Looking to uncover the best and most inspirational travel quotes? Whether you’re reflecting after a big trip or you’re looking to travel in the future, these deep and relatable travel sayings will get your wanderlust juices flowing!
As a travel blogger, I always look to travel quotes for guidance and inspiration. For years, I’ve been collecting quotes about travel while traveling the world, and always enjoy reflecting on them in my daily life. Everyone has a different lens through which they view the world, which is what makes it interesting to see how others perceive traveling.
Inspirational travel quotes are my favorite, but I also really enjoy reading funny, famous, and adventure ones.
Based on my travel journeys, I’ve compiled a list of the 100 best travel quotes that resonate with me the most. Some of these trip quotes are short, others are a bit longer. I hope you find inspiration and meaning in all of them!
Below are my favorite travel quotes covering all aspects of vacation, life, and adventure. Feel free to pin and share these travel thoughts and images on social media!
Read Also: Top Adventure Quotes to Inspire Your Next Escapade
Top 50 Best Travel Quotes
From inspiring travel thoughts to funny travel sayings, here are my favorite travel quotes of all time.
1. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” – John A. Shedd
2. “The best adventures are the ones that make your heart race and your soul sing.” – Jon Miksis
3. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us” – Anonymous
4. “Life is short and the world is wide. The sooner you start exploring it, the better” – Simon Raven
5. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu
I love this travel quote because it relates to both traveling and life in general.
Even the most foreign country or faraway places aren’t light years away. The journey may appear long and intimidating, but when you take one step at a time, it’s manageable. I think this is the perfect way to begin a list of the best quotes for travel lovers.
6. “Travel is the bridge that connects our dreams to reality.” – Jon Miksis
7. “The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” – Rich Ridgeway
8. “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things: air, sleep, dreams, sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it” – Cesare Pavese
9. “Travel is the antidote to ignorance” – A.A. Gill
10. “A hangover suggests a great night, jet lag suggests a great adventure” – J.D. Andrews
This travel saying is truly something to live by. Well…sometimes, anyway!
11. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind” – Seneca
12. “I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see” – Carew Papritz
13. “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” – Paulo Coelho
14. “The world is full of wonderful things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t ever give up on the chance of seeing them” – J.K. Rowling
15. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote about traveling is one about leadership, and chartering your own course when everybody else is doing the same thing. While I enjoy the Londons and Romes of the world, I prefer the off the beaten path places. Visiting such destinations make me feel more like an explorer, one of the many joys of traveling.
16. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
17. “Traveling is not something you’re good at. It’s something you do. Like breathing” – Gayle Foreman
18. “The best education I have ever received was through travel.” – Lisa Ling
19. “Life is a journey. Make the most of it” – Anonymous
20. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world” – Mary Anne Radmacher
This travel quote really resonates with me. I’ll never be the same, having seen the moon, the stars, and the sun shine in different places around the globe. Whether you’re in Boston or Bogotá, the moon doesn’t change shape or shine any differently, but the lens with which you view it does.
21. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience” – Eleanor Roosevelt
22. “Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living” – Anonymous
23. “Travel is the best teacher. The only way to an open mind is by taking a plane out into the open world” – C. JoyBell C.
24. “Traveling is about finding those things you never knew you were looking for” – Anonymous
25. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore” – Andre Gide
Though this is a popular travel quote, I think it has practical applications beyond traveling. Losing sight of the shore is akin to getting out of your comfort zone, which is key to unlocking your full potential.
This is definitely one of my favorite adventure quotes.
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26. “To travel is to evolve” – Pierre Bernardo
27. “Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes” – Jan Myrdal
28. “Travel is a new experience that can transport you out of your everyday routine to create memories with the ones you love” – Brian Chesky
29. “Travel brings power and love back into your life” – Rumi
30. “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone” – Katie Thurmes
I love this one. In particular, I think it’s one of the best travel quotes for an Instagram caption. Photos let us capture special moments and allow us to relive them. Videos are even better. Here’s my new and improved version of this quote:
“We take videos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” – Jon Miksis (12/26/2019)
31. “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost” – Ray Bradbury
32. “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton
33. “Travel is a beautiful thing. It expands your horizons, broadens your mind, and fills your heart with memories that last a lifetime” – Anonymous
34. “Traveling is like a fountain of youth for your soul” – Anonymous
35. “There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them” – Jo Walton
As this quote implies, you don’t have to travel the world or spend money to see a sunset. One of life’s greatest treasures can be seen from your own backyard…though they also look spectacular in Aruba and Hawaii (*wink wink).
36. “Adventure is out there” – Up (Disney/Pixar)
37. “Traveling is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with distance or time or being away from home. It is a way of looking at things” – Lin Yutang
38. “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper” – Bertrand Russell
39. “Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world” – Mark Jenkins
40. “Oh the places you’ll go” – Dr. Seuss
This is one of my favorite travel and life quotes because it means something different to everyone. My destiny may not be the same as yours, but ohhh the places you’ll go. In the words of Dr. Seuss:
“You have brains in your head. Feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
– Dr. Seuss
I’m always reminded of Dr. Seuss’ words whenever I go on a road trip. What do you think of when you hear this travel quote?
