50 Countries Later – What I’ve Learned

Stepping foot onto Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi this past May meant I’d been to  50 countries. 50!!! Looking back on the 8 years since I’ve actively started to travel I’m sharing some of my lessons from traveling on a restricted (Nigerian) passport, as a (sometimes) solo traveller, a female traveller, and a career woman.

 

1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff:

I’ve learned that things will go wrong…missed flights, denied visas, cancelled trips, lost valuables, illness etc.  I’ve learned to compromise when traveling with others. I know that a bad (travel) day sucks but it doesn’t mean a bad life. As bad as any situations seems, with time I will get through it and past it.

 

2. There’s no Competition Just Seasons:

My first time on a plane was the day I left Nigeria for the USA to attend University. My first backpacking trip was not until after graduate studies. I did not make it to 30 countries before my 30th birthday. This is so important in an age where it is easy to ‘feel’ behind on life because of what we see on social media or based on what others have accomplished.

I personally have not set goals around a number of countries. Beyond travel, I have had times where I’ve felt passed over only to realize later that I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. I believe in seasons and if you’re reading this, remember that everyone has a different race , different priorities, and different access to resources. Whatever it is, keep at it and know that your season will come, and the timing will be right.

 

3. Traveling is a Privilege and Privilege is Relative:

Anyone from a country with a restricted passport knows that travel can be such a hassle sometimes. I cannot apply for TSA pre-check or Global Entry like my colleagues because I’m Nigerian. I could name the many disadvantages of traveling on a Nigerian passport. But guess what ? I’m a Nigerian passport holder that has received US, UK, Canadian, and Schengen visas every time I’ve applied. That in itself is a privilege as for some reason they prove to others that I’m a ‘worthy’ traveler. While I wasn’t born or always in this position, I can afford to save for travel. That is a privilege.I do not take these privileges for granted and I hope to put it to good use.

4. Opinions Are Just that:

There’s a lot in the news and a lot on social media . In the travel space there are lots of opinions too. I’ve learned to be careful in making judgments on places and people based solely on someone else’s opinion or experience. My view is not the only view but it is a reference point and that’s all that it is . There’s no perfect to travel and no perfect way to live. So go to that unpopular place if that’s what you’re drawn to, take that risk/job if that is aligned with your purpose. Every chapter of your life is yours to write after all.

 

5. I Don’t Know Much at All:

While I have travelled more than the average person, I’m still learning and if you’ve read my blog you’ll see that I make mistakes like here and here. Traveling has taught me that there’s so much of the world that I do not know and that’s okay. Anthony Bourdain said it best in this quote I shared on the day I heard of his passing:

6. It is Possible to Travel and Still Build a Career:

It is possible to have a corporate career and travel without giving up both. There will be time and season for everything but even before I got to do a stint in Europe I’d travelled to over 20 countries. It comes down to priorities and it’s okay if travel isn’t a current priority.

 

7. My List Will Always Be Lengthy:

My list of places to visit and experiences to have is quite long. On top of that, there are quite a few places I’d love to return to. Oh well…. that means there’s something to look forward to.

8. I love to Travel but it is Not my Life:

Weird for a travel blogger to say, right? I don’t travel to escape my life. I’ve been intentional about incorporating travel into my life and I plan to keep it that way even if it’s through watching the Travel Channel at some point. Travel is great but it is not my entire identity.

There are other things that are meaningful to me that I focus my time energy and resources on. Some of them are shoe shopping (only half kidding), being engaged in community, building a career and building younger professionals up, building my faith , and doing my best to live a life that matters and that reaches beyond me.

 

9. Representation Matters:

I was surprised to find people queuing to take pictures with me in Turkey. After that episode I ran to my hostel to ask what in the world was going on! Last year in South Africa the entire kitchen crew (all black) at a nicer safari lodge came out to greet me because they’d never had a black guest in their time.

It’s easy to ignore the conversations about representation until you live it whether it’s in the classroom or in board room or on Lake Titicaca. But the lesson for me is this and it goes beyond travel : to always show up fully because you never ever know the extent to which your presence makes a difference to someone else.

 

10. The World is Big and Small:

I’ve had so many moments where I’m reminded how small the world is. The world felt small when I ran into a former colleague in Bermuda, and when I heard Nigerian music playing in the most remote place I’ve ever visited (Vanuatu). At the same time some really long flights remind me of how big the world is. richness in the diversity of people, culture, languages, landscape, and food makes the world feel big! I’ve learned so much about the world and its people.

 

50 countries in and it feels unreal. I’ve found friendship, and kindness. I’ve found curiosity, I’ve exchanged smiles, shared drinks and secrets with strangers. I’ve been inspired, surprised, and frustrated, and I’ve stared in wonder at God’s creation. I’m better for it! I don’t know how what the next 8 years will unfold, but I’ll always be thankful for the journey and glad I chose adventure – my way! I hope I never lose that sense of wonder!

 

Whats the biggest lesson you’ve learned from traveling?

Till Next Week,

Ms. Heels!