28 Regrets That People Who Travel Will Never Have

[monsterz]

elitedaily.com/life/culture/28-regrets-wont-traveling/

Life: It’s about maximizing opportunities and minimizing regrets. It’s about accepting our destined fate and appreciating the moments. It’s about taking chances and learning from mistakes. So why the hell are you sitting around, making excuses and waiting for a day that will never come?



In a time when you have absolutely nothing to lose (in the grander scheme of things) and no responsibilities but to take care of yourself, why aren’t you going out and exploring the world?



Why aren’t you using your newfound freedom to cross oceans and walk the deserts? Why aren’t you scraping all your money together to get a plane ticket to Paris and drink coffee on the Champs-Élysées? Why aren’t you escaping to the beaches and walking the cobblestone streets? What’s wrong with you?



For some reason, people think they will regret the things they did much more than the things they didn’t do. They think they will miss the money they spent 10 years from now much more than remember the time they spent traveling the world. What these people fail to realize is that we are only going to be this young and this free once in a lifetime. You won’t be in your twenties for much longer, when you have the entire world in front of you and nothing to hold you back from grabbing it.



Do not get sucked into the idea that life is about getting a job and accepting life as nine-to-five with 14 vacation days. Your life doesn’t have to be like that, at least not yet. You have the rest of your life to return to standardized civilization and get the nine-to-five job your parents always dreamed for you.



You need to use this time to explore your passions, to be adventurous. You need to be open to opportunities and new friends, to feel the ocean beneath your toes and the sand on your back. You need to see people with different viewpoints, different ways of life. You need to give yourself a chance to miss home. If you think you are going to regret not taking that job or making that extra money, take a moment to consider everything you will regret if you do.



1. You never used another currency.



2. You never got lost on cobblestone streets.



3. You never met a stranger on a train who changed your view of life.



4. You never drove on the “wrong” side of the road.



5. You never ate fish caught in the ocean you were just swimming in.



6. You never danced like those people you see in the movies.



7. You never attended a riot of the people.



8. You never ordered coffee in another language.



9. You never had sex in a foreign land.



10. You never acquired a collection of stamps in your passport.



11. You never dipped your toes in an ocean that stretched across the world.



12. You never ate something without knowing what it was.



13. You never ordered something you couldn’t pronounce.



14. You never took a train across borders.



15. You never got high in Amsterdam.



16. You never watched the sun set over another country.



17. You never swam in a body of water you couldn’t pronounce.



18. You never touched tongues with someone who speaks in a different one.



19. You never stepped in a church older than your own country.



20. You never sang someone else’s national anthem.



21. You never watched a game in a language you didn’t understand.



22. You never climbed a roof to see a new view.



23. You never sat in rooms that existed before Christ.



24. You never took the photos you’ve seen in magazines.



25. You never sat alone watching the people of another world.



26. You never walked for hours with no direction.



27. You never went to parties where you knew no one.



28. You never stayed in a hostel with five strangers.

[anna7602]

One thing I distinctly remember about my 20s was being hesitant to go on an Israel vacation I had planned just after I had received a big promotion at my then-job. Family members, older friends, and many people around me told me I should cancel the vacation to show how "serious" I was about my new responsibilities. I debated it for a bit, went into my boss's office and told him I had this trip in the works for several months and I was sorry about the timing, but I was still going to go. I have never regretted going on that trip (or any other trip I have ever taken).

I was promoted again at that same job and was even transferred to an international office with them, so the trip to Israel didn't hurt my career there one bit. And now that I left that company over 10 years ago and have switched industries entirely, I care even less about the effects of that trip. But I would still be wondering about Israel if I hadn't gone then.

[anasara]

Love this!

[valetgirl]

Meh, this article rubs me the wrong way. I love to travel and I recognize that I'm privileged to do so. Others might not be. Or they simply might not have the desire to travel. Nothing wrong with that. This article is preaching to the converted. No offence to OP, of course 

[Deleted]

Feb 25, 2014 20:55:52 GMT -5 valetgirl said:

Meh, this article rubs me the wrong way. I love to travel and I recognize that I'm privileged to do so. Others might not be. Or they simply might not have the desire to travel. Nothing wrong with that. This article is preaching to the converted. No offence to OP, of course 

Also, there are a few things on this list I won't do no matter how much I travel, and plenty of things I can do at home.

