My Travel Tips: Part II

Introduction

Travel changes you, whether you expect it or not. It teaches you patience, forces you out of your comfort zone, and shapes you with each step you take into the unfamiliar. After sharing the first 20 travel tips that shaped my journey, I realised there were more lessons that needed to be shared.

This next set of tips (21–40) dives deeper — into mindset, movement, rituals, and human connection. They’re not just about how to travel, but how to experience the world with open eyes, soft edges, and a curious heart.

Table of Contents

21. Forget What You Thought You Knew

22. Befriend the Quiet Ones

23. Say Yes (But Not Always)

24. Don’t Expect to Be Understood

25. Learn to Sit With Discomfort

26. It’s Always Nice to Give a Gift, Just Because

27. Show Respect at Airports and Borders

28. Revisit Places

29. If You Like It, Stay Longer

30. Learn the Local Morning Rhythm

31. Keep One Ritual Wherever You Go

32. Travel Isn’t a Competition

33. Let the Day Surprise You

34. Slow Down When You Eat

35. Don’t Treat Every Place Like Content

36. The Journey Never Ends Where You Think It Will

37. Let Yourself Miss People

38. Be Willing to Be the Fool

39. Not Every Door is Yours to Open

40. Take a Piece of Each Place With You

21. Forget What You Thought You Knew

One of the most underrated gifts of travel is its ability to challenge the beliefs we didn’t even know we were carrying. The things we were told about other cultures, places, or people often stem from second-hand narratives, assumptions, or outdated ideas. Travel—real, immersive travel—has a way of holding those ideas up to the light and asking you to take a second look.

When you step into a country with an open mind, you realise how much of your worldview was painted by distance. Locals aren’t stereotypes, traditions aren't clichés, and most of what we label as “strange” is simply unfamiliar. This is where growth happens. Not just in seeing something new, but in unseeing what was never true. Let go of the need to be right. Let your ego get a little uncomfortable. Let the world show you how wrong you were—and be grateful for it. That’s not failure; it’s transformation.

22. Befriend the Quiet Ones

Not every local or traveler is loud, confident, or ready with an elevator pitch about their latest adventure. Some people move softly—observing, listening, blending in. And often, they’re the ones worth knowing. The man reading quietly in the corner of a cafe may have lived a dozen lifetimes. The older woman on the bus could be your gateway to a story you’ll never forget.

Approach gently. Ask questions with genuine interest. You’ll often find deep wells of wisdom in those who don’t feel the need to broadcast themselves. These aren’t the encounters that make for loud social media moments, but they stay with you long after the journey ends. When you take the time to tune into the quieter voices, you might just discover truths that change the way you see the world—and yourself.

23. Say Yes (But Not Always)

Say yes to new food, unexpected invitations, sunrise hikes, and conversations with strangers. Say yes to dancing terribly in a new culture, to eating something you can't pronounce, or joining a last-minute road trip. These are the sparks that make travel unpredictable and unforgettable. Growth often lives right outside the edge of your comfort zone.

But know when to say no. Your intuition is the most powerful guide you carry. If something feels off, unsafe, or misaligned—decline without guilt. Boundaries are part of the adventure too. The magic of travel isn’t about blindly accepting everything; it’s about curating moments that feed your soul. Every "yes" should feel like a true choice—not a fear of missing out. Travel isn't about people-pleasing; it's about feeling alive.

24. Don’t Expect to Be Understood

When you travel, you step outside of your own culture—and with that comes the reality that not everyone will understand you, your customs, or your intentions. And that’s perfectly okay. Misunderstandings, awkward moments, or even blank stares are part of the package. The goal isn’t always to be understood—it’s to understand. Let humility guide you as you navigate new terrain, and know that patience speaks louder than perfect words.

Try hand gestures, laughter, drawings, whatever it takes. Communication is a beautiful dance that doesn’t always rely on fluency. Sometimes, it’s in the stumbles and failed translations where the best stories are born. Release the need to be perfectly clear or received the way you're used to. What matters is showing up with respect, openness, and curiosity. The world isn’t obligated to speak your language—but it will always respond to your effort.

