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Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

19 Inspiring Travel Experience Stories About Life-Changing Trips

Love inspiring travel experience stories ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Grab a snack and your favorite beverage and get ready to settle in, as you’re about to read some truly inspiring travel stories about life-changing trips.

In this roundup, some of my favorite bloggers share their best travel stories.

You’ll hear about travelers embarking on sacred pilgrimages, growing after a first solo female travel trip, deeply connecting with locals on the road, and getting out of their comfort zones in ways that completely alter the course of their life.

And if you’re looking for a unique travel experience, you’ll likely find it in the short stories about travel below.

Table of Contents

Free Travel Resources

But first…

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travel planning resources

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I regularly share about solo female travel, New York City, lesser-known destinations, unique experiences, active adventures, and how to turn your passion for exploring the world into a profitable business through travel blogging.

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There is so much included!

Plus, I’m constantly adding new resources, guides, and personality quizzes to help you travel beyond the guidebook!

On that note, let’s dive into the inspiring travel stories .

1. Travel Experience Stories In South America

My travel story takes place in South America, back when I used to travel solo for months at a time.

I was in my mid-20s, and even though I’d backpacked Europe, Southeast Asia, and China and had studied abroad in Australia, the mix of intense excitement and nerves I had leading up to my South America backpacking trip was different.

And despite family and friends warning me that South America wasn’t a place for a solo female traveler , it ended up being my best trip ever.

There are so many interesting short travel stories and unforgettable travel experiences woven into this trip, like:

  • Getting invited to have dinner with my Brazilian plane seatmate and her grandma
  • Having a group of complete strangers on Couchsurfing take me out for dinner and dancing on my birthday in Mendoza
  • Attending a small house party in Argentina and learning about the tradition of mate
  • Getting stuck on a broken-down bus and having an impromptu language exchange with an elderly woman in Peru
  • Having a love interest back home break up with me via text, and then experiencing the kindness of strangers as a woman in my hostel who I barely knew treated me to ice cream to cheer me up
  • Having a romance with a hostel mate in Ecuador and then traveling through the country together
  • Living in a giant treehouse with a group of strangers during a solo trip in Brazil and spending our days exploring hiking trails and swimming and our nights drinking and exchanging stories about traveling
  • Taking a 4×4 from Chile to Bolivia across the Siloli Desert to see otherwordly sites like rainbow lagoons and train graveyards in the middle of nowhere
  • Experiencing some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, like Iguazu Falls, Torres del Paine, the Amazon River, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Perito Moreno Glacier

At times the trip was also challenging, from dealing with long bus rides and car sickness to flipping over my bicycle handlebars in Peru and getting my body (and ego) badly bruised.

But, I was okay.

In fact, I was more than okay, as the trip showed me how independent I could be and what I was truly capable of. It also showed me the beauty of immersing yourself in cultures different than your own and connecting with locals who want to share them with you.

Years later, when people ask what my best travel experience has been this is the trip that comes to mind.

-Jessie from Jessie on a Journey

A travel experience story about Brunei

2. Traveling With An Open Mind

Many people think of travel as an experience and rightly so. Sometimes, however, you cannot choose the places you travel to.

This happened to me in 2019.

My husband found himself posted in Brunei for work.

Three months pregnant meant that I had a choice:

Either stay with him in Brunei for three months before returning back to India or remain in India, alone.

I chose the former. Not because of my love for the country but because I wanted to be close to him.

Brunei had never held any appeal to me. Whatever research that I pulled off the Internet showed me nothing other than one beautiful mosque.

The flights in and out of the country were expensive so traveling frequently out was not an option either.

I was engulfed by a sense of being trapped in a remote place.

Needless to say, I reached Brunei in a pretty foul mood. I think one of the things that struck me the most even in the midst of that bad mood was the large swaths of greenery that surrounded us.

Mind you, we were not staying in the big city but as far away on the outskirts as you could imagine. I’m not a city girl by any stretch and the greenery eventually soothed my nerves.

It took a week, but I soon found myself interacting with people around me. Fellow expats and locals all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.

The more comfortable I felt, the more we explored. We trekked (yes, while pregnant!), we joined the board game community, and we enjoyed the local cuisine.

Three months later when it was time to leave, I found myself reluctant to say goodbye to the warmth of the country I had called home for a short while.

I think that my time in Brunei taught me a valuable lesson:

Don’t judge a place by what others say or a lack of information.

Sure, you may not always like what you see, but there will always be something that you will like. You just need to look hard enough to find it!

-Penny from GlobeTrove

A slow travel experience across the Portuguese Camino de Santiago

3. From Half-Day Hiker To Walking Holiday Enthusiast

I’ve always enjoyed walking but never in a million years did I imagine I’d end up walking over 200 kilometers (~124 miles) in 10 days, become a fan of walking holidays, and end up developing self-guided hiking routes in Portugal with a local tour operator as part of my business.

The shift from being someone who was content with an easy three-hour walk to an experienced multi-day hiker began with a brief taste of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim trail through Portugal to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.

Back in 2013 I did a guided one-day hike along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino, north of Ponte de Lima. It’s also one of the most challenging sections so it was hard work, but the views from the top of Labruja Mountain made the climb worthwhile.

My guides were so enthusiastic about the thrill of arriving at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral after the challenges of day after day on the Camino that I began to think I might want to give it a go, despite not being religious.

Fast forward a few years and I set off from Barcelos with a friend of mine to follow the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Apart from suffering from chronic back pain, I thought I was quite fit but nothing had prepared me for how utterly exhausted I would feel at the end of each walking day.

This was truly a slow travel experience, as we were averaging about 20 kilometers (~12 miles) per day and by the time we reached our hotel, I would barely have enough energy to get cleaned up and find food before collapsing. I had envisioned plenty of sightseeing but that ended up being minimal.

Quickly, I realized the moral of this unique travel experience:

The Camino was all about making the most of the journey rather than the destination.

For me, that was quite a shift in thinking as I am usually all about getting to where I want to be as soon as possible so that I can start exploring. It was, perhaps, also my first step on the path towards mindfulness.

I will never forget the sense of achievement and progress at the end of each walking day, and the relief and pride I felt when we finally made it to Santiago de Compostela.

We met people who had walked the Camino several times and I can totally understand how it can become addictive. 

-Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

A story about traveling the Banda Islands

4. A Story About Traveling & Its Ripple Effect

Tucked away in far eastern Indonesia is a tiny archipelago of islands called the Banda Islands.

Apart from world-class snorkeling and some crumbling colonial buildings, the Banda Islands are mostly forgotten and would be described as a backwater by all accounts.

However, the Banda Islands are possibly the main reason that I am who I am today. 

Well, the Bandas are the original Spice Islands.

Nutmeg used to grow on this tiny group of islands alone and nowhere else. The Dutch colonized Indonesia and promptly became the owners of islands where money grew on trees.

The only problem was that Indonesia was so far away that they needed a halfway stop to and from Indonesia.

That’s where my travel experience story comes in.

The same Dutch East India Company that traded in spice set up a halfway station at the foot of Table Mountain to break up their long journey. As a result, my Dutch ancestors arrived in the southernmost point in Africa , and generations later we are still there.

When I visited the Banda Islands, it dawned on me how something happening on the other side of the world can ripple out and affect people on the other side of the planet.

And I’m not the only one!

The spice trade was so important to the Dutch that they even traded a tiny island in the Banda archipelago for a much bigger island…Manhattan.

Yes. That Manhattan.

Before visiting the Banda Islands I never really knew about this part of my history.

Along with the spice that the ships carried back to Amsterdam, it also carried slaves. These slaves, more often than not, ended up in Cape Town.

Just like my European ancestors, they too became a part of Africa and added another shade to our beautiful Rainbow Nation.

It was in the Banda Islands that I realized how much of my culture, food, stories and even words in my mother tongue, Afrikaans, actually originated in Indonesia.

Because of these tiny islands, I am a true mix of Europe, Africa, and Asia. While I always thought I knew how all things in life are somehow connected, I didn’t really grasp it until my visit to Indonesia.

This could have been a resort travel experience story, as I went to Indonesia to swim and snorkel and relax on the world’s best beaches. And while I did get to do that, I also learned a lot about who I am as a person, my people, and my country…on another continent. 

My visit to the Bandas has sparked a fascination with Indonesia, which I have visited seven times since. I’m already planning another trip to this spectacular country!

-De Wet from Museum of Wander

The best trip ever in Costa Rica

5. Awakening My Spirit In A Costa Rican Cloud Forest

In February 2017, I was just coming out of a decade of mysterious chronic illness that had shrunk my world.

And one of the things that finally helped me to resurface during the previous year was an online Qi Gong course I stumbled upon: 

Flowing Zen .

To the casual observer, Qi Gong looks a lot like its better-known cousin, Tai Chi — the ancient art of moving meditation — but it’s actually energy medicine for healing.

In fact, it’s commonly used in Chinese hospitals.

My daily practice that year made such a difference for me that I dangled a reward for myself:

If I stuck with it all year, then I’d head to Sifu Anthony’s annual retreat in a cloud forest in Costa Rica the following February.

And I did! It was my first trip out of the country for more than a decade.

Just like that, I booked a solo trip — something I hadn’t done since I was an exchange student to Europe 30 years earlier — to San Jose where I met up with a dozen strangers and Sifu Anthony, our Qi Gong master.

We boarded a tiny bus and rode up, up, up around carsick-inducing curvy mountain roads into a magical cloud forest jungle where we finally arrived at The Blue Mountain (“La Montana Azul”) for a weeklong Qi Gong retreat. 

There were no Internet or distractions here — just delicious organic vegetarian meals made with love and shared with the community under a gorgeous open-air palapa.

There were also colorful tropical birds singing in the jungle, as well as the largest arachnid I’ve ever seen in my gorgeous (but also roofless) room for a little extra adventure.

I’d felt a little energy movement during my year of online practice, but during that week on The Blue Mountain, my body began to really buzz with Qi — life force energy — as I Lifted the Sky, stood in Wuji Stance, and practiced Shooting Arrows.

I felt electrified and joyful. 

And that was when everything changed for me.

At home, I had a successful career as a freelance writer, but I decided during my week in the cloud forest that I wanted more from life.

I wanted to explore the beauty, diversity, nature, and culture in every corner of the world.

And I wanted to share this intoxicating joyful feeling of life-giving freedom and adventure with anyone who wanted to come along for the ride.

Shortly after that, at age 53, I launched my travel blog.

Dreams really do come true. They are just waiting for you to claim them.

-Chris from Explore Now or Never

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6. From Rome With Love

This wasn’t the way I wanted to see Rome. 