[mdgirl]

Yeah I agree with the sentiment but the execution is a little weird. It kind of reminds me of this old Onion article:

Backpack-Laden Student Trudges Slack-Jawed Past Wonders Of Ancient World
News • adventure • ISSUE 35•20 • May 26, 1999

ATHENS, GREECE—Iowa State sophomore Dylan Schumacher trudged pathetically past some of the most wondrous achievements of ancient Mediterranean civilization Tuesday, all but unaware of the magnificent cultural splendor surrounding him on all sides.

"Greece is, like, so awesome," said the oblivious Schumacher, who is ironically considering a history major. "Last night me and a couple dudes from Florida that I met checked out this awesome discothéque, and I swear this one chick was totally giving me the eye."

Schumacher, looking laughably generic in Teva sandals, a pair of corduroy shorts from The Gap, and a matching North Face windbreaker and backpack, is spending his summer traveling through Greece, Italy and France as part of an effort on the part of his parents, Ames-area dentists Duane and Sheila Schumacher, to help the young student "broaden his mind." So far, reports indicate, he has visited several McDonald's restaurants in the downtown Athens area and has enjoyed many afternoons lounging by his hotel's pool.

Schumacher came within a few feet of the Roman Forum, built as an extension of the famed Agora by Julius Caesar and Augustus during the Pax Romana, passing through its main entrance, the relatively intact Gate of Athena Archegetis, while searching for a public restroom after consuming an extra-large café mocha at a nearby Starbucks. Later that day, reports indicate, he and some friends hiked up the footpath to the Acropolis, the heart of the first great city-state of Ancient Greece, a structure that has remained more or less intact for well over 2,000 years. There, he enjoyed several relaxing hours basking in the Mediterranean sunshine and listening to the CD Follow The Leader, the latest release by his favorite band Korn, which he purchased from a street vendor on the famous pedestrian walkway known as the Odhós Kidhathinéon using "real Greek money."

"It's so fascinating to be in a totally different culture," Schumacher said of his trip to the Acropolis. "I talked to this one guy, and, can you believe it? It turns out he never even heard of Korn."

"Yet, despite our different cultural backgrounds," he added, "we were still able to communicate, and he told me about this awesome sports bar downtown where they have this virtual-reality game. I can't wait to check that out."

While visiting the Acropolis, Schumacher purchased a pair of Oakley sunglasses at the Parthenon. The first great building created in Pericles' renovation of the ancient site in approximately 437 B.C., the Parthenon was designed by the architect Iktinos as part of a sanctuary for the cult of Athena, a fact Schumacher finds "kind of boring." At the Propylaia and Temple of Athena Nike—which feature some of the greatest works of the sculptor Pheidas—Schumacher bought some sunblocker and a T-shirt reading "Ouzo Power." He also purchased a hot dog within a few dozen feet of the Erechtheion.

"It was a pretty good hot dog," Schumacher said, "but I've got to admit it wasn't the same as you'd get in America. Oh, well. You win some, you lose some, but that's what the whole traveling-in-Europe thing is about: learning valuable lessons you can't experience anywhere else."

Schumacher, whose parents are providing him with several thousand dollars per week for the summer trip, reportedly plans to take in the nightlife of Rome next, a city he says is "bound to have a ton of killer bars." Before leaving Greece, however, he plans to spend "at least a couple of days" on the islands of the Aegean Sea, where he's heard that "they have these topless beaches where the chicks totally walk around with their tits showing."

www.theonion.com/articles/backpackladen-student-trudges-slackjawed-past-wond,726/

[Deleted]

I'm with other PPs. I think travel is wonderful and not something anyone is really likely to regret, but the approach the article takes just rubs me the wrong way.

[msturtle143]

Feb 26, 2014 8:18:19 GMT -5 MNH2013 said:

Feb 25, 2014 21:19:22 GMT -5 v said:

Also, there are a few things on this list I won't do no matter how much I travel, and plenty of things I can do at home.

This is where I am on the article as well.