25. Learn to Sit With Discomfort

Travel isn’t always comfortable—and it’s not supposed to be. From language barriers and lost bookings to noisy nights and food that challenges your palate, discomfort is part of the ride. But rather than resisting it, try sitting with it. Let the unfamiliar stretch you. It’s in these uncomfortable spaces that we grow, gaining not just resilience, but empathy and perspective.

When you lean into discomfort, you expand your ability to adapt, listen, and appreciate life from a new angle. That cold shower? It’ll wake your soul. That cramped bus ride? It might bring you closer to a stranger who changes your outlook. Don’t chase only the pleasant and curated. Let the messy bits shape you too. Because comfort zones may feel safe, but nothing remarkable ever grows there.

26. It’s Always Nice to Give a Gift, Just Because

You don’t need to carry a suitcase full of souvenirs, but offering a small gift—something simple and heartfelt—can open doors and hearts in ways words never will. Whether it’s a handmade bracelet, a postcard from home, or just a kind gesture like sharing a snack, gifts communicate that you see and appreciate the people you meet. They become symbols of connection, reminding locals and fellow travellers alike that kindness travels further than any passport stamp. A gift given without expectation can transform a fleeting encounter into a lasting memory, creating bridges of goodwill that span cultures and continents.

What makes giving truly powerful isn’t the value or size of the gift, but the intention behind it. When you offer something just because, it sends a quiet message: “You matter.” This simple act of generosity can shift perspectives, soften cultural divides, and invite genuine relationships. In a world where travel can sometimes feel transactional or superficial, giving gifts freely grounds you in human connection—one of the richest souvenirs you can bring home.

27. Show Respect at Airports and Borders

Airports and border crossings often feel like the most stressful parts of travel—long lines, strict rules, and unfamiliar faces behind desks. But these are also places where your attitude has the power to change the entire experience. Approaching these checkpoints with patience, kindness, and respect not only eases tension but often leads to smoother, faster transitions. The agents and staff you encounter are people working under immense pressure, sometimes with limited resources, and your understanding can be a gift in itself.

Small acts—smiling, speaking calmly, preparing your documents in advance—show that you respect their work and the process. These moments of grace ripple forward, setting a tone of cooperation instead of conflict. Instead of viewing border crossings as obstacles, see them as the first opportunity to practice empathy and grace on your journey. How you carry yourself here will often shape your mindset for the rest of your trip.

28. Revisit Places

There is something profoundly transformative about returning to a place you’ve visited before. The first time you see a city or landscape, everything is fresh, exciting, and new. The second or third time, you’re no longer a tourist—you become part of the rhythm. Streets you once wandered become familiar paths, faces once strangers become acquaintances, and the culture unfolds in deeper layers. Revisiting allows you to see not only the place but also how much you’ve changed since the last visit.

Returning to a favourite spot offers the rare gift of continuity in a life often defined by constant movement. It becomes a touchstone, a place where you can measure your own growth and rediscover what resonated with you the first time. The familiarity brings comfort, while the nuances you notice reflect your evolving perspective. In a world obsessed with “new,” don’t underestimate the power of going back.

29. If You Like It, Stay Longer

One of the most liberating aspects of travel is the freedom to choose your pace. If a place makes your heart sing, your mind quiet, or your creativity flow, don’t rush away just because of a calendar or itinerary. Staying longer allows you to peel back the layers, build relationships, and discover the rhythms that only time can reveal. It’s in lingering that a place truly becomes home, even if only for a little while.

Choosing to stay longer also teaches patience and presence. It’s a rejection of the “checklist” mentality and an embrace of depth over breadth. You might find a favourite café, develop a routine, or simply enjoy the luxury of doing nothing without guilt. Sometimes, staying put is the bravest choice—a conscious act of self-care in a world that constantly urges us forward.

30. Learn the Local Morning Rhythm

Mornings are the soul of any place. They reveal the pace, priorities, and values of a community like nothing else. Whether it’s the smell of fresh bread baking, the chatter of early market vendors, or the quiet meditation of sunrise prayers, mornings offer intimate glimpses into daily life. Observing how locals begin their day teaches you to move with the flow rather than against it.

