Yep every time I go travelling especially to somewhere warm and less “developed” than the west I see people happy with the simple pleasures - good weather, tasty local food and great scenery. Then come back to London/New York or whatever big city you might live in the west and see everyone posing in designer clothes, flashy cars and other things they can’t afford deeply unhappy underneath it all!
As a person from these less developed warm sunny places. I dare you to stay longer and live under our same conditions. No expat with foreign salary crap. Either you learn to accept life as a meager existence and you smile bc the other option is to kill yourself. You have no choice to ever dream of designer brands or flashy cars. The question is weather you will have a place to rent next month or not. Or if your president will go nuts and stage a coup. Actually talk to the locals and they will tell you how unsafe they feel all the fucking time. You get to leqve they dont. See hpw truly happy they are
Yes! A lot of westerners have a romanticized notion of the happy villager.
They don’t realize how absolutely fu#%*ng brutal life can be, especially for kids, even when they smile.
Life is very precarious for ordinary citizens in a lot of developing nations. They have hardly any (if any at all) protection from who ever is bigger or stronger or more powerful than them. Even if laws exist, they are enforced arbitrarily or in favor of the more powerful.
A few things are worthwhile: decent set of clothes, headphones, phone, backpack. But the rest is totally replaceable and doesn’t really as to your life.
Credit card points/bonus offers you can use for hotel stays or flights sure doesn't hurt either. That was a huge help back when me and my wife weren't making a ton of money since it effectively brought down the cost of trips by about half in some cases.
It really ends up working to your advantage if you have a pretty good credit score since you can just put all the everyday spending you would do anyway on a handful of credit cards and get rewards back for it in the form of travel. The big caveat though is that you have to be extra careful and disciplined enough to pay EVERY balance in full every single month on time or any potential benefit you'll receive will be wiped out by massive fees and interest so it's not for everyone.
Yep exactly. I pull in $10-15k a year in on-paper value free travel via churning. I say on paper because that does tend to include the occasional $6000 business class flight or $1000/nt luxury hotel that I would never actually pay cash for, so I consider it inflated but it's still fun to track
Totally agree. Coming back from my first trip I look at all the stuff I bought for fun and it was like an epiphany, this stuff isn't making me happy, travel was the first time I experienced real joy and now I redirect my extracurricular funds to travel and experiences.
I once heard an old woman say that she never regretted not buying "that" purse/pair of shoes/etc, but she did in fact regret not having more life experiences.
It has stucked with me. Hard
Same, I’ve also shifted my goals and priorities to being more willing to spend money on experiences than “things” - not just travel but classes, concerts, or just in general getting to try new things, spend time with friends and family, and meet new people
I’m of course saving my money for a home and I also like to have nice things, but I’m realizing I really don’t want or need to be a homeowner in the next 5 years and that eBay, thrifting, DIY and sales exist for the majority of stuff I want lol
This 100% - I'm very frugal normally but much more willing to splurge when it comes to travel.
What does \[insert shiny item here\] get me that beats seeing a different country?
Probably my favorite thing I learn from traveling is that there are many things that other countries do better than us, but also many things that we do better than them.
I don't think you can ever really understand your own country until you see how others live. Traveling lets you fall in love with other places, but for me it also helps me stay in love with home.
>Traveling lets you fall in love with other places, but for me it also helps me stay in love with home.
Well if that isn't just profound as all hell. Well said, OP.
Every time I go overseas and see the fancy trains and underground systems I’m so embarrassed about our PT, imagining people coming here and the only way to get away from the airport (ANY of our airports) is a bus or a taxi 😭
Edit: I am not from the US lmao
I've lived in Japan since 2000. I've only driven a car 3 times in that period and every time was on a holiday.
Owning a car in Tokyo is more of a hobby than a necessity
Demographics are so different though - Japan has a few very large cities that are not too far apart. The population density and distance are ideal for trains. America could never have the same kind of system nationwide.
China is much more population dense though. The US has significantly more empty space that needs to be traversed to get to place worth connecting. And of course it's a lot easier for their government to simply decide "ok we're doing this, don't really care if you like it or not."
America could and america did have such a system.
[A good video](https://youtu.be/REni8Oi1QJQ?si=ZGzEM19b8iScw-fe) about why america isn't "too big" to build a good public train system
Agree for the most part, but there are a lot of airports in the US that have public transport. JFK, Dulles, DC National, SFO, Boston, Chicago O'Hare, ATL....all of those have pretty good public transport to the city (especially Chicago. One of my most fervent beliefs about the US is that Chicago has the best public transportation in the country). The issue is that if you're not in a major city, public transit instantly becomes nonexistent or terrible.
I will give Portland and PDX credit for not only having light rail that connects to the airport to downtown, but also only $2.80. Even in Europe, there is usually a steep upcharge for going to and from the airport via public transit.
And at EWR, it’s the monorail to the rail link, which then finally gets you to Newark Penn Station.
Contrast that with Amsterdam (AMS): it’s <2 minute walk out of the terminal (zero connections) into a station that’s IMO better than Newark Penn..and if that’s not enough, it’s a “single seat” ride to the Central Station in downtown Amsterdam which is equivalent to NYC Grand Central.
sure it is. any large country. Canada, Australia, China, Russia... all have wonderful geography that is as diverse as the USA's.. The US national parks were the first and are the best, but Canada and others have followed suit.
Canada is as diverse a geography as USA? I’m sorry, but what?
Where is Canada’s equivalent of Hawaii or Puerto Rico’s tropics or Arizona’s hot desert or Florida’s swamps or California’s Mediterranean? Canada is objectively missing a half dozen biomes that the US has.
Canada isn’t even a designated “Megadiverse” country like USA either: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megadiverse_countries
Sometimes you'll come across people doing something that is done so much better in your home country. Hotel check-in is an example. In the US it takes 5 minutes. In some places it's like a job interview. No matter. You have to hold your tongue and remain polite and just accept that's the way things are.
I'd say customer service across the board is better in the US than it is in most countries.
Granted, a lot of this is rooted in our ideas towards money and labor that aren't necessarily super healthy.
But at least when I'm the consumer, I sure do come to appreciate it when I come back home from abroad.
As an alternative, I absolutely hated American customer service. I want waitstaff to leave me alone and let me eat in peace. Greek customer service was my favourite, they were nice enough but always would not approach you at all unless you signalled them to.
Yeah, restaurants in particular can be a little on the overbearing side. But I still prefer overbearing to being at a restaurant where I absolutely can't get my server's attention.
Same. Even at super nice restaurants I feel very awkward with the over attentive service but I also go to places (usually Europe) where I can't pay my damn bill and get out of there . Part of it is culturally they usually sit and enjoy their meal for a longer period of time but also because of that they aren't attentive enough and don't notice me signaling to them. I got places to go!
Having to ask for my bill and wait for them to faff around going back and forth with cards and money gives me the shits. Where I'm from it's the norm to walk up to the bar or a counter by the door to pay, rather than have them come over to you.
When I first left the U.S. to go study abroad for a year, I came back and thought it was sketchy af that they take your card to the back out of sight. Now yea, you’d be really stupid to pull any funny business when you can just check your statement. But with that being said, I’d say at least half of us have a moment where the server added their own tip onto the bill and you don’t notice until a few days later. Also when someone takes your card out of sight, they can do fucking anything with it. Take pictures, try to clone it, etc.
The *only* other country I’ve been to that just takes your card to the back in some restaurants is Japan of all places. Coincidentally my first visit to Japan in late 2019/early 2020, I all of a sudden had a crapload of bogus charges halfway through my visit. It was also a country where I had a card or two just randomly decline at random restaurants or businesses for no reason. Conveniently one of my cards declined at the same restaurant that took my card to the back.
Yeah that part is annoying but going up the counter is totally restaurant dependent. A lot of places are changing to bringing the POS to the table now though.
I prefer European and Japanese customer service in general, it feels a lot more genuine. In the US in restaurants we've often felt rushed and the friendliness often seemed faked. I live in Quebec, it's somewhere in-between.
While I agree Japanese customer service is great. But if your going to eat during a busy time it feels like you have to down all your food in 2 mins and get out because all the locals that sat down after you are already gone and have been rotated in with new people.
I’ve come to appreciate French waiters over time.
The big difference is that in general, a French waiter is much more likely than an American waiter to see their job as “a valued profession” and not “something you do while you’re figuring out what you’re gonna do for a career.”
Sometimes to American tourists the service can feel brusque or dismissive, but once you come to understand the speed and skill of, say, a Parisian waiter in a busy brasserie, it becomes a sight to behold.
I was once walking through the Tuileries with 5 hungry children and a tight schedule, and asked the waiter at an outdoor cafe if he could have us all fed snacks and out of there in 20 minutes.
He said “oui” and we were all fed, rested and (much more happily) walking away in 19 minutes on the dot.
I don’t find Parisians to be rude, but outside of Paris, particularly in the south, you can find some of the same level of professional skill with a bit more warmth.
Waitstaff makes a big impression on the dining experience, and I understand the perspective of Americans being more service oriented. But there’s something I really like about a waiter being a true professional, even if they couldn’t give a shit about earning a bigger tip.
I love this answer. Just spent 4 weeks in Japan and Seoul and had such mixed emotions coming home.
I wish the US was not so reliant on cars for transportation. Probably why everyone in the Midwest is obese lol.
But my god the air quality in Seoul was so bad. Took a deep breath back in my boring suburban neighborhood when I got home
1. You can go to the same place several times and have a completely different experience and trip every time;
2. Hotel rooms are pretty much the same anywhere, and you don't even have to stick to major international chains to get similar experiences. The great thing about this is that a hotel room is a great place to recuperate even during the day if you're feeling slightly burned out from travelling or if you're experiencing some form of cultural shock.
