Lost in Translation (and Myself): The Humbling Art of Travel

Travel has always had a way of humbling me. Let’s just say, when you’re in a Parisian café trying to order a simple coffee but mistakenly ask for a "hors d’oeuvre," it’s hard not to laugh at yourself—especially when the waiter raises an eyebrow so high it’s practically in another arrondissement. But isn’t that what travel is about? It’s messy and awkward and beautiful and sometimes leaves you questioning everything. And in between the missed trains and the misunderstood menus, it can also teach you more about yourself than any self-help book ever could.

Here’s what exploring new places has taught me, broken down into lessons that, I hope, can resonate with anyone trying to learn more about themselves—whether you’re globetrotting or just taking the metro across town.

1. Humility is Your Best Travel Companion

Don't get me wrong—travel looks romantic on Instagram. Perfect sunsets, artfully arranged cappuccinos, handwritten menus in cozy trattorias. But the real stuff? It’s a lot less glamorous. It’s your carefully planned outfit getting drenched in a surprise Toronto thunderstorm. It’s being outsmarted by a vending machine in Tokyo and then realizing you didn’t need that sparkling water anyway.

My time in Paris was full of humbling moments. The city is famously magical, but it doesn’t slow down for anyone—not even a Canadian girl fumbling her Metro ticket. I once spent 45 minutes trying to find a tiny bookstore in the Marais, only to realize I’d been walking in literal circles. Clearly, the Eiffel Tower isn’t the only thing going in a loop over there.

Travel is a crash course in humility—a reminder that we don’t have it all figured out. The takeaway? It’s okay to stumble, both literally (cobblestones are merciless) and metaphorically. Struggling doesn’t make you less capable; it makes you human. And who cares if you pronounce “croissant” wrong? It still tastes amazing.

Pro tip: When you inevitably embarrass yourself abroad, lean into it. Laugh. It’s the best souvenir you can bring home.

2. You’re Braver Than You Think

I’ll never forget standing in Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport about to board a flight to Paris. My body screamed no. What if something went wrong? What if I forgot my conjugations mid-sentence or got lost? Spoiler: I did get lost, twice. And it was fine.

That’s the thing about travel; even when you’re completely out of your comfort zone, you learn to adapt. Whether it’s navigating labyrinthine streets in Venice or trying to explain to a Greek shopkeeper that you’re lactose-intolerant, each small victory adds up. These experiences remind you of your resilience. Sure, you might panic when faced with an unfamiliar situation, but you also overcome it.

The most unexpected moments test—and grow—your confidence. Like that one time in Quebec City when my French was put to the ultimate test—a surprise dinner with my friend’s relatives. (Nothing like meeting Francophone in-laws as a trial by fire.) I emerged with my ego intact and my vocabulary 20% richer.

Try this: Next time fear sneaks in, think about all the moments you’ve overcome hesitation before. Travel—or life—might throw you curveballs, but if you’ve survived a panicky encounter at an Italian gelateria, you’ve got this.

3. Curiosity Can Be a Compass

When you travel, everything’s an opportunity to play detective. Why do Spanish tapas always arrive at the table looking so perfect? How did the graffiti in Berlin end up being so… artistic? Even simple things—a flower market in Amsterdam or a bowl of ramen in Kyoto—become mysteries begging to be discovered.

While living in Paris for a semester, I let curiosity lead me. It guided me through winding alleyways, past tucked-away courtyards, and eventually to a tiny crepe stand where the vendor taught me how to fold a crepe like a local. (Hint: It’s 70% wrist flick and 30% not caring if you mess it up.)

Curiosity reminds us how much there is to learn—not just about new places, but ourselves. In these moments of discovery, I noticed my own preferences unfolding. I learned I’d walk anywhere for good food and nowhere near cobblestones wearing heels. And honestly? Those lessons stuck when I came back home.

To try: Dedicate a trip—or even a weekend at home—to letting curiosity lead the way. Follow the cobblestones, flick through unfamiliar books, try unpronounceable menu items. Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re looking for until you find it.

4. You Can Pack Light and Still Have It All

I used to be that person—you know, the one who overpacks. Multiple shoes, backup outfits, an "emergency" French press (yes, really). Then came the moment of reckoning: dragging an overstuffed suitcase across a Paris Metro station during rush hour. It was like auditioning for a low-budget survival show.

What I’ve learned since is that you don’t need as much as you think—whether you’re navigating cobblestoned streets or life itself. Some essentials like the perfect oversized scarf (which doubles as a blanket) or a travel journal (where you can dump your thoughts) go a long way. But ultimately, the best things we carry are intangible: patience, adaptability, humor. Those are the real “must-haves.”

This also applies to emotional baggage. In a relationship, carrying too much of the past can weigh down your present. Whether it’s a literal duffel bag or unresolved feelings, learning what to leave behind is liberating.

Travel hack, life hack: Always do a gut check before packing—your suitcase, your schedule, or your heart. If it doesn’t truly serve you, leave it behind.

5. Home is Anywhere You Feel Connected

Every time I return to Montreal, I’m struck by how comforting everything feels—catching a glimpse of Mount Royal, the smell of fresh bagels from the Mile End, hearing someone yell "tabarnak" at a driver who clearly deserves it. Home isn’t necessarily a place; it’s a feeling. And here’s the kicker: you can find it everywhere.

During a layover in Reykjavik, I bonded with a stranger from Manitoba in a gas-station café over a shared love of Cœur de pirate. In Lisbon, a fellow traveler lent me a hair tie during a particularly windy ferry ride (she’ll never know the enormity of that kindness).

Travel has taught me that home isn’t something fixed. It’s flexible and follows you, as long as you leave space for connection. If you crave comfort while far from home, look for kindred spirits—whether it’s over a shared language, a mutual love of Stromae, or just a laugh over a translation fail.

6. Growth Isn’t Always Obvious in the Moment

Not every transformative travel moment arrives tied up in a neat bow. Sometimes, it’s a quiet realization, weeks or months later. Like remembering how weirdly proud you felt after successfully navigating Montreal’s underground malls without asking for directions. Or how the sound of Parisian rain has permanently become your favorite ASMR.

When I look back on my time abroad, I see the subtle shifts—patience I didn’t know I had, confidence I didn’t realize I’d built, and a deeper trust in my ability to adapt. Growth often feels uncomfortable in the moment, but later, you see how it’s shaped you.

Pack Your Curiosity (and Maybe a Map)

Travel isn’t just about monuments or passport stamps—it’s a way of discovering who you are, one misstep at a time. Whether you’re losing yourself in a Dutch canal or simply stepping out of your routine at home, explore with open eyes and a willing heart.

The iconic Québécois writer Gabrielle Roy once asked, “Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?” I’d argue travel is an art in itself—a way of knowing both ourselves and the world. And even if you flub your French or get hopelessly lost like I always do, one thing’s certain: you’ll always come back with a story.

Bon voyage, wherever your journey takes you.