Count me in. 

[katfco]

Okay, I've done half these things but they still don't summarize or typify my experiences.

And don't all oceans stretch across the world? Isn't that the basic definition of an ocean? Otherwise it would be called a lake or a sea.

And seriously, number 18? Just, no.

[Wanderista]

I think you should do something because you want to not because Elite Daily or anyone else tells you to.   I don't like Elite Daily but I do like the general premise of the article. Not everyone shares the same desire to travel or feels its impact in the same ways but I do think that the transformative potential of travel (not just internationally) is something worth valuing. I think it's a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone though and to be open to new experiences. 

Also - I will say that it is talking about a very particular form of traveling. From my own travel experiences, I have learned a few things. One of them is that every country has its bad tourists. "Bad" or exploitative, ignorant and unappreciative tourists can come from any country. 

[babsbunny]

#21 I watched a sporting event in my native language and still couldn't figure out what was going on. (Cricket)

And I second the ewwwww on #18.

[katfco]

Feb 26, 2014 23:16:47 GMT -5 babsbunny said:

#21 I watched a sporting event in my native language and still couldn't figure out what was going on. (Cricket)

And I second the ewwwww on #18.

My first experience with cricket was when DH and I saw it on TV while traveling in Malaysia. We couldn't understand the announcer, so to us, it just looked like a bunch of guys hitting a ball and running back and forth between two sticks. When we got back to China, we asked a British friend about it, and he confirmed that yes, it pretty much is just a bunch of guys hitting a ball and running back and forth between two sticks.

[GilliC]

Feb 27, 2014 6:15:25 GMT -5 katfco said:

Feb 26, 2014 23:16:47 GMT -5 babsbunny said:

#21 I watched a sporting event in my native language and still couldn't figure out what was going on. (Cricket)

And I second the ewwwww on #18.

My first experience with cricket was when DH and I saw it on TV while traveling in Malaysia. We couldn't understand the announcer, so to us, it just looked like a bunch of guys hitting a ball and running back and forth between two sticks. When we got back to China, we asked a British friend about it, and he confirmed that yes, it pretty much is just a bunch of guys hitting a ball and running back and forth between two sticks.

Which draws the inevitable comparison to baseball: guys hitting a ball and running between mats on the ground. I have to give cricket credit for the sheer amount of hitting and running that happens. I find it to be a much livelier spectator sport because of it.

However, I'm more of a 50-over kind of girl and probably could never watch a full test match. I've never watched a 20-20, and I'm curious, but I don't know what I'd think. That much smashing would certainly be exciting, but I wonder if it loses some of the strategy.

[anna7602]

Feb 26, 2014 15:24:50 GMT -5 katfco said:

Okay, I've done half these things but they still don't summarize or typify my experiences.

And don't all oceans stretch across the world? Isn't that the basic definition of an ocean? Otherwise it would be called a lake or a sea.

And seriously, number 18? Just, no.

Wait, just no because you wouldn't kiss a foreigner, because it's poorly worded, or because you can make out with a foreigner without leaving your own country?

[katfco]

Feb 27, 2014 12:13:03 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Feb 26, 2014 15:24:50 GMT -5 katfco said:

Okay, I've done half these things but they still don't summarize or typify my experiences.

And don't all oceans stretch across the world? Isn't that the basic definition of an ocean? Otherwise it would be called a lake or a sea.

And seriously, number 18? Just, no.

Wait, just no because you wouldn't kiss a foreigner, because it's poorly worded, or because you can make out with a foreigner without leaving your own country?

Mostly because it's crassly worded. And because it really has nothing to do with travel. Anyone can make out with a complete stranger; you don't have to leave your country to do that.

[GilliC]

Feb 27, 2014 12:21:25 GMT -5 katfco said:

Feb 27, 2014 12:13:03 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Wait, just no because you wouldn't kiss a foreigner, because it's poorly worded, or because you can make out with a foreigner without leaving your own country?

Mostly because it's crassly worded. And because it really has nothing to do with travel. Anyone can make out with a complete stranger; you don't have to leave your country to do that.

Am I reading the same list? The #18 I'm seeing doesn't say anything about a stranger. Just someone who speaks a foreign language.