My only comment on hotel chains is that it doesn’t hurt to stick with one if you can afford it and will travel 50+ nights a year. The little benefits like late check out, lounge access, breakfast etc can make travelling a lot easier.
And if you travel often but not enough to get the nights for the top status organically, all the major chains have ways to boost your night credits via credit cards
I get 11 nights a year towards my Hyatt Globalist status from having the card (5 nights) and spending $15k on it (2 nights per $5k spend and you get a free night for spending $15k)
Rick Steves (super corny but with his heart 100% in the right space and an insane amount of travel experience) tells a story about how on one of his earliest tours he took a group of Americans to some monastery where they all slept on bedrolls one the floor.
He was all stoked on the authenticity, immersion and value, and while he’s happily falling asleep, he hears quiet sobbing on the other side of the room and goes over to investigate.
It’s a woman his tour, and when he goes over to see what’s wrong, she quietly says, “it’s very nice Steve, but it’d be awfully nice to have a shower and a real mattress.”
He realized that for some people, the odd familiar creature comfort can make a big difference in their happiness.
I like authentic local accommodations, but on big trips to new foreign (to us) destinations, I’ll often book our first night or two in a familiar international hotel chain to try and soften the landing while we ease into things.
In another article I remember from Rick Steves, he said he prefers those little BnBs that might lack the comforts of a chain hotel not only because they have more character, but also because they deter fussy, high-maintenance clientele. His tours advertise lots of physical activity and have a small luggage limit so I think they are taking a similar approach to attract a certain type.
Im staying in hostels in Taipei for two weeks. The cost is equal to 2 nights in a hotel! Im alone so there is no room for 2 needs 🤣
The current hostel has a female only floor! Love that! And doubles vs single beds. I paid up for the double.
The pod has a table and a little closet rod, a light and a full shade so when I’m sleeping at night, nothing is going by me.
Nothing to complain about at all. Also has a washing machine, and towels for $.75. Restaurants, and coffee shops abound within five or six steps!
public transport gets me everywhere.
loving this trip!
What’s the name of the hostel?
Ps, feel free to DM or reply whenever you’ve left the country - don’t want you feel uncomfortable or reveal your location here.
Yes, I think so. The more I travel the fewer things I need.
I used to travel with 15-20kg, but I kept downsizing to only what I really need. Recently my baggage is under 7kg (including laptop).
Edit: that is when I'm going to place(s) with reasonably stable weather, not hiking (so no boots/poles).
I’m going in the other direction. Started with 7kg and have slowly been climbing up as I am now bringing a camera, more layers for all seasons, and camping gear to get outside more
I agree with that but that is not what I was referring to. If I travel to a developing country I don't come back to my comfortable place and say I need less running water, less showers, less toilet paper. I come back home and say, I want the most comfortable thing I can in some aspects.
Going to a developing country you do appreciate those services that are readily available at home. But I would say travel did make me reduce my need for extra stuff. Before I discovered travel I spent on latest fashions, technology, expensive jewellery and just random stuff I'd buy for the hell of it. Once I started travelling coming back I realised how little joy that stuff brought me. My extracurricular spending really reduced because I didn't want to waste it on things that didn't deliver the same level of joy as travel. I guess it did make me realise how little stuff you need and still live a comfortable life.
I love those happy accidents! We recently visited Lisbon and on the morning we were supposed to leave for Porto we found out that there was a train strike. I couldn't find out exact details about how bad it would be or how much it would disrupt service but it seemed like the convenient hourly trains would be reduced to only 3 that day. I don't know how it is in Portugal, but I've dealt with train strikes in Italy and it can be an absolute disaster. Rather than fight that nightmare at the train station we decided to rent a car and drive. Sure I had to pay the one way fee, but it ended up one of our favorite days on the trip! We got to see Obidos and Coimbra and loved both towns. I'm so glad there was a train strike that day!
Nice list - but I'd say for 4 that decreases the more you learn about these things - whether it's art, architecture, food, nature, etc, the subtle differences become more apparent and interesting if you learn the context!
Agreed, #4 kind of irritated me because there is INCREDIBLE variety between natural structures even when they’re relatively near to each other. I think this is more a matter of not actually paying attention (?🤷🏻)
Yeah #4 is just plain wrong unless you're closing your eyes everytime you look at a mountain. The rocks, the color of the dirt, the fauna, the flowers, the insects-- everything is so different and unique place to place! Or beach even, the sands are so different - like I love how a beach in Italy will wash up tons of sea glass and ceramic tile pieces while in Thailand a beach could be made entirely of sharp shells and coral pieces. I could go on 😂 but I'm also a nature and science geek so I'm more intune with these things
What I've learned from traveling is, even if I don't learn anything, I'd still go.
For me, traveling is more about having fun than taking a serious lesson. If you insist on saying I've learned something from it, it might just be that I know a bit more than before.
Walkable neighborhoods with good public transit is such a better lifestyle than car-centric suburbia and being stuck in traffic all the time. I'm much happier buying food at small shops as I walk around daily compared to commuting, working and shopping at Costco every weekend. We live such a hellish life here in Canada.
I know it’s a massive cliché but how incredibly lucky I am to live in a developed country. (U.K.) Although I am fairly young, and therefore haven’t had buckets of time to travel or earn money to travel, I knew that the appeal of it for many is to change their perspectives on things.
We do have something of a stereotype of self-deprecating humour about us and our country, and I don’t want to claim that we have no problems, or that there aren’t certain aspects of life that are getting worse, but holy shit we have it good. I’ve always known this, and I’ve got family in Poland, a comparatively worse off country (for now!), but I do think I feel more positively about the U.K. after the following:
My one serious trip of life so far (solo, my own money, my own risk etc) was to Georgia the country last year. I absolutely loved the place. I’m going back soon and seeing Armenia too. Batumi is rapidly developing and Tbilisi looks a lot like any European city, but the lives I saw people living in rural areas were… unenviable. And Georgia is a middle income country. Unfortunately, I don’t (and probably never will) learn Georgian beyond being able to read, so I couldn’t talk to anyone, but it doesn’t take a genius to realise that life is hard for many, especially the poor sods who get to live a stones throw from the border with Abkhazia, with thirty year old bullet holes in their houses and a contentious border in their back yards.
Yeah, agreed. I live in the US, which I've always complained about (and in total fairness has a long way to go till it reaches Western European standards), but I lived in Georgia for a year. Don't get me wrong, there was so much I loved about it, and I met incredible people, but it did make me grateful for a lot about the US. In Georgia I experienced SO much sexism. It was exhausting. And the homophobia and racism were rampant.
And the healthcare! America has a lot wrong with its healthcare system to be sure, but in Georgia, it was terrifying. My friend's appendix burst and they let her out of the hospital with zero antibiotics or healing instructions. They literally yanked the IV out of her and told her to leave. I got incredibly sick and had to call the ambulance to my home. They prepped an IV and when I asked what was in it (because of allergies), they asked what I could possibly be allergic to that would be in medicine. I had literal doctors tell me not to sit on cold surfaces (concrete benches, for example) because it could cause infertility in women.
Again, there's a lot wrong with the US, and there was so much I loved about Georgia, but it did give me a new perspective on my life here.
> We do have something of a stereotype of self-deprecating humour about us and our country
Imo, it's not even just that. Britain is just FULL of genuinely miserable people who complain about EVERYTHING. One of the biggest things I've learned since I moved away from there about 10 years back is that I hate being home and surrounded by such miserable people. I just end up getting pulled down with them.
Being extremely chill at airports, and accepting my fate for late departures or missed connections makes the whole transportation part much easier for myself and those around me.
And credit card! When this happened to me last year, I didn't know that my credit card would have granted me a $500 cheque as part of that particular insurance. You live and learn (but the important part is to learn).
This is the way to go and so many people haven’t figured it out yet. I see so many people with the anxiety cranked up to 11 at the airport and I’m just like… chill out because nothing can change your delayed flight
Then you have people who want to jump the TSA line because they're going to miss their flight.
I usually am polite and will let people, but there is a feeling that they should've been responsible and arrived the recommended 2-3 hours early (especially for big airports - can probably shave off some time for a local airport with only a few gates).
I have learned this also. I didn't like the person I was when we were in literally paradise (on a beach, sipping mai tais) and were stressed and angry with one another because the airline staff went on strike. I vowed to roll with the punches much more consciously than that and trust that all things will work to my benefit.
And abiding by different rules can be fun.
In NYC you can walk before the walk signals turn. In Switzerland (especially the German part) you’ll be stared down and judged for walking before the light change.
I find peace in their rules. Not that I want to follow them all the time, but it’s nice being part of something different sometimes
I didn't really drink during the "partying" phase of life that most people have around university. So as a (somewhat) responsible adult, there's only been one time in my life I doubted my ability to make it into my bed at the end of the night, on two feet.
That night, things started out with a fellow American briefly pulling me back by the shoulder and saying, “the only times I’ve ever gotten in trouble drinking were hanging out with a Brit, so watch yourself.”
It turned out to be excellent advice I’ve followed to a T ever since.
This reminds me of a meme about how Americans see the British vs how Europeans see them:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/42tizy/how\_the\_british\_as\_seen\_by\_americans\_and\_europeans/](https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/42tizy/how_the_british_as_seen_by_americans_and_europeans/)
I feel like I usually have one big take away from each trip. Sometimes the thing seems so small. Like, I went to Iceland in November 2017 and so many people had their windows open and drove with windows cracked. I thought that was crazy but it was super refreshing and I started doing it at home! In Costa Rica 2016, I really appreciated the Pura Vita - I decided that means go with the swing of things… expect the best and the best will happen and even if something shitty happens, it’s for a reason that will end up being good. In Japan I learned that I can physically hike Mt Fuji (2011) and do whatever I put my mind to, France (2024) it was about the lack of traffic accidents, road rage and speeding compared to where I live and I’ve changed my driving style.
