• By: RIYANKA
• Dec 10, 2024
• (1) Comments

I’ve Learned 33 Best Life Lessons From Traveling

This week, I’ll be turning 33, and I’m strangely happy knowing that this life, no matter how much I complain about it, hasn’t been that bad after all. I mean, a 13-year-old Riyanka perhaps never imagined breaking free and traveling the world but only found joy in flipping through the pages of her atlas.

Even though I traveled a lot as a kid with my parents, it was only after college that I joined a fellowship in Rajasthan, which gave me the opportunity to travel on my own. I had no idea about the concept of ‘solo travel’ until then, and during this time, I also began scribbling my experiences of exploring the villages of Rajasthan in a notebook. Little did I know back then that my passion for traveling and knack for writing would bring me to where I am today.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the chance to explore 22 states in India and 27 countries around the world, and I know in my bones that traveling has been my greatest teacher, offering me important life lessons that I couldn’t have otherwise learned. It feels fulfilling to look back and reflect on the wisdom that the road has bestowed upon me.

To quote Nyssa P. Chopra, “Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.”

From the rugged terrains of Nizwa in Oman to the bustling markets of Hanoi in Vietnam, from the quaint beaches of the Gold Coast to sharing meals with locals in Kenya, here are 33 best life lessons from traveling that I’ve learned along the way.

33 Best Life Lessons From Traveling That I Got to Learn:

1. The world is the best classroom

Every place I’ve visited has been a lesson in itself. From unraveling centuries of history in the ancient ruins of Angkor in Cambodia, to learning how to brew the perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee in Hoi An, and discovering the village where my grandmother was born in Bangladesh, traveling has been my ultimate teacher. It was only when I started to travel, that I realized that they never taught us enough in school.

2. Patience is a virtue

Delayed flights, long immigration lines, lost luggage, and even missed buses have taught me to stay calm and go with the flow. Travel has shown me that patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a survival skill.

3. There’s joy in embracing the unknown

I used to be the one who would always research a lot about a place and plan things to the T. Walking into unfamiliar places with no idea what to expect used to make me nervous. But it was only when I decided to go with the flow, that I realized the joy of embracing the unknown. And now, it excites me! Whether it’s about exploring the mountain trails in the Himalayas where the internet barely works, or arriving in a remote village in a new country, the unknown has become my greatest adventure.

4. People are generally nice, everywhere

While growing up, we were always taught to stay away from strangers and to not talk or engage with them in any way, but when I started traveling, I realized that people are kind everywhere. I’ve lost count of the number of times strangers have gone out of their way to help me – offering me directions, sharing their food, or just a friendly smile.

And here, I have to talk about a gentleman whom I will never forget. He was standing behind me in the queue at Mekelle Airport in Ethiopia. I had given my passport to get the Ethiopian visa (Indians get visa-on-arrival in Ethiopia) but their card machine wasn’t working. I didn’t have any US dollars with me, neither did I have Ethiopian birr. I was completely lost, not knowing what to do, and was about to break into tears, when this person asked me if he could help, and paid my visa fee of 50 USD. He was in a hurry, and he wanted the queue to move. I was so lost in the moment, that I couldn’t thank him properly but the kindness I’ve encountered on the road has restored my faith in humanity, time and again.

5. Packing light makes life easier

In all these years of traveling, there have been several occasions where I have overpacked. With time, I realized that the things that we think twice about while packing, are the things that we never really end up using on a trip. Travel has taught me that less is more and carrying fewer things has made me feel freer.

I’ve now aced the art of spending a month out of one cabin-sized luggage, and I never have to worry about paying for extra luggage!

6. Nature has the magical power to heal

They say, “Time heals”, but I would rather say that nature heals better. Every time I’m closer to the Himalayas, I feel a certain calmness – it makes me feel as if all my problems are tiny and impermanent.

No matter whether I’m standing in awe of a leopard in Pench, chasing a sunset in Cappadocia, or hiking through Sa Pa’s misty hills – I always feel the profound peace that nature brings. Those are the moments when I feel truly alive.

7. Planning is extremely overrated

Well, as I mentioned earlier, some of my best memories come from ditching itineraries. Stumbling upon a hidden café in Galle or staying in a quirky double-decker bus in Nairobi were absolutely unplanned adventures that became unforgettable highlights.

8. Good conversations enrich my soul

The more I got exposed to the world, the more I learned how much good conversations matter to me. In fact, I’ve learned so much from the stories of tuk-tuk drivers around Cambodia and Thailand, fellow travelers at the hostels, and locals I’ve met on a bus along the way. Also, some of my closest friends are the ones with whom my paths crossed during our trips, and that connection just sparked happiness.

As I traveled and met new people, I also realized that every conversation offered me a glimpse into a life I never knew existed.