   I'm confuuuuuused!!!

[katfco]

Feb 27, 2014 13:57:44 GMT -5 GilliC said:

Feb 27, 2014 12:21:25 GMT -5 katfco said:

Mostly because it's crassly worded. And because it really has nothing to do with travel. Anyone can make out with a complete stranger; you don't have to leave your country to do that.

Am I reading the same list? The #18 I'm seeing doesn't say anything about a stranger. Just someone who speaks a foreign language.

   I'm confuuuuuused!!!

I guess I just assumed the implication was "someone who speaks a different one and doesn't speak yours." As in, you're kissing someone you can't communicate with verbally. Intuitive leap on my part about what the author was referring to, and possibly an incorrect assumption.

[Captain Serious]

Feb 25, 2014 21:19:22 GMT -5 v said:

Feb 25, 2014 20:55:52 GMT -5 valetgirl said:

Meh, this article rubs me the wrong way. I love to travel and I recognize that I'm privileged to do so. Others might not be. Or they simply might not have the desire to travel. Nothing wrong with that. This article is preaching to the converted. No offence to OP, of course 

Also, there are a few things on this list I won't do no matter how much I travel, and plenty of things I can do at home.

This is also how I was feeling.  Just because I travel, doesn't mean I've shared all of the author's experiences, or care to.

[stever]

I love all of this!

[sunnydaze31]

Feb 25, 2014 21:29:01 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Yeah I agree with the sentiment but the execution is a little weird. It kind of reminds me of this old Onion article:


Schumacher, looking laughably generic in Teva sandals, a pair of corduroy shorts from The Gap, and a matching North Face windbreaker and backpack, is spending his summer traveling through Greece, Italy and France as part of an effort on the part of his parents, Ames-area dentists Duane and Sheila Schumacher, to help the young student "broaden his mind." So far, reports indicate, he has visited several McDonald's restaurants in the downtown Athens area and has enjoyed many afternoons lounging by his hotel's pool.

I just ordered my first pair of Teva sandals for an upcoming vacation.   It would be hard to find something even more unstylish, but they received great reviews for comfort.

[anna7602]

Feb 27, 2014 21:41:42 GMT -5 sunnydaze31 said:

Feb 25, 2014 21:29:01 GMT -5 mdgirl said:

Yeah I agree with the sentiment but the execution is a little weird. It kind of reminds me of this old Onion article:


Schumacher, looking laughably generic in Teva sandals, a pair of corduroy shorts from The Gap, and a matching North Face windbreaker and backpack, is spending his summer traveling through Greece, Italy and France as part of an effort on the part of his parents, Ames-area dentists Duane and Sheila Schumacher, to help the young student "broaden his mind." So far, reports indicate, he has visited several McDonald's restaurants in the downtown Athens area and has enjoyed many afternoons lounging by his hotel's pool.

I just ordered my first pair of Teva sandals for an upcoming vacation.   It would be hard to find something even more unstylish, but they received great reviews for comfort.

I love my Chacos. Not that they're any prettier, but I still love them. Campers has some nicer-styled sandals with small heels. I always throw a pair in my vacation luggage if the weather will be nice enough to wear them.

[mdgirl]

sunnydaze31 I hike in socks and Keens, so no judgement from me!

[Champagne Supernova]

I absolutely do no regret not getting high in Amsterdam and not participating in a riot in Rome and Barcelona.

Yeah.

[bronxgirl]

I was rolling my eyes on the first item. While, yes, I have used other currencies, this was a matter of necessity and not an exciting experience that I would regret missing out on. Of all the wonderful things about world travel, I've never been hyped up about currency. The list just got even sillier from there.

[Champagne Supernova]

Feb 28, 2014 20:50:54 GMT -5 bronxgirl said:

I was rolling my eyes on the first item. While, yes, I have used other currencies, this was a matter of necessity and not an exciting experience that I would regret missing out on. Of all the wonderful things about world travel, I've never been hyped up about currency. The list just got even sillier from there.

Oh absolutely!

I would love to miss out on having to use other currencies sometimes. Converting U.S.. dollars to Euros or GBP sucks!