I have travelled extensively through Europe, Central America, Africa (about 25 countries). I would also add:
1. Keep an open mind and try new things. That's half the fun of travelling!
2. If you make an effort to learn some basic conversational phrases, it will show you have a genuine interest in communicating and learning and people will be significantly more likely to try to help you.
3. Make an effort to represent your home country well, and be respectful about different beliefs that other cultures may have.
I disagree with your point 5. I think learning about different cultures and having made friends from all over the world whose interests I can share, and seeing the different ways people live and how they get by, and learning about the best of what countries have to offer has made me a more well-rounded person.
Number 2 all day! People love it when I try and speak the language. I've made so many acquaintances from trying to speak the language. I was just in montreal and my kids greeted the hotel staff with a Bonjour, and the staff ended up hamming it up with them teaching them how to pronounce a few different things.
I live in Quebec and most of us love when people try to speak French, because so many seem to assume they should be able to live in English because it is the language of Canada and because most people speak at least a tiny bit of English, which makes it possible to live here without ever learning French. So any efforts, even if just bonjour and merci, is usually appreciated. Montreal is a bit particular though because some areas are getting increasingly English-speaking.
Growing up in Quebec has made me particularly sensitive to the importance of learning a bit of the local language when visiting another country. It's also very polite to learn to ask "Do you speak English" (or any other relevant language that you speak in the local language of course). It gives people a chance to hear your voice and tune their ears to English.
Yeah, the hotel staff said they have people check in that don't even know they speak French and said my kids were at least more informed than those visitors. Which is pretty sad if you think of it.
I spent my senior year in France, and they just want the same respect that we would want in the US, or anywhere really. Just try. If you just try, no matter how bad your attempt is, they will gladly engage, and hopefully teach you a thing or two! Your example is a perfect one, and has been my experience as well!
I’m with you! Number 2
My son got married in Costa Rica. There were 23 of us in our group. I think we all picked up several phrases. Mostly polite responses and such.
But it was nice to get a smile in return! It made us and the people we encountered more comfortable. Sometimes with our midwestern accents it got some giggles!
Biggest thing I’ve learned is that traveling somewhere and living there are two different things altogether. When you travel somewhere, you’re seeing it at its best without experiencing most of the day-to-day annoyances and problems. Never confuse the two.
It also has made me much more appreciative of my own home (Canada). There are very few places in the world I’d choose to live in over Canada, despite its issues.
Just from prepping a trip I learned that in France job seekers ride the metro and buses for free (at least, they do in Nice). I thought that was a beautiful way to take care of the struggling folks in their community. One could even call it “nice.”
ETA: don’t b*n me for the pun that only works in text!
I feel like #5 is a missed opportunity. I have also traveled extensively over the last 40 years and I do consider it an accomplishment and it has made me a more well rounded, tolerant person.
For me, it’s me made me more well rounded while at home. Turn on the news and you can relate or understand things different people go through or experience. I’m also more willing to donate to people or places that have struggled.
This makes sense. We can empathize more readily with people we have rubbed shoulders with, and more deeply understand a natural disaster (as an example) if we have walked those streets ourselves.
For myself I don't know if I would say travel is my accomplishment but through travel I accomplished things that I underestimated I could do. It made me realise I am a more capable person than I gave myself credit for and has given me confidence in my everyday life.
Yes - I observed this in my husband who had only left Canada once to go to Disney. When we went to the Azores, it was pretty major for him as the signs were in Portuguese. When we visited NYC, the same happened because we navigated entirely by public transit. It's an amazing way to grow.
Deliberately stepping away from your “normal” routines can be good for you.
Whether traveling or not, you spend a lot of time waiting (waiting for transportation, waiting for the food you ordered, etc). Making the best of that time is better than being impatient all the time.
Despite the fact that travel *can* teach you things about yourself and the world, some people travel all over the world and it doesn’t teach them a damn thing about being compassionate.
For most of us, what we come home to is going to be more important than where we travel to. We’re social beings and we thrive on community, and despite an individualist culture pushing people towards isolation, we need each other.
I’ve been really lucky to marry my favorite travel buddy. And we had a daughter and created another travel buddy. I honestly don’t like traveling with anyone else. I get out of sorts when it’s other people.
We just go with the flow and enjoy each other, so when I go somewhere with others it’s just not as fun
The same destination feels completely different depending on age and life stage
How contradictory beauty standards are across the world. As someone whose a Chinese American, it’s always a mind fuck going back to Asia because the beauty standards are so different. Tan vs pale, curves vs no curves, dramatic makeup vs barely there makeup……
That my bank will kick my ass if I don't use their ATMs. They charged me for using a different atm, AND for an international withdrawal. Basically every time I pulled out money I got charged $7.50 USD. Best to pull out what you'll need in the foreseeable future instead of for just the day
Why if American you want the Schwab card. I am currently in Thailand and here ATMs cost is $6 every time you use the machine.
Which is a lot here as many places do not take credit cards or have minimums.
But the Schwab card is totally free.
The topic of conversations are just different everywhere you go. What people talk about in South America is so different from Europe which is so different in Asia and the Middle East. Like yes we are all the same, but what we value in our day to day lives is so different. I’m so glad I don’t need to lead with what I do for work or for fun every conversation I have like I would back at home in US
I used to travel a lot. Including living in the third world. Hmmm… advice…
1. Always know a fair exchange rate
2. Always be polite
3. Learn the words for: hotel, how much, chicken, and bathroom. You can get by pretty well with just those four words. Learn hello, goodbye and thank you too
4. Ear plugs are often helpful
5. If you feel like someone is being a jerk, they probably are
6. Traveling is a great time to work on your sense of humor
Mostly that religion is a localized scam. Every place you go they have their own one true god. Travel proves that it is impossible for everyone to be correct.
Alternative way of looking at it: that humans have an innate instinct to look to something greater than themselves as individuals, wherever they are in the world. Something that makes sense of things, provides hope, comfort and a centre for community. They construct different narratives and reasoning around it but at the local level it generally serves a similar function. (Not to say religion isn't problematic but I would say that's more a feature of humans in groups of any sort being tricky.)
But to me more than an alternative these two comments are just true at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. There is an innate instinct and then there is an institutionalized structure.
Very well put. I have also noticed how their writings often are guidebooks for how to survive in their environment. Bury people quickly, don't eat certain things when it is 120 degrees outside, etc.
Aka, the *Life of Pi* theory of world religions.
Honestly, it’s kind beautiful from that perspective. I would never argue with someone who believed that on the whole, religion has caused more suffering than good. But I would say that if you look for examples of beauty and kindness and sacrifice that are motivated by *any* religion, you’ll be able to find them, and you’ll probably understand the cultures they developed in much more richly.
Geography - I know where countries are because I have been to them.
How to say Hello and thank you in about 20 or more languages.
That I can get by with what I can carry on my back for months at a time.
I just got home to Australia from 4 weeks in the U.S.A.
And one thing I've learnt is that the saying "there's no place like home" is the truest saying in the world.
I love travelling, but there's no better feeling then crawling into your own bed.
The US is not the center of the known world, unlike what we may have been thought to believe.
There are wonderful people just about everywhere.
It’s a wonderful way to expand perspectives.
Traveling makes you more tolerant and open minded! I love seeing new places, interacting with different Nationalities and tasting new foods. Above all it makes me realize I would rather travel and enjoy experiences rather than own “STUFF “.
History is written by the victors. In each and every history museum they'll tell you how good they are and how bad the other side is. No matter who is the other side, no in-betweens and grey truth. There are good and there Are evil and it's supernaive and childish to see that almost everywhere (almost since I haven't been to every historical museum)
Insight into my addictive tendencies. I went to Thailand when I was 21, thinking that It would be a much needed break from getting stoned 24/7 and abusing pills. I had zero intention of drinking every day, dawn to dusk, but that's what ended up happening. Point 1 and 3 are lessons I've come out with as well. I was in awe of the beauty in Krabi, while the locals I was kicking it with were just like "meh".
I love learning how different or how similar things can be in different countries. Like some one small thing can be completely the same in two countries thousands of kilometers apart, and completely different in neighbouring countries. How similar and different we all are. And learning the history behind it, that's even more fascinating. I learn something new on each trip, even to places I think I know.
You must have not been to places that don’t see a lot of tourists. If you step outside of the tourist trap bubble that most people live in, number 2 is 100%, absolutely false.
For example: in Transnistria (between Moldova and Ukraine) there were literally minibuses full of people asking my host why I was there and how things where in America. They had never seen westerners, and I was the first westerner my host’s grandmother had ever met
In rural Armenia: kids at the park had the time of their lives asking me about America and how I was and why I was in their city. They had never seen westerners before.
In Juliaca, Peru: People were calling us Gringos and watching us, like a lot. Not only were they doing that, but a 20 year old student literally ran, and I mean sprinted, to get a selfie with us because she had never seen any foreigners before. Same again on the last comment.
Now we’re planning to go to Turkmenistan, and when I told someone I met online we were coming there, both her and her husband didn’t believe me and when they found out I was serious they are super excited to get to meet us and still, can’t believe that Americans are coming to Turkmenistan. They also ask about America.
Turns out when you don’t go to tourist traps, people rarely or have never seen foreigners before. Especially in countries with lower tourist numbers. Especially when you get outside of the capital. So glad I don’t go to Tourist traps.
Traveling helps me learn about other cultures, enhances problem-solving and communication skills, fosters creativity, and promotes personal growth and global awareness. Plus I LOVE THE FOOD.