9. Food is not just for the stomach, but for the soul

A trip to a new place is never complete without trying the local cuisine, and I deeply believe that the flavors have a lot to say about the place. Having kotthu roti in Galle with my tuk-tuk driver, or sipping chai with locals in Rajasthan – every single meal I enjoyed on the roads has shown me how food connects us all. It’s a language of love that needs no translation.

10. There’s nothing as blissful as living in the moment

Over the years, as I traveled to places far and near, I realized that it’s nearly impossible to see/ do it all in one go. Chasing a bucket list often becomes exhausting, and there have been times when I missed out on enjoying where I was, and thinking where I could be!

Slowly, I’ve learned to fully immerse myself in the moment – whether it’s watching the sunset in Mirissa, navigating the vibrant chaos of Istanbul, or listening to the monks sing at a monastery in Spiti Valley, India. Traveling has taught me to live in the present and soak it in because we never know what lies ahead.

11. Time is the most precious money

I decided to ditch the itinerary during my first trip to Vietnam and went with the flow. I spent an entire day sipping coffee and people-watching in a cozy café in Saigon. That quiet day turned out to be one of my most cherished memories, and even now, I look back and think how blissful that day was!

Similarly, the time I spent exploring the streets of Muscat with Sourav, taking it slow and savoring every moment, felt like an investment in strengthening our relationship. Being with him made me more conscious of the sounds that surrounded me, and he nurtured my love for music.

Travel has taught me that it’s not the money spent, but the quality of time shared that creates lasting memories.

12. There’s nothing as a ‘language barrier’

On my first solo trip to Sri Lanka, I found myself wandering through the streets of Galle, trying to buy some spices from a local vendor who didn’t speak English. After a few moments of hand gestures and laughter, we managed to communicate everything perfectly. He even offered me a handful of cinnamon sticks as a gift.

I’ve realized that a warm smile, a nod of understanding, or a shared moment of laughter can convey more than words ever could. The connections I’ve made with people across cultures have been built on mutual respect and genuine kindness, transcending any language barrier.

13. There’s one universal language – a smile!

With over 7,000 languages spoken across the globe, it’s remarkable that there’s one universal language: a smile. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, travel has shown me that a smile transcends all barriers.

It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that conveys warmth, gratitude, and a willingness to connect with others. Whenever I feel stuck and need help in a foreign land, I often smile – and it has never turned me down! I feel it’s a language everyone understands.

14. Cultural diversity is beautiful

I was in Bhutan during the Tsechu festival and was awestruck to see how people from all across the country came to Thimphu, to celebrate together. Similarly, I had the chance to witness a Maasai ceremony while I was in Nairobi, it showcased their deep-rooted traditions and reverence for nature. I was deeply touched to see how concerned they were about protecting wildlife and Mother Earth.

Well, they are right when they say that you can never really know about a place unless you travel there. No matter how much we read about cultural diversities, it’s only when we actually experience it, that we get to know its beauty.

15. Solo trips would never make you feel lonely!

I’m sure many of you out there, reading this article, are probably hesitant about traveling solo. But trust me when I say this, you’ll never be alone on your solo trip. In fact, you might just end up meeting a bunch of like-minded travelers on the way! And not just that, but you will also rediscover yourself in new lights.

Over the last few years, as I explored on my own, I realized how strong and resourceful I can be. Once, when I was traveling solo from Pondicherry to Ooty in India, I boarded the wrong bus, which dropped me in the middle of nowhere sometime around midnight. I was scared, clueless, and anxious, but I also learned that I’m capable of handling just about anything life throws my way.

16. Every tradition deserves to be respected

Travel has taught me the importance of respecting other traditions. I’ve learned that it’s mandatory to cover the shoulders and knees before entering temples in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Similarly, I’ve learned the value of local cultural practices like bowing respectfully when greeting elders in South Korea, talking softly in the temples of Hong Kong, so on and so forth. These small acts made me feel more connected to the culture and helped me understand the values that shape each community.

Observing local customs not only prevents misunderstandings but also allows me to engage with the people I meet on a deeper level, leaving both of us with lasting positive impressions.

17. It’s important to cherish the small moments

While I’ve stood in awe of grand vistas and iconic landmarks, it’s often the simplest moments that linger in my heart.

I vividly recall sipping chai with a local family at a bus stop in Rajasthan, listening to their stories while we waited for our bus. To them, a girl traveling alone was a matter of surprise, and I still remember how curious they were to know about me and my journeys!

During the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, I experienced the serenity of watching the sun rise over the snow-clad Himalayas, feeling a deep sense of peace as the world slowly woke up.

These fleeting moments – unplanned and unpretentious – remind me that the magic of travel isn’t always in the extraordinary but in the quiet, beautiful surprises that knock on our doors when we least expect them.

