What Has Travel Taught Me About Myself

Starting with a Suitcase: The Journey into the Unknown

When I was 23, I packed a suitcase that contained more chancletas than actual walking shoes and boarded a flight to Madrid with a one-way ticket and a vague idea of self-discovery. Spoiler: what I “discovered” almost immediately was that my Spanish Spanish accent was nonexistent, and the locals were equal parts confused and amused by my Cuban American slang. (Who knew “chico” and “asere” weren’t universal?) But that trip was the first of many that opened my eyes to how travel shakes loose the parts of ourselves we didn’t even know were stuck.

Sure, at first glance, travel is about new foods, postcard-worthy sights, and pretending you know how to read a city map when you’re definitely just following vibes. But let me tell you, those moments of wandering—whether through winding European streets or late-night airport terminals in South America—bring out the truths you didn’t realize were buried under your daily routines. When you’re out there navigating the unfamiliar, figuring out train schedules in a language you don’t speak, or eating something that may or may not resemble your abuela’s ropa vieja, you’re not just learning about the world—you’re uncovering pieces of yourself.

Lesson #1: You’re More Resilient Than You Think

Let me set the stage: I was on a bus in Costa Rica after a hike that nearly convinced me I had no business in the wilderness, soaked from a surprise downpour, clutching a plastic bag with a sandwich that probably saw better days. The bus swerves—hard—and so does my stomach. The next 30 minutes felt like the leading scene in a telenovela where someone’s dramatic misery takes center stage. But here’s what I learned: I survived. Not just the swerving bus but the utter lack of comfort.

We’re raised to cling to the idea of stability—jobs, relationships, mattresses with decent lumbar support—but travel forces those things to the sidelines. And when they’re gone, you realize you’re much sturdier than you thought. You can handle missed flights, fake “tourist pricing” scams, and even the occasional breakdown in a public bathroom in Tokyo because, yes, you tried ordering sushi with Google Translate, and it went poorly.

Resilience is like muscles after a hard workout: travel builds it whether you think it’s ready or not. Mess-ups and discomfort teach us to pivot and adapt, and isn’t that basically the cornerstone of every meaningful relationship, too? If you can survive twelve hours on a bus with a mystery sandwich, you can definitely survive an argument about Netflix passwords with your significant other.

Lesson #2: Empathy Grows When You're a Fish out of Water

One of the most humbling moments of my life came in Paris, during a café date with myself. I had bravely ordered un café crème, only to experience the complete and utter judgment from the barista—she could sense I was the kind of guy who didn’t know the difference between espresso and a frappé. Her raised eyebrow said it all: You don’t belong.

It stung. For someone who had grown up in a tight-knit neighborhood where everyone knew your name (and your business), it was jarring to feel like the odd one out in a room where I could not speak the language, read social cues, or—truly—fit in.

But something magical also happened in that moment. I started noticing other travelers, other outsiders fumbling through menus, train stations, and local customs. No matter what small judgments I’d passed on others in the past, those moments of “being the clueless one” became a fast teacher in empathy. I mean, how many times had I silently rolled my eyes at tourists struggling to pronounce “croqueta” back home? I was now in their shoes.

Empathy isn’t just some feel-good buzzword; it’s the backbone of connection. Whether we’re figuring out love languages or learning to embrace someone’s quirks at the dinner table, being able to say “I get it—you’re trying, and it’s hard” is transformative.

Lesson #3: You Can’t Run Away from Yourself (But You Learn to Be Okay with That)

Ah, the classic “Maybe if I travel, I can magically solve all my problems” myth. Let’s all take a moment of silence for the metaphorical versions of us who packed their bags thinking new landscapes would fix everything.

The truth is simple: the baggage you carry internally doesn’t get smaller just because your luggage is rolling down ancient cobblestone streets. I learned this the hard way during a solo trip to Key West, where I had hoped Hemingway's energy would spark some sense of clarity in my life. Instead, a sunset sailing tour smacked me in the face with this truth: You can’t avoid your own reflection, no matter how far you travel from home.

But you know what? That’s not a bad thing. Time away forces you to sit with yourself in new ways. When you’re amid the unfamiliar, noticing how certain things trigger you or comfort you, you begin to see yourself through a clearer lens. You might be the guy who panics when a GPS fails, or the one who struck up a long conversation with a friendly stranger at a Greek market—and both are okay.

Travel doesn’t untie the knots in your life, but it does teach you to loosen your grip.

Lesson #4: Romance Is Everywhere (But It Starts with You)

I’ll admit, there’s something absurdly romantic about travel. And not just in the Nicholas Sparks kind of way, although walking through Prague’s Charles Bridge in the haze of sunset comes close. Travel teaches you about the quiet, intimate romance of life itself—the kind that doesn’t need rose petals or string quartets to feel electric.

For instance, I once had a full-blown love affair with a bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City. It wasn’t just the food; it was the entire atmosphere: the late-night energy of the street stall, the generosity of the vendor explaining what went into the broth, the realization that this might be one of the most beautiful meals of my life. That bowl of soup wasn’t just dinner; it was a moment of feeling alive in a way I’ll always crave.

And isn’t that kind of “pay attention to the small details” awareness the essence of romance in relationships too? Whether it’s noticing the way your partner’s face lights up when they talk about their favorite childhood memory or enjoying shared silence during a midnight walk, romance is as much about showing up for life as it is for love.

Bringing It Home: Living the “Travel State of Mind”

What I’ve learned from jet-lagged adventures and missed connection flights is this: the things that travel teaches you—resilience, empathy, awareness, and layers of gratitude—are tools you can take with you, even if you never leave your hometown. You don’t have to board an international flight to practice noticing magical moments or to build deeper connections with others; you just need to be willing to challenge yourself, embrace discomfort, and keep showing up.

Whether it’s trying the new food truck in your neighborhood, learning your partner’s quirks, or simply saying “yes” to spontaneity, remember this: the world may be bigger than Hialeah, but the lessons it offers are universal. Travel or not, growth starts right where you are.

So, go ahead: plan the trip, pack the questionable sandwich, learn a few new words. But remember, you’re already carrying the most important luggage of all—yourself. Handle it with care, patience, and a little curiosity. Bon voyage, mi gente.