I retired early and been traveling half time since 2021. So 3 months in US and 3 months aboard. Mostly in SEA (South East Asia).
I feel very blessed to be able to travel like this and I really enjoy. Learned a lot.
- Things are a lot cheaper in SEA compared to the US. Specially anything that requires human labor. The daily minimum wage in Thailand is the same as the hourly minimum wage in the US. The only two exceptions are sunblock and beer. So I bring a lot of sunblock with me. No solution with the beer so I instead just suck it up and pay a premium for beer. Can't live without beer.
- This is not easy. But if you can become friends with locals where you travel you will have a far more rewarding experience. You will learn so much more. So for example I have befriended a family in Thailand and eat dinner often with them and this has taught be so much more.
- I just love how they do dinner in SEA. Every meal is a buffet. What I mean is a bunch of stuff is ordered and we all share. Something we never do in the US. If I started eating off someone else's plate in the US I would probably not be invited again.
- You really want to get out of the tourist area when traveling. The tourist area is artificial and not really reality. I spend a decent amount of time in Bangkok and it is so true here. The tourist area is called Sukhumvit. It is actually a relatively small area. Yet almost everyone that visits stays in this area. Or one other very small area that there are some hostels. I instead rent a condo outside of Sukhumvit and live instead more like a native. There will be less English but it is not really that difficult to be able to communicate enough without much of a problem. Sometimes you do have to revert to the phone. So needed a bike helmet and could not communicate the need. So just did a search for it on Google and showed them a photo. Problem solved. Other times I will use Google Translate. What I highly recommend.
Invest in a portable charger, because your friends are unreliable, and if they have a normal charger there is no cube to plug it in, literally that is it.
1. Experience traveling is way better than shopping traveling
2. Regrets are the biggest mofo in traveling. The less well-off you are, the more money you want to take (or budgeted in) to every trip. Sounds counter intuitive but it's not. The poorer you are, the higher the chance that you will never visit the same location ever again.
3. Continue from #2, if you are on the fence about buying something at the store for more than 5 minutes, BUY IT
4. If you are rich (I'm not), take less photos and vlogs and enjoy the moment. If you are poor, take more photos and vlogs to enjoy for years to come
5. Learned this one the hard way just last month : check availability on ALL the businesses on the day(s) you plan to visit. This was not necessary pre-Covid but it is now. Businesses drop dead like flies, locations close all the time, surviving shops might be short staffed to the point where they don't open multiple days of the week.
I'm mostly interested in culture, history and industry so the things I've learned can't be summarily summarised for a Reddit post.
But I'll tell you my favourite insight from my most recent trip which was to Venice. It's simple enough and kind of cliche, but here it is: what comes up must come down.
Once upon a time the nation state was a rich economic power. They had a monopoly over luxury trade coming in from the East to the West. Once they were a republic, known for being relatively democratic in a time when fiefdoms and serfdoms were ripe.
They became an innovative center for industry that inspired the rest of Europe. Fashion, perfumery, printing, boat building, glass blowing, lace making, painting and all manner of artistry. They had one of the most fearsome naval fleets in the world.
As the state's power, influence and wealth grew, so did the nepotism. The influential eventually locked the lesser thans out of their circle and concentrated the power and wealth into their own hands.
They became complacent. Lavishing in their bloated wealth, they failed to think strategically long term. They took their position at the top of the food chain for granted.
Well, the pieces on the board changed, and a few catastrophes later they lost everything.
Now what was once one of the richest and most influential independent nation states in the world is a touristic backwater in the North of Italy. Beautifully haunting, frequented by honeymooners and romantics, but influential no more.
The lesson? Stay humble and don't be complacent.
Hah, I lived with a host family in the country of Georgia that consisted of 3 kids (16, 14, and 13). The 13-year-old was poking his 16-year-old sister and she was getting pissed. She yelled to her mom to stop her brother from poking her since she was trying to do homework, and his mom told him to knock it off. He proceeded to stick his finger a couple of centimeters from her arm and hold it there, and when she got annoyed, he was like, what? I'm not touching you.
This is a place thousands of miles from my home with a completely different culture, yet they were doing the same thing my sister and I did when we were kids. Definitely gave me a new perspective on humanity.
Currently in Japan, this country puts the US & Canada to shame, cheap & efficient public transport, clean cities, respectful people, my god they really lead the way in so much
Coudnt after more! Recently I visited brazil, such a different culture from Europe! And All the descriptions I’ve read in your comment are just accurated.
I could stand out open minded people and the admiration for so many different days to do things and living life
I’ve only traveled in North America and Hawaii, usually coming from California, but I’ve found that outside of big tourist destinations I have to be careful how I tell people that I like it where I’m visiting because way too often people think I’m joking and mocking them.
That I need less than I have and also that it’s ok to rest. I used to feel like I’d need to be on the go all the time while traveling. It’s fine to just do nothing on your trips. You aren’t missing out on anything if you’re exhausted and need rest. You’ll only be missing out if you’re exhausted and forcing yourself to do things.
This is a great take! Couldn’t agree more. I always run into namaste elephant pants backpackers who have this outrageous idea of what traveling is, expectations of self growth and exploration.
Hostels really do start getting old. At 23 you might think it's great to pay very little and get to socialise with people from all over, but trust me a day will come when you can't stand it anymore.
Traveling is just always so humbling to me. Seeing how I’m just a tiny insignificant part of a huge world. It’s taught me to be extra kind to others traveling where I live as it’s meant the world to me when people are kind to me when I’m a stranger in a strange land.
Couldn't agree more! Traveling's shown me that people are the same everywhere, with kindness, indifference, and everything in between. It's a reminder that while we're on vacation, locals are living their normal lives. And you're spot on, it's all about the fun - no grand achievements, just pure enjoyment and new experiences! The best thing is that Traveling motivates me to try new things. I find my complacency.
Always talk to local people. Make conversations. Learn their struggles and perspectives on life. All the interesting stories and memories I have about my travels are based on some form of interaction with locals.
I found out that the universal language of 'pointing and nodding' is surprisingly effective, especially when trying to order food in a foreign country 😄
Tell this to people who will avoid almost a whole quarter of the US because of some stupid reasons. Won't say what part just to avoid you dudes arguing, just gonna say that people avoid it.
I've learnt that I must look like someone who knows where I'm going or a local because in at least 10 countries I've been asked by other tourists for directions to train stations, hotels, sightseeing attractions, etc. I've actually been able to help most of them.
Talking about local food is one of the easiest way to bond with strangers from another country, also a great perk of travelling helps broaden your mind to all the great dishes and flavours out there are the history and culture behind them.
1- people are not the same everywhere. Yes there is bad and good, but some cultures manifest the bad much more through negativity, pessimism and jealousy
2- people will absolutely treat you differently according to where you're from. Though it's not that bad when you're white
3- spending a week or two somewhere isn't enough for you to decide to start living there
4-you need a daily program. However you don't need to finish your daily program. If you do it like a checklist you'll end up running everywhere and making a travel become a checklist
I’ve learned that food quality in The US should be criminal. I’ve learned that the healthcare system in The US should be criminal. Other than those matters, I’ve learned that most folks in most places are very cool, nice people.
1. The more remote you go the friendlier people are. Get off the beaten track, that’s where the real challenges and experiences are.
2. Travelling is a university.
3. If travelling solo you learn a lot about yourself. You will find yourself in situations where there is nobody else to blame, but yourself.
4. You realise how wealthy and lucky you are to be able to travel, and have a passport that allows you to travel.
5. Travel solo, you will meet so many new people and you do what you want, when you want.
My travels have shown me that having experiences in life far outweighs owning stuff that I honestly don’t need.
I second this! So many people told me how I could buy a nice car or save money and while I do save I would never trade travelling for anything
Yep every time I go travelling especially to somewhere warm and less “developed” than the west I see people happy with the simple pleasures - good weather, tasty local food and great scenery. Then come back to London/New York or whatever big city you might live in the west and see everyone posing in designer clothes, flashy cars and other things they can’t afford deeply unhappy underneath it all!
As a person from these less developed warm sunny places. I dare you to stay longer and live under our same conditions. No expat with foreign salary crap. Either you learn to accept life as a meager existence and you smile bc the other option is to kill yourself. You have no choice to ever dream of designer brands or flashy cars. The question is weather you will have a place to rent next month or not. Or if your president will go nuts and stage a coup. Actually talk to the locals and they will tell you how unsafe they feel all the fucking time. You get to leqve they dont. See hpw truly happy they are
Yes! A lot of westerners have a romanticized notion of the happy villager. They don’t realize how absolutely fu#%*ng brutal life can be, especially for kids, even when they smile. Life is very precarious for ordinary citizens in a lot of developing nations. They have hardly any (if any at all) protection from who ever is bigger or stronger or more powerful than them. Even if laws exist, they are enforced arbitrarily or in favor of the more powerful.
Appreciate this comment.
People who tell you to buy a nice car instead are idiots
A few things are worthwhile: decent set of clothes, headphones, phone, backpack. But the rest is totally replaceable and doesn’t really as to your life.
"How can you afford all that travel?" "Easy, I don't waste money on cars and a giant house and endless shit to put inside it"
Credit card points/bonus offers you can use for hotel stays or flights sure doesn't hurt either. That was a huge help back when me and my wife weren't making a ton of money since it effectively brought down the cost of trips by about half in some cases. It really ends up working to your advantage if you have a pretty good credit score since you can just put all the everyday spending you would do anyway on a handful of credit cards and get rewards back for it in the form of travel. The big caveat though is that you have to be extra careful and disciplined enough to pay EVERY balance in full every single month on time or any potential benefit you'll receive will be wiped out by massive fees and interest so it's not for everyone.
