Key Takeaways from Traveling Over 130 Countries: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Wisdom
Much like the average person, my journey as a world traveler has been rooted in a desire for adventure, family, and enjoyment of life. However, my experiences in visiting over 130 countries across all 7 continents have provided me with profound insights that I wish to share.
Travel as a Passion
My passion for travel began in the late 1950s when I was in the US Air Force and stationed in Morocco. During this time, I had the opportunity to visit several major cities, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Madrid, Tangiers, Paris, and my favorite, London. The city’s language barrier was absent, and it boasted some of the world's best museums and theater. The concert at the Barbican to hear Jerry Goldsmith play excerpts from his movie compositions was an unforgettable experience that continued to inspire me for many years.
Observations Across Borders
While traveling to 70 countries, I gained a unique perspective on the vastness of the world and the impossibility of seeing everything in a lifetime. It is simply not possible to scratch the surface of this planet in just a few years of travel. For some, travel is a once-in-a-year or once-in-few-years activity, while for others, it can become a routine similar to staying at home.
Traveling for an extended period can make it difficult to commit to relationships, causes, and friendships. This can be a significant challenge, but it also means that when you do form lasting connections, they often become even more meaningful. On the other hand, frequent travel can lead to being more adaptable and resilient.
Cultural Insights and Life Lessons
One of the most profound realizations I gained from my travels is that material wealth is not as strongly correlated with happiness in the Western world as one might think. In many cultures, people with far less than what we have seem happier and more content with life in the moment. In contrast, some cultures are more prone to sadness and emotional struggles. This difference in happiness despite varying levels of wealth highlights the subjective nature of happiness.
Life is full of drastically different rules and values, and experiencing such diversity has been both enlightening and humbling. From visiting the Esperanza Base in Antarctica to attending Jerry Goldsmith's concert in London, each experience has broadened my horizons and challenged my preconceptions.
Reflections from Cambodia
A significant turning point in my journey was my visit to Cambodia, where I came to understand the significance of what we value in a "career." In many Western societies, success often correlates with career advancement and material wealth. However, I have learned that happiness and fulfillment can be found in simpler, more meaningful pursuits.
Further Reading
For a deeper dive into the lessons learned from five years of world travel, I recommend the article 5 Life Lessons From 5 Years of Traveling the World. This piece offers valuable insights into what one can learn from extensive global experiences.
Traveling the world is more than just a pursuit of adventure; it is a journey of self-discovery and wisdom. Each culture, each city, and each experience contributes to a more enriched and fulfilling life. May your travels be filled with as much meaning and joy as mine have been.