41. “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there” – Lewis Carroll
42. “Traveling is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for the soul.” – Anonymous
43. “Travel far, travel often, and travel without regrets” – Oscar Wilde
44. “Travel is not a hobby, it’s a way of life” – Anonymous
45. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow” – Anita Desai
Each of us today is the product of all our past experiences. Family and friends leave an indelible impact on our lives, as do the many places we see and experience. This is definitely one of the best travel the world quotes out there.
46. “Travel is the only way to run away from home without actually leaving” – Twyla Tharp
47. “The best way to predict your future is to create it” – Abraham Lincoln
48. “Traveling is not just a journey of the feet, it’s a journey of the mind” – Anonymous
49. “The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
50. “Take only memories, leave only footprints ” – Chief Seattle
With overtourism and climate change presenting challenges to our global community, I think this travel quote is more relevant than ever. As travelers, we should keep our footprints at a minimal, in order to best preserve the world’s cultural and natural treasures for generations to come.
With so much relevance and meaning, this is a favorite quote of mine.
Inspirational Travel Quotes
51. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world” – Gustave Flaubert
This inspiring quote about traveling really puts things in perspective.
I remember when my hometown was the center of the universe. It was all I ever knew. The older I got, the further I ventured away from home into this vast world. I went off to college, studied abroad, worked, played, and traveled. With each trip, my perception of the world grew larger, while my “old world” became smaller.
Traveling enhances our understanding of the world, but it also exposes how little we know, making us feel like a small fish in a big pond.
52. “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” – Ibn Battuta
This is definitely among the most inspiring travel quotes.
One experience that totally left me speechless was seeing the aurora borealis in West Iceland. My wife and I were driving along a country road at night, when we saw some mysterious low-hanging clouds just off to our right. We decided to pull over in the middle of nowhere and jump out of the car when, lo and behold, we would see the most brilliant light show of our lives. Beautiful shades of yellow, green, red, and blue lights were dancing in the midnight sky, and I was at a loss for words. The light movements appeared too deliberate and perfect to be merely an atmospheric phenomenon; it honestly felt like magic was at work.
Seeing the aurora borealis was such a surreal experience. And though my words don’t come close to fully capturing the essence of this incredible phenomenon, this experience will forever bring chills down my spine. This is definitely one of the best and most inspirational quotes for travel lovers.
53. “Fear is only temporary. Regrets last forever” – Unknown
Read this quote again. And then read it again, and again, until these words sink in.
Fear is one of the biggest deterrents in all aspects of life, including traveling. But what we should be fearing more than fear itself is regret. I’ve found that the most interesting, culturally-enriching vacations are often the most uncomfortable. I’m scared of flying, though I’ve taken hundreds of flights and will hopefully take many more.
Whether it’s my fear of flying, fear of getting food poisoning by eating Chinese hot pot, or fear of getting mugged in Colombia; these fears pale in comparisons to my fear of regret. I hope you can overcome these fears, too.
54. “If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go” – Anthony Bourdain
The late, great Anthony Bourdain was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. His quote about traveling is especially relevant for high school and college students with a strong desire to travel the world.
A lot of young people say they don’t travel because of money reasons, but 99% of the time, I think it has more to do with lifestyle than anything else. If you’re young, fit, and able – as described by Bourdain – ditch the luxurious resorts and sleep in hostels instead. Forget the Filet mignon and Foie gras, and instead buy food from supermarkets. Your dollar will go much further this way, which will allow you to travel more often and live like a local.
I’ve traveled extensively by spending less than $30 a day on accommodations, food, and no-frills activities. It can be done. Whether you’re 20, 22, 25, or 30, this type of travel lifestyle could change your life.
This wise traveler is sorely missed.
55. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius
This is one of the best quotes of traveling, especially if you’re into mindfulness and meditation. Your heart is your connection to all things; it’s your source of love, inspiration, and presence. This is why I love going on retreats so much!
56. “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited of what could go right” – Tony Robbins
I love this quote and will probably frame it on my wall at some point. Fear is something that really holds people back, but imagine the possibilities when you relinquish the bad and replace it with the good?
57. “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself” – Wallace Stevens
The world is my inspiration. This is such a beautiful quote for those seeking to travel the world.
58. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust
This is one of my favorite inspirational travel quotes. Traveling provides us with new lenses to view the world.
59. “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee
Other phrases about travel don’t quite hype me up like this one. It never fails to get the wanderlust juices flowing!
