What Travel Has Taught Me About Myself
They say travel broadens the mind, but here’s something they don’t tell you—it also reveals all your quirks, fears, and the surprisingly creative ways you can survive a delayed flight with nothing but a carry-on and two granola bars. For me, stepping out of the warm chaos of my Miami bubble and exploring the world has been like holding up a mirror—and not always a flattering one. But each trip, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a passport-stamping adventure, has taught me lessons about who I am and who I want to become.
Here’s what I’ve learned about myself between airport terminals and cobblestone streets, and how these moments tie back to the way we build connections and love.
1. I’m Both Braver and More Terrified Than I Thought
Let me set the scene: I’m in Cartagena, Colombia, with a tour guide who promises "the best view of the city" if I climb the ancient stone wall looming above me. Did I trust the view would be worth the cardio? Yes. Did my stomach flip at the height when I got to the top? Also yes.
Travel taught me that bravery isn't about fearlessness—it’s about doing things even while the fear kicks in. Whether it’s ziplining through the jungles of Costa Rica or trying to haggle in a language you barely speak, bravery is clumsy, awkward, and sometimes soaked in nervous sweat. But every time we lean into those uncomfortable moments, we grow.
The same courage applies to relationships. Trips like these have shown me that opening my heart to someone, even with the very real risk of heartbreak, is as terrifying and fulfilling as climbing that stone wall… or maybe more. Forcing myself to be vulnerable has been my greatest love lesson. When you embrace the awkward stumbles, you end up with the best views—whether it’s of a sunset or a connection that feels like home.
2. Patience Is Not My Strongest Suit (But I’m Learning)
One eight-hour flight delay in Atlanta taught me more about myself than four years of college. Sitting in that crowded airport terminal, with my phone battery nearing zero and a bag of M&Ms as my sole companion, I realized I’m not great at waiting. I wanted to yell at the universe. Turns out the universe doesn’t respond to yelling—shocking, right?
But travel has a funny way of making you confront your flaws head-on. If a missed train in Madrid won’t teach you how to pause and recalibrate, nothing will. These moments remind me that patience—not the romantic, cinematic kind but the gritted-teeth, deep-breath kind—is essential for survival, whether you’re negotiating a refund in Euros or trying not to lose your cool in a relationship.
Dating is full of these delayed-expectation moments. That text left on “Read,” the first-date butterflies that don’t immediately turn into sparks—it’s all an exercise in trust and waiting. When I stopped demanding instant fixes and embraced the slow build, both in my travel and love life, the journey became so much sweeter.
3. I Crave Connection Everywhere—Even 3,000 Miles Away
In Havana’s Plaza Vieja, I once struck up a conversation with a shop owner about Cuban coffee, only to end up drinking a café cubano while she shared her family's stories over two hours. Moments like these stick with you. They remind me that connection isn’t tied to zip codes; it’s something you carry in you and share wherever you go.
Whether it’s bonding over street food with strangers in Mexico City or hitting an accidental karaoke night in Tokyo with fellow travelers, I’ve learned that I love (and desperately need) genuine connections, even fleeting ones. These encounters are proof that sometimes, vulnerability can be as simple as asking for directions in a foreign country or smiling at the person seated next to you on a 10-hour flight. (Okay, maybe smile after the third hour once you’re past the awkward phase of silently fighting over the armrest. Relationship building, am I right?)
In dating—or even in long-term relationships—this openness matters too. It’s the willingness to have conversations without distractions, to share your personal “coffee moments” with someone else. The more I travel and connect with strangers, the more I understand what matters in my closer-to-home relationships: quality time, shared laughter, and curiosity about each other’s lives.
4. Trying New Things Is Scary, but It’s Always Worth It
There was this time in Bogotá when I convinced myself it was a great idea to try eating ants. Yes, ants. Specifically, big, crunchy, salty ants served like popcorn. My brain screamed “No” while my gut whispered, “YOLO,” and guess what? They weren’t half bad (though I wouldn’t recommend them on a first date).
Travel forces you into situations where saying “no” seems far easier than “yes.” But from eating bizarre dishes to learning how to navigate a stick-shift rental car in rural Italy, I’ve learned that the best memories are unexpected, unfiltered, and just the tiniest bit uncomfortable. Sure, I also learned I like my ants followed by tequila chasers—but hey, growth is growth.
This sense of adventure doesn’t just apply to food or cars. Trying new things, whether it’s a hobby, a date idea, or even a breakup recovery plan, keeps life fresh. When we push past the familiar, we allow ourselves to discover pieces of who we are.
5. I Can Thrive (or At Least Survive) on My Own
Flying solo to Morocco was possibly the most nerve-wracking thing I ever did. From navigating souks to avoiding looking like a complete lost puppy, I had to rely entirely on me. And you know what? I figured it out. I bartered for scarves, found Instagram-worthy rooftop cafés, and got back to my riad in one piece. Ten points to Gryffindor.
Here’s the thing about traveling alone: it’s like dating yourself. You’re in charge of the itinerary, the mishaps, and the victories. You have time to think, to feel, to explore what truly lights you up. That kind of independence is empowering—and it carries over far beyond the plane ride home.
Whether I’m at home or out exploring the world, I’ve learned to be okay with my own company. This also means I’ve let go of the pressure that relationships have to “complete” me. If I can wander through Morocco’s medinas alone, I can survive an awkward first date or a quiet Friday night by myself. We’re all capable of being the explorers of our own lives—it just takes practice.
Conclusion: Life Is a Journey (Literally and Figuratively)
If there’s one thing travel has taught me besides how to MacGyver my way through airport security lines, it’s this: getting outside your comfort zone is how you grow. Every ticket you book, every dish you try, every moment of getting lost teaches you something about yourself. It’s humbling, messy, hilarious, and unforgettable.
The same is true for finding love, building relationships, or figuring out who you are after a breakup. You have to keep moving, keep trying, and let yourself get a little lost. Because even when things don’t go as planned, you discover so much along the way—about the world and about yourself.
So pack your bags, whether for a real trip or life’s next adventure. You’ll make it through the turbulence, I promise. And who knows? You might just find the best view of your life waiting for you on the other side—be it from a mountain top or in the eyes of someone who’s worth the climb.