Sure, I was happy to spend Christmas in Rome and stand in awe of the city’s many iconic attractions. But, life wasn’t meant to turn out like this.

I was supposed to go to Rome with my mom back in 2012; however, life had different plans, because a week before our trip, I got a double kidney infection. A condition that required a week of hospitalization.

Although I was annoyed I had missed my trip, it wasn’t the end of the world since I was fine and everything seemed okay…until my mom developed a cough.

A cough that later became a heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four ovarian cancer. 

My mom spent the final months of her life in chemo, desperately trying to fight a horrific disease so that she wouldn’t let her family down.

And she didn’t.

Instead, she showed us how to never give up on life, even if it was a losing battle. 

So, when she eventually passed away, I booked a trip to Rome. 

Sure, it wasn’t the trip I had hoped for. But, I knew that as her daughter, it was my job to live enough for the both of us. 

And that’s exactly what I did.

Was I an anxious, sad, angry mess of a person?

Absolutely. I was still getting used to a world that my mother wasn’t a part of. 

And honestly, you never get used to that world. You just deal with it because you don’t really have a choice.

But I also knew that I wanted my mom to live on through me and that I didn’t want to live a life where the haunting phrases “should of,” “could of,” and “would have” swirled through my head and ate away at my happiness.

So, I went. I packed a boatload of tissues, sobbed my heart out, and attended Christmas mass at the Vatican. 

I also threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, walked through the Colosseum, chowed down on gelato, and spent two weeks doing all the things my mom and I had wanted to do. 

And that’s when it hit me. I had never gone to Rome alone because my mom had always been there with me. Maybe she wasn’t physically there, but I thought of her and felt her presence every minute of every day. 

Her presence also reminded me that life isn’t about the things we buy or the money that we have.

It’s about making memories with the people we love; people that never really leave us since they are constantly influencing our lives in countless ways.

And after my trip to Rome, I finally knew that my mom would always be there because she had forever changed my life in the best possible way. 

-Kelly from Girl with the Passport

inspiring travel stories in Finland

7. Studying In Finland

One of my major life-turning points happened during my exchange studies in Finland.

Until then, I was studying at a university in Prague, had a part-time job at a renowned management-consulting firm, and thought I was on the right path in life.

At the University of Economics where I studied it was notoriously difficult to get on an Erasmus exchange trip abroad since the demand was huge. Everyone wanted to go!

Regardless, I decided to sign up early for my last semester, just to see what the process was like to be better prepared for applying again in a year.

I did make it through all the three rounds and surprisingly got a spot at a University in Turku, Finland! I was ecstatic. The success brought its own challenges, but once you set your eyes on the goal, nothing can stop you.

And I had the time of my life in Finland.

I met the most amazing people, traveled a ton, partied a lot, and bonded with friends from all over the world.

Given I was one of the few people there who really needed to pass all her courses and additionally write her thesis, I managed to run on an impossible sleep schedule of four hours per night. But I made it!

My studies in Finland opened up my horizons, too.

The summer after, I wrapped up my life in Prague and went on to study in Germany and China . The whole time I traveled as much as possible, often going on solo adventures. It was only a matter of time when I’d start my own travel blog.

My Finland adventure led me to a life of freedom made up of remote work, travel blogging , and plenty of traveling. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. And it gave me one of my favorite true adventure stories that I can now share with others.

-Veronika from Travel Geekery

Travel experience stories in Cuba

8. How Cuba Changed My Life

One of my favorite inspiring stories about travel takes place in Cuba.

I visited Cuba in February 2013 and it changed my life — and I like to think it did so for the better.

Interestingly, I expected a completely different country and was compelled to write about it when I got back home.

But let me tell you more.

I read copious amounts of blogs and travel diaries to prepare myself for the trip to Cuba so I thought I’d go in with a fairly good idea of what to expect. Each and every post I read spoke of marvelous landscapes, pristine beaches, crumbling but charming cities, and welcoming locals.

All of it was true, in my experience — except for the locals.

I didn’t find them so welcoming. At least, not genuinely so. They only seemed to welcome me as far as they could get something in exchange: money, clothes, pens, soap, you name it. 

Each and every day in Cuba was a challenge to avoid the scams, to avoid being ripped off, to fight off each and every attempt of people trying to take advantage of me. I usually managed, but it was exhausting and it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Once I got back home I felt the urge to write about my experience — not for other sites or papers as I’d often do. This time I was afraid I’d be censored.

So I opened my own blog. With zero tech knowledge, zero understanding of online content creation and SEO, I started writing and telling people what they should really expect during a trip to Cuba.

I’d put up the occasional post, but continued with my usual job.

At the end of the year, my contract as a researcher in international human rights law at the local university ended, and I decided to stop pursuing that career for a while.

I packed my bags and left for a long-term trip to Central and South America . I started writing on the blog more consistently and learning, and eventually took my blog full-time , turning it into a career.

As of today, I have never looked back and have no regrets.

The one thing I’ll do, as soon as I can, is travel to Cuba to say thank you — because it changed my life in a way nothing else has ever done. 

-Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

inspiring travel stories in Patagonia

9. A Short Travel Story About Finding Inner Peace In Patagonia

Life in London is hard.

Life in London as a gay single brown refugee is harder.

Juggling between work, my passion for traveling, and the prejudices that I dealt with on a daily basis eventually took their toll on me and I reached a breaking point.

The fact that I couldn’t return home to see my family and being away for them for almost nine years was enough to hammer in the final nail in the coffin.

I almost had a nervous breakdown and in that moment of desperation, which I knew would define the rest of my life, I took a month off and headed to Patagonia.

It was probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. The 36 hours it took me to get to El Chalten from London were tiring but Patagonia blew me away.

On my first day there I did a 28-kilometer (17-mile) hike which included a steep mountain climb. It was incredible how moving through the forest helped me clear my mind. And as I stood in front of Laguna de Los Tres, the rain and clouds gave way to sunshine and a rainbow.

I felt at peace.

The countless hikes, great food, and the warmth of locals in Chile and Argentina helped me get back in my skin and find the peace I was missing in my heart.

Nature is indeed the best medicine when it comes to stress relief and I won’t be coy about hugging trees to speed up the process (it did).

Patagonia was life-changing for me.

The beauty of nature struck me at each point and every time I thought it wasn’t possible to beat the view, the next one did just that.

I came back a changed, resilient, and most importantly, a happy person.

-Ucman from BrownBoyTravels

A unique travel experience in Colorado

10. Looking Inwards & Making Connections With Strangers

It was decades before I traveled solo for the first time in my life.

This trip — a six-day escape to Colorado — was the first trip that was not for business or family reasons but just to travel and discover.

As I prepared for it, I had a strange feeling of excitement and nerves at the same time. I had all sorts of thoughts and doubts:

Would it be fun?

Would I be bored?

Would I stay in bed all day or would I bounce with excitement to do the next thing?

I wasn’t sure. Little did I know that it was going to be a memorable journey of self-discovery. 

As a good wife and mom, for me travel is always about the family; always thinking of who would enjoy what. It’s about family time and bonding. It’s about creating memories and travel stories together. It’s all so wonderful.

But on a solo trip who would I connect with? What would I say?

Well, I found that I got to do anything I wanted!

Usually when I travel with my family, if I feel like going on a drive that’s not on the itinerary or getting a snack no one else is interested in, we simply don’t do that.

So it was weird to just go do it. Really, that’s a thing?

As for making connections, it was so easy to meet locals while traveling and also to connect with other travelers. Honestly, I had conversations everywhere — on planes, while hiking, in restaurants, in the hotel lobby.

It was quite an eye-opening experience to meet a mom of 18 kids and hundreds of foster kids, a cookie baker, a professional photographer, a family of Fourteener hikers, and an internationally ranked marathon runner.

The inspiring stories I discovered were amazing and nothing like my wonderful safe life at home. 

In terms of travel safety , I got to go rock climbing, solo hiking, driving up a Fourteener, eating alone.

And it was all fine. Actually, it felt surprisingly normal.

It was was just me, my SUV, and my backpack for a week. Most of all, it was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know existed. 

It’s wonderful to be back home and know that possibilities are endless and there is so much more out there to explore and be wowed by!

-Jyoti from Story At Every Corner

life-changing travel experience stories in Colombia

11. A Solo Hike To Find Connection

I have traveled solo many times, but I admit I was a bit uneasy booking my trip to Colombia . In part, due to the country’s dark past. But also because I desperately wanted to do the Cocora Valley hike, and if I’m honest, I was terrified.

This hike is located in the Coffee Triangle, an area recognized for its beauty as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features both rainforest and a stunning green valley speckled with cartoonishly-tall wax palms rising 200 feet or more.

It’s incredibly beautiful.

It’s also a long hike and quite challenging — it generally takes between six and eight hours and there is a steep area with over 3,000 feet of elevation within a quarter of a mile.

I wasn’t in hiking shape, so I was a little concerned. But, worst of all for me were the seven dodgy-looking suspension bridges. 

I’m terrified of heights.

And, I’d be going alone.

I decided to go anyway and I met an incredible woman on the bus to Salento, the town near Cocora. She was also traveling solo and we agreed to hike together.

The town is a backpacker enclave and we met up with a small group of people all traveling solo. As the days passed, our group got larger and it was such a magical experience.

As much as I love city travel, this small town won my heart.

My new friend and I set off on the hike and met two other women who were nervous to do the hike. We all went together.

When we got to the first suspension bridge, I paused. I was embarrassed to admit my fear, but the bridge swayed widely and there was nowhere to hold onto.

When they realized how out of my comfort zone I was and how scared I felt, everything changed. Instead of me dealing with it alone, they were all there to encourage me.

One crossed the bridge to encourage me from the other side and they stayed off of it to limit the sway. Crazy enough, I not only crossed the seven suspension bridges, but I also crossed one an extra time when we went the wrong way on the trail.

I did it! 

I was prepared to be blown away by Cocora Valley’s beauty, but what I wasn’t expecting was what a life-changing travel experience my time there would be.

 -Sam from My Flying Leap

short stories on travel and sustainability

12. How A Pet Sitting Travel Experience Led To A Passionate Career

We wanted to go to the Caribbean but didn’t know much about the islands or how we were going to afford it.

By chance, a friend of ours in Australia mentioned “pet sitting” and that it is something you can do all over the world.

We quickly created an account on a pet sitting website and began searching for options. There were only a couple of sits available in that part of the world, but we tried our luck, sent a request, and to our surprise landed a three-month gig in a beautiful house in the US Virgin Islands — with an infinity pool overlooking the British Virgin Islands.

A month into our sit, we had explored the destination pretty well and so had a lot of time on our hands. We managed to secure another sit in Grenada, so our year was going to be taken up with Caribbean pet sits.

