I’ve been traveling since high school, visited dozens of countries, and the more I travel, the more I want to keep exploring. And each trip has added to what I have learned along the way. Grateful doesn’t even begin to explain how I feel about all of these experiences so I wanted to share some important lessons I learned when traveling. 

With all the trips I have taken locally, nationally, and overseas, I picked up little tricks here and there that made each travel experience easier as well as things to keep in mind for future travels (including my travel beauty routine as you may know by now how much I love travel and beauty!). I hope that these lessons I learned when exploring, adventuring, and learning all over the world and my experiences will also help you with your travels and outlook in life. I address some things that a lot of people may not talk about and you will see the good, bad, and ugly of what can happen when travelling.

1 – Budget And Save For Your Travels, But There May Be A Side Effect That You May Not Have Accounted For

I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone, but once the travel bug bites, you want to keep traveling. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to have a separate budget just for traveling. Obviously, this budget has kind of grown as well since sometimes I travel up to 10 times a year, but it’s good to know ahead of time where I’m planning to allocate my funds for travel. I admit, sometimes I go over, but at least I am still pretty close to what I have planned. 

I choose experiences over material things for the most part and I count everything I want to buy as part of a plane ticket. $250 for dinner? That’s a one-way ticket to somewhere in Canada or the US. $600 on a designer sweater? That’s an all-inclusive vacation to Cuba. Decide what matters the most to you and whether you have the heart to spend on it compared to something else. Here are the best ways to save money on flights and hotels for your next vacation and 10 Travel Hacks To Save Money While On Vacation

Also, people won’t know how you can afford all the travels unless you explicitly tell them – and most of the time they just see you abroad every other month and make assumptions. People may be annoyed with how much you travel and think you can’t manage your finances or get jealous that you have the luxury to travel so often. May it be your family thinking you’re not saving money or so-called friends watching everything you do and not saying a thing – because silence is an answer too. Either explain it (to the former because they matter) or ignore it all (the latter) and continue doing you. You know what you have planned and budgeted to make your travel dreams come true. But this “side effect” of traveling so much became one of the important lessons I learned and you also need to learn how to manage the negativity of those around you. 

2 – Travel Solo At Least Once, It’s More Rewarding And Eye-Opening Than You Think 

Dana at Nacional Hotel De Cuba

My first trip where I got on a plane and traveled on my own was actually just before I started grade 9. Although I was meeting people (that I don’t know) in Massachusetts for a camp my parents sent me to, it was my first time getting on a plane since I was a baby (which I have no recollection of) and I had to go through the airport, customs, baggage, and finding people in the pickup location all by myself. I didn’t have a lot of instructions that I can remember as I went through all of that but it was the beginning of my learning experience when it comes to traveling. I guess it wasn’t so bad just getting thrown into it because a couple of years later in grade 11, I started taking more and more trips. And there’s been other times when I traveled alone – whether it’s just to get away or for work – and it’s actually quite nice. 

I don’t find that I get bored or lonely when traveling solo, instead, it makes me more aware and excited about what’s going to happen. You get to do everything in your own time, make decisions on your own, test your street smarts and problem-solving and navigational skills, and have time to yourself for your own thoughts and feelings without interruption. Don’t you sometimes find that your thoughts and taking the time to be real with yourself are drowned out by all the noise around you? Unfortunately, sometimes it takes physically getting away from it all to really hear yourself. And keep in mind to not constantly be on electronics and take in the new country, culture, and everything new around you as well. You’re there for self-care, self-awareness, educating yourself, pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone, and even giving yourself a break from it all. The quiet time is actually pretty nice, especially by the sea. You’ll definitely have your own lessons learned when traveling!

Here is the Best Advice Solo Female Travelers Need To Know.

3 – Group Travel Tests Friendships, You May Strengthen Bonds Or Lose A Friend

I’ve been on several group trips, including one where there were about 30 people. There have been family, friends, acquaintances, best friends, boyfriends, and husbands. And the longer your trip is, the more you learn about a person. I would say, really decide whom you want to travel with and be aware of similarities and differences prior to going, especially if you have to share accommodations. Little quirks and habits that are not in line with yours or that you can’t tolerate can really make a trip difficult and can even ruin it. Although a lot of the time, you won’t find that out until you’re actually on the trip with them. But honestly, that’s another one of those important lessons learned when traveling.

I have friends I no longer speak to, close friends who became best friends, and memories with family to last a lifetime. Remember that any kind of trip involves time and money on everyone’s part and these elements are precious, so there may be times when arguments or disagreements may happen because you want to do things together, but no one can agree. Either plan what you want to do ahead of time, or be okay with separating. I’ve also been on a cruise with a friend where we were okay with splitting up and when we got on land, I would take a plane to another island in Belize to swim with the stingrays and nurse sharks and she would be exploring the Mayan Ruins. When you travel and can agree on what you want to do or not do, it definitely makes things easier. 

Also note that the bigger your travel group is, the likelier difficulties or disputes can happen and that’s why I prefer either traveling by myself, with one other person or up to 4 people. But know that traveling together can make or break a relationship and you may come home feeling the same as before, better, or even feel a loss.

4 – There Will Be A Lot Of Waiting, Be Patient And Accept Not Everything Will Go As Scheduled

You will find that traveling takes a lot of patience – that means waiting in lines for security and customs, waiting for your plane to finally take off, waiting for your layover to be over to board your next flight, waiting for your ride to get you to your hotel, waiting to get your room if you arrive before your check-in time – you get the point. From the beginning to the end of your trip, you may not realize how much waiting there will be during your travels and you’ll have to be patient.

