Issue: Winter 2024 | Author: Ilena Banks | Photography: Ilena Banks
After 7 months of full time exploration, a few lessons have stuck with me. I’ve gone trekking up mountains with strangers and broken bread with men who had never met an American. I’ve found solidarity with my fellow countrymen abroad, and been saddened by anti-black sentiment. Every single experience has been worth it, and made me more myself.
Now, I didn’t set off on my travels because of a bad breakup or my life falling apart – this isn’t Eat, Pray, Love. I’m the girl who’d always wanted to lose myself in a “foreign” land. My dream was hopping from place to place and making friends along the way.
If you dream of faraway lands and spiritual experiences a million miles from home, all those dreams are possible for you. In the meantime, read on to discover seven life lessons I’ve learned as a long-term traveler.
We all like to believe we “live in the moment” and are present for the things that matter. The truth is, life is what happens while we’re making other plans. We spend so much time preoccupied with what’s wrong – and what’s to come – that the magic of the present moment passes us by.
Wherever you are, be there now. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to capture photos and videos – they make for great memories. Don’t let that stop you from immersing yourself in right now. It’s all we ever really have.
I never travel without international health insurance and travel protection. Though chances are low that you’ll run into any major catastrophes on your journey, insurance will give you the peace of mind to explore and enjoy. Most policies cost less than a good meal. I haven’t had to use mine so far, but the old adage is true: it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
On my previous travels, I was a consummate planner. The itinerary had to be just so, and I had to make sure I’d hit every major site and attraction on my list…or I’d leave feeling that I had missed out.
I now plan far less of my experience in any country. Granted, the privilege of slow travel has a lot to do with this. When you have more time in a destination, it’s far easier to experience it at a pace where you can truly enjoy it
No matter how much time you have in a locale, leave space in your schedule to wander. It will give you the chance to meet locals, get a glimpse of real life, and discover hidden gems not yet overrun by tourists. Let the place surprise you.
Creating a spending plan for your travels is a smart money move. It’s key to getting the most out of your travel experience. Once you’ve done so, add another 20-30%.
This cushion will give you wiggle room if you need to pay unexpected fees, upgrade your accommodations, or want to splurge on an an unplanned activity. You deserve a marvelous experience. Budget for it.
Use these tips to create the perfect travel budget.
I’ve been to several countries where the extent of my knowledge of the language was “Hello, how are you? My name is Lena. Pardon me, where is the restroom? Thank you very much.” The places where I’m furthest from fluency have been some of my best experiences.
Many people genuinely appreciate a warm smile and an honest attempt to speak their language and observe their customs. Showing you respect both opens many doors. Be a global citizen. Your respect and warmth will (mostly) be returned in kind.
Whatever your reason for traveling, you show up in every destination. The energy you carry will bring like energy to you. Enter the world happy, whole, and expecting good things. Life will align to give you more of the same.
When I arrived in Kuala Lumpur, things weren’t all that great. I got sick almost immediately, and was stuck in bed for five days. That meant I’d miss my day trip
to Singapore.
Instead of moping, I flew to Penang for the weekend and came across a Malaysian culture celebration. The experience turned my entire trip around, and I returned to Penang a few months later.
When the journey isn’t going as planned, keep your head up. Things really do get easier.
Despite the human tendency to roll our eyes at cliches like, “we are one/we’re all the same,” it really is true. No matter how we perform life – the differences in our culture, beliefs, or lived experiences – at the end of the day, we all just want to be seen and, hopefully, loved.
We are all born, we live, grow, gain the value of experience, build some sort of life for ourselves, make a few memories, and die. During the in-between, if we are lucky, we matter to someone, and make a bit of a difference in the lives of others.
As travelers, we have the privilege of peeking into the world of others and understanding that, but for cultural mores, they are exactly like us. With that privilege comes the responsibility of cultural appreciation and respect. When you meet someone on your journey, be kind. We’re all figuring this out together.
Ready to set out on your own travels? I hope you find as much magic as I have along the way.
Fine Dining. Fine Details. Dinner at Tanaman, Bali
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