Whether you’re about to hit the road on your next trip, planning for an upcoming journey, or just daydreaming about your next adventure, you might need a little wanderlust inspiration to get yourself going.
We’re here to help with that!
Here are some of our favorite travel quotes that keep us motivated, increase our excitement, and help us open our minds to new experiences.
What do you think about this one?
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
- Anthony Bourdain
If there’s anyone who knows about travel, it’s Anthony Bourdain.
The late, great Bourdain was more than a chef and TV personality, he was a master at exploring new destinations and immersing himself in the culture. Part of why his legacy is so impactful is his ability to use his culinary prowess to connect with others and to further understand an unfamiliar culture or way of life.
His authenticity influenced the strength of his connection with people and places, and his ability to do as his quote suggests – to take part of your journey with you and to leave something behind – is why his impact will be seen on the world for years to come.
On your next journey, whether it be local or abroad, make a conscious effort to return with new knowledge, whether it be a lesson, a historical fact, or a new recipe. And, of course, be sure to leave some good behind.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
- Aldous Huxley
This quote is short, sweet, and to the point. Aldous Huxley, philosopher and author of famous works such as the novel Brave New World, makes a poignant observation with this statement.
Even though we now have the internet at our fingertips to connect with those from other places in the world, something Huxley was unable to experience in his lifetime, traveling and observing other cultures first hand allows us to look beyond the limited scope of the world we live in.
We often deal with misconceptions about other countries, cultures, and races, and when we stay in one place, we are unable to see what makes them unique and valuable to the existence of mankind.
The world is diverse, and that’s what makes it so special. We are all human, and we all hold an important place in the world. Through travel, we can break stereotypes and gain a better understanding of the way others live and why our differences should be celebrated.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.”
- Henry David Thoreau
We all know the trials of relying on another person. We all have different priorities, schedules, and abilities, and when we wait on someone else, we often find ourselves spending more time coordinating than actually doing the activity.
Traveling may seem like something fun to do with a partner, but it can be an extremely worthwhile and self-exploratory experience on your own. Thoreau, essayist and author of famous works such as Walden, makes an important point in this quote. If we spend our life waiting for the pieces to perfectly align, we may miss out on opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to set out on your own on your next adventure. Whether that be heading halfway across the world or just down the street to the grocery store or to look at that piece of Calgary real estate you’ve had your eye on – if you take the leap and go it alone, you can start today.