Inspired by a Canadian couple that had previously stayed at our Grenada housesit, we decided to start our own travel blog. We began by writing about The Virgin Islands, highlighting the beautiful beaches and funky bars.

But for every photo of a beautiful beach there were 10 photos of trash.     

It was hard to ignore the plastic pollution issue, especially on such pristine and remote beaches.  So, we began to share photos of the trash we saw and how much we could pick up on our daily dog walks.

The more we looked into plastic pollution, the more we realized the severity of the global plastic pandemic. From that point, we used our platform to create awareness and highlight ways to say no to plastic and travel plastic-free .

We changed our daily routines, our way of living, and even our diets to accommodate more organic foods and little to no plastic packaging.

It’s been over three years now and we continue to do what we can. This journey has led us to some amazing places, working with great conscious brands and even organizing a country-wide beach clean-up campaign in Grenada.

Our aim now is to keep on going.

We love connecting with like-minded people and love the shift over the last few years that brands have made towards creating more sustainable products and services.

It’s been an amazing few years that was sparked by a conversation about pet sitting. Who would have guessed?

-Aaron & Vivien from The Dharma Trails

travel for experience in Uganda

13. Learning To Slow Down The Hard Way

On Christmas of 2017, I was born again.

We like to spend our Christmas holidays somewhere warm abroad, and that year we chose Uganda.

Nature, wildlife, and sunny days were a blessing when it was so cold and dark in Europe. Life was beautiful, and we had a rental car and a busy schedule ahead to explore the country.

This is where this short travel story turns into one of my more scary travel experiences :

At Murchinson Falls National Park, we had a car accident.

I lost control of the car, and it rolled over, destroying windows, chassis, and engine.

But we were alive! My right arm was severely injured, but we managed to walk to our lodge, not far inside the park.

In the lodge, I was happy to learn that there was a pretty decent American hospital in Masindi that was just a one-hour drive from the lodge. Moreover, one of the lodge’s guests was a nurse who cleaned the wound while we were waiting for the taxi from/to Masindi.

The hospital took care of us, and after a couple of injections and stitches, I was ready to head to our new hotel in Masindi; however, my wound required daily dressing and more injections, so we were asked to stay in town for a few days.   

Masindi is the kind of place where you may want to stop to buy some food or water, but that’s it.

The town’s highlights were the market and our daily visit to the hospital, so we ended up looking for the small things, chatting with the medical staff, the hotel staff, the people in the market, and learning more about their customs.

We learned to slow down the hard way.

When we were allowed to leave, we took a road trip south through the country to see something else. We did not care about our travel bucket list anymore — we were alive, and we wanted to enjoy Uganda’s unique nature and its people. 

In the end, our Uganda trip was not about the places that we saw, but the people that we met. It was travel for experience vs sightseeing.

I hope to revisit Uganda one day, with a stop at Masindi for some food, water, and maybe something else.

-Elisa from World in Paris

short travel stories about cycling

14. A Cycling Trip To Remember

During the summer of 2019, I cycled solo from London to Istanbul. This huge bicycle tour took me 89 days and through 11 countries.

As you might expect, it was a challenging yet incredible journey, which saw me pedal along some of Europe’s greatest rivers, pass through some of its best cities, and witness some of its most beautiful scenery.

It’s becoming more and more important for us to think about the impact that travel can have on our environment. This was the inspiration for my bicycle tour; I wanted to find more responsible ways to explore the world and avoid flights where possible.

I discovered that bicycle touring is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel, as using nothing but a bicycle and your own pedal power you can carry everything you need while covering surprising distances each day.

The simplicity of life and the sheer amount of time I spent cycling alone gave me a lot of time to just think . This really helped me to come to terms with some personal problems rooted in my past and, as a result, I arrived solo in Istanbul with newly found confidence, independence, and liberation. 

Cycling across the entire European continent may seem like an impossibly daunting task, but I assure you, it will make you feel like a new person, just like it did for me.

-Lauren from The Planet Edit

Best travel experience in Jamaica

15. How The Caribbean Shaped Me Into A Fully Sustainable Traveler

One of my first international trips as an adult was traveling around the Caribbean .

I checked into my hotel in Jamaica and asked for a recommendation for a local place to eat. The receptionist told me that under no circumstances should I should go into the town because it was really dangerous, but that — to my luck — the hotel’s restaurant offered wonderful Caribbean food.

I pondered my options:

Did I really want to spend all my time on the beach without getting to know a single local?

I was a very inexperienced traveler and very young, but there was only one answer to my question:

Absolutely not. I was not going to be visiting a new place and staying hostage in a hotel chain. So out I went.

The poverty hit me in the face. After only seeing fancy resorts, the reality was hard to swallow.

A few locals approached me and were super curious as to what I was doing there alone, since most tourists didn’t go there.

I told them I was interested in meeting them and experiencing their culture. And just like that, I was embraced.

We met more people, had some food, and then we danced the night away. They had so little, yet they wanted to share it with me. They wanted to make me feel welcome.

And they undeniably did.

The next morning all I could think about was how all the money most tourists spend goes to big corporations. The locals have to be thankful if they get a job that pays minimum wage, while foreign businesses earn millions.

I have always been environmentally conscious, but this trip made it clear that sustainability goes well beyond nature and wildlife.

It’s also about communities.

From then on I always look for locally owned accommodation, eateries, guides, and souvenirs.

Sustainability, with everything it entails, became a motto for me and changed the very essence of the way I travel.

-Coni from  Experiencing the Globe

Short stories about travel in Peru

16. Lessons From My Students In Peru

One of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever been on was a volunteering experience in the stunning city of Cuzco in Peru.

I spent a month there teaching English and Italian to a group of local adults. And even though my time there was short, the travel experience was so humbling that it changed my outlook on life.

My lessons took the form of active conversations, which essentially turned into a massive multilingual cultural exchange between me and my students. Hearing my students talk about their lives — and realizing just how different they were from mine — made me look at my own life with a fresh new perspective.

One person spoke about the three years he spent living in a jungle with his dad, where they fed off of animals they hunted in order to survive.

Another student told me about her ultimate dream of mastering English so that she could become a tour guide and have a more stable future.

For me, these stories were a reminder of just how small I am in this world and how much we can get consumed by the small bubbles we live in. 

Most of all, my students showed a passion and appreciation for life that I’d never witnessed before.

This is true for the locals I met in Cuzco in general. The quality of life in Cuzco is very modest; hot water is scarce and you learn to live with little.

But the locals there do way more than just that — they spontaneously parade the streets with trumpets and drums just because they’re feeling happy, and their energy for the simple things in life is incredibly contagious.

It was impossible to not feel inspired in Cuzco because my students always had the biggest smiles on their faces, and the locals showed me again and again that simply being alive is a blessing.

I went to Peru to teach, but ended up learning more from my students and the locals there than they did from me.

Ever since I got back from that trip, I made it a goal to slow down and not take the simple things in life for granted.

Every time I get upset about something, I think about the Peruvians in Cuzco parading their streets in song and pure joy, and I tell myself to stop complaining.

-Jiayi from  The Diary of a Nomad

inspiring traveling stories about overcoming obstacles

17. Braving Travel With Chronic Pain

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city with a prominent cathedral positioned centrally within the city.

While the historical cathedral attracts numerous visitors, even more well-known is the route to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago –- the world-famous pilgrimage route that has a plethora of trailheads and ends in Santiago. 

Home to locals, students, English teachers, and those on a spiritual pilgrimage, personal conquest, or a great outdoor hiking excursion, Santiago is a magical city.

My introduction to Santiago de Compostela doesn’t begin on the pilgrimage route, yet ends with a spiritual awakening analogous with those other unique pilgrimage stories.

It was my first solo trip abroad teaching English in Spain, a country that’s always been on my travel bucket list. A small town outside of Santiago was selected as the school I’d be teaching at for the year.

Unknowingly, this teach abroad program chose the perfect city for me to live in. 

A year prior, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me unable to function normally and complete average tasks. Migraines, headaches, and dizziness became my body’s normal temperament, a hidden disability invisible to the naked eye. 

Braving travel with chronic pain was the first lesson I learned during the trip.

The vast green outdoors and fresh dew from the morning rain enlivened me daily and reminded me about the importance of slowing down so I could enjoy traveling with my hidden disability. 

I also learned to stop often for daily tea breaks and to embrace the long lunch hour,  siestas , with good food, company, and a nap to rest.

Meeting locals , indulging in local food, and learning Spanish allowed me to connect deeply with the beautiful culture of Santiago. After all, my dream was to travel to Spain, and I more than accomplished that dream.

Difficult or not, I learned to own my dream and I was more than surprised with the results.

Who knew that a year after my injury I’d be traveling the world with chronic pain, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

-Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries

travel experience stories in China

18. A Blessing In Disguise

2020 has been a wild year for all of us and foreign students in China are no exception. As soon as the malevolent virus began to make its rounds in China, our university sent us home for “two weeks.”

However, within a short time, countries began to shut their borders and these “two weeks” turned into months, a full year even.

Crushed by the burden of online lectures and virtual labs, my boyfriend and I packed our bags and caught one of the first flights to his home country of Pakistan.

I had always been an over-ambitious traveler. I believed numbers were everything — the number of countries I visited, the number of hours I spent on a plane, the number of international trips I took in a year. These numbers were what defined me.

My feet were constantly itching and I never liked to spend more than a few days in a place before heading to the next country. Revisiting a place felt superfluous to me.

That’s why I was hoping to spend a month or two in Pakistan and then continue to check new countries off the list — after all, my online classes finally granted me the freedom to “work on my numbers.”

But as is usually the case in 2020, things turned out quite different from what I had expected. Borders remained closed and worldwide infections stayed rampant. At this point, I have already spent nearly half a year in Pakistan.

During this peculiar time, however, an amazing thing happened:

My mindset about travel started to change and I began to look at my long stay in Pakistan as perhaps my most valuable travel experience ever.

I may not have visited dozens of countries like in previous years but my experiences were deeper than ever before.

From trekking to one of the world’s tallest mountains to sharing tea with heavily armed officers at nearly 5,000 meters altitude to exploring hidden beaches in the most secluded regions to spontaneously being invited to village homes, my adventures in Pakistan couldn’t have been more incredible. They opened my eyes to the sheer diversity of many countries and completely transformed my idea about traveling. 

It took me nearly a full year of heavy restrictions on international travel and a few months in one of the world’s most fascinating countries to give up on my superficial ideals and become a more mature traveler.

This time will always have a special place in my heart.

-Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl

short travel stories about life-changing trips

19. What The River Taught Me

My travel story takes place in the summer of 2017 — the final summer before I graduated university — as it continues to play a significant role in the person I’ve become.