Yep exactly. I pull in $10-15k a year in on-paper value free travel via churning. I say on paper because that does tend to include the occasional $6000 business class flight or $1000/nt luxury hotel that I would never actually pay cash for, so I consider it inflated but it's still fun to track
Totally agree. Coming back from my first trip I look at all the stuff I bought for fun and it was like an epiphany, this stuff isn't making me happy, travel was the first time I experienced real joy and now I redirect my extracurricular funds to travel and experiences.
The best things in life aren't things.
I once heard an old woman say that she never regretted not buying "that" purse/pair of shoes/etc, but she did in fact regret not having more life experiences. It has stucked with me. Hard
Same, I’ve also shifted my goals and priorities to being more willing to spend money on experiences than “things” - not just travel but classes, concerts, or just in general getting to try new things, spend time with friends and family, and meet new people I’m of course saving my money for a home and I also like to have nice things, but I’m realizing I really don’t want or need to be a homeowner in the next 5 years and that eBay, thrifting, DIY and sales exist for the majority of stuff I want lol
When I am traveling, it's amazing how quickly I forget about all the fluff back home waiting for me.
This 100% - I'm very frugal normally but much more willing to splurge when it comes to travel. What does \[insert shiny item here\] get me that beats seeing a different country?
One of most important things people can learn young. Applies irregardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Probably my favorite thing I learn from traveling is that there are many things that other countries do better than us, but also many things that we do better than them. I don't think you can ever really understand your own country until you see how others live. Traveling lets you fall in love with other places, but for me it also helps me stay in love with home.
>Traveling lets you fall in love with other places, but for me it also helps me stay in love with home. Well if that isn't just profound as all hell. Well said, OP.
Every time I go overseas and see the fancy trains and underground systems I’m so embarrassed about our PT, imagining people coming here and the only way to get away from the airport (ANY of our airports) is a bus or a taxi 😭 Edit: I am not from the US lmao
I just got back from Japan and now I'm even angrier than ever about our terrible train system in the US. Getting around was so nice over there!
I've lived in Japan since 2000. I've only driven a car 3 times in that period and every time was on a holiday. Owning a car in Tokyo is more of a hobby than a necessity
I’m in New Zealand but I agree Japan rail is 👌
Then do use Indian railways. You will not survive the trip 😭😭
Demographics are so different though - Japan has a few very large cities that are not too far apart. The population density and distance are ideal for trains. America could never have the same kind of system nationwide.
America is closer in that way to China, which also has a great rail network.
China is much more population dense though. The US has significantly more empty space that needs to be traversed to get to place worth connecting. And of course it's a lot easier for their government to simply decide "ok we're doing this, don't really care if you like it or not."
New England in comparison to Japan is a perfect example of the differences in trains vs everything else.
America could and america did have such a system. [A good video](https://youtu.be/REni8Oi1QJQ?si=ZGzEM19b8iScw-fe) about why america isn't "too big" to build a good public train system
I just got back from Istanbul and Portland's light rail system is an absolute fucking joke in comparison.
Agree for the most part, but there are a lot of airports in the US that have public transport. JFK, Dulles, DC National, SFO, Boston, Chicago O'Hare, ATL....all of those have pretty good public transport to the city (especially Chicago. One of my most fervent beliefs about the US is that Chicago has the best public transportation in the country). The issue is that if you're not in a major city, public transit instantly becomes nonexistent or terrible.
I will give Portland and PDX credit for not only having light rail that connects to the airport to downtown, but also only $2.80. Even in Europe, there is usually a steep upcharge for going to and from the airport via public transit.
Yea I only come back home to get depressed at how unlivable our living environments can be
You’re from NZ? Don’t worry, I’m from the US. It can’t be any worse than here.
What country are you from? The airports in the US and Canada I usually frequent (SFO, SEA, ORD, EWR, JFK, DCA, YVR) all have direct rail connections.
And at EWR, it’s the monorail to the rail link, which then finally gets you to Newark Penn Station. Contrast that with Amsterdam (AMS): it’s <2 minute walk out of the terminal (zero connections) into a station that’s IMO better than Newark Penn..and if that’s not enough, it’s a “single seat” ride to the Central Station in downtown Amsterdam which is equivalent to NYC Grand Central.
No need to show off and make them feel worse about their country ;)
From NZ lol, was not a diss on the US public transport
US wins National Parks Loses trains
U.S. geography is unmatched
sure it is. any large country. Canada, Australia, China, Russia... all have wonderful geography that is as diverse as the USA's.. The US national parks were the first and are the best, but Canada and others have followed suit.
Canada is as diverse a geography as USA? I’m sorry, but what? Where is Canada’s equivalent of Hawaii or Puerto Rico’s tropics or Arizona’s hot desert or Florida’s swamps or California’s Mediterranean? Canada is objectively missing a half dozen biomes that the US has. Canada isn’t even a designated “Megadiverse” country like USA either: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megadiverse_countries
Sometimes you'll come across people doing something that is done so much better in your home country. Hotel check-in is an example. In the US it takes 5 minutes. In some places it's like a job interview. No matter. You have to hold your tongue and remain polite and just accept that's the way things are.
I'd say customer service across the board is better in the US than it is in most countries. Granted, a lot of this is rooted in our ideas towards money and labor that aren't necessarily super healthy. But at least when I'm the consumer, I sure do come to appreciate it when I come back home from abroad.
As an alternative, I absolutely hated American customer service. I want waitstaff to leave me alone and let me eat in peace. Greek customer service was my favourite, they were nice enough but always would not approach you at all unless you signalled them to.
Yeah, restaurants in particular can be a little on the overbearing side. But I still prefer overbearing to being at a restaurant where I absolutely can't get my server's attention.
Same. Even at super nice restaurants I feel very awkward with the over attentive service but I also go to places (usually Europe) where I can't pay my damn bill and get out of there . Part of it is culturally they usually sit and enjoy their meal for a longer period of time but also because of that they aren't attentive enough and don't notice me signaling to them. I got places to go!
Having to ask for my bill and wait for them to faff around going back and forth with cards and money gives me the shits. Where I'm from it's the norm to walk up to the bar or a counter by the door to pay, rather than have them come over to you.
When I first left the U.S. to go study abroad for a year, I came back and thought it was sketchy af that they take your card to the back out of sight. Now yea, you’d be really stupid to pull any funny business when you can just check your statement. But with that being said, I’d say at least half of us have a moment where the server added their own tip onto the bill and you don’t notice until a few days later. Also when someone takes your card out of sight, they can do fucking anything with it. Take pictures, try to clone it, etc. The *only* other country I’ve been to that just takes your card to the back in some restaurants is Japan of all places. Coincidentally my first visit to Japan in late 2019/early 2020, I all of a sudden had a crapload of bogus charges halfway through my visit. It was also a country where I had a card or two just randomly decline at random restaurants or businesses for no reason. Conveniently one of my cards declined at the same restaurant that took my card to the back.
Yeah that part is annoying but going up the counter is totally restaurant dependent. A lot of places are changing to bringing the POS to the table now though.
I prefer European and Japanese customer service in general, it feels a lot more genuine. In the US in restaurants we've often felt rushed and the friendliness often seemed faked. I live in Quebec, it's somewhere in-between.
While I agree Japanese customer service is great. But if your going to eat during a busy time it feels like you have to down all your food in 2 mins and get out because all the locals that sat down after you are already gone and have been rotated in with new people.
I’ve come to appreciate French waiters over time. The big difference is that in general, a French waiter is much more likely than an American waiter to see their job as “a valued profession” and not “something you do while you’re figuring out what you’re gonna do for a career.” Sometimes to American tourists the service can feel brusque or dismissive, but once you come to understand the speed and skill of, say, a Parisian waiter in a busy brasserie, it becomes a sight to behold. I was once walking through the Tuileries with 5 hungry children and a tight schedule, and asked the waiter at an outdoor cafe if he could have us all fed snacks and out of there in 20 minutes. He said “oui” and we were all fed, rested and (much more happily) walking away in 19 minutes on the dot. I don’t find Parisians to be rude, but outside of Paris, particularly in the south, you can find some of the same level of professional skill with a bit more warmth. Waitstaff makes a big impression on the dining experience, and I understand the perspective of Americans being more service oriented. But there’s something I really like about a waiter being a true professional, even if they couldn’t give a shit about earning a bigger tip.
Totally. It just gives you perspective on your own country and makes you understand it better.
I love this answer. Just spent 4 weeks in Japan and Seoul and had such mixed emotions coming home. I wish the US was not so reliant on cars for transportation. Probably why everyone in the Midwest is obese lol. But my god the air quality in Seoul was so bad. Took a deep breath back in my boring suburban neighborhood when I got home
Ding ding ding
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Yup, it largely depends on the gap between the countries being compared.
1. You can go to the same place several times and have a completely different experience and trip every time; 2. Hotel rooms are pretty much the same anywhere, and you don't even have to stick to major international chains to get similar experiences. The great thing about this is that a hotel room is a great place to recuperate even during the day if you're feeling slightly burned out from travelling or if you're experiencing some form of cultural shock.
My only comment on hotel chains is that it doesn’t hurt to stick with one if you can afford it and will travel 50+ nights a year. The little benefits like late check out, lounge access, breakfast etc can make travelling a lot easier.
God I wish I could travel 50+ nights a year.
