18 ways travellers perceive the world differently

Have you ever had someone give you the crazy eye after sharing one of your epic travel stories? Or had the odd sensation that you just said something weird? Or might be the only one in the room who thinks a certain way? Yeah, us too. Don’t worry, it happens.
When you travel, something starts to shift the way you see the world. Call it experience, perspective, or a case of incurable wanderlust, it’s a thing. Here are just a few ways travellers perceive the world differently:

1. Borders are invitations for new pathways of discovery

Build a wall? No way! You know borders are man-made and meant to be crossed, explored, and well travelled.

2. You know a smile can overcome any language barrier

Along with hand gestures, small acts of kindness, and the willingness to have a laugh at your own expense!

“There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all.”

3. The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know

Think you know everything? Spend a day in another culture and you’ll quickly realize how much you don’t know. And that’s a good thing!

4. You realize people are more alike than they are different

There’s so much we have in common and this becomes obvious the more you travel. Tears, laughter, heartbreak, tragedy, and triumph. We all share the same emotions and struggles so why not treat others with compassion and a little more kindness?

5. The world seems small and infinite at the same time

It’s incredible that a few hours on a plane can take you around the world. You can travel at such great speeds, yet somehow this makes the world seem bigger, not smaller! With so many places to go, how can you ever see them all?

6. Politics matter less than people

We all grumble about our governments and politicians. Yes, times are hard and politics can be frightening. Yet, people matter so much more than our governments and there’s strength in coming together, despite our differences.

7. Risk is something to lean into, not avoid

There’s something about traveling that makes all of life seem a little bit more bold, daring, and free. Taking risks makes your heart race, makes you feel alive, and teaches you how to be brave.

8. Adventure is a verb not a noun

An adventure isn’t something you have, it’s something you do. It’s active, exhilarating, and life changing. Why wait for the adventure to come to you? Why not make your own!?

9. Time is more important than money

Leisure is a lost art that can be rediscovered when you travel. There’s a beauty that unfolds when you are present and no price tag compares to its value.

10. Connection is the strongest currency there is

Money is a resource that can be limited and for many around the world, there’s never enough. Yet, our relationships and connections are a resource that can never be used up. The more connections we have the wealthier we are, not just materially but in all areas of our lives.

11. Sharing food is a form of love

Does it look funny, smell funny, and taste funny? Are you going to eat it anyway? Heck yes!! You know that food = love and there’s no better way to say ‘I love you’ and ‘thank you’ than to share a meal around the table.

12. You can be happy with much less

Who needs all of the latest gadgets or fancy car when you have the whole world? Owning less not only makes your shoulders happy (who needs to carry all of that heavy stuff around, anyway?) it makes you realize you never really needed all of that stuff to feel good in the first place.

13. You know that if you’re lost you’ll eventually be found

Sometimes the best things happen to us when we’re lost or take an unexpected turn. The best travellers get lost on purpose and enjoy every single moment.

14. Spontaneity is the rule not the exception

Wanna hop on a last minute train to a  city you’ve never heard of? Or share a drink at a local pub not listed in your guide book? Of course! When you plan less, opportunity knocks and you answer!

15. You can roll with the punches

Life happens. Whether you’re home or abroad, you can only control so much. Travel helps you learn to adapt, be flexible, and get comfortable out of your comfort zone so that you can go with the flow no matter what happens.

16. Strangers are people who have yet to become your friends

How do you make new friends? Talk to someone you’ve never met before! This becomes second nature when you’re on the road and serves well when you’re back home, too.

17. The less you have the more likely you are to share

All over the world the people that seem to have the least, tend to be the most generous. No matter how much you have or don’t have, you know there’s always enough to go around.

18. You really can make a difference, and do

The more you travel the more you realize the world is full hope. We all have a huge impact on each other and can choose to make it a positive one. Start small, do what you love and know that the world is for you, not against you.