins of Peru to the secret gardens in Madrid and tiny villages in India, there is beauty in every corner of the world. Travel exposes you to the diversity, complexity and detail in this big beautiful world.

3. YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT YOUR PHONE

It’s now a common occurrence to see people staring at their phones while walking down the street or a couple out to dinner and neither one is talking because they are both glued to their phones. It is simply a sad reality. As handy as these little devices are, they can also prevent you from actually taking in the moment. It’s a challenge, but I find that I enjoy a trip even more when I leave my phone in the room and spend my time experiencing the day rather than spending my time checking my social feeds. Unplug, people!

4. HUMILITY

Travel has a peculiar way of humbling people. Once removed from your creature comforts, you’re forced to draw upon different skills and resources and rely on people that you normally wouldn’t interact with. It has a beautiful way of challenging your way of thinking and breaking down stereotypes you may not have even realized you held. Above all, traveling makes you realize just how small and insignificant and precious we all are.

5. WHO YOUR TRUE FRIENDS ARE

Some of the most intense arguments I’ve had with friends happened while we were traveling together. Travel can bring out the best and worst in everyone and it tests your relationships in unique ways. If you can survive a trip with a friend, more specifically a fight while on a trip with a friend, rest assured that your friendship can withstand just about anything.

6. GETTING LOST IS BETTER THAN FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS

While it’s nice to have an idea of where you’re going, I’ve often found that the most unexpected and memorable experiences take place when I throw caution to the wind and let the city guide me. Whether it’s following the waft of a delicious smell and discovering a quiet little bistro in Rome or turning down an alley in Madrid and stumbling upon a live musical performance. Those are the moments you could never plan for, and they only happen if you allow yourself to get lost and explore.

7. HOW TO BUDGET

Upon landing in a new city you’re eager to try any and everything. Delicious dinners at trendy restaurants, cocktails at local hotspots, sightseeing and souvenirs. But doing all these fabulous things requires managing your funds, unless you’re one of the lucky few that’s just got it like that. My method is to make one withdrawal at the beginning of my trip to cover what I think I’ll need plus a little bit more for miscellaneous expenses. I rarely ever use credit or debit cards unless there’s an emergency, like desperately needing one more helping of fresh pad thai in Koh Tao!

8. SELF SUFFICIENCY

When you travel, particularly when you travel solo, you learn just what you’re made of. The moment you realize you’re far from home, alone and have only yourself to rely on is the moment you know that you’re truly capable of taking care of yourself.

9. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PRESENT

It’s easy to turn a trip into a checklist by cramming your itinerary with endless activities. After a few days of running around you’ll realize the importance of slowing down, being present and simply taking in the moment. Travel is about experiences, so leave yourself time and space to actually have them!

10. PUNCTUALITY

Punctuality is not really my thing. My closest friends know that I’m always running late. But when I travel, I know I have to get my act together because no plane or train is going to wait for me so I’ve learned to plan accordingly!

 

11. RESOURCEFULNESS

Things inevitably will go wrong when you travel- the hotel you’re staying at won’t have your reservation, your luggage will get lost, you’ll miss your train, or you’ll find yourself lost with no clue where you are or how to get back. Somehow you always find a way to get through those stressful moments because frankly, you have no choice but to. And in doing so you’ll realize that you can make it through just about anything.

12. MANNERS

I’ve found that politeness can get you a long way when you’re in a strange city, particularly when asking for help. It’s hard to turn someone down who approaches you in a friendly and courteous way.

13. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Keeping track of the essentials like your wallet and passport are key, but if you travel frequently enough you quickly learn the importance of staying organized when it comes to packing and planning your itinerary. Staying organized will make for a stress free stay while you’re away.

14. YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR FEARS

Whether you’re afraid of heights, trying new foods, getting lost, being in unfamiliar places, talking to strangers or just being alone, travel can help you overcome all of that and then some. When you’re pushed outside of your comfort zone you realize that you’re stronger than you know and suddenly the things that once scared you don’t seem quite as intimidating.

15. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Travel exposes you to different cultures and people from all walks of life. Those experiences help break down stereotypes and allows for greater tolerance and understanding of others, which we could use a lot more of these days.

16. YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE A CONVENTIONAL LIFE

Traveling gives you a glimpse of how others live their lives and you realize that people make a living in a variety of ways. I’ve met people who teach scuba in Thailand, run a family owned bed and breakfast in Alaska, captain a boat for a non-profit in St. Thomas and so many other exciting endeavors. As you travel, you quickly see that there are many ways to make a living other than working a standard 9-5.

17. TOLERANCE

Mark Twain’s eloquent quote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness” is apparent the moment you step foot in a foreign place. It’s difficult to remain intolerant once you’ve been exposed to different cultures, cuisines, religions and experiences.

18. THE WORLD ISN’T AS SCARY AS THE NEWS MAKES IT SEEM

I visited Paris one week after the terrorist attack in Belgium. I was expecting an overwhelming police presence and a sense of nervousness throughout the city. I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of normalcy I felt. Everyone was just going about their business. And while the events from the week before were close to my mind, they did not disrupt my ability to enjoy the beauty and magic of Paris. I could have easily been deterred from traveling there based on the media coverage of the attack and constant commentary about the likelihood of future incidents, but I’m so grateful that I chose not to give in to the fear.

19. GRATITUDE

If you’ve been feeling stressed, depressed or overwhelmed by your circumstances, nothing quite puts things into perspective as effectively as traveling, particularly to a developing country.  Witnessing the poverty and struggles that millions of people must endure on a daily basis quickly makes you realize just how miniscule your problems really are.

20. THERE IS A HIGHER POWER

Whether it’s standing on top of a volcano in Hawaii watching the sun rise, staring up at the northern lights dance over Mt. Denali in Alaska, swimming in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, or any of the countless other amazing moments I’ve had throughout my travels, it’s impossible to deny that a higher power exists. There is simply too much beauty in this world.

 

   

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

What are some lessons you’ve learned from traveling? Share your comments below!