When I say that, people ask me if it was the portion of the summer I spent solo backpacking in Europe . And to their surprise, it wasn’t. It was actually the latter portion of the summer where I stayed closer to home.

For July and August I worked as a canoe guide leading whitewater canoe trips on remote rivers in Canada. It was here that I got to canoe the powerful and iconic Missinaibi River, a river that continues to influence me all these years later.

The Missinaibi River flows from the powerful Lake Superior to the even more powerful salty waters of James Bay. Here, I led a group of eight teenagers through dozens of whitewater rapids over 500 kilometers (~311 miles).

With no cell service for 25 days, we were forced to disconnect from anything other than the river.

During this trip I learned two important lessons:

First, I learned to be confident in my own abilities as a leader and problem solver.

There were a few rapids where my campers’ boats flipped and I had to rescue the campers and the canoes. One rescue saw two boats flip on a mile-long rapid. It took six hours to make it down the rapid, and during this time I managed stuck canoes and crying campers.

And while this was one of the most difficult rescues I’ve done, I was amazed at how calm I was throughout it. I gave clear directions, prioritized effectively, and kept my campers safe throughout the entire experience. Following the rescue, I had a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities.

The second lesson I learned on the Missinaibi was the power of disconnecting from society and connecting with the people around you.

A wild river commands all of your attention. Each day, you and your group must take down camp, load canoes, paddle up to eight hours while navigating both rapids and portages, get to a new campsite, set up camp, cook dinner, and go to bed.

And without the distraction of technology, your attention has nowhere else to be. You focus on the river and your teammates.

As someone who had wrestled with anxiety and depression prior to this summer, I felt at total ease on the trip. Now I seek societal disconnection and human connection as much as I can. 

Sometimes the most profound, life-altering trips are the least expected trips closer to home.

-Mikaela of  Voyageur Tripper

More Short Travel Experience Stories

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh

20 Embarrassing Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh & Blush

21 Travel Horror Stories About Scary Travel Experiences

Do you have any inspiring travel experience stories about life-changing trips to share?

Enjoyed these inspiring stories about travel? Pin them for later!

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These stories are so much fun to read! Thanks so much for putting a post like this together. It’s great to be able to check out other people’s blogs and read about other people’s experiences!

Always great to read about travel experiences of others. Some great stories to read over coffee. I’ve Pinned your post for future reference and to share with others. Will check out each story author’s blog as well. Great Job! 🙂

Amazing story for new traveler like me thanks for your contribution

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Spied: 2022 Chevy Silverado Off-Road Prototype Is Testing Next to a Ford Raptor

2022 chevy silverado 1500 gmc sierra trail boss zr2 at4

We have seen many 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 prototype trucks recently, but these images from the Arizona desert provide a glimpse at the capability that GM is shooting for with their upcoming full-size off-road truck lineup. This 2022 Silverado or Sierra prototype is running the desert alongside a 2nd-generation Ford Raptor.

Big thanks to JC from JC Travel Stories for sending us some video clips and images. This group of trucks is captured running test loops in the desert near Valley of the Name, California. The group of trucks includes a factory-looking Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, a factory-looking Colorado ZR2, a 2022 GM prototype, and a 2nd-generation Ford Raptor crew cab.

Could GM be testing a Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 with off-road capabilities that may rival those of the Ford Raptor? Well, this GM truck may use the latest DSSV Multimatic spool-valve shocks we saw previously on their Silverado racing trucks. This GM truck may also be running 34-inch or 35-inch tall all-terrain tires. However, this prototype does NOT appear to have a wide body to house a long-travel suspension system. Let us know what you think.

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Here are some other news related to the upcoming 2022 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. GM made a recent announcement at the 2021 Work Truck Show that the 4.3-liter V6 and the older 5.3-liter AFM V8 are being discontinued from the GMC work truck lineup. Also, the new 2.7-liter turbo I4 engine will be the base engine for the 2022 GMC half-ton trucks, including the 2022 Silverado Trail Boss Custom. Check out the video below for all the details.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Our 25 Most Read Travel Stories From 2021

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Can you believe that 2021 is already drawing to a close? The team of travel experts here at TravelAwaits spent the year exploring new destinations, reliving fond memories of bygone trips, and providing travel inspiration and expertise to our readers. To celebrate another exciting year of wanderlust and jet-setting, we wanted to take a look back at the articles that you, our readers, resonated the most with in the past year. As a special treat, let’s start with the most popular article of the year so you don’t have to scroll to the bottom to find it…

Stockholm, Sweden

1. European Towns That Are Better In The Winter Than The Summer

Topping the list this year was travel expert Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey’s piece on European towns that are better to visit in the winter than the summer. While amazing any time of year, these seven cities exude additional ambiance and charm during the colder months. From snow-covered buildings to going the extra mile — rather kilometer in this instance — around the holidays, you can’t go wrong booking your winter flight to any of these great cities. Which will you be adding to your travel list in 2022?

A canal in Giethoorn, Netherlands

2. Enchanting Places Where Cars Aren’t Allowed

Travelers often yearn to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and for good reason. The constant car cacophony is enough to drive anyone mad. Travel expert Inka Piegsa Quischotte stepped in to share these 11 enchanting places around the world where cars aren’t allowed . Spanning four continents, Inka shares her favorite places where you are more likely to be run over by a donkey than a Mustang.

Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada

3. Luxury Train Line Now Operating On One Of The Most Beautiful Routes In The U.S.

Rounding out the coveted top three, travel news writer Jim Fulcher connected with readers when he shared this timely tidbit of transit news. A popular Canadian-based train line announced its foray into the United States with an exciting new line. Read more of Jim’s piece to learn which luxury Canadian train line is now operating on one of the most beautiful routes in the U.S. !

Views from Washington State.

4. Where I Decided To Retire After Moving 33 Times During My Life

When I first read Peggy Cleveland’s story about retirement after moving 33 times, I was excited to know that I wasn’t the only regular re-locator (24 for me which seems paltry in comparison). But what really piqued my interest was where she landed and what drew her there after so many moves. I have to say that I fully support her reasoning and definitely desire to travel to this region in the near future at the very least. See where she decided to retire after moving 33 times during her life .

Skagway, Alaska historic district downtown Red Onion Saloon

5. The Friendliest Small Towns In The U.S.

The inaugural year for our Best Of Travel Awards was 2021, and our readers excitedly voted to recognize their favorite destinations from around the globe. One of the tightest races by far was for the title of friendliest small town in the U.S., so it was not surprising to see Laura Ray’s piece showcasing the winners intriguing so many of our readers. Learn more about all 15 of the friendliest small towns in the U.S. and see if your hometown made the list!

Christmas lights in St. Augustine, Florida

6. This Florida Town May Be The Most Magical Place To Spend The Holidays

Florida is not necessarily an idyllic destination to spend the holidays in the traditional sense. After all, Bing Crosby isn’t the only one that dreams of a white Christmas each year. However, Greg Robertson helped create a case for why St. Augustine shouldn’t be ignored this time of the year despite its lack of snow. Learn why this Florida town may be the most magical place to spend the holidays .

Beautiful sunset on Playa Carrillo in Costa Rica.

RuthChoi / Shutterstock.com

7. Why Costa Rica Is The Best Place To Retire Internationally

Why is Costa Rica the best place to retire internationally ? Erika Ebsworth-Goold shares eight reasons that set Costa Rica apart from other regions with beautiful beaches and ocean views. Medical care in this unassuming Central American country tops the list of reasons why expats prefer it over other more well-known nations when they are choosing where to roost in their golden years. If you are pondering retirement abroad, make sure to read the whole article to see what else sets Costa Rica apart!

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8. Delta Flight Crew Finds Letter Left In Cockpit Calling It A Pandemic Time Capsule

The year 2021 was a year where the entire world collectively held its breath in anticipation for what a new year might bring. After all, hindsight proved that 2020 was not the year that anyone had truly hoped for. Air travel came to a screeching halt, and planes found themselves parked indefinitely. Upon bringing one such plane out of storage, a Delta flight crew discovered a note left by the last person to pilot it: 435 days prior. Read the full pandemic time capsule as the crew dubbed it.

Aerial view of City of Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada. Saguenay river and St-Lawrence river.

9. Friendliest Small Towns To Visit In Canada

Canada is regularly named one of the friendliest countries in the world. In fact, the internet is teeming with memes showcasing, and yes, poking fun at, this moniker. But where are the most friendly towns in the most friendly country? Canadian native and travel expert Vanessa Chiasson shares 19 towns that she believes outshine the rest. From Quebec to Nunavut, British Columbia to Newfoundland, enjoy her picks for the friendliest small towns in all of Canada .

Squire’s Castle in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Michael Shake / Shutterstock.com

10. Beautiful Castles You Can Actually Visit In The Midwest

Castles are intriguing. Ramparts, portcullises, moats, and drawbridges just scratch the surface of these architectural achievements that stand the test of time. And yet, for most a trip to Europe, the motherland of castles is not in the cards. But don’t ye fret, for Midwestern travel expert Tim Trudell has shared this list of nine beautiful castles you can actually visit in the Midwestern U.S. to keep your knightly dreams alive. Have fun storming the castle!

Capital Limited Amtrak Train driving through beautiful fall foliage

11. Spectacular Fall Foliage Train Rides In The U.S.

Nothing is more beautiful than watching the leaves transition from lively green to even more vivacious shades of orange and red. While road trips are an exciting way to enjoy these colorful hues, being the driver does tend to detract from the experience as your eyes must stay trained on the road. If this has been your experience in the past, consider one of these spectacular fall foliage train rides in the U.S. in 2022 so you don’t miss a thing.

Views from the writer's second home in Mexico.

Louisa Rogers

12. Opportunities To Make Extra Income In Retirement

Retirement isn’t cheap, and despite the best-laid plans, earning a little extra is rarely a bad thing for most retirees. Louisa Rogers, expat and travel expert, jumped at the chance to share her expertise in this area with our readers earlier this year. Consider all eight of Louisa’s opportunities to make extra income in retirement .

Buildings in Panama.

13. Reasons Panama Is Popular With Retirees Looking To Live Internationally

Proximity to the U.S. and favorable climate are two of the primary reasons that expats find themselves migrating to Panama from the U.S., but they are not the only factors. In fact, Cindy Barks shares nine reasons Panama is popular with retirees looking to live internationally . Discover for yourself why this country has far more to offer than a shortcut around South America for ships.

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14. Quaint European Towns That Feel Like A Hallmark Christmas Movie

Is your household one where the TV remains permanently dialed into the Hallmark Channel around the holidays (or maybe even year round)? If so, then you should jump at the chance to explore these seven quaint European towns that will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie . From fairytale-like facades to cobbled streets and artisan shops, even the Hallmark-averse traveler will find themselves at home in these charming towns across Europe.