60. “Traveling allows you to become so many different versions of yourself” – Unknown
Traveling has taught me many things I didn’t know about myself, including how much I love cathedrals, spicy foods, and learning languages. These are all things that I didn’t have a particular interest in growing up, but now I really appreciate since becoming a full-time traveler!
61. “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves” – Pico Iyer
This is such an inspirational travel quote about throwing off the safety net of your familiar surroundings to discover new areas of the world (and ourselves).
62. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe” – Anatole France
I love exploring the outdoors. It feels good to be left to my own devices in the middle of nature, so I can fully appreciate the world around me. As this quote suggests, to travel the world is to re-establish a connection with the outdoors.
63. “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have” – Anna Quindlen
So inspirational! The perfect quote about traveling.
64. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Time, like happiness, is something you can’t buy. But by learning how to properly manage it, you can accomplish all your dreams and achieve happiness at the same time. One of J.R.R. Tolkien’s top travel quotes!
65. “Don’t quit your day dream” – Anonymous
This is just about as inspiring as a travel quote can be. The reason I became a travel blogger was because I never stopped dreaming.
Short Travel Quotes
66. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – Anonymous
Quotes about traveling like this one help us to remember how travel makes us humble and life experiences are more important than physical “things.” The older I get, the more I value experiences over things. I think this short travel quote really hits the nail on the head.
67. “Traveling is not just a physical journey, but a journey of the soul.” – Jon Miksis
68. “The journey is my home” – Muriel Rukeyser
This short travel quote by Muriel Rukeyser is spot on. It’s all about loving the process and making the journey your home, because oftentimes the goal (or destination) keeps changing and evolving. If your goal is to visit 50 countries, I bet you’ll raise the bar the moment you hit the mark. Barcelona is a much different city today than it was in 2014, so you’ll find many reasons to return in 2021.
69. “To travel is to live” – Hans Christian Anderson
It’s a short travel quote, but oh it’s a good one. Though a fairytale author, Hans Christian Anderson definitely understood reality. I feel most alive and myself when I’m traveling. Here are a few travel experiences that have made me feel alive.
Seeing the northern lights for the first time.
Shivering in -25° temps in Quebec City.
Watching the majestic Matterhorn reveal itself amid the clouds.
Stepping foot inside Germany’s best preserved castles.
70. “It feels good to be lost in the right direction” – Unknown
As a study abroad student in Barcelona back in 2014, I remember getting lost on my way to the grocery store. This was my very first day living in the city, and I didn’t have a working phone plan with apps like Google Maps to guide me. I remember how exciting it felt being lost. After years of learning Spanish, I finally had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and ask locals for directions. It felt good to be lost in the right direction. This is definitely one of my favorite travel the world quotes.
71. Life is a journey, not a destination” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This traveling quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is on point. Another quote of his that I really like is “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” It doesn’t get any more real than this short travel quote.
72. “Don’t listen to what they say, go see” – Chinese Proverb
This is such a short and sweet travel quote. People tend to exaggerate both the good and the bad. So don’t listen to them, and go see for yourself.
73. “People don’t take trips — trips take people” – John Steinbeck
I often remind myself of this quote about traveling from John Steinbeck. We all like to think that we’re in control of our travel experiences, and to an extent, we are. But the more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve learned that things happen and almost never go according to plan. And that’s perfectly okay!
74. “Travel – the best way to be lost and found at the same time” – Brenna Smith
This short and clever travel quote is definitely one of the best out there.
75. “The world is big and I want to get a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir
This is one of the most profound traveling sayings. I definitely want to see as much as possible while I’m on this planet!
76. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell
This traveler quote couldn’t be closer to the truth. It’s when we travel far and wide that we learn the most about ourselves. Oftentimes the inner journey is just as vast as the outer one.
77. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West
If only we had nine lives…So let’s take advantage of that one life we do have. As far as tour quotes go, this one really hits deep!
78. “I love to travel, but hate to arrive” – Albert Einstein
This is one of those trip quotes that never ceases to blow my mind.
As one of the smartest humans to ever walk the Earth, Albert Einstein was an inspiration to us all. His wise words here are to value the journey over the destination. The friendships, the culture, the traditions and values – these are the things we acquire during our lifelong journeys.
78. “Travel teaches toleration” – Benjamin Disraeli
It sure does. Imagine how much more open-minded and accepting everybody would be if they traveled?
79. “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving” – Lao Tzu
Travel lover quotes don’t get any deeper than this one.
Frequent traveling has taught me to no longer plan out everything in advance. Though having a general road map is a great idea, it’s equally as important to be willing to deviate from it.
80. “A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles” – Tim Cahill
Traveling should never be about going far and wide to check off all the boxes. Instead, traveling should be about cultivating deep friendships with people who are different than you.
Whether you’re into solo travel or you travel with family/friends, this ought to be true. Wherever you go as a traveler, you’ll always be in good company.
81. “Not all those who wander are lost” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s travel thoughts are really thought-provoking and inspiring. I have to continually remind myself to wander through new places rather than planning out every step of the trip.
82. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware” – Martin Buber
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a novice one, you’ll always find secret places when you’re traveling.
This short travel quote resonates with me a lot because I love finding the nooks and crannies of the places I visit. Even big cities like London and Paris have plenty of stones left unturned.
Funny Travel Quotes
83. “I need a six month vacation, twice a year.” – Anonymous
This vacation quote always gets me!
84. “Jet lag is for amateurs.” – Dick Clark
85. “Travel is like a fart. If you have to force it, it’s probably shit.” – Anonymous
86. “I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine” – Caskie Stinnett
This funny and facetious travel quote is on point. Routines provide us with comfort and certainty, but travel is where the growth happens.
Whenever I’m stuck in a rut, traveling gets my creative juices flowing again. Spontaneity, adventure, and expecting the unexpected; that’s what life is all about.
87. “I need a vacation, and by ‘vacation,’ I mean I need to move somewhere with a beach and never come back” – Anonymous
88. “I travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape me…and because the TSA expects me to.” – Anonymous
89. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller
As far as quotes on travel go, this is among the funniest for me. When I began travel blogging, I used to pack way too much, leaving absolutely no space in my suitcase or carry-on. I also underestimated how much I would spend on the road. Fast forward five years (and many oversized luggage fees with RyanAir) later, and I’ve learned to cut my luggage in half and increase my budget for traveling.
90. “I travel light. I’m on my feet and carrying my life in my hands. But I’m happy” – Sean Connery
91. “I travel not to find myself, but to annoy people I haven’t met yet.” – Anonymous
92. “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia” – Charles M. Schulz
I think we all need to hear funny travel quotes like this every once in a while.
93. “A good vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work.” – Morris Fishbein
94. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list…again, because I’m forgetful.” – Anonymous
95. “I want to vacation so long, I forget all my passwords.” – Unknown
Not that I really want to forget all my passwords (because that would be slightly annoying), but nevertheless this is one of the funniest vacation quotes.
96. “I travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape me…and to eat all the local cuisine” – Anonymous
97. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page…and it’s probably the index.” – Jon Miksis
98. “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion” – Paul Coelho
Actions speak louder than words.
99. “I travel light. But not in my heart. I carry a lot of emotions” – Anonymous
100. “Call your mom, without her you would not be traveling today” – Natasha Alden
Stumbled upon this travel saying recently and it not only made me smile, but it made me call my mom.
101. “He who would travel happily must travel light” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This is one of the best travel quotes of all time for practical reasons. Traveling light is the key to mobility while on vacation. I need to remind myself of this vacation quote every time I pack before a trip.
102. “Jet lag is just your soul trying to catch up with you” – Anonymous
103. “Why do we travel? So we can come home and brag to our friends about where we’ve been and what we’ve seen.” – Jon Miksis
104. “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going” – Paul Theroux
This is one of the most popular vacation quotes. Tourists staying at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun will have a pretty solid idea of what their vacation will look like. A traveler, on the other hand, will not know what the trip will entail until staying at that hostel, meeting that local guide, or finding those lesser-known hidden gems.
105. “You can shake the sand from your shoes, but not from your soul” – Unknown
This short travel quote is all about taking part of your travel experiences home with you. Even though sand can be shaken off, your fondest memories can not.
106. “Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
This is such an interesting quote on travel and life. I think this concept is especially relevant for frequent travelers and digital nomads, who may find it difficult to form long-lasting connections with the places they visit because they travel so much.
Travel lover quotes like this really put things in perspective. Do you try to form a deep bond with the places you visit?
107. “Isn’t it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?” – Zig Ziglar
This funny vacation quote makes me laugh whenever I read it. I’m the type of person who’s always doing 1,000 things right before a trip.
Adventure Travel Quotes
108. “The biggest adventure is not the one you go on, but the one that goes on inside you.” – Jon Miksis
109. A unique travel quote about pushing your limits: “Adventure is worthwhile” – Aesop
I think this travel quote about adventure is a bit of an understatement. Exploration and adventure is truly the catalyst of all growth and development in our lives. Such adventures also provide us with entertaining and inspiring stories to share with others later on.
110. “To travel is to take a journey into yourself” – Danny Kaye
111. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before” – Dalai Lama
This is one of the best travel the world quotes of all time. As much as I enjoy revisiting familiar places, there’s nothing better than discovering new ones.
112. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” – Neale Donald Walsch
This is one of my favorite adventure travel quotes. It’s scary to leave our comfort zone, but it ultimately allows us to soar to new heights and broaden our horizons.
Everyone’s comfort zone is different. It could mean challenging yourself to go camping off the grid or leaving the country for the first time. It could also mean doing a cold immersion in Iceland’s coldest lake on a Wim Hof retreat. Or perhaps even traveling solo – whatever this travel phrase means to you!
113. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams” – Oprah Winfrey
I frequently remind myself of this quote about life and traveling from Oprah Winfrey. The phrase “living the life of your dreams” is a bit cliché, but I think it’s a super important mindset to have.
114. “A great way to learn about your country is to leave it” -Henry Rollins
These are some of the wisest thoughts on travelling. It’s once you leave your country and explore faraway lands that you learn most about your home, customs, and traditions.
115. ”Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you” – Ghaniya Dewi Arassyi
This adventure travel quote is very close to my heart. Before I began travel blogging full time, I felt trapped by a job that I really despised. The work was so mundane and aggravating that it was killing me on the inside. When I started putting my mind to living a life of travel, the barriers began to crumble and soon I’d be living my travel dream.
Everyday things like work and routine can wear us down after a while, but thankfully traveling can pick us up.
116. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain” – Jack Kerouac
This is one of my favorite quotes on adventure travel. Sure, we have plenty of mundane tasks to do each day, but it’s the adventures that we’ll ultimately remember at the end of our lives. Whether it’s climbing a mountain like Mt. Everest or flying on a plane, each of us seek our own unique adventures.
117. “The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands” – Sir Richard Burton
There’s so much wisdom in Sir Richard Burtons’s quote on travel. My happiest moments are definitely when I’m exploring unfamiliar places.
118. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
This adventure travel quote is synonymous with one of the others above: “Fear is only temporary. Regrets last forever.” I couldn’t agree more with this quote, and it certainly inspires me to travel the world.
119. “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure” – Freya Stark
Quotes about traveling often emphasize enjoying the serenity of nature or the calm of quiet towns over material things. I don’t think there’s another travel quote that describes it better than this one.
It’s such a great feeling to wake up in new, unfamiliar places. During my recent visit to Central Austria, I woke up early in the morning to the sound of birds chirping. When I looked out the window at my B&B, it was surreal to see the sun rising over the surrounding mountains and Swiss-style chalets in the distance. Definitely one of the best feelings in the world.
Famous Travel Quotes
120. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries” – Aldous Huxley
What you see on TV and the internet isn’t the full story; not even close. To truly understand what other countries are about, you have to visit them yourself.
These wise words by one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century reminds me of the travel quote below.
121. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – St. Augustine of Hippo
Travel lovers sure love quotes like this.
Traveling adds new perspectives and dimensions to our lives. It exposes to so many new ideas and ways of life that are much different than what we grew up with.
Whether it’s your lifelong story or a scrapbook, travel experiences add many pages to it.
If you’re a travel lover looking to be inspired, read this next: Florida’s Best Hidden Gems to Visit in 2021
122. “The only people who ever get anyplace interesting are the people who get lost” – Henry David Thoreau
This famous travel quote by Henry David Thoreau is spot on. Some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met are trailblazers, those who get lost and discover unique places, new faces, and different ways of looking at the world.
123. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list” – Susan Sontag
I don’t know about you, but my bucket list is growing much faster than I can check them off…
124. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi, who so famously led Indians in civil disobedience against their foreign oppressors, said these wise words to encourage people to take their destinies into their own hands. Nothing substantial happens automatically, so you need to make changes on a personal level if you want to change the world.
125. “It is better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times” – Asian Proverb
This quote definitely applies to travel. It’s important to see places for yourself, because oftentimes what you hear from others doesn’t paint the full picture.
126. “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man” – Heraclitus
Written by an ancient Greek philosopher, these travel thoughts are incredibly deep and powerful. Whenever I return from a trip, I also notice that nothing is the same: I’ve changed and the way I perceive the world has changed. Such a great analogy!
127. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled” – Muhammad
I’m a firm believer that traveling is the best education you can get outside of the classroom.
128. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime” – Mark Twain
This travel quote is so incredibly deep and true. I’m of the belief that if more people traveled, there would be much fewer international conflicts. Tourism not only integrates our economies, but it also allows us to gain insights about other people. More international travel would help us to curb prejudices and narrow-mindedness that exist in our society.
129. “You go away for a long time and return a different person – you never come all the way back” – Paul Theroux
This famous travel quote by Paul Theroux really hits the nail on the head. When you’re traveling, the places you visit become a part of you, so you never really return home as the same person.
130. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind” – Anthony Bourdain
This is one of my favorite travel quotes by Anthony Bourdain. He’s sorely missed.
131. “It is not down on any map; true places never are” – Herman Melville
During my visit to Venice last year, I was saddened that it didn’t live up the hype. Sure, the narrow streets and canals, churches and towers, and gondolas were all a feast for the eyes. But sadly, the exorbitant crowds took away much of the magic. Visiting any popular tourist spot during peak season gives me that same feeling. The charm and grandeur can easily be sucked away by the hordes of tourists who care more about snapping that perfect Instagram photo than the history and culture itself. That’s why I prefer the off-the-beaten-path places, which also happen to be much cheaper and more budget-friendly.
