Chimu Blog It happens to us all, from time to time. Whilst wavering between making a major decision (booking that trip, taking that sabbatical, or quitting the job that’s just not right), one comes across an inspirational message, travel quotes or meme that simply speaks to the heart. Social media is awash with these kinds of messages – we see them daily – and if we’re not in the right frame of mind it’s easy to dismiss them as just another ‘beautiful shot of some far-away land, coupled with some esoteric crap like ‘you only live once’. I get that.
But if you’re anything like me, you also remember that one time when it seemed as if whoever posted the quote could see right into your soul. Like they knew it was just what you needed to read, at precisely the right time.
So in case you’re having one of those days; in case you’re sitting at your desk right now reading this and dreaming of being in that faraway land enjoying an unforgettable experience, here’s a collection of travel quotes that have the power to inspire anyone to jump up, pack their bags and jet off. And if you’re already on the road, and need some reassurance that ‘a bad day of travel is still better than a good day at the office’ (someone said that to me once) I hope you also find some comfort here.
10 Travel Quotes
1. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
Whether standing atop a vertiginous mountain, at the base of a gigantic iceberg or in the middle of an awe-inspiring desert, there are some travel experiences that remind us of just how insignificant we are, in the big scheme of things. These moments can be utterly life-changing and alone are worth the effort of getting there.
2. “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark
Ever found yourself in a foreign country where everything seems so…foreign? All of a sudden something as mundane as finding a post office becomes an all-day affair and getting just one box ticked on your list of things-to-do feels like a colossal success. Gotta love that!
3. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
One of my all-time favourite quotes, this one speaks volumes against that one element which holds many people back from travelling either long-term or to an obscure location: fear. Let go of the railing and jump right in…you’ll be right.
4. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain
The most famous of all Mr Twain’s wisdoms, this quote grabs ‘regret’ and shoves it right up our faces. Personally, I’ve never met a fellow traveller who ever regretted a moment of their journey, but plenty of people who wanted to travel, never did and regretted that.
5. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Sometimes, it is easy to forget that it’s our job to blend into a foreign culture, not their job to make room for us. Having a bad day on the road and everything going wrong? Keep this as your mantra for the day and you’ll be better able to cope with whatever happens. None of it is meant to make your life easy and ALL of it is meant to be an adventure!
6. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley
Iran is home to one of the most hospitable people in the world, Ethiopia is incredibly luscious, China is two-thirds wilderness and Rio de Janeiro is perfectly safe for tourists. Who knew?! People who travelled there do!
7. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness” – Mark Twain
There are many who believe that the world would be a much better place if only more people travelled. When you get out there and see for yourself that the great majority of people want the same thing as you (to live in peace, free of oppression and with the liberty to work and provide for one’s family), it makes you feel at one with the world.
8. “Not until we are lost, do we begin to understand ourselves” – Henry David Thoreau
Want to know who you really are and what you’re made of? Travel alone to a foreign country with no credit card, phone or friend.
9. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell how much you have travelled” – Mohamed
Travel has the ability to teach you life-lessons you could never learn in a classroom or boardroom. This incredible world of ours can be a humbling teacher and can open your mind like no other experience in life. Take advantage of this, as often as possible.
10. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – Unknown
Sure, buying that new car, dress or pair of shoes can certainly make you feel good…for about 5 minutes. But that plane ticket and adventure trip? That can make you feel good for the rest of your life.
And wouldn’t that be priceless?
If those quotes inspired you to go travelling now, Chimu Adventures is pleased you help you find your perfect trip to South America or Antarctica.
Author: Laura Pattara
“Laura Pattara is a modern nomad who’s been vagabonding around the world, non-stop, for the past 15 years. She’s tour-guided overland trips through South America and Africa, travelled independently through the Middle East and has completed a 6-year motorbike trip from Europe to Australia. What ticks her fancy most? Animal encounters in remote wilderness, authentic experiences off the beaten trail and spectacular Autumn colours in Patagonia.”