175 Best Travel Quotes (Most Inspirational List of All Time)

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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 I always enjoy reflecting on them in my daily life. 

Based on my travel journeys, I’ve compiled a list of 175 best travel quotes that resonate with me the most. These cover 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 quote because it relates to traveling and life.

Even the most foreign countries 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. 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 travel quote is about leadership and chartering your own course when everybody else is doing the same thing. While I enjoy traveling to cities like London and Rome, I prefer the off the beaten path places. Visiting these destinations makes 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 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 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.

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 think this is 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

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 we’re all on paths to different places, if we’re open to it. 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. 

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 impact our lives, as do the many places we see and experience. This is one of the best quotes for traveling the world.

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 over-tourism and climate change presenting challenges to our global community, this quote is more relevant than ever. As travelers, we should keep our footprints minimal to best preserve the world’s cultural and natural treasures for generations to come.

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 away from home I ventured into this vast world. I went 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 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 – the aurora borealis. 

Seeing this was such a surreal experience, and 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

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, my fear of getting food poisoning by eating Chinese hot pot, or my fear of getting mugged in Colombia; these fears pale in comparison to my fear of regret. 

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 who strongly desire to travel the world.

Many young people say they don’t travel for financial 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 buy food from supermarkets. Your dollar will go much further, allowing you to travel more often and live like a local.

I’ve traveled extensively by spending less than $30 daily on accommodations, food, and no-frills activities. Whether you’re 20, 22, 25, or 30, this travel lifestyle could change your life.

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 everything; 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

Fear 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 I didn’t have a particular interest in while growing up, but now as a full time traveler, I really appreciate them!

61. “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves” – Pico Iyer

This is such an inspirational 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, traveling the world is re-establishing a connection with the outdoors.

63. “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have” – Anna Quindlen

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 manage it properly, you can accomplish all your dreams and achieve happiness simultaneously. This is 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 quote can be. I became a travel blogger 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 remember how travel humbles us and that life experiences are more important than physical things. The older I get, the more I value experiences over things. This short 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 quote by Muriel Rukeyser is spot on. It’s all about loving the process and making the journey your home because the goal (or destination) often keeps changing and evolving. If you aim to visit 50 countries, I bet you’ll raise the bar when you hit the mark. Barcelona is a much different city today than in 2014, so you’ll get an entirely different experience visiting it today.

69. “To travel is to live” – Hans Christian Anderson

It’s a short quote, but 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 first day living in the city, and I didn’t have a phone plan with apps like Google Maps to guide me. I remember how exciting it felt to be lost. After years of learning Spanish, I finally could apply my knowledge and ask locals for directions. This is definitely one of my favorite quotes about traveling the world.

71. Life is a journey, not a destination” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This traveling quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is on point. Another one 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

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 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 want to see as much as possible while on this planet!

76. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell

This traveler’s quote couldn’t be closer to the truth. It’s when we travel far and wide that we learn the most about ourselves. Often, 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

Let’s take advantage of that one life we have. Say “yes” to opportunities, even if they seem out of your comfort zone. 

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 inspired us all. His wise words here are to value the journey over the destination. Friendships, culture, traditions, and values 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 different from you.

Whether you’re into solo travel or you travel with family/friends, this ought to be true. You’ll always be in good company wherever you go as a traveler.

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 plan 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, you’ll always find secret places when you’re traveling.

This short quote resonates with me because I love exploring the nooks and crannies of the places I visit. Even big cities like London and Paris have plenty of unexplored areas.

Funny Travel Quotes

83. “I need a six month vacation, twice a year.” – Anonymous

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 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

I think this is the funniest travel quote. When I began travel blogging, I used to pack way too much, leaving 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

I don’t really want to forget all my passwords; however, 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 ever for practical reasons. Traveling light is the key to mobility while on vacation. I must 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. On the other hand, a traveler 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 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.

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. “Adventure is worthwhile” – Aesop

This quote about adventure is a bit of an understatement. Exploration and adventure are truly the catalysts of all growth and development in our lives. These 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 quotes about traveling the world. 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

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 traveling. Once you leave your country and explore faraway lands, you learn most about your home, customs, and traditions.

115. ”Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you” – Ghaniya Dewi Arassyi

This adventure quote is very close to my heart. Before I began travel blogging full time, I felt trapped by a job that I really despised. When I started putting my mind to living a life of travel, the barriers began to crumble, and soon, I began living my travel dream.

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 seeks our own unique adventures.

117. “The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands” – Sir Richard Burton

Sir Richard Burton’s quote on travel contains so much wisdom. My happiest moments definitely come 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 quote is synonymous with one of the others above: “Fear is only temporary. Regrets last forever.” I couldn’t agree more with this quote; it 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 a better quote about this.

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. It was 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 remind me of the quote below.

121. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – St. Augustine of Hippo

Traveling adds new perspectives and dimensions to our lives. It exposes us to many new ideas and ways of life that are very different from 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 2024

122. “The only people who ever get anyplace interesting are the people who get lost” – Henry David Thoreau

This famous 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 viewing 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 items off of it…

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

It’s important to see and experience places for yourself, because what you hear from others often 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. 

127. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled” – Muhammad

I firmly believe 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 quote is so profound and true. I believe that if more people traveled, there would be fewer international conflicts. Tourism integrates our economies and allows us to gain insights about other people. More international travel would help us curb prejudices and narrow-mindedness 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 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 sad it didn’t live up to the hype. Sure, the narrow streets and canals, churches and towers, and gondolas were all a sight to see. But sadly, the exorbitant crowds took away much of the magic. Visiting any popular tourist spot during peak season gives me that same feeling. 