Joining the morning rhythm—be it grabbing a coffee at a bustling café or walking along a silent river—connects you with the heartbeat of your surroundings. It’s a moment of harmony that sets the tone for your day, helping you feel less like an outsider and more like a participant in the ongoing story of the place. These early hours often hold a calm energy that can be lost in the hustle of later days.

31. Keep One Ritual Wherever You Go

When the world around you is constantly changing, holding onto one small ritual can be a powerful anchor. Whether it’s morning journaling, an evening meditation, or a simple cup of tea before bed, these consistent acts provide a sense of stability amid the uncertainty. Rituals remind you who you are, no matter the place or circumstance. They become your internal compass when external coordinates shift, offering structure and meaning in unfamiliar environments.

These rituals can also foster mindfulness, helping you to slow down and savour each day rather than rushing through it. They provide a rhythm to your otherwise unpredictable days, a quiet moment to check in with yourself. Rituals are not about control, but connection—to self, to purpose, to presence. In the chaos of constant movement, your chosen ritual becomes a sanctuary—a safe space where the noise fades and clarity returns. Think of it as planting a small flag each day, reminding yourself: I belong to myself, wherever I am.

32. Travel Isn’t a Competition

It’s easy to get caught up in collecting destinations, bragging rights, or “likes” on social media, but travel isn’t a race or a contest. Your journey is uniquely yours, and there’s no prize for ticking off the most countries or seeing the most famous landmarks. The value lies in what the experience means to you—not in how it looks to others. What resonates with your soul might be completely different than someone else’s bucket list—and that’s the beauty of it.

Let go of comparison and pressure. The depth of your travel is measured not by quantity but by quality—how deeply you engage, what you learn, and how you grow. Travel at your own pace, follow your own interests, and honour what feels authentic. The most meaningful encounters often happen in quiet corners, not flashy highlights. When you stop trying to impress and start traveling for yourself, you make space for genuine transformation and joy.

33. Let the Day Surprise You

Even the best-laid plans can’t capture the magic of spontaneous moments. While it’s good to have some structure, leave room for surprises—unexpected invitations, random detours, or a new friend’s suggestion. These unscripted experiences often become the most memorable and meaningful parts of travel. It’s the art of living in the moment, of surrendering control, of trusting the world to show up in ways you didn’t plan.

There’s a kind of joy in being derailed by wonder. That quiet beach you stumble upon, the local festival you weren’t expecting, the story you hear in a roadside café—these are the soul-prints of true adventure. Let yourself be sidetracked. Loosen the grip. Trust that life often writes a better script than we do. The most magical days are rarely found on an itinerary—they’re born when you give the unknown permission to surprise you.

34. Slow Down When You Eat

Food is one of the richest ways to connect with a culture, yet it’s easy to rush meals in the momentum of travel. Take time to savour what you eat—the aromas, textures, and flavours tell stories of tradition, environment, and community. Eating slowly allows you to fully experience the craft and care behind every dish. Meals are sacred—whether shared with others or enjoyed alone, they deserve your full attention.

More than nourishment, food is often an expression of love. Sit with it. Watch how locals prepare it, how families gather around it, how it forms the rhythm of the day. Ask about the ingredients, compliment the cook, and offer your presence as part of the gratitude. You may forget a museum, but you won’t forget the warmth of a homemade stew shared with strangers or a morning pastry eaten on a quiet side street. When you slow down at the table, you honour the hands that made it and the culture that gifted it to you.

35. Don’t Treat Every Place Like Content

In a world obsessed with capturing and sharing, it’s tempting to see every scene as a photo opportunity. But the world isn’t a backdrop for your story—it’s alive, complex, and deserving of presence. Some moments are meant to be experienced fully, not filtered or staged. Real beauty often lives in the unrecorded—the glint of light on a river, a smile from a stranger, the hush of dawn.

