1. I thought being comfortable equaled success. I was wrong. Being uncomfortable brings far more success and happiness over time.
2. We all want the same things: health, happiness, opportunity, and the ability to take care of our families. We’re more alike than different. But we’re also different.
3. I am in the minority. Three in seven people in this world are Asian. The world is global, and we’re a small part of it.
“We had our day, mate.”
White male Serengeti traveler from Australia
4. I am an American and an Ohioan, but also a global citizen.
5. Fear is self-manufactured. It comes from within and is not always real.
6. Travel brings out the best version of you because you’re often so dependent on other people. This is especially true when you’re on a bike in the middle of nowhere.
7. Solitude. Still waters run deep. Traveling alone allows you to pause and disconnect from frequencies that would normally get the better of you. You can’t help but listen to your inner compass and “pay attention to the omens.” Maktub.
8. I’m happiest when moving with a purpose, but I can be just as happy moving without one.
9. Prioritize travel. It’s learning. You wouldn’t tell someone to stop learning after high school. It enriches my life.
10. Traveling is the best geography lesson. It’s an even better history lesson.
11. There are many ways to participate in and pursue happiness. It took traveling for me to figure that out.
12. Tourist scams happen, but a misunderstanding between you and a local is more likely.
13. You tip your local bartender at home $1 per drink. Please don’t negotiate over 50 cents for a handcrafted local product that you really want.
14. Am I up for the challenge? Am I willing to be uncomfortable? If not, I’m on vacation.
15. Travel is the truest form of living. It’s how you show your appreciation for the rest of the world.
16. Back in 2014, when I was creating an itinerary to travel around the world, I found myself wanting to plan everything down to the smallest detail because of fear. After stumbling upon this quote in an Explorers Club book, I realized two things: First, it’s impossible to plan like that. Second, it’s boring because you know what’s happening next. The quote helped me break through the urge to make the “perfect decision” and taught me to seek out serendipity.
“The drawback to a journey that has been too well-planned is that it does not leave enough room for adventure.”
Vilhjalmur Stefansson, Arctic explorer