Luggage

15. Flight Attendants Reveal 13 Things You Should Always Pack In Your Carry-On

Who better to provide expert knowledge on the subject of must-haves for air travel than those who make a living out of traveling by plane. Our team worked with a group of flight attendants who revealed 13 things you should always pack in your carry-on . The most surprising entry on the list? A tennis ball. Make sure to take a look at the rest of the article to learn why, and enjoy the rest of the list so you can board your next flight as prepared as possible.

The Palace on Wheels luxury tourist train in Udaipur City railway station of North Western Railway of Indian Railways.

16. The World’s 7 Most Luxurious Train Rides

Travel by rail may no longer be the fastest or most efficient mode of travel, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a time and a place for it. For many train lines, the journey is immensely more important than the destination itself. So for your next trip, set aside some additional time and experience the pampering that can come with the world’s seven most luxurious train rides .

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17. Dr. Beach Announces His 2021 Best Beaches List

Our readers were ready to lather up the ( coral-friendly ) sunscreen and shake the sand off their favorite beach chair back in May when Dr. Beach announced his picks for the best beaches of 2021. For 30 years, this coastal ecologist has shared his take on the factors that make a beach truly remarkable. In fact, he rates each beach in 50 unique areas, from sand softness to safety records before arriving at his selections. Don’t wait for his 2022 list to start planning your next beach trip; take a look at his 2021 picks today !

1880 Train.

18. Beautiful Vintage Train Rides In The U.S.

Our readers were certainly on board with train content this year, with four rail articles ranking in the top 25. And again, with many more efficient travel options to choo choo chose from, railroads have had to work to make themselves stand out from the competition. Nostalgia was just the ticket to save many of these lines, as you can see with these 11 beautiful vintage train rides in the U.S. .

Crystal Mill near Marble, Colorado.

Kris Wiktor / Shutterstock.com

19. How To Visit Crystal Mill, One Of Colorado’s Most Photographed Sites

It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and after seeing the photograph above, I can see why. Familiar, yet mysterious, photographers drive 90+ miles and then hike nearly 10 roundtrip for their shot of this iconic mill. To learn the backstory of this mysterious attraction — as well as how to visit Crystal Mill — read more about one of Colorado’s most photographed sites .

Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island in California's Channel Islands National Park.

20. California’s 3 Least Visited National Parks Are Absolutely Breathtaking

With nine to its name, California has more national parks than any other state. Parks such as Yosemite , Death Valley , and Joshua Tree are household names for many, drawing millions of visitors across their borders each year. However, for a more intimate — and just as breathtaking — experience, you might consider one of these options instead. Consider visiting one of California’s three least visited national parks in 2022 and enjoy views that few others experience.

Sunset over airplane wing

21. Rookie Travel Mistakes Made By Experienced Travelers

Even the most seasoned travelers make mistakes when abroad, as Sue Davies and Regina Ang can attest. Despite traveling regularly for over three decades, and visiting all seven continents, even these experienced travelers have fallen victim to some pretty “rookie” travel mistakes . Learn from their missteps as you prepare for your next journey, and hopefully, you will avoid the same pitfalls.

Pumpkinferno (pumpkin festival) at Upper Canada Village 2019

22. The Historic Canadian Town You Need To Visit This Fall

Cornwall, Ontario, is one border town that you should schedule a few days to enjoy rather than simply pass through while traveling from the U.S. to Canada. And while it is an excellent destination year round, this is one historic Canadian town you need to visit in the fall . Fall foliage and an enthralling pumpkin festival known as “Pumpkinferno” are just two reasons that make a fall trip a must.

High angle view at a harbor in Tobermory on Scotland coast

23. Unique Small Towns To Visit In Scotland

Scotland is a mesmerizing country, steeped in enough history and lore to fill several libraries, so it is no surprise that it tops many bucket lists. What better place to discover Scottish charm than in the quaint towns where the intersection of past and present can be seen most readily. UK resident and travel expert Samantha Priestly shares seven unique small towns to visit in Scotland during your next journey to the British Isles.

Saugerties Lighthouse

Nancy Kennedy / Shutterstock.com

24. Must-Visit Quaint Towns In Upstate New York

You may be surprised that New York has more to offer than towering skyscrapers and packed public transit. In fact, once you leave the Big Apple, the state becomes far less noisy and far more open. Travel expert Sage Scott shared 13 must-visit quaint towns in Upstate New York that you should consider.

Exterior of Bube's Brewery

25. Pennsylvania’s Unique Dining Experience 43-Feet Underground

TravelAwaits ‘ go-to writer for all things Pennsylvania is native Robin O’Neal Smith. So when she chose to write about her unique dining experience 43-feet underground , we were intrigued. Clearly, our readers were, too, with it rounding out our list of the 25 most popular articles in 2021. Head on down , and see what all of the hubbub is about!

All of 2021 was a travel year to remember. Our team of writers excitedly made up for time not spent traveling the previous year. We hope you will continue to be inspired through their journeys as you make plans for 2022 and beyond. Don’t put off your bucket list trip for too long because you never know what curve balls life will throw at you next: Stay safe and happy travels!

Image of Clayton McKibbin

He has traveled to 44 states and has taken several trips outside of the U.S.; he experienced London as a tourist during college and took immersive trips to both Mexico City and Athens through a former career with a college student ministry. One of his favorite travel memories was serving a Christmas meal to refugees in Athens and hearing their stories of hope; Athens is truly the crossroads of European, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cultures and shouldn't be missed!

Our Favorite Condé Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

By CNT Editors

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Working at a travel publication can be dizzying—in a year, we go so many places, write so many stories, and publish a lot of content. At times, it can feel like we've run out of world to cover: If you've been there, we've probably done that. But that's of course not the case, and certain stories are an especially powerful reminder of the many stones that remain unturned; that there are many ways to take a trip, either to a familiar place or somewhere markedly overlooked, and tell a completely new story about it.

To honor these pieces and their authors—be they on staff, or part of our wide network of talented contributors—our editors have looked back on the past 12 months and plucked out the stories that moved them most. The list is far from all encompassing, but we hope that these travel stories will give you just a taste of this year's highlights—and capture your imagination the same way they captured ours. Consider them pre-boarding reading material for your winter trip.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

“In Paris, Asian Creatives Are Challenging What French Culture Can—and Should—Be” by R.O. Kwon

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“I’ve always loved R.O. Kwon’s writing— The Incendiaries has a permanent spot on my nightstand (so does Kink , but not, you know, for that reason)—so I was ecstatic to hear that the magazine had sent her on assignment to write about French Asians making waves in Paris’s artistic, culinary, and cultural landscape. Once the story came in, I was not at all surprised—indeed, I was very pleased—to read both Kwon’s thorough reporting on this particular social moment in a city I love, instigated by communities with which I share identities, and also her own meditation on why this matters to her in particular. This feature from our December 2023 issue is the kind of travel writing that drew me to Traveler in the first place: a clear-eyed writer with a stake in the space and the situation, elegantly balancing pathos and logos, as she puts you in her shoes and transports you to the scene from wherever you’re reading—and of course, while offering stellar restaurant recs.” —Matt Ortile, associate editor

‘On a Family Journey to Morocco's Southern Coast, a Writer Reckons with His Homeland's Religious History’ by Saki Knafo

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“This piece by Saki Knafo ran at the very start of 2023 and it’s been living in my head ever since. On a journey through his family’s homeland of Morocco, Knafo sets off to the southern Anti-Atlas Mountains in search of greater connection with his own Jewish heritage and a better understanding of the family stories he was told by his father as a child. Gorgeously written and filled with characters both present and lost to the past, it’s a poignant and fascinating examination of the importance of generational storytelling and how it shapes us.” —Lale Arikoglu, articles director

‘Making Memories in a Wintery Jaunt Through Quebec’ by Rivka Gelchen

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“I love a piece that encourages me to consider somewhere in an entirely new way. Canadian-born writer Rivka Gelchen journeyed through the far reaches of Quebec during the colder, shorter months of winter, when most of us would go lengths to stay away. Her road trip (achieved with a sturdy set of snow tires) takes her through petite museums, centuries-old distilleries, sugar shacks, and cozy provincial inns and restaurants. It is an itinerary that spotlights the best and least expected of the area now, but underscores how the province’s exceptional past still influences Quebec today, taking her piece to a depth not often scaled in travel writing, with her singular flair for storytelling. After reading it, you too may be inclined to head north in the deep of winter.” —Erin Florio, executive editor

‘Wherever You Go, Eat at the Hot Dog Stand’ by Amy Cavanaugh

Coney Island Nathan's

Kimberly Wilson

The Happiest Countries in the World in 2024

Sarah James

We Asked Experts: When Is It Okay for Children to Miss School for Vacation?

Jessica Puckett

15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

Jamie Spain

“When we worked on our Roadside Americana package , it became clear that Amy Cavanaugh knew the country through its hot dog stands. She wrote about Flo’s (est. 1959) in Maine, for example, where a tangy onion relish and celery salt might make you forget about lobster rolls for a moment. But she also knew about the family-run carhop Jim’s Drive-In in West Virginia, where coleslaw is the popular topping, among many others. Her deep-in-the-links intel finally got its day in the sun with this charming story, in which you, the reader, get to see the country through these humble institutions. They’re the kind of places that always sear themselves in my memory better than any landmark or museum on trips of my own—it’s an absolutely charming read.” —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

‘Examining The Human Need to Leave a Mark’ by Betsy Andrews

Highway 240 a 39mile loop that winds its way through South Dakotas Badlands National Park

“It’s very easy to get excited about a splashy story focused on a far-flung destination. It’s harder, at least for me, to day dream about lesser-exalted places closer to home. Like South Dakota, say. But Betsy Andrews with her beautifully written and at times spot-on hilarious piece about a late spring road trip through the Badlands had me longing for wide open plains, prairie dog towns, and even a very specific American brand of kitsch.” —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor

‘The Best Places to Go in 2024’ by Condé Nast Traveler editors

Arctic Watch Wilderness

“I didn't work on our Best Places to Go List this year; therefore I can shout about how excellent it is this year (well done, team!)! So diverse, so considered, so expertly and painstaking curated and reported—and all packaged with punchy moving images and quick takeaways. My colleagues tapped into the smartest travel minds all over the world (many of which are in our own set of seven global offices) to produce a list whose originality and insight reflect the gargantuan effort that went into its creation. Read it as encouragement on where to travel next year. I, for one, am headed to the Kimberley in June.” —E.F.

‘By Giving Up My Need for Perfect Hair, I Learned to Lean Into My Travels’ by Betsy Blumenthal

An illustration of a woman.