18. Gratitude changes everything

As I traveled the world, I became aware of the privileges I often took for granted, and it was during my volunteer trip to Kenya that I had the most epic reality check of my life!

I worked at a childcare center in Kikuyu, near Nairobi, where I spent my days with children who had been abandoned or faced unimaginable hardships. Despite their circumstances, their laughter, resilience, ability to love unconditionally, and zest for life were humbling.

It was a reminder of how much I have to be thankful for – a safe space called home, a family who cared for me, and the opportunities I have to explore the world. Gratitude has since become my constant companion, shaping how I view my own life and the world around me.

19. Adaptability is crucial and essential

Travel has taught me to be flexible because things rarely go as planned! From unexpected changes in weather conditions to navigating through areas where Google Maps failed to help – I’ve learned that no matter how challenging things might get, there’s always a Plan B.

Whether it’s swapping a planned hike for a cozy café day due to heavy rains in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or figuring out local transport after missing a flight while going to Cape Town from George in South Africa , adaptability has not only saved my day but also led to some of my most memorable experiences.

20. There isn’t one ‘Right Way” to live

Traveling has exposed me to countless ways of life, each unique and deeply inspiring. In South Korea, I admired the discipline of people as they balanced modernity with traditional values. In Kenya, I was touched by the warmth and generosity of locals who had little but cared to give so much.

These encounters have reshaped my perspective, showing me that there isn’t any single, right way to live. Each culture, lifestyle, and routine holds its own beauty and wisdom, teaching me to be less judgmental and infinitely more curious about the world.

21. Google Maps isn’t always accurate

Getting lost has often been the best part of my journey. I still smile when I think about the time I wandered through the narrow alleys of Antalya in Turkey, stumbling upon a cozy café with the best passionfruit cake I’ve ever had! In Chiang Mai, my friend and I were following Google Maps to find a temple, only to land on the wrong one which was no less beautiful.

These detours, while unintentional, have gifted me moments of pure serendipity, teaching me that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you stray from the path.

22. Every place has its own rhythm

For this, I have to thank Sourav, who made a conscious effort to help me listen to the world around me more mindfully. While traveling with him, I realized how every place has its own unique sounds, and learning to adapt to its rhythm truly enriches the experience.

From the chaotic cacophony of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the relentless honking of traffic never seemed to stop, to the soothing sound of waves crashing along the shore in Galle, Sri Lanka, and the serene prayer chants of monks at the Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, I learned to connect with places through their sounds and vibrations while traveling with him.

23. Say ‘Yes’ more often

Some of my most cherished memories are the result of simply saying yes to opportunities, even when they felt slightly out of my comfort zone. I remember the time when Sourav was convincing me to go for the Coldplay concert in Singapore. I was hesitant at first, thinking if it was worth the splurge?! But when I was there attending it, and the lights dimmed while the opening chords filled the air, I knew I had made the right choice. The energy of the crowd, the music, and the sheer joy of the experience made it unforgettable. And now, I know that I’m in love with live concerts!

Also, an impromptu street food tour in Bangkok turned out to be an adventure of its own. From savoring spicy som tam to trying crispy fried insects (yes, really!), I discovered new flavors and stories with every bite. Saying ‘yes’ to the unexpected has always led me to the most enriching experiences, reminding me that spontaneity often brings the best surprises.

24. Photographs are fine, but writing captures the true essence

I love taking photos while traveling – they’re little windows for my memory lane, a visual diary of my journey. But it’s writing that has truly allowed me to preserve the soul of my experiences.

When I sat down to journal about watching the sunset from Mirissa Beach in Sri Lanka, I realized how much more vivid the memory became. I could recall the salty sea breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the golden hues painting the sky. Photos would have captured the scene, but my words captured how it made me feel.

Whether it’s jotting down anecdotes from tuk-tuk drivers or reflecting on a conversation with locals in Kenya, writing has given me a way to relive those moments with depth and emotion.

25. Happiness lies beyond the comfort zone

I’ve learned that true growth comes from stepping beyond the familiar. Volunteering in Kenya was a prime example. I had never worked with children before, let alone in a childcare center with limited resources.

The first few days were overwhelming – language barriers, cultural differences, and the sheer energy of the kids were a lot to take in. But as the days passed, I found myself adapting, connecting with the children through smiles, games, and shared laughter. One boy, who had been particularly shy, finally opened up and showed me his drawing of a giraffe – an unforgettable moment of connection. He also taught me his favorite word in Swahili, “Nakupenda” (I love you)!

These experiences taught me that while comfort zones feel safe, they don’t inspire growth. Stepping into the unknown may be challenging, but it’s always where the most rewarding experiences lie.

26. Sustainable travel matters

Over the years, I’ve realized that my love for travel comes with a responsibility to protect the places I explore. Staying at eco-resorts like Waghoba Eco Lodge in Tadoba has opened my eyes to how tourism can coexist with conservation. The lodge’s commitment to sustainable practices, from solar power to minimizing waste, inspired me to reflect on my own choices.