132. “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it” – John Steinbeck
While looking for traveling quotes, I always search for the ones with the deepest meaning. This is one of them. When you’re traveling, there are a lot of things out of your control that could go wrong. It always pays to be prepared, but don’t get hung up on things that don’t go according to plan.
Wanderlust Quotes
133. “Wanderlust is the itch to explore, the hunger to experience, and the thirst to learn.” – Jon Miksis
134. “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment” – Hilaire Belloc
This is such a powerful wanderlust quote. When I was working in an unfulfilling corporate job, I would sometimes travel just to escape the grind and distract myself from it. It was when I quit that job when I began traveling with purpose.
135. “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met” – Melody Truong
This wanderlust quote really speaks to me. I spend so much time researching faraway places, cultures, and people, that I often fall in love with the destinations before I arrive. This feeling of wanderlust is what drives me to explore unexplored places.
I always seem to book my next trip after reading travel lover quotes like this.
136. “And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end” – Pico Iyer
This is definitely one of the top wanderlust quotes out there. Having visited more than 40 countries, you’d think that the rose-colored goggles would wear off by now. On the contrary, I’m still just as excited at the sight of a new destination as I was during my first. It’s definitely like cherishing a loved one.
137. “It’s a big world out there. It would be a shame not to experience it” – J. D. Andrews
This is definitely one of the best travel the world quotes out there. The world is so vast and there’s so much to see – it’s a bit overwhelming.
138. “Travel has a way of stretching the mind” – Ralph Crawshaw
This is such an inspirational quote.
From flights and accommodations to activities and attractions, there are so many things to think about when traveling. As such, traveling definitely pushes us to our limits, both physically and mentally.
139. “Own only what you can always carry with you: known languages, known countries, known people. Let your memory be your travel bag” – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
This thought on traveling is super profound. Travel life is all about acquiring memories and not things.
140. “The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life” – Agnes Repplier
Trip quotes like this really put life in perspective. Booking trips on the fly would have to be one of my biggest impulses. When the flight price is right, I book. What things inspire your wanderlust?
141. “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey” – Pat Conroy
This is definitely one of the best wanderlust quotes in the world. However, instead of leaving my travel memories in a quiet chamber of my mind, I try my best to document as much as possible on my travel blog.
142. “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show” – Unknown
I try to live by this every day. The only tangible things I need after a long, daring adventure are pictures and videos. It’s much more meaningful to share memories than to show off physical things.
The only new things I ever need are airline tickets, as traveling is the greatest reward in life. Do you agree?
143. “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves” – Henry David Thoreau
This is definitely one of the best philosophical travel quotes of all time. When we’re lost and left to our own devices, we tend to learn much more about ourselves.
144. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen” – Benjamin Disraeli
Of all the quotes about traveling I’ve compiled here, this one has been one of the most interesting. During my travels, what I remember most vividly are the fresh perspectives and ideas that come from what I’ve seen and experienced.
145. “Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” – David McCullough Jr.
This ought to be one of the best travel captions out there.
Given the social media age we’re in today, this quote about traveling is more relevant than ever before. It seems that many people are more concerned with getting the perfect selfie than they are about the experience itself. The Instagram post is not what you’ll remember years from now; climbing that mountain will. This travel phrase is incredibly grounding!
Top Travel Sayings
146. “The world is too big to stay in one place and too small to see it all” – Anonymous
147. “Work, Travel, Save, Repeat” – Anonymous
This anonymous travel saying pretty much sums up my life. I work hard so I can travel and go on as many wellness retreats as possible. It’s a never-ending cycle, and I love it!
148. One of the top travel sayings: “Travel is my therapy” – Anonymous
This saying about travel really speaks to me, as traveling evokes lots of emotions. It opens up my awareness to the world and creates many opportunities for growth. Travel is absolutely my therapy (and my drug)!
149. “Every exit is an entry somewhere else” – Tom Stoppard
Life offers so many new beginnings. Once you get to the top of a mountain, you’ll find another to climb.
150. “Paris is always a good idea” – Audrey Hepburn
This is a popular traveler quote from the movie Sabrina. Beyond the context of the film, Paris is always a good idea because of the romantic atmosphere, fascinating history, and amazing food. That’s why they call it the City of Love!
151. “Travel is not just an escape from reality, it’s an invitation to explore and discover the beauty of the world.” – Jon Miksis
152. “Life is short and the world is wide” – Unknown
One of my favorite travel phrases in the whole wide world. It really takes journey quotes to a new level.
95. “You don’t have to be rich to travel well” – Eugene Fodor
Traveling is much more about the mindset than the money. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your own backyard to go on an adventure. The inner journey of exploration can be just as awe-inspiring and rewarding as the geographical one.
