Travels and learning: Explore the world through languages

Travels and learning always go hand in hand. Some say that traveling is the best cure for intolerance and discrimination, while others believe that if half the world traveled to the other half they don’t know, wars would come to an end. We may never know if these statements are 100% true, but one thing is certain: traveling is one of the most enriching life experiences.

Through travel, we can learn about new cultures, gain different perspectives, and discover new ways of life—all while enjoying one of life’s greatest pleasures!

However, while travels and learning often go together, there are certain “rules”—or rather, useful tips—to follow. Today, we’ll share some of the most important ones to help you make the most of your experience. We’ll show you why travels and learning might just become one of your favorite activities.

Pack your bags and get ready to see travel from a whole new perspective!

Travels and learning through the “Bourdain Philosophy”

Anthony Bourdain was one of the greatest advocates of the travels and learning philosophy. This American chef, writer, and TV host left us with one of the most powerful messages about traveling. Bourdain believed that we should always go to places we’ve never been before. Once there, we should order a beer, sit with the locals, eat what they eat, talk about their daily lives, and try to see the world through their eyes.

This philosophy teaches us that travels and learning isn’t about spending a fortune on luxury trips or visiting dream destinations. Instead, the “Bourdain philosophy” presents a world open for exploration—one where we learn from the small, everyday moments. It’s about embracing real, unfiltered life in places we least expect to be amazed.

Another gem of Bourdain’s wisdom is that the best teacher on any journey is a stranger. That street vendor selling food, the hotel receptionist, or the taxi driver—ordinary people who are often the most willing to help a lost traveler.

How can we apply this philosophy?

It’s actually simpler than it seems. All we need to do is let go of our prejudices and immerse ourselves in the local way of life—eating where they eat, walking where they walk, and living as they live.

Another essential piece of Bourdain’s mindset is to leave fear behind when we step out the door. He believed that we should awaken our inner adventurer and let ourselves be amazed by different cultures. For a man who had dined in the world’s most luxurious restaurants, nothing compared to a street food stall at midnight.

Whether it’s a hidden country off the beaten path, a small town, or even your own city, any place can be the perfect destination to travel and learn. The key is to approach it without judgment, without hesitation, and with an open mind, knowing that every experience is a chance for personal growth.

Learn from the journey, not the destination

One of the most wonderful things about travels and learning is that everything becomes an adventure. From the moment we leave home until we return, every step should be seen as an opportunity. The journey itself allows us to discover new landscapes, breathtaking monuments, and astonishing sights.

No matter where you go, travels and learning always go hand in hand. You might choose a natural retreat or a futuristic metropolis—it doesn’t matter. What truly matters isn’t the destination but the journey to get there. Here’s what that means:

If you travel to nature

The natural world has so much to teach us—if we know how to listen. Nature is the perfect place to travel and learn, as it embodies balance and harmony. Everything in nature has a purpose and a place. Even though it can sometimes seem harsh or unforgiving, it follows a deep, almost mystical logic.

Take a seemingly simple beach, for example. You can lie on the shore with a cocktail, listening to the waves and relaxing. But if you take a closer look and truly observe your surroundings, you’ll be amazed. The coastal vegetation, marine life, ocean tides, breeze, and sand all exist in perfect balance. Remove just one element, and everything would collapse like a house of cards.

The same happens in a forest or a mountain. If you go hiking in one of these landscapes, you’ll find a beautiful opportunity to travel and learn. Every bird, plant, and rock plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

If you visit a “tourist” monument

The greatness of human ingenuity offers another way to travel and learn. Even if your destination is packed with tourists snapping selfies, there’s always a chance to admire the intricate details and appreciate the grandeur of human achievement.

Some of the world’s most iconic monuments stand as testaments to ancient cultures and remarkable human feats. Taking the time to truly experience these places is far more valuable than just capturing a picture for social media.

If you visit a city

In this case, the size or geopolitical importance of the city doesn’t matter. There’s always something to learn about a culture through its cities. The key is to observe the rhythm of daily life, human interactions, and the small, often unnoticed details.

