What’s that? You would like to read a list of 31 insights from a freshly turned 31-year-old millennial? Well, dear reader, you’re in luck! That's precisely what you will get by reading this valuable, life-changing list of insights I’ve gained while traveling to 60 countries. I've broken down my treasure trove of insights into three categories: Types of Travel, Lessons, and Tips.
Types of Travel
1. Solo Travel: Independence
It took me a while before I got comfortable traveling solo. Once I did, I found it a great way to build strength, independence, and decision-making skills. It can be lonely sometimes, but I have found the positives outweigh the negatives. It boosts self-confidence, allows you to meet new people, and you travel any way you want. Plus, it offers a chance for deep introspection and self-discovery.
2. Traveling with Friends: Nurturing Shared Memories
Traveling with friends is a great way to bond and create fantastic shared memories. Some of the friends that I have traveled with will no doubt be lifelong friends. And others I’ll happily never travel with again. Some friends are great to travel with, others not so much. Communicating, compromising, and planning are essential. Embrace new perspectives and personalities, and expect inevitable frustrations.
3. Traveling with a Significant Other: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Traveling with your partner can strengthen your relationship but strain it if things don't go well. Be patient and face challenges together. Some of the best moments of all my travels come from the beautiful times I shared with a partner. Ultimately, the memories you create can be cherished or painful reminders of the past. It all depends on how you manage to travel together and how you manage your future relationship.
4. Backpacking: Simplicity and Minimalism
Backpacking teaches you to travel light, pack efficiently, and live simpler. Meeting fellow backpackers at hostels guarantees spontaneous adventures. I will forever cherish the wild and random moments I’ve had during my backpacker trail days. Like exploring Bangkok's slightly illegal and wild COVID-era underground party scene.
5. Luxury Travel: Indulgence and Relaxation
Luxury travel means pampering and relaxation with upscale amenities and personalized service. Who doesn’t like being treated like royalty every once in a while? If you only luxury travel, then first of all, lucky you for being able to. And second, let me know if you ever want a travel buddy.
6. Adventure Travel: Uncertainty and Calculated Risks
My favorite type of travel. It’s the type of travel that mixes in with any other. Try new and badass things like skydiving, freediving, trekking, and trail running. Take calculated risks and appreciate the wildly diverse world that we have. Seek challenges to develop resilience and determination.
7. Slow vs. Fast Travel: Embracing Immersive Experiences
Slow travel lets you connect with a destination. By spending more time in one place, you can better engage with locals and immerse in the culture. After traveling for as long as I have, I've become a bigger fan of slow travel. I like building a routine and becoming a regular in foreign cities. Spending that much time in one spot leads to getting to know locals by their first name and for them to know yours. Fast travel is how I started as a traveler. It allows for exploring more destinations. It's an excellent way to travel when you have very particular places and things to see. Travel fast if you want as many new experiences and cultures as possible. Don’t let anyone tell you that traveling fast is the wrong way to experience new places. Enjoy yourself, but finding a balance is essential. Reflect on your want and adjust your pace accordingly.
Lessons
8. Pausing
Foreign travel can lead to some strange and unique moments. I fondly remember being the only foreigner in a sea of thousands of locals celebrating Nepalese New Year's. Sometimes you need to take a deep breath to pause and accept the beautiful absurdity of the moment you are in.
9. Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Being on the road means you will be uncomfortable in many ways, like:
Being sweaty in places you didn’t think were possible.
Smelling smells that make you want to gag.
Hearing noises that will drive you to near madness.
It’s part of the game; embrace the uncomfortable. You’ll most likely look back at those moments positively once you have time and distance from them.
10. Open-Mindedness
Traveling to various countries teaches you the importance of being open-minded. Like going to a public sauna completely naked and pretending it doesn’t bother you because that’s how the locals do it. Embrace new ideas, perspectives, and ways of life that may differ from your own.
11. Overcome Language Barriers
When traveling to foreign countries, language barriers are common. Hand gestures, smiles, and patience have made me realize that speaking the same language is just one way to communicate. I’ve had full nights laughing and drinking with a group of locals, and I still have no idea what we were talking about. Learning to communicate despite limited local language knowledge is valuable. It can enhance your emotional intelligence and communication abilities.
12. Build Resilience
When traveling, you may encounter many unforeseen obstacles. For example:
Trains that never arrive, looking at you, Italy.
Items that magically disappear in a hostel.
Getting robbed (twice).
Or being in unfamiliar environments. Build resilience.
The ability to adapt swiftly, problem-solve, and keep moving forward is essential.
13. Growth Mindset
Every country offers an opportunity to learn something new. Whether learning how to cook a traditional dish, learn a new language, or learn a new skill. I spent a month training in Muay Thai in Thailand, where humility was my biggest lesson. There are some real badasses out there in the world. Every new location, challenge, barrier, and frustration has the opportunity to make you grow as a person.
14. You Represent More than You
I have been the first American that locals have met in many places. It’s a critical moment because now you represent more than just yourself. You represent your own culture. Your interaction will shape how people see you and the country you come from. I’ve had many people tell me that I’ve broken the stereotype of Americans for them. Mostly from being kind and not an obese person. What a high bar we’ve set!
