13/05/2026
8 lessons I learned while travelling, some may surprise you.
Over the last 6 months, I’ve traveled across South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The experience was incredible, and the lessons I gained will stay with me. They might not be what you expect.
1️⃣ People value your effort more than perfection. Trying (and fumbling) to speak different languages was challenging, but the smiles from locals showed they appreciate the effort to connect.
2️⃣ There’s always an alternative. Things don’t always go as planned. For example, a cyclone in the Philippines grounded us on an island for several days. We found accommodation and made the most of our time. Panic sets in when you believe there are no options.
3️⃣ It could always be worse. Others missed flights because of the cyclone. So, count your lucky stars.
4️⃣ Don’t make others your enemy. Whether it’s a traveler being rude or a local saying something offhand, seeing others as enemies makes every small action feel like a personal attack. Usually, it’s not that serious.
5️⃣ Stability matters. Moving through 3 countries in one month made me appreciate the sanity stability brings. Even with the excitement, you need to feel grounded.
6️⃣ You don’t know as much as you think. The more you see, hear, smell, and taste, the more you challenge your assumptions. From trying unusual foods to climbing mountains, travel humbles you.
7️⃣ Kids love to learn. Many children approached us eager to practice English. Their bravery in speaking with strangers was inspiring. One kid even had me say every Japanese word I knew, which led to lots of laughs.
8️⃣ You are lucky. This may sound cliché, but it’s one thing to say it and another to truly feel it. We witnessed poverty and hardship. A 60-year-old mechanic lost his entire business to a flood over 6 feet deep. He adapted by opening a small restaurant with amazing food.
If I wrote all the lessons I learned, I would be writing a book. I have travelled a lot in my life, but this was one of the most impactful trips I’ve been to
What key lessons have you learned when travelling?