Similarly, opting for local transportation, like hopping onto a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka or taking public buses in South Korea, not only reduced my carbon footprint but also brought me closer to the daily lives of locals.

These small but intentional choices remind me that every traveler can play a part in preserving the beauty of the world for generations to come.

27. Memories can outlast material possessions

I’ve bought souvenirs on my travels, but when I think back, it’s not the trinkets that make me smile – it’s the moments.

I’ll never forget the joy of spotting dolphins leaping through the waves in the Gulf of Oman, their playful energy filling the air with magic. Or the sense of accomplishment I felt as I hiked up Pidurangala in Sri Lanka on my 30th birthday, the panoramic view at the summit making it one of the most special celebrations of my life.

These memories have stayed with me, etched in my heart far deeper than anything I could pack into a suitcase.

28. Confidence can be earned along the way

Traveling has been the greatest confidence booster I’ve ever known. Navigating unfamiliar streets in Dhaka, where the chaos of rickshaws and markets was both overwhelming and exhilarating, pushed me to trust my instincts.

During my solo journeys, there were countless moments when I had to make decisions on the go—like finding a last-minute stay in Bhutan after my Airbnb host canceled the booking or figuring out how to make the journey comfortable while traveling with Pishi (my 74-year-old aunt).

These experiences have taught me that I can handle challenges and find solutions, no matter how uncertain the situation may seem.

29. We meet the best people while traveling

One of the most beautiful lessons travel has taught me is that community can be found anywhere. Although I embarked on a solo trip to Sri Lanka, I met two boys at my hostel, together we went for long hikes and temple tours as well as witnessed breathtaking sunsets.

In Kenya, I stayed at the volunteer house with a bunch of other folks, who came from different corners of the globe to work for the childcare project, and they never failed to make me feel at home.

Whether it’s a kind smile, a shared meal, or helping each other navigate a tricky itinerary, I’ve found that the connections we form on the road can feel as meaningful as those we share with people back home.

30. Minimalism is blissful

In life, we don’t really need a lot to survive. And that’s a harsh truth. There have been times when I heard people saying, “Oh, but traveling is expensive!”, or “How do you manage to travel so much?” – so on and so forth. But these would be the same people who’ll end up buying the latest Gucci bag or going out partying every weekend! (Well, no offense, everyone is free to do what they wish, but what I’m saying here is that we can always survive with the minimum.)

Over the last few years, I’ve stopped buying and accumulating things – just for the sake of it. I’ve made sure to save every month so that I can travel as much as possible. And now, I’ve only the necessary things, making life easier for me. When I traveled to Bhutan for a month, I just carried a backpack, and it made me realize that owning less gave me a sense of joy.

31. The journey matters as much as the destination

When I reflect on my travels, it’s not just about the destinations I’ve reached, but about the experiences along the way that have shaped me. Yes, the sight of snow-covered mountains during my winter road trip to Spiti Valley was incredible, but it’s the stories shared with fellow travelers, the quiet moments of self-reflection, the time we spotted a red fox sliding on a cliff, and the unexpected twists that have truly made the journey worthwhile.

In today’s world, where social media largely influences our travel choices and more people are focused on rushing from point A to point B, I believe the real joy lies in slowing down, soaking in the moment, and embracing the journey itself – because the journey matters as much as the destination.

32. It’s okay to let go

If there’s one thing travel guarantees, it’s unpredictability. From missed flights to sudden downpours that upend carefully laid plans, not everything goes as expected. Initially, I found this frustrating, but over time, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos.

One memorable instance was in Goa when an unexpected rainstorm caught me and my friend Sinchita off guard at the beach. Instead of rushing to find shelter, we let ourselves get drenched, laughing uncontrollably as the rain poured down, clicking photos without worrying about anything in the world.

Moments like these remind me that there’s beauty in surrendering to the moment and letting go of control.

33. Dreams can actually come true

As Willy Wonka said, “Every good thing in this world starts with a dream. So hold on to yours.”

As I hold on to my dreams of exploring the world, one place at a time, I believe you too will find yourself stepping into the places you once only imagined, and you’ll realize that dreams—no matter how far-fetched they seem—are what guide us to extraordinary places.

 

While these are the beautiful things that I learned while traveling, I also know that everyone’s traveling style is different and so will be the experiences. Therefore what you learn when travelling will be personal to you.

While I do strongly believe that traveling teaches us a lot about life and about ourselves, I know that if I hadn’t been bitten by the travel bug and had spent my time (and money) pursuing something else, I would’ve still learned so many lessons, albeit different ones.

And, I know that there are so many things still to learn, so I can’t wait to see what life will bring me in the years to come.