“The story that left me questioning my own travel habits the most this year was about hair. Yes, hair. It’s an essay about all the important moments, big and small, that we can miss out on if we let fear or insecurities hold us back. Once we let an experience pass us by, we may never get that time back. And doing so leaves us with a feeling we all try so hard to avoid: regret. Betsy Blumenthal explores this idea beautifully by recalling the many summer days down the Jersey Shore when she skipped the beach with her family to avoid getting her hair wet (and the subsequent five hours of re-drying and re-styling that would follow if she did). When Blumenthal’s dad passed away in 2017, she couldn’t believe she let the need for perfection keep her from getting in the water with her dad for all those summers. Now when she travels, there’s no adventure—or body of water—she won’t dive right into.” —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

‘In Charleston, Leaving Nostalgia Behind’ by Latria Graham

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“Latria Graham, a seventh generation South Carolinian, wrote one of my favorite feature stories that we ran in the magazine last year. Her important, powerful piece is a fresh look at a complicated city that is often talked about and described in very uncomplicated, one-dimensional ways—charming, foodie hotspot, historic. In this story, on the eve of the long-awaited opening of the International African American Museum, Graham revisits Charleston to find a city actively confronting its traumatic past while celebrating its present.” —R.M.

‘Can Vacation Sex Save a Relationship? Catherine Cohen Investigates’ by Catherine Cohen

A hotel room.

"Nobody's fun anymore. What ever happened to fun?! I’m so bored I could die,” says Lexi Featherston seconds before rolling her ankle and falling to her death from the high-rise window she’s only just opened to enjoy a smoke. If Sex and the City accurately observed that prudish dreariness was taking over the culture all the way back in 2004, imagine how massive the problem has since become! When the intrepid Lale Arikoglu told me she was commissioning comedienne Cat Cohen for an essay on vacation sex, my reaction was an inverse of Lexi’s—I was flung, as though harnessed to a bungee, to a skyscraper’s top and declared, “We are so back!” So much about travel—hotels in particular, but also just the exploration of the new and different—is sexy, and if there’s one time that people have sex, it’s when they’re on vacation. That our magazine can have a little fun with that fact made me smile." —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant

‘A Celebration of Roadside Americana’ by various writers

Route 66 Santa Rosa New Mexico USA United States America by night neon signs

“A large chunk of my childhood was spent traversing the country in a giant van. My mom likes to remind me that I’ve seen nearly every state, even if I don’t remember it. Our Guide to Roadside Americana stirred up those early memories for me, evoking nostalgia with every delightful pitstop, from Caroline Eubanks’ story about US-41 (aka, the South’s Route 66) to Ashlea Halpern’s impassioned ode to Buc-ee's . This package has also inspired me to start planning a cross-country road trip for myself—a grown-up version, complete with stops at as many dive bars as possible, care of Lale Arikoglu’s drool-inducing story about the undeniable allure of dive bar food .” —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director of social

‘A Different Kind of Summer in Paris’ by Caitlin Gunther

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“I have an affection for personal narrative essays—and having worked with writer Caitlin Gunther for a few years now, have found joy (and introspection) in her words, both as a reader and editor. As someone who loves Paris deeply, and returns to it regularly, it was moving to read this deeply personal account of her shifting relationship with a city that she suddenly found herself “trapped in.” Forced to become reacquainted with it, she looks for pockets of adventure and pleasure—her little daughter in tow—and inexorably finds the boundaries of her Paris expanding. It's a particularly interesting read for anyone who believes they have an immutable love for a city, only to find that connection changing over time.” —Arati Menon, global digital director

‘Slow Travel’ by various writers

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“Slow travel” is one of those trendy terms that was quickly rendered meaningless as it spread across the internet (like its similarly well-intentioned cousins, mindfulness and wellness). It’s not an easy phrase to define, though Sebastian Modak does a fabulous job of getting to the heart of it in the package’s central piece . The confusion is due, in part, because slow travel is not a thing you can point to, it’s an act—and to truly understand what it means, you have to go out in the world and try it for yourself. These luxuriously long reads about a Machu Picchu-free visit to Peru , starbathing in Chile , and encountering a spirit bear in British Columbia are about the closest you can get to experiencing slow travel without leaving your desk (but please, do anyway). —Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news

‘Jonathan Groff Came Out to His Brother After One Look at Michelangelo’s David’ by Charlie Hobbs

An illustration.

“I think we could all agree that this headline alone deserves an award. But the story itself shows how, sometimes, a split-second on a trip can totally change your life—in this case, the moment in question feels both moving and almost tongue-in-cheek, like something out of a Hollywood writers’ room. I love this print series, as it always captures memorable snapshots from the travels of interesting people, but Jonathan Groff’s story was a real treat. (Plus, there’s a pasta recommendation woven in. What more could you ask for?)” —M.S.

‘Condé Nast Traveler ’s Luggage Week 2023: The Essential Guide to Suitcases and Bags’ by CNT Editors

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“This page is the culmination of months and months of testing done by nearly every person on the Traveler team. We slung backpacks over our shoulders, rolled checked bags down bumpy roads, and lifted carry-ons into overhead bins to determine the very best pieces of luggage worth buying across every category. We also photographed these bags, and got to show off some of the lovely members of our team while we were at it. If you’re debating which piece of luggage to add to your collection next, or to gift a fellow traveler, the stories featured on this page are here to help you out.” —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

‘The Undeniable Allure of Dive Bar Food’ by Lale Arikoglu

“This story scratched an ever-present itch of mine, for travel stories that turn the spotlight—just for a moment—on the parts of trips most of us take for granted. In this case, it’s those wee hours of the night when you give yourself up to greasy, messy, salt-bomb bar food, and the way in which doing so lets you linger long enough at a no-frills watering hole to become part of the furniture. Much like Amy Cavanaugh’s story on hot dog stands (and Ashlea Halpern’s ode to Buc-ees ), it was joyously fun to read. (Did I mention there’s a Guy Fieri cameo?) —M.S.

‘Home, Made: Stories of Asian America’ by various writers

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“It felt really important to me—both personally, as an Indian American, and as an editor interested in diaspora storytelling—to be able to help shine a spotlight on the diverse Asian American communities across this country. Having weathered many storms over the decades—not to mention having borne the brunt of heartbreaking racism in the pandemic years—these diasporic communities have not just survived, but their existence is more vital to our cultures than ever. From the Japanese American sake makers of California who straddle tradition and innovation to a new generation of Viet-Texans for whom phở and barbecue evoke a sense of home in equal measure, and a love letter to the small businesses that make Koreatowns across the country what they are, this story package is us raising a glass to the diasporas that make our towns and cities (and lives) what they are—abundant, layered, and delicious." —A.M.

‘Sydney Is Going Greener—Here's How Sustainably Minded Travelers Can Get in on the Action’ by Callie Radke Stevens

The Best Cond Nast Traveler Stories of the Year

“For a city that is so back post-pandemic, Callie Stevens’ piece on Sydney’s sustainability places a refreshing spotlight on traveling with the environment in mind. We all know that one of the greatest allures to Sydney is the natural wonders that surround it, but Stevens’ ode is not only to the positive environmental efforts over the last few years but how travelers can have fun with it. Stevens spotlights the hip, trendy cafés, and bars in the city that have partnerships with nonprofits and commitments to reducing their carbon and waste footprint. Of course, covering all the bases, Stevens also encourages travelers to dive back into what the city offers while also fully immersing in nature and culture—whether under water, through its sanctuaries, or its one-of-a-kind native ecosystems. It’s a testament to eco-positivity in travel that actually inspired me to travel in a more eco-minded way, and to destinations where it might not be immediately apparent.” —Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant

‘Breaking Bread’ by various writers

A table of food.

“In the cheeky move of sharing a package I helped edit, I can’t resist celebrating Breaking Bread because it is made up of stories, photographs, and videos from so many talented people. How could I pick just one story? Kate Nelson’s piece on fry bread , for example, offers something totally unique to that of Vidya Balanchandar’s spotlight on choon paan vans that wind through Sri Lanka . But to flip through these features and essays, to me, encapsulates the simple joy of going to a new place and seeing how they interpret something that plays a role in your daily life (in this case: bread), in an entirely unique way that you can still deeply relate to.” —M.S.

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A Little Adrift Travel Blog

A Little Adrift… 23 Inspiring Travel Stories from Around the World

Last updated on January 21, 2024 by Shannon

It’s easy to share a list of the best travel books out there—although everyone has their favorites, there are a handful of books that always make the list. But inspiring travel stories are a different beast altogether.

These stories may come in the form of a book, such as a memoir detailing someone’s time on the road, or may be a journey noted in the history books, but in this digital age many of the best out there are actually in blog form.

Jodi studying the sunset, she has an inspiring travel blog and story

When I left to travel the world in 2008 on a yearlong trip , there were just a handful of travelers sharing their inspiring stories via travel blogs (and later social media). Now there’s a diverse cast of characters of ever race, creed, and abilities who have made travel a priority and have embraced off-the-beaten-path adventures to every corner of the world.

Below are the best travels stories you can look to for inspiration—I included the books that tell a great tale, but also bloggers and historical figures who are notable for something about the way they traveled.

Table of Contents

The Best Online Travel Stories

Traveling blogging took off more than 15 years ago, growing from a small, close-knit collective to a sprawling industry. That said, a lot of travel stories just sound the same after a while. I’ve read travel blogs since 2007, when I was planning my round the world trip , and some stories are just a lot more compelling than the rest.

The travel community is also a lot more diverse—less WASPy and more inclusive. The travel stories below excel in some way that sets them apart. Either it’s the family’s incredible photography and aspirational adventures, or the voice of a storyteller that keeps you coming back for more.

Roads & Kingdoms

Roads & Kingdoms tells inspiring travel stories

Roads & Kingdom is a captivating website that delivers phenomenal travel storytelling. Not only are the stories fascinating—and impeccably written and edited—but the immersive articles share stunning photography, and thought-provoking narratives.

Each story takes readers on a journey around the world, shedding light on diverse cultures, untold stories, and lesser-known destinations. Its unique blend of travel, politics, and culture creates a rich tapestry of exploration that goes beyond typical travel writing, offering a deeper understanding of the places they cover.

The site is run with one simple idea at the core: The more you know, the better you travel. The long-form features and useful information are aimed at armchair and aisle-seat travelers alike.

Before his death, Anthony Bourdain was Roads & Kingdoms’ sole investor—head to the “ Dispatched by Bourdain ” section for the most deeply reported, fascinating travel stories on the site.

Fearless & Far on YouTube

If you prefer your travel inspiration via video, then this adventure travel YouTube channel is the antidote to your wanderlust. It’s a wild ride with Mike Corey, who serves up his travel adventures with a side of danger in many cases—but not all!

