The Best Gifts Of Travel: Lessons Learned, Changes Made, And Insights Gained

Insights Gained

Finally, travel gives us the gift of insight, a deep understanding of a person or thing. We have so far traveled to 38 countries. In the process, I have developed a healthier perspective of the qualities that travelers must have in new and strange lands: Flexibility, curiosity, and courage are among them. I have also been able to deal with different kinds of travel mishaps including falling ill while on the go. A good attitude is essential during such times. It is good if your travel buddy has that attitude, too. I was lucky.

I also have a better understanding that there are times and reasons for traveling with either your best friends or your spouse and for going to brand new or old favorite destinations. I also know much more about the best seasons to travel and how long to stay in one place. Because of travel, I have repeatedly experienced that there are so many beautiful people out there and that food is always best in its place of origin. Finally, I have come to really stick to my routines for keeping fit while on the go. I have even formulated new rules that adhere to CDC safety guidelines for traveling during the time of coronavirus. 

Now that I am no longer able to travel as much as I did before (now we’re away from home just three to six months a year, down from eight to 12 — partly because of COVID and partly because of age), I have discovered how to blend outer and inner journeys well. My husband and I have the luxury of the latter when we are at home. Because we have done and are still able to do some travel, we continue to be enriched by both. Whatever age we start traveling, we must begin to take note of our inner journeys and start our own book of sorts of lessons learned, changes made, and insights gained. These are the best gifts of travel, and they become more precious over time.

Editor’s Note: Carol’s second travel book, Cruising Past Seventy: It’s Not Only about Outer Journeys. It’s Also about Inner Ones, which includes more insights on her journeys and lessons learned, is now available for preorder on Amazon. For more travel takeaways and inspiration, see all our Inspire content here.

Source Note: The figure cited in the first paragraph of this article regarding the number of countries in the world comes from this Worldometer page.