Put down your phone. Let your senses take over—feel the air, hear the sounds, watch the subtleties. Not everything needs to be documented. Presence trumps performance every time. Travel not to prove you’ve been there, but to be there. The memory you carry in your heart will outlast any photo, and the depth of the experience will shape you far more than likes ever could. Chase connection, not content—that’s the story worth telling.

36. The Journey Never Ends Where You Think It Will

You might plan to visit a beach but leave with a lifelong friend. You might seek solitude but discover a new purpose. Travel’s true gifts rarely come wrapped in neat packages. Be open to the unexpected ways the journey changes you, often in places and moments you least anticipate. The beauty lies in the detours, the changes of plan, and the gentle realisations you never saw coming.

Sometimes, what starts as a two-week trip becomes a year-long life shift. A single hike could inspire a new career path. A hostel conversation might crack open something inside you. The places you go will shift your path, but even more so, they’ll reshape your sense of self. Be willing to let your expectations crumble and your story rewrite itself. That’s where the real adventure begins.

37. Let Yourself Miss People

Homesickness is part of the nomadic reality, and it’s nothing to hide or be ashamed of. Missing people means you have roots, love, and connections that matter deeply. Let yourself feel that longing without guilt. It’s a sign of your humanity and your capacity to love. The ache of distance is a reflection of how deeply we’re wired for closeness and care.

Sometimes, the road reveals just how important your connections back home truly are. So let yourself cry. Write that letter. Call your best friend. Bake something that reminds you of your mother’s kitchen. Missing someone doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’ve lived a life full of love. These emotional tethers don’t pull you away from the journey—they tether you to your heart, grounding you in truth even as you wander.

38. Be Willing to Be the Fool

You will make mistakes. You will stumble in language, culture, and etiquette. That’s part of the travel experience—and it’s beautiful. Embrace humility and laugh at yourself. Being willing to be the fool opens doors to learning and connection in ways perfection never will. Vulnerability is your best companion on the road.

When you stop fearing embarrassment, you begin to learn in earnest. Locals are often more forgiving and open than you think—especially when they see you trying. The willingness to admit “I don’t know” or “I got that wrong” builds bridges faster than trying to fake fluency or control. In a world that often punishes imperfection, travel can be the place where we unlearn that and become more fully human.

39. Not Every Door is Yours to Open

Some places, traditions, and spaces are closed to outsiders—and that’s okay. Respecting boundaries shows deep understanding and honour for the people and cultures you encounter. You don’t need to see or do everything to appreciate a place. Sometimes, reverence means staying outside the door and simply offering gratitude for what you are allowed to witness.

When you travel with a sense of entitlement, you miss the point. The world is not your playground—it’s a shared home. Knowing when not to take a photo, not to enter a space, not to demand answers—that’s maturity. And it’s in that quiet restraint that the most powerful respect is communicated. You don’t have to touch everything to be changed by it.

40. Take a Piece of Each Place With You

True travel changes you. It’s not about souvenirs or photos, but about letting the world reshape your habits, perspectives, and rhythms. Maybe Uruguay taught you to slow down and savour mate with friends. Mexico showed you the art of patience and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Brazil introduced you to feijoada’s warmth and communal spirit. Greece reminded you that time is fluid and presence is a gift.

Let each destination etch something into your soul. Pick up the spirit of the places you visit and carry them forward. Let Morocco teach you hospitality, Japan offer reverence, and Colombia infuse you with joy. Travel not only widens your view—it deepens your character. So return home not just changed, but enriched. Be a living mosaic of everywhere you’ve been, and let the world walk with you, always.

Thanks for Reading

Thank you for journeying through these tips with me. Whether you're just beginning you'r travels or deep into your nomadic life, I hope these reflections offer guidance, encouragement, and a moment of pause. Travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you go, who you become, and what you carry with you.

If you enjoyed this, I invite you to download my free book, A Traveller’s Guide to Life — an honest, helpful and inspiring read filled with lessons from the road that go far beyond packing cubes and flight hacks.

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your copy (Or head to the Wandering Monkey homepage!)

Until next time

Paul

No Travel, No Life™