His fascinating “Lost Tribes” series showcases a unique side of destinations you won’t find shared in many written travel stories. He’s also just charming and personable and it’s fun to watch his travel story unfold in real time as he wanders the globe.

Erik Gauger of Notes from the Road

Erik Gauger of Notes from the Road has an engaging travel blog with stunning photography

There’s a lot to love about Gauger’s travelogue, chief among it that he focuses on storytelling and not travel advice. What you find when you read and follow Notes from the Road is funny, powerful and personal travel stories from all over the world.

What a concept! But its rare to find on travel blogs these days, so if you’re keen to follow an ordinary guy’s extraordinary adventures around the world, this is the one to follow.

He’s adventurous but not so adventurous that you think, “wow, that’s nuts” and travelers will find humor, warmth, and inspiration from his large collection of travel stories dating back to when his blog started in 1999 (not a typo!).

Jeff Jenkins of Chubby Diaries

Jeff Jenkins, the adventurous soul behind the Chubby Diaries , offers a fun and inspiring travel story that challenges stereotypes and embraces body positivity. He’s a bit of a character, so it makes a fun travel story to follow via his Instagram account .

Jeff is now a National Geographic Travel Host, and uses his online platforms to share his remarkable journey as a plus-size traveler, encouraging others to pursue their wanderlust fearlessly and unapologetically.

With his infectious enthusiasm, Jeff breaks down barriers and promotes inclusivity, proving that one’s size should never limit their ability to explore the world. His uplifting presence and empowering message make him a beacon of travel inspiration for travelers of all shapes and sizes—he’s a good reminder that travel is for everyone.

The Bucket List Family

The Bucket List Family shares their travel story on Instagram and YouTube

The Bucket List Family—a husband, wife, and their three photogenic children—shares adventurous travel stories on Instagram and YouTube . I’ve followed their travel story for years now, and as an experienced traveler I still love traveling vicariously through their family adventures.

They offer stunning photography and heartfelt narratives, and bring followers on a virtual exploration of the world’s most captivating destinations. Beyond showcasing picturesque locations, they emphasize the importance of shared family adventures and creating lasting memories. My young son was born in 2021, so although he’s already visited eight countries with me, I’m still inspired by the places they take their kids—many of which are on my own bucket list.

The Bucket List Family’s story focuses on experiences over material possessions—but keep in mind they are very wealthy (one-percenters), so they go on some super bougie trips that are aspirational for most.

While they certainly weren’t the first family travel storytellers , as they claim, they do a great job. They encourage travelers to step out of their comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and prioritize quality time together—a message I can get behind. Although they technically have a website, they don’t blog. Their travel story is best followed Instagram and YouTube .

This website was a curation platform that, while it no longer shares new articles, has a treasure trove of absolutely stunning short travel stories—most are readable in about 10-20 minutes. It’s a great sadness that it’s no longer updated with fresh stories, but you can get lost for hours in the archives.

The best place to get started is with this travel story, “ Weavers of the Sky ,” or this one, “ Keepers of Ganesh: The Vanishing Art of Mahout. ” Or head to the editor’s picks page for a curated list of the best of the archives.

Oneika Raymond from Oneika the Traveller

Oneika Raymond is an Emmy-winning travel storyteller. Her stories are engaging and authentic, and she’s all about promoting inclusivity and breaking down misconceptions. Oneika’s posts inspire travelers to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beauty of different cultures. It’s like getting tips from a friend who’s passionate about travel and believes in the power of exploration to bring people together.

While her website now pumps out more generic travel planning content, following her on Facebook is the perfect way to collect the best pieces of her travel story that encourage cultural exploration and adventure—she regularly re-shares her best videos, stories, and photos from her years of travel.

I ran my own travel blog, which tells travel stories from the past 20 years.

Best Historical Travel Stories

Gertrude bell.

Gertrude Bell, often dubbed as the “Queen of the Desert,” was an extraordinary woman who defied societal norms and embarked on incredible journeys across the Middle East in the early 20th century.

A British explorer, archaeologist, and writer, she traversed vast deserts, climbed mountains, and immersed herself in the cultures of the region. Her inspiring travel story lies in her unwavering determination, intelligence, and deep respect for the people and places she encountered.

Bell’s book, A Woman in Arabia: The Writings of the Queen of the Desert , encapsulates her adventurous spirit and offers an intimate glimpse into her experiences, documenting her encounters with tribal leaders, her insights into the region’s history and politics, and her unique perspectives on the challenges faced by women in those times.

Her courageous and independent spirit continues to inspire travelers, historians, and feminists alike, making her an icon of female exploration and an incredible travel story even today.

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta shared a strong travel story

One notable historic travel adventure that captivates the imagination is the journey of Ibn Battuta, an explorer from the 14th century. Ibn Battuta embarked on a remarkable travel odyssey that spanned over 30 years and covered a distance exceeding 75,000 miles, making him one of history’s greatest adventurers.

His extensive travels took him across the Islamic world, including North Africa, the Middle East, India, and even as far as China. Battuta’s story is inspiring due to his fearlessness, curiosity, and the vastness of his exploration, which allowed him to experience diverse cultures, encounter various civilizations, and encounter numerous challenges along the way.

His travel story provides insights into the medieval world and serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. Although there are translations of his travelogue available, Ibn Battuta: A Muslim Traveler of the Fourteenth Century by Ross E. Dunn is a good option to really immerse in his journey because Dunn provides a lot of historical and societal context that enriches Battuta’s story.

Emily Hahn, a trailblazing adventurer and writer, holds an inspiring travel story that spans the globe and breaks boundaries. Known as the “Mickey Mouse girl” due to her unconventional lifestyle, Hahn fearlessly journeyed to places that were deemed off-limits for women in the early 20th century.

From exploring the remote regions of China, where she witnessed political upheavals and became an unofficial concubine, to her daring escapades in the African wilderness and beyond, Hahn’s travels were marked by her independent spirit and relentless curiosity.

Her travel story, No Hurry to Get Home: The Memoir of the New Yorker Writer Whose Unconventional Life and Adventures Spanned the Twentieth Century , is captivating. Her memoir showcases her extraordinary life and captures the essence of her adventurous spirit. Emily Hahn’s audacious exploration and refusal to conform to societal norms make her an inspiring figure, leaving a lasting legacy for women in travel and writing.

Sir Ernest Shackleton

There’s just something magical about the travel stories of the great explorers from history. With the world so connected, these kinds of harrowing travel journeys are more rare (thankfully!). Shackleton’s extraordinary expedition to Antarctica in the early 20th century is renowned for its remarkable story of survival and endurance.

In 1914, Shackleton and his crew set out on the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aiming to cross the Antarctic continent. However, their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice, eventually sinking. Shackleton and his crew were stranded on the ice for months before embarking on a perilous journey in lifeboats to reach Elephant Island.

Despite the immense challenges they faced, Shackleton displayed exceptional leadership, courage, and resourcefulness, ensuring the survival of his entire crew. His story of perseverance and determination in the face of extreme adversity continues to inspire adventurers and explorers to this day.

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing is a classic adventure travel story and makes for a great read. (And if you love this style of historical adventure travel, I truly loved The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey , which I read in just two days .)

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, an iconic poet, author, and civil rights activist, embarked on a profound and inspiring travel journey that shaped her worldview and enriched her literary voice. Through her autobiographical work, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes , Angelou chronicles her time living in Ghana during the 1960s, immersing herself in the vibrant tapestry of African culture and the fight for independence.

Her travel story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and profound connection, as she navigates the complexities of identity, racial inequality, and personal growth.

Maya Angelou’s courage to venture into unknown territories, both geographically and emotionally, and her ability to find strength and inspiration amidst adversity, inspires readers around the world. Her travel experiences beautifully illustrate the transformative power of exploration and the importance of embracing diverse cultures and perspectives.

10 Best Travel Stories on A Little Adrift

I visited Victoria Falls on my travels and shared stories from Africa

I’m guilty of sharing a fair bit of travel tips and advice for travelers of all shapes—I have detailed cost of living guides for countries around the world, as well as travel guides to my favorite countries in the world.

But deep in my 15 years of archives are travel stories and photography that I remain proud of, even if they’re not search-friendly content that’s likely to appear at the top of Google Search. These are the best travel stories from my years on the road.

  • A Journey to Uncover What Sustainable Coffee Really Means : The journey an Akha hill tribe community in rural Northern Thailand is taking toward creating a sustainable business and social enterprise. Filled with beautiful photographs from their community and their journey toward fair-trade sustainability.
  • How One Maasai Chief is Using Tourism to Change His Community : An innovative Maasai chief and his community are using tourism funds to help end FGM in Maasai communities and instead educate girls.
  • The Case for Using Tourism to Help Destinations Recover : In the wake of Nepal’s devastating earthquake, this piece looks at how tourism shapes rural economies and how it can be a vehicle to help these communities recover after natural disasters.
  • A Guest is a Gift from God : One of my favorite memories from Tbilisi, Georgia was sitting under the Mother Georgia statue with group of locals for an evening of song, conversation, and snacks. In short, for the famous Georgian hospitality.
  • A Pastel Sunrise Over Wadi Rum : A dawn camel ride as the sun is rising over Jordan’s desert is etched in my memory as the pinks and blues tinted the sand and rocks.
  • An Unexpected Afternoon with a Taco Stand Family : A simple question leads to a wonderful afternoon learning about Mexico’s blue corn.
  • Peat Fireplaces, Rugged Ireland, & Something Special : Ireland holds such a special place in my heart, the smells of fireplaces mixed with yeasty beer and flowing conversation ebb and flow throughout the island.
  • A Child’s Journey Through Chinese New Year : Go on the journey of Chinese New Year festivities in Thailand’s Chinatown told through the eyes of a young child.
  • A Secret Spot in Ireland’s Heart : Ireland is an island of mystery as I tap into the cadence and rhythm of the locals speech, lore, and attitudes while hiking through sheep pastures and along coastlines.
  • This One’s for Africa : Riding the local transport in East Africa leads to some hilarious encounters that constantly reminded me, “Oh yeah, this is Africa.”
  • Finding the Travel Spark in Yangon : After years on the road it’s a single moment in Burma that pinpoints for me why I travel and reignites the wanderlust.

Looking for more inspiration? I’ve curated the best travel books not only in general, but for each region of the world.

What do Purdue basketball point guards of the past have to say about Braden Smith?

jc travel stories

In less than two seasons, Braden Smith elevated himself into the pantheon of Purdue basketball point guards.

The Bob Cousy award finalist for the nation's top point guard already is breaking Boilermaker records and is on his way to more.

