Let’s take a trip back to 2008. The world faced challenges due to the recession, prompting me to make a spontaneous choice to relocate to Australia with a work visa. That year brought both incredible experiences and tough lessons, paving the way for my ongoing travels.
Earlier this year, I revisited Australia for the first time since my departure in 2009. My last memory of Sydney was bidding farewell to my friend Ste outside a hostel. With him back in the city, it was a perfect reunion.
Sydney remained as stunning as I remembered, and this time, I could enjoy dining out. My career has advanced significantly; I’m now freelancing full-time. Although I'm not wealthy, I’m financially stable, unlike the 2008 version of me who once asked for a refund when overcharged five cents for an apple because I desperately needed it for a bus pass.
Reflecting on the past few months, I’ve contemplated how much I’ve transformed since that pivotal decision to move across the globe 11 years ago. What insights have I gained? How have I evolved? It’s striking to think how different my life might have been had I not boarded that flight to Australia.
After much reflection, I’ve compiled my 11 most impactful lessons from over a decade of nearly continuous travel and the wisdom I still carry from 2008.
1. Courage is contagious.
Everything I pursue intimidates me, yet I go for it anyway. I’ve always believed that what scares you most is what you need to tackle. If I lack courage, I surround myself with bolder people. I’m the one who texts you on a random Thursday to ask if you’d like to visit Mongolia or join me for a half marathon. I even invite myself to Muay Thai classes or road trips in Australia (see lesson 10).
2. Be present in your surroundings.
When I relocated to Australia, I had friends create music mixes for the lengthy flight. My friend Miles included “Waiting for my Real Life to Begin” by Colin Hay. A line from the chorus resonates: “Just be here now, forget about the past.” It’s still one of my go-to travel songs.
We often find ourselves caught in our thoughts, dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. I’m guilty of this too. A few years ago, while sitting by a lake in the Himalayas during a photo trip, the wind seemed to say, “Forget about that silly boy in London. Focus on the moment.” I remind myself of this daily.
3. Timing will always be imperfect.
In Bolivia, I met a British family who sold their home to travel with their teenage daughters for a year. During our conversation, the mother shared, “The timing will never be right; you just have to go.” This aligns perfectly with my own travel philosophy. I prepare as much as possible (like timing my job change with my lease), but ultimately, you just have to take the leap—whether it’s traveling, switching jobs, or moving homes.
4. People shape the experience.
When I mention where I studied in England, many react with disbelief: “Why Middlesbrough?” It’s not picturesque like Oxford, but the people made it worthwhile. My first night at a pub led me to one of my best friends, Fran, who I visited recently. We’ve maintained our friendship for over 15 years!
I also spent five years in Birmingham, Alabama, which remains one of my favorite places because of the incredible people I met. I typically don’t stay in one place for long, so living there for five years was significant!
5. Learn from others’ regrets.
In my 38 years, I’ve seen countless people express their dreams but never pursue them. Life distractions often get in the way. I refuse to fall into that trap. Instead, I let others’ regrets motivate me. When sharing my travel stories, I often hear tales of missed opportunities. Don’t let others project their fears onto you—life’s too short for regrets.
6. Don’t judge a nation by its government.
I’m drawn to off-the-beaten-path places. Visiting destinations before they fully open up to tourism has shown me that you can’t judge a country based solely on its government. The Burmese and the Cubans taught me that sometimes the people have little control over their government, and those in the strictest regimes often embody the kindest spirits.
7. Traveling isn’t about escaping.
I admit it; I initially traveled to escape the harsh realities of life. I once wrote to a college friend about my tumultuous experience in Australia, feeling that moving across the world wouldn’t change my circumstances. Yet, I learned that traveling clears my mind. It provides clarity and distance from distractions, helping me solve problems. The key is to use that clarity to create solutions and move forward.
8. A story doesn't need a happy ending to be captivating.
My primary motivation for traveling is to collect stories. Perhaps it's the journalist in me. It took me two decades to realize that a story doesn’t require a happy ending to hold value. That’s why my food poisoning stories resonate with so many!
9. Travel flings can be complicated.
Travel flings can feel exhilarating, like living a scene from Before Sunset. You skip the unnecessary games and dive into the fun, but it’s best to leave before it becomes complicated. The initial thrill can quickly fade into half-hearted messages and occasional visits, merely serving as distractions. They can also create a false sense of reality, leaving you clinging to memories instead of embracing the present.
10. Don’t settle for a job you despise.
I’ve disliked every job that came with great health insurance. Those roles held me back from pursuing my true passions. While I appreciate the connections I made, I don’t regret leaving them behind. As Maya Mendoza wisely said, “No amount of security is worth enduring a mediocre life chained to a routine that has killed your dreams.” Now, I even have my medical check-ups done in Thailand!
11. Time and money are intertwined in life.
Engage with my discussion with Travis from Extra Pack of Peanuts, the top travel podcast on iTunes! We explore topics related to travel, finances, freelancing, and my new book. Tune in to the podcast here!