That’s why I prefer the much cheaper and more budget-friendly off-the-beaten-path places.

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 working in an unfulfilling corporate job, I sometimes traveled just to escape and distract myself from the grind. It was when I quit that job that 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 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.

After reading travel-lover quotes like this, I always seem to book my next trip.

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 seeing 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 quotes about traveling the world. 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

From flights and accommodations to activities and attractions, there are many things to consider 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.

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. After a long, daring adventure, the only tangible things I need are pictures and videos. Sharing memories is much more meaningful than showing off physical things.

The only new things I ever need are airline tickets, as traveling is the greatest reward.

143.”Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves” – Henry David Thoreau

This is one of the best philosophical travel quotes of all time. When lost and left to our 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

This quote is the most interesting one on this list I’ve created. 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.

Given the social media age we live in today, this travel quote is more relevant than ever. Many people seem 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 speaks to me, as traveling evokes many emotions. It opened up my awareness of the world and created many growth opportunities. 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 reach the top of one 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

This is one of my favorite travel phrases in the whole wide world. It really takes journey quotes to a new level.

153. “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

154. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel comes understanding” – Sandra Lake

This is one of my favorite quotes about travel for various 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.

155. “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

This quote 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.

156. “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 without mentioning 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!

157. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it” – Rudyard Kipling

This is easily one of the top travel quotes because it encourages us to use our senses. We often take them for granted, particularly in today’s social media age.

It seems that most tourists would prefer to let their cameras capture moments rather than let their senses do the work. While sight is really important to experiencing a destination, we shouldn’t overlook our sense of smell!

158. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home” -James Michener

Traveling is all about breaking down barriers and keeping an open mind. This saying about travel really hits deep!

159. “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 one of the greatest travel quotes of the 20th century. It reminds us that traveling isn’t just about checking off all the boxes.

In today’s age, many people are into bucket lists and tend to overlook the 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.

Read next: Top Bucket List Ideas in 2024

Other Quotes About Traveling

160. “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.

161. “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.

162. Among the coolest trip quotes: “Make your vocation your vacation.  That is the secret to success.” – Mark Twain

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 mindset encouraged me to quit my corporate job a couple of years ago to pursue my lifelong passion, traveling.

163. “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.

164. “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 are. We may look a little different and do some things differently. However, we still want the same things: a long and healthy life, self-actualization, and meaningful relationships, among other things. 

Throughout human history, it’s sad that people have tended to view others as their enemies without even knowing them. Traveling is one of the best ways to eliminate this fear.

165. “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.

166. “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. Traveling teaches us tons about other places, but it also changes the way we view ourselves. I don’t think one country has a monopoly on good ideas, so we could all benefit from learning about what other people do to improve our homes. Quotes don’t get any more profound than this!

167. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” – George Bernard Shaw

Many people run away from their problems with the 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.

168. “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness” – Frank Tyger

Don’t just dream about all the things you will do during retirement. Build a life now that brings you happiness. It took me years to fully understand this motivational quote by Frank Tyger.

169. “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.

170. “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 quote many times but 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.

171. “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 in your daily life, and instead, keep your eye on the prize and the journey at large.

172. “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life” – Dolly Parton 

This famous quote is spot on. There’s a big difference between working to live and living to work.

173. “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad” – George Bernard Shaw

Though it’s nice to feel comfortable and at home, these feelings 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.”

174. “The journey not the arrival matters” – T.S. Eliot

I couldn’t agree more with this famous quote by T.S. Eliot. When I first began travel blogging, I put too much emphasis on getting to my destination. Over time, however, I’ve learned to let that go and enjoy the ride.

Read next: Helpful Tips for Beginning a Travel Blog

175. “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is 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. His wise and thoughtful words perfectly wrap up my round-up of the best travel quotes.

Best Places to Put Your Favorite Travel Quotes

Below, you’ll find my list of the most inspirational, fun, and epic travel quotes of all time. But don’t let these quotes go in one ear and out the other. Here are a few creative ways to keep your wanderlust front and center:

• Motivational Wall Art – A great way to bring travel vibes to your home or office.
• Travel Photo Album – To collect and remember your favorite travel memories.
• Travel Gifts – A special something for that travel lover in your life.
• Personalized Coffee Mug – Start your day by thinking about your dream vacation
• Custom Wood Signs – A rustic reminder to keep traveling!

Travel Quote 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 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 its people. 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. Also, 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, learn, and 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 Write This Article About 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?

There are so many amazing quotes out there that capture the essence of what makes travel so special. If I had to pick a few favorites, I would choose:

• “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine: This reminds us that there’s so much to explore and discover and that we should never stop learning and growing.
• “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen: This saying suggests that travel is not just a luxury but an essential part of the human experience.
• “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot: 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 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 is a great reminder that travel can help us gain perspective and humility by showing us just how vast and diverse the world is.

Overall, I think the best travel quotes 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.

Final Thoughts on Traveling Quotes 

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.

Travel isn’t just about moving from one place to another. It’s about the laughter shared, the memories made, and the stories that stay with us long after we’ve returned home. Each quote is a gentle nudge, a reminder of the magic that awaits when we step out of our comfort zones. 

They speak to that restless spirit in all of us, urging us to pack our bags, chase the horizon, and feel the thrill of new landscapes and cultures. So, let’s not just dream about adventures; let’s live them. Because the world is out there, waiting for our footprints. Let’s make every journey count.

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!

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Happy Travels! -Jon

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