Unique Travel Quotes
153. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding” – Sandra Lake
This is one of my favorite quotes about travel for a variety of reasons. I wholeheartedly agree with the connection between traveling and understanding. I think our world would be much better off if more people traveled. Not only would we not be afraid of each other, but perhaps we’d even understand and appreciate one another. Hopefully, someday we will get there!
154. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints” – Robert Louis Stevenson
I really appreciate this quote on traveling because it shows that we shouldn’t take our escapades too seriously. Sure, the destination is important, but it isn’t everything. The mere act of traveling, being left to your own devices in a faraway place, gets to the essence of our human core. I also enjoy traveling for travel’s sake!
155. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by” – Robert Frost
It would be a shame to create a list of top inspirational travel quotes, and fail to mention Robert Frost. This quotation is all about taking the road less traveled, which may entail more risk, but also a higher reward. I always strive to explore the more off-the-beaten-path places, and usually, it leads to an amazing discovery!
Read next: Coolest Hidden Gems in the United States
156. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it” – Rudyard Kipling
This is easily one of the top quotes about travel because it encourages us to use our senses. We often take them for granted, particularly in the social media age that we live in today.
It seems as though most tourists would prefer to let their cameras capture moments for them, rather than letting their senses do the work. While sight is really important to experiencing a destination, we shouldn’t overlook our sense of smell! Especially when there are bakeries around!
157. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home” -James Michener
Amen to that. Traveling is all about breaking down barriers and keeping an open mind. This saying about travel really hits deep!
158. “Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure” – Aldous Huxley
This is top among the great travel quotes of the 20th century. It serves as a reminder that traveling isn’t just about checking off all the boxes.
In today’s age, many people are into bucket lists, and they tend to overlook the very essence of traveling. It’s normal nowadays to constantly be on the go, running from sight to sight, or museum to museum. Instead of always being on the move to avoid boredom, we should take a step back once in a while, and enjoy our freedom and R&R. That’s what a true traveler does. Is this one of the most unique travel quotes out there? Absolutely!
Read next: Top Bucket List Ideas in 2021
Other Quotes About Traveling
159. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign” – Robert Louis Stevenson
As a travel writer, this quote really resonates with me.
Everything in life (and travel) is a matter of perspective. This is among the best travel the world quotes, as it truly makes you think deeply about the big picture.
160. “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land” – G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton’s quote about traveling is another way of saying the words above by Robert Louis Stevenson. Having an eye-opening travel experience will make you see your home differently.
161. Among the coolest trip quotes: “Make your vocation your vacation. That is the secret to success.” – Mark Twain
This is one of the most inspirational vacation quotes out there. If you love the work you do everyday, you won’t find a need to escape it. And this, will make your travels much more meaningful.
This was precisely the mindset that encouraged me to quit my corporate job a couple of years ago to pursue my lifelong passion, traveling.
162. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends” – Maya Angelou
Traveling teaches that there’s more that unites us than divides us. We all have the same worries, needs, and hopes. This is one of the top travel quotes in English imaginable.
163. “The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends” – Shirley MacLaine
One of the greatest things I’ve learned during my travels is how similar we all are. We may look a little different and do some things differently, but we all want the same stuff: a long and healthy life, self-actualization, and meaningful relationships, among other things. Throughout human history, it’s sad and unfortunate that people have had a tendency to view others as their enemy without even knowing them. Traveling is one of the best ways to eliminate this fear.
164. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them” – Mark Twain
These travel thoughts by Mark Twain always make me laugh. It’s so true! The best way to know if you’re compatible with someone is to travel with them.
165. “When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting” – Clint Borgen
Clint Borgen’s quote about traveling the world couldn’t be more true. While traveling teaches us tons about other places, it also changes the way we view ourselves. I don’t think one country has a monopoly on good ideas; so I think we could all benefit by learning about what other people do in order to best improve our own homes. Quotes don’t get any more profound than this!
166. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” – George Bernard Shaw
Many people run away from their problems with a hope that they’ll find what they’re looking for. While this can work, I’m a firm believer that you have to create the life you want, because more likely than not, it won’t come to you served on a silver platter.
167. “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness” – Frank Tyger
Don’t just dream about all the things you’re going to do during retirement. Build a life now that brings you happiness. It took me years to fully understand this motivational travel quote by Frank Tyger.
168. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things” – Henry Miller
Well, I think a destination is also a place, but Miller’s famous quote about traveling is well taken.
169. “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself” – Matthew Karsten
Investing in your next adventure is always a great idea.
I’ve heard this famous travel quote many times in different ways. I met Matthew Karsten at Travel Con in Boston last year, and really like the way he succinctly shares his thoughts and ideas.
It’s a wonderful world out there.
170. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey” – Babs Hoffman
As long as they don’t pop your tires, that is.
Don’t get bogged down on your daily life, and instead, keep your eye on the prize and the journey at large.
171. “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life” – Dolly Parton
This famous travel quote is spot on. There’s a big difference between working to live and living to work.
