• By: RIYANKA
• Jan 20, 2025
• (2) Comments

6 Lessons That I Learned From Traveling to 6 Countries in 2024

Traveling, for me, has always been more than ‘just a vacation’ or a way to escape the monotony of life. I’ve always seen it as a path to self-discovery, a way to connect with people, places, and cultures in the most profound ways.

Over the last 10 years, every journey has taught me something and has left me with a piece of the world – and a piece of myself, that I didn’t know existed. In 2024, I had the privilege of exploring six incredible countries, each offering not just stunning landscapes and unique experiences, but also valuable lessons that I will carry forever.

Here’s What I Learned From Traveling to 6 Countries in 2024

Lesson 1: I learned that the company always matters while traveling.

Where? Singapore

When I first visited Singapore in 2017, I was traveling alone, exploring the bustling city-state with wide-eyed curiosity. Fast forward seven years, and I returned for a short 4-day trip, this time with a very different agenda – the plan was to attend a Coldplay concert. While I’ve never been particularly passionate about live shows, the magic of Coldplay’s timeless music was enough to convince me. But I guess the best part of this trip wasn’t the concert itself, rather it was the person I experienced it with.

My partner, Sourav, is a musician, and I must admit that his love for music has opened up a new world for me. He sees beauty in melodies and moments that I might have otherwise overlooked. Together, we wandered through the streets of Singapore, soaking in the chaos and cacophony, but it was the quiet moments that stood out the most.

On one of the days, we got to spend a couple of hours at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, listening to the rhythmic chants of the monks that filled the air, creating an atmosphere so serene that time seemed to stand still.

I realized then that the company you travel with can transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience. Sourav’s perspective didn’t fail to add depth to my journey, showing me a side of Singapore I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.

Lesson 2: I learned that things can go wrong in life, but it’s up to us how we handle it.

Where? Thailand

I’m sure you will also agree that travel is often romanticized as a flawless adventure on the roads, but the reality is that it can be unpredictable. After months of procrastination, my friend Tanisha and I finally planned our trip to Chiang Mai, only to arrive without our luggage! Our journey began with a delayed flight, which caused us to miss our connection, and by the time we reached Chiang Mai, we discovered that our luggage had been lost in transit.

With just four days in Chiang Mai, we had two choices: to dwell on our misfortune or adapt and make the most of our time.

We chose the latter.

We bought clothes and slippers as well as other essentials from the local markets and decided to move on with the trip. Chiang Mai’s temples took our breath away, especially the intricate beauty of Wat Phra Singh. We strolled through the artists’ village of Baan Kang Wat, where every corner seemed to tell a story, and indulged in delicious street food that satisfied both our hunger and our souls.

By the end of the trip, I realized that life, much like travel, rarely goes as planned. But when we embrace the unexpected with an open heart, it can lead to some of the most unforgettable experiences.

Lesson 3: I learned that slow traveling is like art, and only a few can appreciate it.

Where? Vietnam

Vietnam holds a special place in my heart, and my third visit was unlike any other. This time, it was a month-long journey, and I was really looking forward to slowing down and savoring every moment. We based ourselves in Hoi An for 17 days, followed by a few days in Sa Pa and Hanoi. This trip wasn’t about checking off tourist spots; it was about immersing ourselves in the rhythm of daily life.

Mornings in Hanoi were particularly magical. We’d wake up early and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the water glistening under the soft morning light. Vendors selling flowers on bicycles added splashes of color to the serene cityscape. When it rained, it was never a downpour but a gentle drizzle that made the city feel even more peaceful. We’d sit at cozy cafes, sipping Vietnamese coffee, and watch the world go by.

In Hoi An, evenings were spent by the beach, watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting shades of orange and pink across the sky. Live music at local cafes became the perfect way to end our days.

The trip to Vietnam taught me that slow travel is more than just a way to see a place, rather it’s a way to feel it. It’s about finding joy in the ordinary, in the moments that often go unnoticed. Not everyone has the patience for slow travel, but for those who do, it’s a deeply rewarding experience.

Lesson 4: I learned that everyone has a unique way of traveling, and we should respect it.

Where? South Korea

If I have to be honest, traveling solo has always been my comfort zone, until I started traveling with Sourav. But then, I decided to co-host a group trip to South Korea with Khyati, and I knew it would be a new kind of challenge.

It was a group of 10 ladies, each with their own interests, expectations, and bucket lists. Some were drawn to museums, others were more keen on exploring the nature trails. A couple of them were chasing K-Drama-inspired dreams, while others were on a mission to shop and stock up on skincare products.

Despite the differences, we found ways to come together and explore some of the iconic locations in South Korea. There were mornings when Khyati and I took quick coffee breaks to recharge ourselves before leading the group through the bustling streets of Seoul, the vibrant landscapes of Jeju Island, and the coastal charm of Busan.

Each person’s unique approach to travel added something special to the trip. Truth be told, it wasn’t always easy, but it was a reminder that travel is deeply personal, and I learned that respecting each other’s preferences can make a group journey more harmonious and fun-filled.

Lesson 5: I learned that there’s always something more to discover, and we can never see it all in one go.

Where? Sri Lanka

In 2021, I traveled to Sri Lanka to celebrate my 30th birthday – a solo adventure that took me across the Central and Western parts of the country over 16 unforgettable days. Fast forward to 2023, I returned with Sourav, and we spent 5 blissful days in Galle, soaking in the coastal vibes and chasing the sunset hues.

This year marked my third visit to Sri Lanka, with three of my friends – Vivek, Poorva, and Pranav. I finally got to explore the Southern region of this beautiful country. It was during this trip that I finally made it to Dondra, the southernmost tip of Asia, where it’s said you can sail to Antarctica! Standing there, knowing what lay beyond, felt surreal and exhilarating.

It hit me then, that no matter how many times we visit a place, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered. If I hadn’t returned, I might have completely missed out on this fascinating experience.

It’s true what they say: “The world is wide,” and we can never truly see it all. Each journey adds a new layer to what we know, reminding me why I should never stop exploring.

Lesson 6: I learned that childhood dreams do come true, we only need to work hard to fulfill them.

Where? Egypt

As a child, I was always looking forward to the history lessons when the teacher talked about Egypt – the mighty pharaohs, the enigmatic pyramids, the ancient mysteries. In 2024, I finally turned that childhood dream into reality. Standing before the Pyramids of Giza, I felt a wave of emotion that words can barely describe. The sheer magnitude of these ancient wonders took my breath away.

I thought about my school days, my history teachers, and the fascination I felt while learning about ancient Egypt. Listening to the guide’s stories brought those lessons to life, making me feel like a curious child again.

And it wasn’t just the pyramids, but the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the ancient temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel, and the ruins of Kom Ombo and Edfu – everything made me realize that not everything is found in the pages of the textbooks. Sometimes, we need to step out, embrace the world, and learn while we travel.

This trip was proof that dreams, no matter how long they take to materialize, are worth the wait. When they finally come true, they bring a sense of fulfillment that is indescribable.

Looking back, I can truly feel that every journey that I took in 2024 taught me some lessons, added some beautiful stories to my life, and etched some memories in my heart that I’ll carry for a long time. These experiences taught me about resilience, perspective, and the beauty of human connections.

While traveling is still a vacation for many, I am glad that to me, it’s not just about visiting new places, but more about how those places impact me. As I look back on this incredible year, I’m filled with gratitude and wonder, and I can’t wait to see where the road will lead me next.

If you’ve traveled somewhere in 2024 and learned something new, do share it with me in the comments below. I would love to know your stories and the lessons you’ve gathered from your journey.