The validity of quotes is often tied to the person associated with the quote itself. Do they have the credentials, the experience or the gravitas necessary to be believable. I would argue that the content of the quote is of more value than who says it. As travelers certain quotes truly resonate because they reflect our own experiences. Here is a list of our favorite travel quotes . . . and why they speak to us so strongly.
We were raised to respect others as a default position. Both Ramie and I enjoyed all of the traveling we did growing up. Our parents were exposing us to different cultures, climates and histories disguised as fun and adventure. We have done the same with our kids in the hopes that they understand the world isn’t just where you live.
The more one sees of the world outside of their own the more they increase their own empathy, openness and creativity. This, in turn, makes them more interesting people to hang out with and enjoy. Let’s face it . . . people who travel are always enriched by the experience as are those they encounter along the way.
One of our favorites aspects of travel, and why we almost never go to the same place twice, is the magic of seeing any place for the first time. We always research destinations before visiting but there is nothing like actually being there in person. It’s not just the sights but also the smells, the textures and the people, both those that live locally and fellow travelers. If you end a visit without being changed in some way you probably weren’t paying enough attention to your surroundings.
The desire to travel, or not, is different for everyone. Some have no interest at all. We have many friends that go to the same vacation spot, at the same time and with the same people every year. For us travel has always been about new experiences, different cultures and a break from the norm. We enjoy observing how other cultures conduct their daily lives (there is far more similarities than differences) and what they value. It’s also interesting that when traveling, you are the foreigner, the guest, the outsider. This provides a unique perspective that helps one both appreciate their daily lives while also appreciating alternative approaches and interests.
A personal favorite, for obvious reasons. Not coincidental that this was spoken by the Dalai Lama, who is in permanent exile and hence, a perpetual traveler.
How we live our lives depends greatly on what we hold dear. Personal growth has always been high on our agendas and traveling is the perfect means by which to grow. There is risk in any new endeavor but also tremendous reward. Knowledge comes from learning new things, not sitting safely in the harbor.
Kerouac is not everyone’s taste but he was spot on with this quote. Our most memorable moments come not from our daily routines but rather from new experiences and taking risks. When you travel everything is a new experience and is made all the more memorable as a result.
This pretty much sums it up . . . everything about traveling makes you want to travel more. The exhilaration and excitement that comes from different travel experiences leaves you not just wanting more but also thrilled at what you still have yet to see. Every vacation we have ends with us talking about where we want to go next. Then we get home and start planning . . .
A lot of life’s perceived experiences come from one’s attitude. Your experience is most likely to mirror your frame of mind going into, and during, the experience itself. However, if you never have the experience in the first place then you are denying yourself an opportunity for personal growth.
The difference between a rich life and just existing is often action. The willingness to not only dream but to actually pursue that dream. Don’t just dream about traveling. Figure out a way to make it happen. Your future self will thank you.
Love the symbolism of this Covey quote. The compass is travel and the clock is the 9-5 grind. Or he could be inferring that the best way to live life is to be more spontaneous and less rigid. Either interpretation works . . .
While this infamous quote wasn’t necessarily about travelling it does apply. We know so many friends who are always talking about traveling but never seem to go anywhere new. They want it conceptually but, for a variety of different reasons, always manage to not take that first step. A shame for having missed out on such joy.
It’s easy to become provincial if one never ventures outside of the familiar. There is a comfort in the familiar and it’s a good fit for many. For those that yearn for more, travel is the perfect elixir. Travel can also be very humbling as with each new adventure you realize just how little you really know about the world we occupy.
What may appear silly from the outside suddenly makes complete sense when you are exposed to the culture from which it evolved. There are so many experiences outside of our own that, when put into the perspective of travel, we cannot help but be somewhat humbled.
We all love to be inspired. Please share with us some of your favorite travel quotes and why they mean so much to you.