172. “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad” – George Bernard Shaw
Travel lovers will surely love this quote.
Though it’s nice to feel comfortable and at home, these feels are not welcomed while I’m traveling. On the other hand, I enjoy being uncomfortable when I’m abroad, because it wouldn’t be an authentic, local experience otherwise.
This reminds me of one of my other favorite life quotes by Jillian Michaels: “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
173. A unique travel quote about life: “The journey not the arrival matters” – T.S. Eliot
I couldn’t agree more with this famous travel quote by T.S. Eliot. When I first began travel blogging, I put way too much emphasis on getting to my destination. Over time, however, I’ve learned to let that go and just enjoy the ride.
Read next: Helpful Tips for Beginning a Travel Blog
174. “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Definitely one of my favorite travel lover quotes about the world and wanderlust. Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the top literary figures, philosophers, and world travelers of the 19th century. I think his wise and thoughtful words are the perfect way to wrap up my round-up of the best travel quotes.
Love for travel quotes: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about inspirational travel quotes.
Can I use your travel quote photos?
Absolutely! Feel free to use and share any of my travel quote images. They are designed for Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and other social platforms!
What is inspiring about traveling?
Traveling can be inspiring in so many different ways. For starters, it can broaden our perspectives and help us gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. It can teach us about different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, and challenge our assumptions and biases.
But beyond that, traveling can be a truly transformative experience. It can push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our fears and insecurities. It can help us discover new passions, interests, and talents that we never knew we had. And it can create lasting memories and friendships that will stay with us long after we return home.
There’s also something incredibly liberating about traveling. When we’re away from our usual routines and responsibilities, we have the freedom to explore, to take risks, and to be whoever we want to be. We can leave behind the stress and pressures of our daily lives and simply be present in the moment, soaking up all the beauty and wonder around us.
Overall, I think what’s most inspiring about traveling is the way it challenges us to grow, to learn, and to connect with the world and with ourselves in new and meaningful ways. It’s a reminder that there’s so much more to life than what we know, and that every corner of the world holds its own unique magic and beauty.
What inspired you to make this article on the best quotes for travelers?
I’ve always loved quotes and traveling, so it was a no brainer to write an article about it! I also have a round-up of my top adventure quotes that I recommend checking out 🙂
What caption should I use for travel photos?
Any of the live travel quotes above are fair game for an IG caption!
What are best quotes in travel?
Ah, the best quotes in travel. That’s a tough one because there are so many amazing quotes out there that capture the essence of what makes travel so special. But if I had to pick a few favorites, I would say:
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
I love this quote because it reminds us that there’s so much out there to explore and discover, and that we should never stop learning and growing.
“To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
This one is short and sweet, but it speaks to the idea that travel is not just a luxury, but an essential part of the human experience.
“The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot
This quote is a great reminder that travel is not just about getting to a destination, but about the experiences and adventures we have along the way.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a classic travel quote that celebrates the joy and freedom of exploring new places without a specific destination in mind.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
This quote is a great reminder that travel can help us gain perspective and humility by showing us just how vast and diverse the world really is.
Overall, I think the best quotes in travel are the ones that capture the sense of wonder, adventure, and growth that comes from exploring new places and cultures. They remind us that there’s so much more to life than what we know, and that every journey has the potential to be transformative and inspiring.
What is your favorite phrase about travel?
My go-to mantra about traveling is to collect moments not things. I’d much prefer to have stories to tell rather than stuff to show.
What is travel happiness?
Travel happiness is a feeling of pure joy and fulfillment that comes from exploring new places, experiencing new things, and connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s that sense of excitement and wonder that fills your heart when you first set foot in a foreign city or stumble upon a hidden gem in the wilderness.
Travel happiness can come from a variety of sources. It can be the thrill of conquering a challenging hike or climbing to the top of a towering mountain. Traveling is all about the satisfaction of trying new foods and flavors, or the joy of meeting locals and learning about their way of life. It can be the simple pleasure of watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean, or the rush of adrenaline from trying a new adventure sport.
But no matter where it comes from, travel happiness is a feeling that sticks with you long after your trip is over. It’s the memories you create, the friendships you forge, and the lessons you learn that make the experience truly special. And the best part is, you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to find it. Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective, a change of scenery, and an open heart to discover the happiness that travel can bring.
Traveling Quotes – Recap
I hope you enjoyed my round-up of the best travel quotes. These quotes about travel have inspired me to live a life of passion, adventure, and continuous learning.
If you’re looking for travel inspiration to feed your wanderlust, I hope you’ve found the perfect travel saying in this article!
What are your favorite travel quotes? Which trip quotes inspire you the most? Share them in the comments below!
Happy Travels! -Jon
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3 comments
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.“
André Gide
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
Marcel Proust
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain
Very inspirational! My favorite – “travel is the one thing you buy that makes you richer”