What I’ve Learned From My Years of Travel
Barcelona, Spain - 2024
I travelled when I was younger. I took a handful of trips to Montreal, Quebec, to visit my aunt or road trips across the border in Maine with my mother. Growing up in New Brunswick, Canada, cross-border drives were not uncommon. In my teens, I recall driving to Calais, Maine, to purchase CDs and cassettes that were unavailable at home. A fantastic music store just over the border had an incredible selection of hip-hop albums. That store is long gone. Most stores that benefited from their proximity to the border are probably closed.
In my early 20s, I took the first of many drives to Boston. Gas was cheap, and the four of us on that road trip had no “real” responsibilities. In my late twenties, I took my first trip to Mexico, and years later, to the Dominican Republic. My first overseas trip was to London and Paris in 2012. It was around New Year’s Eve, and we rang in the new year in London before departing to Paris via train and the Channel Tunnel. I consider that trip the time that the real desire to travel occured.
Travel can take a backseat to other priorities, and there are many reasons why this can happen. Expense is a concern; time is another. But also, it’s tough to consider something meaningful when you haven’t experienced it yet.
Today, I would consider myself a frequent traveller. Now that I have well over a decade of travel behind me, with only one year that didn’t involve any travel since (the first year of the pandemic), I can now look back on the lessons I learned. I’m sure new ones will be discovered as I plan and hope to achieve continued travel.
It’s About the Experience
Looking back on the time I have travelled and the places I have made my destinations, no matter what the place, time, and experience, every place has distinct moments that stand on their own, and those memories are usually unplanned. The little moments and impromptu things are the most memorable to me. One morning in Lisbon, I awoke to explore the Alfama, where we were staying. I still remember the desolate streets in the early morning as the day started. There were vendors in front of stores preparing to open for the day. The city was quiet, and I was alone exploring and capturing the city as it awoke. The early mornings are my favourite time to explore a city, as they are one of the only times that some places are free from crowds. It feels authentic. In addition, the light is excellent, and there is something about watching the light and colours change in a location that makes it unique.
I can’t anticipate exactly what my experiences will be like, and the entirety of some of them can not be captured in a photo or video. The smells and sounds and how they combine for one total experience turn into lasting memories.
It’s Not Always About Capturing Great Photos
I’ve been to some places and captured nothing, which can result from various factors. It could be a lack of inspiration, understanding, or the trip’s intention. Feeling inspired by your surroundings is a key attribute to success with travel photography; sometimes, that’s not there. Maybe the place isn’t exactly what you expected, or the weather is awful. Some destinations are very inspiring and photogenic, and others are not. I believe you can create great photos almost anywhere, but there is no doubt that some locations are more difficult than others.
Understanding the destination is one of the most beneficial aspects of more extended travel or revisiting a place. You become more comfortable with the layout and what to expect. When those things become less of a worry, you can focus more on the experience as a whole and hopefully create better photos.
I always hope to come home with photos I love, but sometimes, the camera must be put aside. I’ve travelled to visit people or participate in group activities, concerts, events, etc. These were times when I had a camera, but it was secondary to the purpose of the trip. These locations are some that I would love to get back to soon, with more of a focus on the photography experience.
It Can Create Incredible Connections with People
It is no surprise that you will meet interesting people on your travels. However, travelling to a new location and having that experience can generate a strong connection with others who have travelled, either to that exact location or in general. How exciting is it to share your experience with others interested in doing something similar to you? Hearing about a particular city from someone you know is much better than researching it online. Travel is a common interest that is an exciting topic to discuss and one that can help quickly form a connection with someone.
The Long-term Benefits Are Surprising
The experience of travel isn’t just the time you are away; it’s the months leading up to it, too. Planning a trip can be just as beneficial to the overall enjoyment as the trip itself. But travel extends far beyond your return home. Your stories, adventures, photos, and videos combine to be a defining event in your life, regardless of the duration. Understanding how unique and personal travel can be creates memories that are not easily forgotten. Reminiscing about a trip that happened a decade ago or that specific meal you remember having. I guess that’s the power of travel to impact our lives and potentially change us forever.
I Understand That It’s Not For Everyone
Global air travel demand has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and passenger numbers are projected to increase by 6.7% in 2024 to 5.2 billion in 2025. That is huge! With so many passengers travelling worldwide, operating thousands of flights and managing hundreds of airports, issues are inevitable. Delays and cancellations can be a nightmare, and many despise being in an airport. It’s very easy for your enthusiasm to take a hit once issues start mounting. As a result, many people don’t want to deal with the stress and annoyance of travelling, which is justified. Travelling can become even more difficult with a group, family, or children as the issues compound.
I appreciate that, for me, travel is manageable; I’m currently 47 and have no children. Furthermore, I have enjoyed being in an airport many times. Most airports are well-equipped for longer durations, and if you can get into a lounge at a fair price, it’s an immensely better way to spend your time. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t enjoy missing flights or dealing with extensive delays, but I can endure a few hours in an airport if it’s part of my itinerary. However, looking at many people’s faces in these airports can paint a different story. Some people look miserable, and rightfully so. Travelling can indeed test one’s patience.
In summary, I can understand why travel may not be for everyone. Even considering what a trip would entail, including how to manage people and schedules, and how expensive it can be, is a lot of mental work. Some choose to stay home and use their money for other activities. I get it.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey as a traveller, I recognize the transformative power of exploration and the invaluable lessons it has imparted. Travel has taught me to embrace opportunities and cherish brief moments in my life. While it demands planning, financial commitment, and resilience, the rewards—lasting memories, personal growth, and shared connections—are immeasurable. Though I began travelling later in life, I now appreciate its impact and look forward to continuing this journey.