15. Moments of Celebrity
Venturing into remote and lesser-known areas is surreal and humbling. It’s a powerful reminder of the significance of being gracious and kind. Especially in the most ordinary of moments. Your skin and hair color can make you stand out, and it’s the closest I have felt to being a celebrity. I've taken countless selfies and put in many awkward moments. Like when I posed with a stranger’s newborn in my arms. Moments like this have raised my empathy toward others. It emphasizes the importance of treating people with genuine kindness and respect.
16. Develop a Global Perspective
Traveling to many countries broadens your perspective and challenges preconceived notions. The world is strange, beautiful, and chaotic, but it is more alike and connected than the news makes it seem.
17. You’re a Guest
Respect the customs and traditions of the countries you visit, as you would respect the rules of a friend's house. Because, in the end, as a traveler, you are a guest, no matter how long or brief your stay.
18. Patience
The fact of the matter is traveling will test your patience. I've had to learn to practice patience. On numerous occasions, I only wanted to scream in someone’s face. These experiences often lead to memorable stories to tell later on.
19. Transportation
Accept that transportation delays and challenges are inevitable during travel. I once spent 33 hours on a bus for a trip that usually only takes 10 hours. These frustrating moments have been good opportunities to be mindful. To observe the surroundings I found myself in or talk with fellow travelers. Because misery does love company.
20. Connect with Nature
Traveling to cities seeing beautiful architecture, and sitting in cafes is excellent. But I have found that the natural wonders of each country fill me with way more awe. From hiking in the mountains to swimming in pristine waters. Or exploring national parks and city parks. Connecting with the unique beauty of each country is unbeatable.
21. The Power of Kindness and Gestures
Small acts of kindness have a significant impact while traveling. I once shared a pen with an elderly Indian man on a plane. This small act led to dinner with his family at his house. Small actions like that, smiling at a stranger, or even learning basic phrases in the local language go a long way.
22. Develop Resourcefulness
Traveling requires resourcefulness. I've had to learn to adapt and find creative solutions to unexpected challenges. Plan for the best; expect the wildest.
23. Reflect on Privilege and Gratitude
Traveling can highlight the actual disparities and inequalities in the world. It has led me to reflect on my privilege and be grateful for my opportunities. Like the ability to explore and experience different cultures in the first place. Be thankful for the moments you get to have.
24. Break Stereotypes, Be Local
Traveling will inevitably challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. Engaging with locals, hearing their stories, and better understanding their lives. These have been powerful opportunities to break down barriers. It's led me to understand better the culture I am visiting.
25. Adapt to Different Climates
Obvious, but traveling for a while exposed me to many diverse climates. For example, being in SE Asia during the rainy season made my rain jacket my best friend. Be prepared for anything.
Tips
26. Take Less
Traveling extensively broke the cycle of needing more. It took away my desire to have a new version of everything. For three years, I have lived out of two carry-on bags. Whenever I have ever needed or wanted something extra, I usually have little trouble finding it. I learned that I need much less than I thought. Especially when it comes to packing. Pack and repack a second time with less, then one more time for good measure.
27. Be Flexible
Embrace the unexpected and be open to spontaneous opportunities during your travels. Let go of rigidity and allow for serendipity. Semper Gumby!
28. Bring Some Luxuries
My luxuries include an eye mask and earplugs, and so should yours. Trust me on this. Traveling will mean a lot of noise and bright nights. An eye mask and earplugs will help you sleep anywhere and anytime (or at least make it easier). It’s okay to bring a few luxuries with you and make sure you sleep well; it’s essential.
29. Accept Travel Belly
Be open to trying new and unfamiliar foods. Enjoy the local cuisine. Fair warning, doing this will eventually mean getting travel belly. It means you’ll live on the toilet for a day or two. Though it’s a consequence worth taking for all the excellent food, you’ll try. This also ties into the reality that you will get sick during your travels. I’ve visited private hospitals in Europe, eastern Africa, SE Asia, and South America. I have found that the care and treatment are phenomenal and inexpensive in each place. Especially compared to the care I’ve gotten in the US. So, never let the fear of sickness or injury stop you from traveling. The joy of traveling should always trump any of those fears.
30. Embrace the Ebb and Flow of Emotions
In life, we all experience inevitable ups and downs. This is regardless of how others perceive our circumstances. It's important to understand that feeling down, lonely, afraid, tired, or annoyed is okay. Even when others think we're living the dream. There's no need to punish ourselves or feel guilty. Instead, accept that these feelings are a natural part of life, even in the most idyllic settings. The tide will turn, it always does, and we'll find ourselves riding a high once again.
31. It’s the Little Things
Discover happiness in the small things during your travels. From savoring delicious local street food to admiring a beautiful sunset. From connecting with friendly locals to sharing laughs over dinner with friends. So many experiences await you on your travels. Embrace the countless tiny moments and find joy in them.
Now go out there and experience this beautiful, chaotic, and wild world of ours!
Loved reading this! Such a great article, Dylan. Makes me want to go on another trip asap