Smith, a first-team All-Big Ten selection this season, also is putting himself in rarified air with his ability to score, rebound, pass and defend. According to college basketball reference, since 1947 only seven players have collected 725 points, 375 assists and 325 rebounds by the end of their sophomore season. Smith is one of those. He's the only Big Ten player other than Magic Johnson.

More: Purdue basketball's Zach Edey, Matt Painter named Big Ten's best player, coach

But what makes Smith so good?

Let's ask 10 of Purdue's all-time best point guards.

Lewis Jackson, 2008-12

Credentials: Jackson started 104 career games and ranks seventh in career assists with 456. Purdue won 104 games in his four seasons with four NCAA tournament appearances, including two trips to the Sweet 16.

Jackson on Smith: “It’s his confidence. Braden Smith is who Braden Smith always was. If you go back and look at him in high school, he’s been a winner. He’s been this type of player. The experience of last year and being able to come in right away and having the ball in his hands and being allowed to make mistakes early has helped him figure out the game. Everything has slowed down for him. We all hated the Fairleigh Dickinson loss, but I think it was the best thing for him to happen early in his career. It has allowed him to come back with that hunger. He knows he belongs in the upper echelon of not only Big Ten point guards, but one of the best point guards in the country. … Guards win games in the tournament. You need a strong guard that can win games and that is confident. With Braden being willing to score, he loves to pass, but coming off that pick and roll ready to shoot and being so efficient, it gives everybody the confidence of knowing we have that lead guard who can make those shots. In the past, Purdue has been stagnant not having that point guard that is a capable scorer.”

Tony Jones, 1986-90

Credentials: Until Smith, Jones, who went on to become a pilot, was the last Purdue point guard to average the most assists in the conference season. Jones is tied for third all-time in career assists with 481. He helped Purdue win back-to-back Big Ten championships in 1987-88 and make three NCAA tournament appearances, including one Sweet 16 while scoring 1,041 career points. Jones was a two-time Purdue Most Valuable Player and was on the gold medal team at the 1989 World University Games.

More: The ceremonial send off of Purdue basketball star Zach Edey started with one autograph

Jones on Smith: “Confidence is the word I would use. An aviation analogy I use; different aircraft have personalities. I would compare him to the A-10 Warthog. It’s called a tank killer. It flies where all the conflict is going on. It’s a tough aircraft, a reliable aircraft and very effective. With his arsenal, he can shoot the 3, he plays defense and he can handle the ball. He can score in the lane. He’s smart and he manages the game well. He is what you call a true point guard. Any tournament, you look at the guard play. There have been teams that were weak down low, but they had great guard play and it got them to the Final Four. Braden has experience since he’s been starting since day one.”

Billy Keller, 1966-69

Credentials: Scored 1,056 career points in three seasons before freshmen were eligible. Keller was the starting point guard on Purdue’s 1969 NCAA runner-up team that lost to UCLA in the final and earned the nation’s Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award after the season. He played seven seasons for the Indiana Pacers, helping them to five ABA finals appearances and three championships and ranks second in career 3-pointers, second in career free throw percentage and 14 th in career assists in ABA history.

Keller on Smith: “He’s such a smart point guard. He knows where everybody is on the floor and knows what every position is supposed to be doing. He always has his head up and is always calm, cool and collected. He knows what he wants to do and very seldom gets himself into trouble. He handles the ball well. He shoots it well. He does everything well and he is really fun to watch. I imagine these guys on the floor really enjoy playing with him because if they get open, they know he is going to get the ball to them. It is important for a point guard to understand where everybody is on the floor. He’s always trying to put players in their strengths and that’s really important. I hope there’s a lot of kids out there who watch him and try to duplicate what he does.”

Bruce Parkinson, 1972-77

Credentials: Parkinson is Purdue’s career leader in assists with 690 and owns the school record for a single game with 18 against Minnesota in 1975. Until Smith broke it this season, Parkinson’s 207 in the 1974-75 campaign was a Purdue record. Parkinson’s son Austin went on to be a heralded Purdue point guard after teaming with Smith’s father Dustin at Northwestern High School outside of Kokomo. Parkinson averaged 6.2 assists per game over his career and also scored 1,224 career points, helping the Boilermakers win the 1974 NIT championship. Parkinson was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1976 NBA draft and by the Washington Bullets in the 1977 draft and in 1975 won a gold medal with Team USA at the Pan American Games.

Parkinson on Smith: “He is the first guard I’ve ever worried about since I left that might break my assist record. If he keeps up, he’s going to break it. He sees things nobody else sees and he does it with a little bit of flair. But the only thing he is concerned about is winning. He’s got a lot of needy hands out there that he is feeding. It is kind of magical what he does.”

Steve Reid, 1981-85

Credentials: Reid, a two-time academic All-American, ranks ninth on Purdue’s career assists list despite playing his first season at Kansas State. He scored 1,084 points in three seasons with the Boilermakers, helping take Purdue to three NCAA tournaments and the 1984 Big Ten title. Known for his scoring ability, like Smith, Reid averaged 12-plus points per game in each of his three seasons with the Boilermakers.

Reid on Smith: “He has a tremendous amount of energy. He has an extremely high basketball IQ. And he has a short memory. He makes a turnover or something happens and he’s right back in the next play. Point guards have to. Like a quarterback, you can make a turnover or take a bad shot but the ball is going to be back in your hand in another 30 seconds and the team is going to depend on you to make a good play. It appears that he looked at his freshman year and identified some weaknesses and worked on those. His shooting this year adds another dimension. That is a tough deal when you have his talent and can put the ball in the basket from the perimeter but people know he’s willing to give the ball up. He is just an excellent point guard.”

Jerry Sichting, 1975-79

Credentials: After finishing his career as a 52% shooter with 1,161 career points along with a Big Ten title his senior season, Sichting was selected by the Warriors in the 1979 NBA draft. He played 10 years in the NBA, including with the 1985-86 NBA champion Celtics. Following his NBA career, Sichting was an NBA assistant coach for more than two decades.

Sichting on Smith: “It’s the old cliché that he’s the straw that stirs the drink. He makes it all happen for that team. He has improved a lot from last year, even from the start of the season until now. It shows how much work and dedication he puts into it. He is improving at a really rapid rate when you compare him to a lot of other players. Zach Edey is obviously having a fantastic year and a lot of that you have to attribute to Smith and the way he can get him the ball in a lot of different angles. From game to game, Smith basically does whatever it takes to win. He can go without scoring and almost be the best player on the floor.”

Everette Stephens, 1984-88

Credentials: A member of the legendary “Three Amigos” with Troy Lewis and Todd Mitchell who ranks third in career assists with 481, Stephens also was the team MVP in 1988. Helped Purdue go 96-28 with four NCAA tournament appearances, including a No. 1 seed in 1988. Scored 1,044 career points before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and having a six-year professional career that included stints with the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Stephens on Smith: “He has all the skills and mindset. Point guards don’t always have all of those clicking at such a high level. IQ. Athletic. Can shoot. He’s very good at discerning the offense and running plays. There’s so many things he does so well, even rebounding. When you can get that kind of rebounding a 6-feet, it shows you his knack for that particular skill. Having another year under year under his belt, he’s refined all of that and gotten better. The one thing he lacked his freshman year, which I think is so unfair, it’s one of those things where much is given, much is required. You’ve seen all that potential, but he was a freshman. Even I felt the same way. I wanted more because I saw it. But it’s a process. He is someone who is willing to step up and be the lead now and they need that.”

PJ Thompson, 2014-18

Credentials: Thompson started 97 games, running the point his final three seasons, and ranks second in program history in assists-to-turnover ratio. Thompson played in four NCAA tournaments and was the starting point guard for a pair of Sweet 16 teams, including the 2017 Big Ten championship squad.

Thompson on Smith: “He has everything he needs. He just needed experience. Having that year of experience has helped him because you can see how the college game is played. He is a sharp-minded kid, not your normal 20-year-old. He understands basketball at a way higher level, but he hasn’t stopped learning. He is still going game to game looking at the past game and how you can improve. When you have a gift that he has already as far as talent level and you put the work behind it, I think you’re destined to be great. A lot of people associate his success with Zach, and sure, there’s a difference with Zach Edey on a pick and roll instead of a normal center, but Zach’s success is as big a contributor to him. It’s not fair Braden gets flack for that. He’s one of the best point guards Purdue has had and he’s getting better. He’s going to get a lot better.”

Matt Waddell, 1991-95

Credentials: Like Smith, Waddell played with a National Player of the Year in Glenn Robinson. Waddell ranks sixth at Purdue in career assists with 460 and also scored 1,170 career points, helping the Boilermakers win two Big Ten titles and make three NCAA tournament appearances, including going to the Elite Eight in 1994. His son, Brian, faced Smith in high school and is a current redshirt sophomore with Purdue.

Waddell on Smith: “I’ve seen that confidence since he was in eighth grade. Certainly from last year to this year you can see his ability that if he makes a couple turnovers, he’s forgotten about them already. That was how he was in high school. He forgot about plays immediately and just moved to the next one. As a freshman, you can let those wear on you a little bit. Certainly as a sophomore, and you’ll see that jump again as a junior where it’s moving to the next play. Braden has had that confidence and swag and that nasty, and I say nasty in a very complimentary way. He’s had that in him for a long time on the court. That’s a point guard. You’ve got to be a good leader and play with that edge and he certainly does that.

Brian Walker, 1977-81

Credentials: Walker, a two-time Purdue team MVP recipient, ranks second on Purdue’s career assists list with 572 despite only playing three seasons for the Boilermakers. Including his season at North Carolina State, Walker totaled 632 career assists. Playing alongside eventual NBA No. 1 overall pick Joe Barry Carroll, Walker is the last Purdue point guard to start in the Final Four when he helped lead the Boilermakers in 1980 and also helped Purdue win the 1979 Big Ten championship. Walker averaged better than 5 assists in each of his three seasons starting for Purdue before being drafted by the Kansas City Kings in the 1981 NBA draft.

Walker on Smith: “What’s good about Braden is he sees the floor like no other. He can anticipate where a player is going to be and throw the ball there, not wait until they get there. He can anticipate when someone is going to be open and he sets up his teammates. You look and see someone setting a back pick for your teammate, you have to know if it’s a good pick or not and then you have to read the defenders. You have a millisecond and make two quick decisions in your brain if your teammate is going to be open. You make a pass to them before they get there. It’s like a good quarterback and the ball is in the air before they turn. I watch every game and I am just amazed how he just runs in and gets a rebound. Everybody else has everybody blocked out and he gets the rebound sometimes at rim level. He’s intelligent and understands the game of basketball and reads things tremendously well.”

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

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