7 Lessons every traveler should learn

The way you travel is something very personal, but whether you prefer budget travel, luxurious resorts, city trips or two-week hiking trips, there are some lessons every traveler should learn.

1. However different, everyone’s the same

When you are traveling the world you will often notice how different a culture can be from your own. The food might taste differently, customs and traditions might not be the same as yours, fashion might seem strange and the language probably will be different as well. People might not look like you and they might have social rules and expectations other than the ones you are used to.

However, no matter how big all those differences are, in essence everyone’s the same; everyone wants to be treated with respect, everyone appreciates kindness and a smile, everyone needs food and water.

It’s important not to forget this. The people you see and meet abroad aren’t just some other ‘attraction’. There’s a history behind their way of life and as a traveler you should respect that.

2. Knowing one ‘world language’ isn’t enough

Yes, English will get you a long way, especially in more ‘touristy’ destinations, but there are still plenty of places in the world where people only know the local language.

English might be a world language, but its native speakers are still outnumbered by those of Spanish and Mandarin. Now, the Chinese don’t expect you to understand them when they come to Europe, do they?

Even if your language is widely spoken in the country you are you are visiting, it will still act as some kind of barrier. Every word you say will remind both the locals and yourself that you are not from there.

Of course you can’t learn the language of every place you visit and even if you do people would probably still notice you aren’t from around there, but being able to say “hello” or “thank you” can often be a first step to a true conversation… and it will definitely generate some goodwill. Most guidebooks contain a list with basic words and phrases or you could just look some up online before you leave on your trip.

3. Don’t let your guidebook or itinerary lead your trip

It’s great to plan, to know how you need to get somewhere and have an idea of what you want to visit. Don’t let your program get in the way of discovering something new. It’s one thing to know where you’re going, it’s another to be blind to the things you come across on the road leading there. So bring your guidebook, but also take the time to just wander around and explore.

4. Enjoy the moment

You are here, enjoying a sunset, a great meal or an amazing view. Take it in. Memorize it. Don’t just tick the box and worry about where you need to get to next. This moment won’t happen again. Enjoy it.

5. You don’t need all those clothes

Think of all the clothes you would really need to make it through a week without getting smelly. Then think of three items that you would like to bring to brighten up your outfits or for special occasions.

Now think of all the other clothes that you have packed.

Quite the difference, right?

6. You have an impact on every place you visit

When you travel abroad you often use polluting means of transportation to get there.

You bring money you have earned at home to spend in another country and you can choose to spend that money at local shops and restaurants, or at Zara and McDonald’s.

You can stay at fancy international hotel chains, or at local guesthouses.

Depending on your destination you might have a much more expensive lifestyle than the native people. Be aware of that the next time you’re bothered by someone trying to sell you something.

Your trip might mean a two-week break for you, but many people taking a two-week break somewhere will have a long term effect on the local community and their way of life.

That doesn’t mean you have to stay home, but it should make you think about how you behave abroad and how you spend your money there.

7. There are as many ways to travel as there are people. Only travel the way that’s right for you.

There are many articles out there telling you how you should travel. Usually they focus on the places you visit, the time you spend at those places and the way you organize your trip – or have it organized.

Ignore them!

Of course you can take advice, but don’t let anyone tell you “you are not traveling the right way”. Figure it out for yourself. You will get there.

Sofie.

About the Author:

Sofie is a language lover and travel aficionada who combines a full-time job with freelance writing and travel blogging. She uses her weekends, vacation days and public holidays to travel the world and share her experiences with you on her blog Wonderful Wanderings. Be sure to follow her on Twitter and Facebook or connect with her on Google+.

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Milene – My Cup of Travel

I totally agree with you, although I think there are countless lessons anyone can learn before travelling the world, you got the most important ones pointed out quite well!
- Sofie Couwenbergh
  
  Hi Milene
  There are definitely countless lessons to learn, both before setting off to travel, while traveling as afterwards when you can reflect upon everything that you’ve experienced.
http://haveblogwilltravel.org/ Calli D

Great post Sophie! I think you hit one of the major reasons to travel right on the head – there is so much to learn! I know that travel has changed the way my girlfriend and I go about our lives, plus it’s helped us develop as people in such a meaningful way. Safe travels!
- Sofie Couwenbergh
  
  Hey Calli!
  
  Glad you liked it.
  Travel has also changed how I look at a lot of things and it has definitely made me change my priorities in life!
KickOffYourShoes

Such a great article! Sometimes as travelers we forget to just stop and enjoy the moment. We get lost in all the panning and details. You will never care about what you were wearing, but you will always remember that perfect moment.
- Sofie Couwenbergh
  
  What a great way of summarizing lesson 4 and 5!
  
  I often have to remind myself to just enjoy the moment. As I’m usually the person who plans everything I’m always thinking about what comes next, how much time we still have etc.
  
  I’m learning, though 🙂
megan_claire

Really great piece – I completely agree that knowing one worl language is not enough. I feel so ignorant traveling overseas and having to ask if they speak my language. We cant stand it when people do it in our country, so why should we treat them any differently?!
- Sofie Couwenbergh
  
  I completely agree. Up until now I’ve always tried to learn a few phrases in the language of the country I’m traveling to. I got a head start, though, as I know Dutch, Spanish, French and English. These four already get me pretty far.
Darlene Strand

Traveling alone can give you that feeling of ‘independent’, its okay, running about in the states. But, not so cool traveling to other countries. Going with a group, church, club, or an organization, will give you better piece of mind, safety/protection. Plus, you can make friends on your trips to other countries, some friendships can turn into long lasting friendships. Oh, the seven things, I would bring,underwear, a couple of tees, a traveling wind breaker(light jacket), a sweater, a couple of jeans, a pair of sandals, sneakers, swimsuit, and a few personals, and a brush, several cameras(disposable), my backpack, a journal to write and draw, to keep personal record of my trip, and several inkpens. Don’t forget your recharging cord for your phone and tablet, if you take them. Have fun! Do some homework on the places you’ll be seeing.
- Sofie Couwenbergh
  
  Thanks for the tips, Darlene!
Darlene Strand

I haven’t travelled Europe, mostly the states and Canada and Hawaii. I’ve learned that having a ‘good’ attitude and ‘patience’ helps, will get people to be friendly towards you. ‘Buddy or Children’ can add to the excitement to go and see more, than when your alone! Learn a liitl about where you are going to visit on vacation to have an idea of what’s available to you. Be careful of your money and if you do loose your credit card, report it, so you won’t be charged for things you didn’t consent to buy! I learned from visiting Big Bear in May, that air is a lot cooler there than in Fontana, I didn’t bring a sweater. We stayed for a few hours. But by the time we drove back to Fontana, air temperature was in the 80s. I was sniffling and had caught a cold!
zohaib amir

Traveling can undoubtedly be enlightening and transformative. Here are seven crucial lessons that every traveler needs to keep in mind:

Embrace Flexibility: Weather, traffic delays, or other unforeseen events might cause travel plans to change at the last minute. You’ll be able to take advantage of any scenario if you can learn to adjust and maintain flexibility.

Respect Cultural Diversity: Each place has its own distinct culture, traditions, and customs. These must be approached with respect for the local way of life and an open mind. Before you travel, do some research and grasp the local customs to avoid unintentional offense.

Develop your patience when traveling because it’s common to have to wait for things like planes, meals, or tourist attractions. Being patient is a valuable ability that can help you feel less stressed and increase your enjoyment of your journey.