You can plan your travels as meticulously as possible but not everything will go as scheduled depending on weather, sudden closures, or other last-minute incidences. And especially when it comes to airlines, there are often delays and cancellations. Everything will work out, just try not to stress yourself out any more than you already are, and be patient. I know sometimes it’s really hard when you’re trying to catch the next flight, train, or bus – but the more you travel, the more you’ll realize these things happen and its sometimes inevitable. 

I know a lot of people get anxious and stressed when traveling, but that kind of defeats the purpose of your getaway! Here are some ways on How To Take The Stress Out Of Traveling. You can at least prepare a little beforehand!

5 – Be Open-Minded And Flexible And Never Stop Learning

One of the best ways to educate yourself on other countries, cultures, traditions and values, foods, and people is to travel and experience it firsthand. It’s important to be open-minded when traveling and flexible to understanding a different way of life. It may not be something you’re used to or even a part of your morals and values, but it’s important to maintain respect especially if you’re in a different country. You don’t want to get in trouble with the law overseas and you are in someone else’s territory. Remember, it’s a privilege to travel and no one has to grant you access to their country. 

Also, while you are in a different country or a new place you’ve never visited, it’s always good to never stop exploring and never stop learning. You can easily get new knowledge, acquire new skills, immerse yourself in a completely different culture and really get to understand others. You never know whom you may meet in life and one of the reasons I try to educate myself in many different areas is to have relatable knowledge that can help me in life and also be able to communicate with others no matter the age or background and find a common ground when needed. I’m always thirsty for knowledge and I love learning and trying new things (within certain boundaries of course) and traveling has definitely helped with a lot of conversations I’ve had. The lessons learned when traveling can make a big impact on your life whether now or in the future.

6 – Take Advantage Of The Short Time You Have Abroad And Wake Up Early When Possible

Travel is a luxury for most people and a majority of them can only afford (time and money) up to one week away, especially if they have more than one person to pay for! If the purpose of your travels is for a vacation to relax, then you have the ability to take it slow and bask in the sun. If the purpose of your travels is to explore, adventure, and do as much as you can, then time is not your friend. There’s so much to see and so little time, I can’t even begin to imagine what heaven is like.

I’m a night owl and really have trouble getting up in the mornings, but one of the important lessons I learned when traveling is that I can’t waste any time and I need to get up as early as possible. When you wake up earlier, not only can you try to catch the gorgeous sunrises, but it allows for longer days, and therefore gives you more time to enjoy your time away. Plus, a lot of the time it minimizes your wait times in lines and who doesn’t want to be first and avoid crowds?

7 – Appreciate The Little Things, Be Thankful, And Help Others

Kids In Havana, Cuba

As I mentioned above, travel is a luxury and oftentimes we are visiting countries that are possibly less well-off than ours in Canada and the US since our dollar is probably better so it’s cheaper to travel there. Also, their beautiful natural sceneries are something that a lot of travelers look forward to visiting. I don’t know what it is but seeing gorgeous landscapes, especially by the water is something I’m already so grateful for and I get so happy seeing them. It’s always nice to take the time to stop and enjoy it, especially since I don’t get this often where I live. Even seeing the hustle and bustle of the busy city life, it’s so good to know that I’m alive and can see life go by like that. 

Traveling takes you out of what you’re familiar with and puts life into a different perspective when you take a pause and think about it. You see how others live, work, struggle, and enjoy life. One of my favorite parts about traveling to the less fortunate countries is that I can give so many things away – whether they’re clothes, shoes, bags, toiletries, or toys, I love knowing that I can help someone in need or give to those who don’t have easy access to what is just an everyday item back home. Even if they’re used (but not damaged), it’s good that they don’t go to waste and the locals are so grateful and excited to have them. I know I’m fortunate to live where I live and have what I have, and it really is rewarding to be able to give to others as well. 

A few of the most memorable moments that still make me smile include one of my trips to Holguin, Cuba when I was on a train and we were passing by some houses on the side and every single local came out to their backyard on a small hill to wave to our passing train. I brought a Gameboy with me to give away and thought it was the perfect opportunity. I threw it out of the train and a little boy was able to get it and he was so excited, jumping up and down, and ran inside the house with it. Another time when I was in Havana, Cuba on a solo trip I took, I passed by a family with 3 kids playing around their dad’s car. I didn’t know much Spanish at the time but I was able to give them clothing and toiletries as well as take a photo of them. They were the sweetest little things. On another more recent trip to the Philippines, my husband and I gave away some clothing, a thermos, and a flower headband to a few kids who worked at a restaurant we visited every day in Puerto Princesa. The restaurant was also dedicating its time and energy to helping local kids as well so this was perfect. The next day we went back, they were already wearing everything we gave them so we knew how much they needed or appreciated it. 

You don’t have to do a lot, but honestly, I find that doing even just a little bit and being generous to others can do more than you may think. 

8 – Don’t Let Anyone Stop You, Book Your Trip And Make It Happen

When you’re young, there may be a lot of voices that may be unsupportive or tell you to save money instead. Even now as I’m older, people often tell me things like this. It’s good to listen to their cautions, but you’ll also need to listen to yourself. You don’t want to be wondering what if. You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. It’s okay to be independent, make your own decisions, and be away from friends and family. They’ll always be there and your trip isn’t forever (most of the time, unless you end up wanting to move)! If you taken into consideration safety, are prepared with everything you need, have a plan (or not), and prioritize learning, you might have the experience of a lifetime.

To help you get started, here’s a Free Pre-Trip Planner and Checklist to make sure you’re fully equipped for your trip. 

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