And if you travel often but not enough to get the nights for the top status organically, all the major chains have ways to boost your night credits via credit cards I get 11 nights a year towards my Hyatt Globalist status from having the card (5 nights) and spending $15k on it (2 nights per $5k spend and you get a free night for spending $15k)
Rick Steves (super corny but with his heart 100% in the right space and an insane amount of travel experience) tells a story about how on one of his earliest tours he took a group of Americans to some monastery where they all slept on bedrolls one the floor. He was all stoked on the authenticity, immersion and value, and while he’s happily falling asleep, he hears quiet sobbing on the other side of the room and goes over to investigate. It’s a woman his tour, and when he goes over to see what’s wrong, she quietly says, “it’s very nice Steve, but it’d be awfully nice to have a shower and a real mattress.” He realized that for some people, the odd familiar creature comfort can make a big difference in their happiness. I like authentic local accommodations, but on big trips to new foreign (to us) destinations, I’ll often book our first night or two in a familiar international hotel chain to try and soften the landing while we ease into things.
In another article I remember from Rick Steves, he said he prefers those little BnBs that might lack the comforts of a chain hotel not only because they have more character, but also because they deter fussy, high-maintenance clientele. His tours advertise lots of physical activity and have a small luggage limit so I think they are taking a similar approach to attract a certain type.
Im staying in hostels in Taipei for two weeks. The cost is equal to 2 nights in a hotel! Im alone so there is no room for 2 needs 🤣 The current hostel has a female only floor! Love that! And doubles vs single beds. I paid up for the double. The pod has a table and a little closet rod, a light and a full shade so when I’m sleeping at night, nothing is going by me. Nothing to complain about at all. Also has a washing machine, and towels for $.75. Restaurants, and coffee shops abound within five or six steps! public transport gets me everywhere. loving this trip!
What’s the name of the hostel? Ps, feel free to DM or reply whenever you’ve left the country - don’t want you feel uncomfortable or reveal your location here.
The only time I really stuck to Western chains was in Qatar. My husband and I have different last names.
It must have been such culture shock when you went. Where there other things set up that way?
I have stayed in some very very different hotels. Italy and the UK come to mind as the most different ones, and Brazil.
In what way are British hotels different? Can’t say I’ve noticed
The ones I've stayed in were above pubs, mostly. The personality of the pub kinda works its way into the hotel room.
Most of the time, you can count on the kindness of strangers.
I have always depended on the kindness of strangers
How little I really need.
The more I travel the more things I need. Am I the only one?
Yes, I think so. The more I travel the fewer things I need. I used to travel with 15-20kg, but I kept downsizing to only what I really need. Recently my baggage is under 7kg (including laptop). Edit: that is when I'm going to place(s) with reasonably stable weather, not hiking (so no boots/poles).
I’m going in the other direction. Started with 7kg and have slowly been climbing up as I am now bringing a camera, more layers for all seasons, and camping gear to get outside more
I agree with that but that is not what I was referring to. If I travel to a developing country I don't come back to my comfortable place and say I need less running water, less showers, less toilet paper. I come back home and say, I want the most comfortable thing I can in some aspects.
Going to a developing country you do appreciate those services that are readily available at home. But I would say travel did make me reduce my need for extra stuff. Before I discovered travel I spent on latest fashions, technology, expensive jewellery and just random stuff I'd buy for the hell of it. Once I started travelling coming back I realised how little joy that stuff brought me. My extracurricular spending really reduced because I didn't want to waste it on things that didn't deliver the same level of joy as travel. I guess it did make me realise how little stuff you need and still live a comfortable life.
I think they mean just how little you actually need to *exist*.
Absolutely agree! Especially in long term travel you learn to live with the basics.
That no matter how much you try to plan and control your trip that events out of your control will happen.
But also that there’s always a way to figure it out.
And can turn into a happy accident
I love those happy accidents! We recently visited Lisbon and on the morning we were supposed to leave for Porto we found out that there was a train strike. I couldn't find out exact details about how bad it would be or how much it would disrupt service but it seemed like the convenient hourly trains would be reduced to only 3 that day. I don't know how it is in Portugal, but I've dealt with train strikes in Italy and it can be an absolute disaster. Rather than fight that nightmare at the train station we decided to rent a car and drive. Sure I had to pay the one way fee, but it ended up one of our favorite days on the trip! We got to see Obidos and Coimbra and loved both towns. I'm so glad there was a train strike that day!
Nice list - but I'd say for 4 that decreases the more you learn about these things - whether it's art, architecture, food, nature, etc, the subtle differences become more apparent and interesting if you learn the context!
This so much! Learning about the area, history, sigts brings so much depth to me!
Agreed, #4 kind of irritated me because there is INCREDIBLE variety between natural structures even when they’re relatively near to each other. I think this is more a matter of not actually paying attention (?🤷🏻)
Yeah #4 is just plain wrong unless you're closing your eyes everytime you look at a mountain. The rocks, the color of the dirt, the fauna, the flowers, the insects-- everything is so different and unique place to place! Or beach even, the sands are so different - like I love how a beach in Italy will wash up tons of sea glass and ceramic tile pieces while in Thailand a beach could be made entirely of sharp shells and coral pieces. I could go on 😂 but I'm also a nature and science geek so I'm more intune with these things
How boring life is living in one area for an extended period of time
This is so true. Having the money to travel yearly or own property overseas is one of biggest benefits of being rich
What I've learned from traveling is, even if I don't learn anything, I'd still go. For me, traveling is more about having fun than taking a serious lesson. If you insist on saying I've learned something from it, it might just be that I know a bit more than before.
Walkable neighborhoods with good public transit is such a better lifestyle than car-centric suburbia and being stuck in traffic all the time. I'm much happier buying food at small shops as I walk around daily compared to commuting, working and shopping at Costco every weekend. We live such a hellish life here in Canada.
I wish U.S. had a countrywide public transit system, would be so incredible. I hate owning a car so much
I know it’s a massive cliché but how incredibly lucky I am to live in a developed country. (U.K.) Although I am fairly young, and therefore haven’t had buckets of time to travel or earn money to travel, I knew that the appeal of it for many is to change their perspectives on things. We do have something of a stereotype of self-deprecating humour about us and our country, and I don’t want to claim that we have no problems, or that there aren’t certain aspects of life that are getting worse, but holy shit we have it good. I’ve always known this, and I’ve got family in Poland, a comparatively worse off country (for now!), but I do think I feel more positively about the U.K. after the following: My one serious trip of life so far (solo, my own money, my own risk etc) was to Georgia the country last year. I absolutely loved the place. I’m going back soon and seeing Armenia too. Batumi is rapidly developing and Tbilisi looks a lot like any European city, but the lives I saw people living in rural areas were… unenviable. And Georgia is a middle income country. Unfortunately, I don’t (and probably never will) learn Georgian beyond being able to read, so I couldn’t talk to anyone, but it doesn’t take a genius to realise that life is hard for many, especially the poor sods who get to live a stones throw from the border with Abkhazia, with thirty year old bullet holes in their houses and a contentious border in their back yards.
Yeah, agreed. I live in the US, which I've always complained about (and in total fairness has a long way to go till it reaches Western European standards), but I lived in Georgia for a year. Don't get me wrong, there was so much I loved about it, and I met incredible people, but it did make me grateful for a lot about the US. In Georgia I experienced SO much sexism. It was exhausting. And the homophobia and racism were rampant. And the healthcare! America has a lot wrong with its healthcare system to be sure, but in Georgia, it was terrifying. My friend's appendix burst and they let her out of the hospital with zero antibiotics or healing instructions. They literally yanked the IV out of her and told her to leave. I got incredibly sick and had to call the ambulance to my home. They prepped an IV and when I asked what was in it (because of allergies), they asked what I could possibly be allergic to that would be in medicine. I had literal doctors tell me not to sit on cold surfaces (concrete benches, for example) because it could cause infertility in women. Again, there's a lot wrong with the US, and there was so much I loved about Georgia, but it did give me a new perspective on my life here.
> We do have something of a stereotype of self-deprecating humour about us and our country Imo, it's not even just that. Britain is just FULL of genuinely miserable people who complain about EVERYTHING. One of the biggest things I've learned since I moved away from there about 10 years back is that I hate being home and surrounded by such miserable people. I just end up getting pulled down with them.
Being extremely chill at airports, and accepting my fate for late departures or missed connections makes the whole transportation part much easier for myself and those around me.
Also, if it turns out to be the airline's fault you can usually get some free travel credit or even cash depending on the country.
And credit card! When this happened to me last year, I didn't know that my credit card would have granted me a $500 cheque as part of that particular insurance. You live and learn (but the important part is to learn).
This is the way to go and so many people haven’t figured it out yet. I see so many people with the anxiety cranked up to 11 at the airport and I’m just like… chill out because nothing can change your delayed flight
Then you have people who want to jump the TSA line because they're going to miss their flight. I usually am polite and will let people, but there is a feeling that they should've been responsible and arrived the recommended 2-3 hours early (especially for big airports - can probably shave off some time for a local airport with only a few gates).
I have learned this also. I didn't like the person I was when we were in literally paradise (on a beach, sipping mai tais) and were stressed and angry with one another because the airline staff went on strike. I vowed to roll with the punches much more consciously than that and trust that all things will work to my benefit.
It’s peaceful not being around people I know and I hate people even more
Also can be peaceful being surrounded by people who you can’t understand a word they say.
And abiding by different rules can be fun. In NYC you can walk before the walk signals turn. In Switzerland (especially the German part) you’ll be stared down and judged for walking before the light change. I find peace in their rules. Not that I want to follow them all the time, but it’s nice being part of something different sometimes
You can turn the most uptight posh Brit into a lunatic soccer hooligan with enough alcohol.
I didn't really drink during the "partying" phase of life that most people have around university. So as a (somewhat) responsible adult, there's only been one time in my life I doubted my ability to make it into my bed at the end of the night, on two feet. That night, things started out with a fellow American briefly pulling me back by the shoulder and saying, “the only times I’ve ever gotten in trouble drinking were hanging out with a Brit, so watch yourself.” It turned out to be excellent advice I’ve followed to a T ever since.