A great way to do this is by sitting on a park bench or a busy street corner and just watching. Ask yourself:

• Are people kind to each other?
• Do drivers respect pedestrians?
• Is the city clean, or do people litter?
• How do they treat the less fortunate, the elderly, children, and animals?

These may seem like simple questions, but their answers can reveal a lot about the soul of the place you’re visiting. You can even try this exercise in your own city—you might be surprised by what you discover.

Travels and learning like a globetrotter, not a tourist

A globetrotter, by definition, is someone who loves to travel. However, this concept goes beyond a simple dictionary meaning. A true globetrotter is someone who embraces the experience of traveling and learning on every journey. They don’t travel just for comfort or luxury—they seek adventure, knowledge, and meaningful experiences. Whether staying in a five-star hotel or camping under the stars, it makes no difference to them.

For a globetrotter, the goal is to explore as many places as possible, constantly traveling and learning. They don’t need a famous destination to enjoy themselves—in fact, they prefer off-the-beaten-path locations. They actively seek challenging experiences that expose them to new philosophies, unforgettable memories, and personal growth. But…

What’s the difference between a globetrotter and a tourist?

At first glance, the difference may seem subtle, but in reality, it’s quite significant—especially when it comes to travels and learning.

A tourist is generally someone who travels for leisure, hoping to discover new places and have a positive experience. Tourists usually travel during their vacation period, and this comes with specific characteristics:

• Vacations have a fixed time frame, meaning their duration is limited.
• They often have a predefined budget, usually including accommodation, transportation, and entertainment packages.
• Tourists frequently travel in groups, whether with family, friends, or organized tours.
• Due to time, budget, and planning constraints, they tend to visit only the most famous landmarks and attractions.
• They have little or no interaction with locals, which limits their ability to truly experience the culture.

This is why, for many tourists, travels and learning is not their main goal—instead, they focus on sightseeing and relaxation.

And what about a globetrotter?

A globetrotter is different from a tourist in how they approach travels and learning. Of course, these are generalizations, and there are tourists who are adventurous and open-minded. However, most globetrotters share certain traits that set them apart:

• They travel without a fixed itinerary. They don’t buy pre-arranged travel packages or follow strict schedules.
• They prefer less-visited destinations that offer deeper cultural, religious, linguistic, or experiential value.
• They don’t have a strict budget, but that doesn’t mean they have unlimited funds—many travel with only the essentials.
• Luxury and comfort are not priorities. Their goal is to travel and learn, so they don’t mind where they sleep, eat, or how they get around.
• They often avoid overcrowded tourist spots and instead seek places that hold personal significance.

Again, these are not strict rules. A tourist can be adventurous, and a globetrotter can enjoy planned experiences. However, in most cases, globetrotters travel with a different mindset—one that prioritizes curiosity, discovery, and immersion.

What about languages when traveling to unknown places?

This is a very common concern and, in fact, one of the biggest limitations for many travelers. Many people dream of traveling and learning in unfamiliar, exotic, and faraway destinations. However, language barriers often hold them back, making them hesitant to explore new places.

This fear is especially common in countries where English, Spanish, French, or other widely spoken languages are not the native tongue. The uncertainty of not being able to communicate is a significant obstacle for many. However, thanks to technology, language barriers are no longer a problem.

Translation tools to use in travels and learning

Today, mobile apps like Talkao translation tools allow you to travel anywhere, regardless of the language spoken. With Talkao Translate, you can speak and communicate in over 125 languages—and all you need is your phone as a voice translator!

Additionally, features like camera translation and augmented reality translation enable you to read and write in any alphabet. You can also use the Talkao Dictionary as a knowledge hub for travels and learning. This tool provides thousands of definitions, synonyms, and contextual uses of languages spoken worldwide.

Without a doubt, travels and learning is now easier than ever. So…

Dare to explore the world around you! 

Published Mon, 22 July 2024