Tourists Touch Down, Travelers Take Off

Some dear friends of mine own a travel company, Bucket List Travel. While I usually stick to budget-friendly options, I can’t help but recommend them for when we all crave a dash of luxury in our wanderlust journeys. Apart from just being fabulous people, their expertise is unmatched.

Anyway, they have a vibrant Facebook group that's quite the treasure trove of travel chatter, and recently they posted this question: “What do you think makes someone ‘well-traveled’?” I answered while trying (and somewhat failing) to be succinct, and I realized I could write at length on the subject.

So, thanks to them, here goes…

Picture this: you’re sitting at a chic rooftop bar in Paris, sipping a well-made espresso martini as the Eiffel Tower glistens in the background. You glance over at a nearby table, where someone is pointing to their phone, showing off a photo from a recent trip to Bali. “Oh, you know,” they say nonchalantly, “I’m so well-traveled. Last year I went to five countries.” And suddenly, a small part of you has a bit of a “wait, what?” moment.

Is traveling for the sake of travel enough to be called “well-traveled”? Or is there more to it than simply checking off destinations like items on a bucket list?

Frequent Flyer Myth

We live in an age where hopping on a plane and checking countries off your list can feel as easy as ordering a pizza. With budget airlines, travel hacks, and influencers galore, it’s understandable why one might think that frequent flyer miles are the holy grail of travel status. But let’s get real—frequent flyer miles don’t automatically arm you with cultural wisdom.

Just because someone has racked up 40 passport stamps doesn’t mean they’ve truly embraced the nuances of each destination, because being well-traveled isn’t just about hoarding stamps like badges of honor. It’s about delving deeply into each locale, uncovering its secrets, and connecting with the rich tapestry of people and cultures that give it life. Sure, you can traipse through Europe and snap pics at every famous landmark, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ve felt the heartbeat of the region.

Depth Over Distance

Let’s set the record straight: a passport filled with stamps does not equal meaningful travel. Some of my most  “well-traveled” friends have only explored a handful of countries. But have they ever explored them!

They’ve meandered through the enchanting narrow alleyways of Marrakech, found solace in family-run guesthouses in the Nepalese mountains, and shared laugh-filled late-night chats with locals in quaint Italian villages that don't even appear on tourist maps.

Being well-traveled is about how much you absorb from a place rather than the miles you cover. Anyone can hop on a plane and pose with the Colosseum, but it takes a curious soul to truly understand what that monument means to the Romans. It’s about stepping off the well-trodden path and understanding what makes each place tick.

The Authenticity Factor

An essential ingredient in the well-traveled recipe? The appreciation of authentic experiences. Sure, buying tickets to every iconic landmark might sound appealing, but there’s a world of difference between visiting the Louvre because it’s on everyone’s list versus genuinely craving to immerse yourself in the art, history, and collective heartbeat of culture it represents.

Being well-traveled means seeking out hidden gems - devouring mouthwatering street food in glowing Bangkok markets, learning to whip up paella in a sun-soaked Spanish village, or dancing under the stars at a local festival in the heart of Mexico. It’s about immersing yourself in the daily lives of the people you meet and respecting their ways of life. It’s not about gliding through a place from the comfort of your bubble, but rather welcoming the unfamiliar and growing from those experiences.

The Humility of Travel

Here’s a little secret about being well-traveled that doesn’t get enough airtime: it’s not a competition!  It’s not about bragging rights for the number of exotic places you’ve visited or funky foods you’ve tried. The most well-traveled friends I cherish are the ones who reflect humbly on their journeys. They share heartfelt stories of lessons learned in bustling markets in Mexico City or how a local conversation in Cape Town opened their eyes to different political views.

True travel can be a humbling experience. It teaches you that the world is bigger and more complex than you ever imagined. Sometimes, the most eye-opening lessons come from those moments that challenge you, whether it's a miscommunication, a wrong turn leading you to an unexpected gem, or a mishap that turns into a cherished memory. Embracing those little bumps in the road is what transforms an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure.

A Global Perspective

Another hallmark of the well-traveled is adopting a global perspective. Those who’ve journeyed far and wide often cultivate a rich sense of empathy and understanding for the varying cultures woven into the fabric of humanity. They don’t view the world as just a collection of countries on a map; they see it as an intricate tapestry of lives, stories, and experiences that are far from isolated.

Being well-traveled involves appreciating that no one place or culture holds all the answers. What feels ‘normal’ to you might be anything but universal. It’s about keeping an open heart, welcoming diverse ideas, and remembering that there’s always another layer to explore.

Embracing Adaptability

The well-traveled soul thrives on adaptability. Whether navigating the cobblestone pathways of an ancient city or ordering food in a language you don’t quite grasp, travel encourages flexibility and resourcefulness. Each trip becomes a lesson in patience and creativity.

Travel opens your eyes to the beauty of spontaneity - sometimes the most unforgettable moments are born from plans that took an unexpected twist. Confidence grows as you realize that you don’t need to have everything under control to enjoy the experience. After all, life’s delightful surprises are often the stories we cherish the most.

From Faraway to Familiar

Let’s not overlook a beautifully transformative aspect of being well-traveled - your relationship with home. Traveling isn't just about stepping outside your comfort zone; it also deepens your appreciation for what you’re returning to.

With every adventure, the realization dawns: sometimes home is as captivating as far-off lands. You return richer in gratitude with newfound perspectives, and perhaps a little homesickness for the colorful lives you’ve touched along the way. With every journey abroad, you cultivate a deeper love for your local community, which can inspire you to contribute positively based on what you've witnessed.

Ultimately, being well-traveled isn’t a checklist; it’s an evolving journey. It’s an ongoing process of learning, growing, and connecting with the world in meaningful ways.

It’s about daring to venture beyond comfort zones, encountering new experiences with curiosity and respect, and grasping that travel isn’t solely about the destinations, but how we engage with the people and places we encounter.

The true definition of travel isn’t about how many times someone claims to be “well-traveled” after ticking off a dozen destinations, it’s about quality. It’s those stories that fill our hearts. It’s about the connections we make. It’s about the ways we change. And all those things combine to create a collective us who is more aware, more compassionate, and more enriched by the world.

So, as you plan your next adventure, don’t just pack and then shove your bags in the overhead compartment! Pack your curiosity, your zest for life, and an open heart. Embrace every twist, every turn, and every chance to learn that comes your way. And discover what it truly means to be well-traveled. May you chase it down with a spirit of joy and a thirst for exploration!