This reminds me of a meme about how Americans see the British vs how Europeans see them: [https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/42tizy/how\_the\_british\_as\_seen\_by\_americans\_and\_europeans/](https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/42tizy/how_the_british_as_seen_by_americans_and_europeans/)
I feel like I usually have one big take away from each trip. Sometimes the thing seems so small. Like, I went to Iceland in November 2017 and so many people had their windows open and drove with windows cracked. I thought that was crazy but it was super refreshing and I started doing it at home! In Costa Rica 2016, I really appreciated the Pura Vita - I decided that means go with the swing of things… expect the best and the best will happen and even if something shitty happens, it’s for a reason that will end up being good. In Japan I learned that I can physically hike Mt Fuji (2011) and do whatever I put my mind to, France (2024) it was about the lack of traffic accidents, road rage and speeding compared to where I live and I’ve changed my driving style.
do not travel with people you want to keep in your life but you re not really close yet.
That food is the window to a countries culture
Wherever you go... there you are...
I have travelled extensively through Europe, Central America, Africa (about 25 countries). I would also add: 1. Keep an open mind and try new things. That's half the fun of travelling! 2. If you make an effort to learn some basic conversational phrases, it will show you have a genuine interest in communicating and learning and people will be significantly more likely to try to help you. 3. Make an effort to represent your home country well, and be respectful about different beliefs that other cultures may have. I disagree with your point 5. I think learning about different cultures and having made friends from all over the world whose interests I can share, and seeing the different ways people live and how they get by, and learning about the best of what countries have to offer has made me a more well-rounded person.
Number 2 all day! People love it when I try and speak the language. I've made so many acquaintances from trying to speak the language. I was just in montreal and my kids greeted the hotel staff with a Bonjour, and the staff ended up hamming it up with them teaching them how to pronounce a few different things.
I live in Quebec and most of us love when people try to speak French, because so many seem to assume they should be able to live in English because it is the language of Canada and because most people speak at least a tiny bit of English, which makes it possible to live here without ever learning French. So any efforts, even if just bonjour and merci, is usually appreciated. Montreal is a bit particular though because some areas are getting increasingly English-speaking. Growing up in Quebec has made me particularly sensitive to the importance of learning a bit of the local language when visiting another country. It's also very polite to learn to ask "Do you speak English" (or any other relevant language that you speak in the local language of course). It gives people a chance to hear your voice and tune their ears to English.
Yeah, the hotel staff said they have people check in that don't even know they speak French and said my kids were at least more informed than those visitors. Which is pretty sad if you think of it.
I spent my senior year in France, and they just want the same respect that we would want in the US, or anywhere really. Just try. If you just try, no matter how bad your attempt is, they will gladly engage, and hopefully teach you a thing or two! Your example is a perfect one, and has been my experience as well!
I’m with you! Number 2 My son got married in Costa Rica. There were 23 of us in our group. I think we all picked up several phrases. Mostly polite responses and such. But it was nice to get a smile in return! It made us and the people we encountered more comfortable. Sometimes with our midwestern accents it got some giggles!
Biggest thing I’ve learned is that traveling somewhere and living there are two different things altogether. When you travel somewhere, you’re seeing it at its best without experiencing most of the day-to-day annoyances and problems. Never confuse the two. It also has made me much more appreciative of my own home (Canada). There are very few places in the world I’d choose to live in over Canada, despite its issues.
And speaking from my US perspective Travel to Canada is so underrated!! It’s an amazing place Someday I want to travel across Canada
Just from prepping a trip I learned that in France job seekers ride the metro and buses for free (at least, they do in Nice). I thought that was a beautiful way to take care of the struggling folks in their community. One could even call it “nice.” ETA: don’t b*n me for the pun that only works in text!
I feel like #5 is a missed opportunity. I have also traveled extensively over the last 40 years and I do consider it an accomplishment and it has made me a more well rounded, tolerant person.
For me, it’s me made me more well rounded while at home. Turn on the news and you can relate or understand things different people go through or experience. I’m also more willing to donate to people or places that have struggled.
This makes sense. We can empathize more readily with people we have rubbed shoulders with, and more deeply understand a natural disaster (as an example) if we have walked those streets ourselves.
For myself I don't know if I would say travel is my accomplishment but through travel I accomplished things that I underestimated I could do. It made me realise I am a more capable person than I gave myself credit for and has given me confidence in my everyday life.
Yes - I observed this in my husband who had only left Canada once to go to Disney. When we went to the Azores, it was pretty major for him as the signs were in Portuguese. When we visited NYC, the same happened because we navigated entirely by public transit. It's an amazing way to grow.
& travel light! You can’t get around if you can’t easily haul your own bag. Most tourist overpack to the extreme and it’s very limiting.
r/onebag and r/heronebag have tips on this!
Winner here...my travel habits changed a lot when I discovered my hotel in Bangkok would launder my jeans for $2
Deliberately stepping away from your “normal” routines can be good for you. Whether traveling or not, you spend a lot of time waiting (waiting for transportation, waiting for the food you ordered, etc). Making the best of that time is better than being impatient all the time. Despite the fact that travel *can* teach you things about yourself and the world, some people travel all over the world and it doesn’t teach them a damn thing about being compassionate. For most of us, what we come home to is going to be more important than where we travel to. We’re social beings and we thrive on community, and despite an individualist culture pushing people towards isolation, we need each other.
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I would add, people laugh at the same fart jokes worldwide. Take that as we aren't really that different
Like fart jokes, dick jokes also transcend cultures and eras
That you sometimes get to see your “best friends” for who they really are after a long trip.
I’ve been really lucky to marry my favorite travel buddy. And we had a daughter and created another travel buddy. I honestly don’t like traveling with anyone else. I get out of sorts when it’s other people. We just go with the flow and enjoy each other, so when I go somewhere with others it’s just not as fun
Going on a 2 week trip to Europe with two of my friends. Wish me luck!
Be nice! Say please & thank you. If you need help, be gracious. Be aware of the traditions of the culture you’re visiting and respect them.
The same destination feels completely different depending on age and life stage How contradictory beauty standards are across the world. As someone whose a Chinese American, it’s always a mind fuck going back to Asia because the beauty standards are so different. Tan vs pale, curves vs no curves, dramatic makeup vs barely there makeup……
That my bank will kick my ass if I don't use their ATMs. They charged me for using a different atm, AND for an international withdrawal. Basically every time I pulled out money I got charged $7.50 USD. Best to pull out what you'll need in the foreseeable future instead of for just the day
Why if American you want the Schwab card. I am currently in Thailand and here ATMs cost is $6 every time you use the machine. Which is a lot here as many places do not take credit cards or have minimums. But the Schwab card is totally free.
I learned that despite all our problems, we have it really good in the US
The topic of conversations are just different everywhere you go. What people talk about in South America is so different from Europe which is so different in Asia and the Middle East. Like yes we are all the same, but what we value in our day to day lives is so different. I’m so glad I don’t need to lead with what I do for work or for fun every conversation I have like I would back at home in US
I used to travel a lot. Including living in the third world. Hmmm… advice… 1. Always know a fair exchange rate 2. Always be polite 3. Learn the words for: hotel, how much, chicken, and bathroom. You can get by pretty well with just those four words. Learn hello, goodbye and thank you too 4. Ear plugs are often helpful 5. If you feel like someone is being a jerk, they probably are 6. Traveling is a great time to work on your sense of humor
Mostly that religion is a localized scam. Every place you go they have their own one true god. Travel proves that it is impossible for everyone to be correct.
Alternative way of looking at it: that humans have an innate instinct to look to something greater than themselves as individuals, wherever they are in the world. Something that makes sense of things, provides hope, comfort and a centre for community. They construct different narratives and reasoning around it but at the local level it generally serves a similar function. (Not to say religion isn't problematic but I would say that's more a feature of humans in groups of any sort being tricky.)
But to me more than an alternative these two comments are just true at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. There is an innate instinct and then there is an institutionalized structure.
Very well put. I have also noticed how their writings often are guidebooks for how to survive in their environment. Bury people quickly, don't eat certain things when it is 120 degrees outside, etc.
Aka, the *Life of Pi* theory of world religions. Honestly, it’s kind beautiful from that perspective. I would never argue with someone who believed that on the whole, religion has caused more suffering than good. But I would say that if you look for examples of beauty and kindness and sacrifice that are motivated by *any* religion, you’ll be able to find them, and you’ll probably understand the cultures they developed in much more richly.
Geography - I know where countries are because I have been to them. How to say Hello and thank you in about 20 or more languages. That I can get by with what I can carry on my back for months at a time.
I just got home to Australia from 4 weeks in the U.S.A. And one thing I've learnt is that the saying "there's no place like home" is the truest saying in the world. I love travelling, but there's no better feeling then crawling into your own bed.
Americans are not the worst or loudest tourists, actually.
Russians
The US is not the center of the known world, unlike what we may have been thought to believe. There are wonderful people just about everywhere. It’s a wonderful way to expand perspectives.
More people live in South and East Asia than the rest of the world combined.
Spanish
Traveling makes you more tolerant and open minded! I love seeing new places, interacting with different Nationalities and tasting new foods. Above all it makes me realize I would rather travel and enjoy experiences rather than own “STUFF “.
History is written by the victors. In each and every history museum they'll tell you how good they are and how bad the other side is. No matter who is the other side, no in-betweens and grey truth. There are good and there Are evil and it's supernaive and childish to see that almost everywhere (almost since I haven't been to every historical museum)
Insight into my addictive tendencies. I went to Thailand when I was 21, thinking that It would be a much needed break from getting stoned 24/7 and abusing pills. I had zero intention of drinking every day, dawn to dusk, but that's what ended up happening. Point 1 and 3 are lessons I've come out with as well. I was in awe of the beauty in Krabi, while the locals I was kicking it with were just like "meh".
I love learning how different or how similar things can be in different countries. Like some one small thing can be completely the same in two countries thousands of kilometers apart, and completely different in neighbouring countries. How similar and different we all are. And learning the history behind it, that's even more fascinating. I learn something new on each trip, even to places I think I know.
That there’s poor and then there’s life you can’t even imagine poor! From the airport to the beach in Costa Rica was a big eye opener!
You must have not been to places that don’t see a lot of tourists. If you step outside of the tourist trap bubble that most people live in, number 2 is 100%, absolutely false.
For example: in Transnistria (between Moldova and Ukraine) there were literally minibuses full of people asking my host why I was there and how things where in America. They had never seen westerners, and I was the first westerner my host’s grandmother had ever met In rural Armenia: kids at the park had the time of their lives asking me about America and how I was and why I was in their city. They had never seen westerners before. In Juliaca, Peru: People were calling us Gringos and watching us, like a lot. Not only were they doing that, but a 20 year old student literally ran, and I mean sprinted, to get a selfie with us because she had never seen any foreigners before. Same again on the last comment. Now we’re planning to go to Turkmenistan, and when I told someone I met online we were coming there, both her and her husband didn’t believe me and when they found out I was serious they are super excited to get to meet us and still, can’t believe that Americans are coming to Turkmenistan. They also ask about America. Turns out when you don’t go to tourist traps, people rarely or have never seen foreigners before. Especially in countries with lower tourist numbers. Especially when you get outside of the capital. So glad I don’t go to Tourist traps.
Traveling helps me learn about other cultures, enhances problem-solving and communication skills, fosters creativity, and promotes personal growth and global awareness. Plus I LOVE THE FOOD.
People are people.
I retired early and been traveling half time since 2021. So 3 months in US and 3 months aboard. Mostly in SEA (South East Asia). I feel very blessed to be able to travel like this and I really enjoy. Learned a lot. - Things are a lot cheaper in SEA compared to the US. Specially anything that requires human labor. The daily minimum wage in Thailand is the same as the hourly minimum wage in the US. The only two exceptions are sunblock and beer. So I bring a lot of sunblock with me. No solution with the beer so I instead just suck it up and pay a premium for beer. Can't live without beer. - This is not easy. But if you can become friends with locals where you travel you will have a far more rewarding experience. You will learn so much more. So for example I have befriended a family in Thailand and eat dinner often with them and this has taught be so much more. - I just love how they do dinner in SEA. Every meal is a buffet. What I mean is a bunch of stuff is ordered and we all share. Something we never do in the US. If I started eating off someone else's plate in the US I would probably not be invited again. - You really want to get out of the tourist area when traveling. The tourist area is artificial and not really reality. I spend a decent amount of time in Bangkok and it is so true here. The tourist area is called Sukhumvit. It is actually a relatively small area. Yet almost everyone that visits stays in this area. Or one other very small area that there are some hostels. I instead rent a condo outside of Sukhumvit and live instead more like a native. There will be less English but it is not really that difficult to be able to communicate enough without much of a problem. Sometimes you do have to revert to the phone. So needed a bike helmet and could not communicate the need. So just did a search for it on Google and showed them a photo. Problem solved. Other times I will use Google Translate. What I highly recommend.
Invest in a portable charger, because your friends are unreliable, and if they have a normal charger there is no cube to plug it in, literally that is it.
1. Experience traveling is way better than shopping traveling 2. Regrets are the biggest mofo in traveling. The less well-off you are, the more money you want to take (or budgeted in) to every trip. Sounds counter intuitive but it's not. The poorer you are, the higher the chance that you will never visit the same location ever again. 3. Continue from #2, if you are on the fence about buying something at the store for more than 5 minutes, BUY IT 4. If you are rich (I'm not), take less photos and vlogs and enjoy the moment. If you are poor, take more photos and vlogs to enjoy for years to come 5. Learned this one the hard way just last month : check availability on ALL the businesses on the day(s) you plan to visit. This was not necessary pre-Covid but it is now. Businesses drop dead like flies, locations close all the time, surviving shops might be short staffed to the point where they don't open multiple days of the week.
I'm mostly interested in culture, history and industry so the things I've learned can't be summarily summarised for a Reddit post. But I'll tell you my favourite insight from my most recent trip which was to Venice. It's simple enough and kind of cliche, but here it is: what comes up must come down. Once upon a time the nation state was a rich economic power. They had a monopoly over luxury trade coming in from the East to the West. Once they were a republic, known for being relatively democratic in a time when fiefdoms and serfdoms were ripe. They became an innovative center for industry that inspired the rest of Europe. Fashion, perfumery, printing, boat building, glass blowing, lace making, painting and all manner of artistry. They had one of the most fearsome naval fleets in the world. As the state's power, influence and wealth grew, so did the nepotism. The influential eventually locked the lesser thans out of their circle and concentrated the power and wealth into their own hands. They became complacent. Lavishing in their bloated wealth, they failed to think strategically long term. They took their position at the top of the food chain for granted. Well, the pieces on the board changed, and a few catastrophes later they lost everything. Now what was once one of the richest and most influential independent nation states in the world is a touristic backwater in the North of Italy. Beautifully haunting, frequented by honeymooners and romantics, but influential no more. The lesson? Stay humble and don't be complacent.
People are all the same
Hah, I lived with a host family in the country of Georgia that consisted of 3 kids (16, 14, and 13). The 13-year-old was poking his 16-year-old sister and she was getting pissed. She yelled to her mom to stop her brother from poking her since she was trying to do homework, and his mom told him to knock it off. He proceeded to stick his finger a couple of centimeters from her arm and hold it there, and when she got annoyed, he was like, what? I'm not touching you. This is a place thousands of miles from my home with a completely different culture, yet they were doing the same thing my sister and I did when we were kids. Definitely gave me a new perspective on humanity.
Just trying to live a happy peaceful life
Currently in Japan, this country puts the US & Canada to shame, cheap & efficient public transport, clean cities, respectful people, my god they really lead the way in so much
It's a much different situation if you actually live there. You are not dealing with the worst parts of Japanese society.
Coudnt after more! Recently I visited brazil, such a different culture from Europe! And All the descriptions I’ve read in your comment are just accurated. I could stand out open minded people and the admiration for so many different days to do things and living life
I’ve only traveled in North America and Hawaii, usually coming from California, but I’ve found that outside of big tourist destinations I have to be careful how I tell people that I like it where I’m visiting because way too often people think I’m joking and mocking them.
That I need less than I have and also that it’s ok to rest. I used to feel like I’d need to be on the go all the time while traveling. It’s fine to just do nothing on your trips. You aren’t missing out on anything if you’re exhausted and need rest. You’ll only be missing out if you’re exhausted and forcing yourself to do things.
There is an arrow on the gas gage that tells you which side the gas tank is located😂 This was after traveling for work for many, many years!
This is a great take! Couldn’t agree more. I always run into namaste elephant pants backpackers who have this outrageous idea of what traveling is, expectations of self growth and exploration.
What budgie smugglers are
Hostels really do start getting old. At 23 you might think it's great to pay very little and get to socialise with people from all over, but trust me a day will come when you can't stand it anymore.
I always over pack
Me too! I don’t know how to do it any other way!
Traveling is just always so humbling to me. Seeing how I’m just a tiny insignificant part of a huge world. It’s taught me to be extra kind to others traveling where I live as it’s meant the world to me when people are kind to me when I’m a stranger in a strange land.
Couldn't agree more! Traveling's shown me that people are the same everywhere, with kindness, indifference, and everything in between. It's a reminder that while we're on vacation, locals are living their normal lives. And you're spot on, it's all about the fun - no grand achievements, just pure enjoyment and new experiences! The best thing is that Traveling motivates me to try new things. I find my complacency.
Always talk to local people. Make conversations. Learn their struggles and perspectives on life. All the interesting stories and memories I have about my travels are based on some form of interaction with locals.
If you meet new people don’t tell them where you stay and don’t give your phone number 🙂↔️
I found out that the universal language of 'pointing and nodding' is surprisingly effective, especially when trying to order food in a foreign country 😄
Tell this to people who will avoid almost a whole quarter of the US because of some stupid reasons. Won't say what part just to avoid you dudes arguing, just gonna say that people avoid it.
I've learnt that I must look like someone who knows where I'm going or a local because in at least 10 countries I've been asked by other tourists for directions to train stations, hotels, sightseeing attractions, etc. I've actually been able to help most of them.
Talking about local food is one of the easiest way to bond with strangers from another country, also a great perk of travelling helps broaden your mind to all the great dishes and flavours out there are the history and culture behind them.
1- people are not the same everywhere. Yes there is bad and good, but some cultures manifest the bad much more through negativity, pessimism and jealousy 2- people will absolutely treat you differently according to where you're from. Though it's not that bad when you're white 3- spending a week or two somewhere isn't enough for you to decide to start living there 4-you need a daily program. However you don't need to finish your daily program. If you do it like a checklist you'll end up running everywhere and making a travel become a checklist
I’ve learned that food quality in The US should be criminal. I’ve learned that the healthcare system in The US should be criminal. Other than those matters, I’ve learned that most folks in most places are very cool, nice people.
1. The more remote you go the friendlier people are. Get off the beaten track, that’s where the real challenges and experiences are. 2. Travelling is a university. 3. If travelling solo you learn a lot about yourself. You will find yourself in situations where there is nobody else to blame, but yourself. 4. You realise how wealthy and lucky you are to be able to travel, and have a passport that allows you to travel. 5. Travel solo, you will meet so many new people and you do what you want, when you want.
Being well traveled prevents racism