Whether they’re adventure quotes, thoughtful observations, or statements about someone’s gladdest moment, inspirational travel quotes have the power to motivate us all to explore unknown lands and experience and celebrate our happiest moments amongst friends and strangers alike. There’s no doubt about it, adventure travel quotes have the capacity to move people to test and surpass the end of their comfort zone and explore what lies within and beyond.
It doesn’t matter if you’re feeding your inner wanderlust, you’re looking for travel inspiration, or you’re attempting to flesh out your bucket list, looking over some of the best travel quotes out there can help you realize whatever thoughts are rolling around in your head. As a result, short travel quotes, mid-length preponderances, and long sayings can inspire you to live the life of your dreams and push those aspirations to a whole other level at the same time.
If you’re like many, you’ll realize that your favorite travel quotes stem from a wide variety of sources that span generations and who stem from an array of cultures. That’s the thing about travel quotes, they unite us all in our universal love for pursuing our biggest adventure, regardless of what that might be on an individual level.
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What Makes a Quote Motivational or Inspirational?
As you come across quotes, you may wonder what separates inspiring travel quotes from more mundane sayings. As it turns out, the appeal of certain phrases over others seems to lie in a combination of how things are worded, psychology, and a degree of self-selection.
The self-selection portion of that mix is influenced by the people who support you. If someone else believes you can do something, it increases the likelihood that you’ll seek out messaging that supports that belief. In other words, you’ll be drawn to travel quotes that motivate you to achieve the goal that a coach, parent, or someone else has implicitly set for you, and that you’ve bought into.
How quotes are phrased also influences people’s perception of and fondness for them. In general, favored quotes provide some sort of astute insight expressed in unforgettable language.
The rhythm of a quote impacts whether it will memorable as well, according to a study by Lafayette College. That study showed that people preferred sayings that rhymed over similar statements that didn’t when they were shown two statements expressing the same sentiment.
Parallel yet contrasting construction can help a given quote resonate more with readers, too, as can the reversal of structure. Examples of each tactic are:
- “Marry in haste, repent at leisure”
- “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”
Our genetic makeup may cause us to gravitate to certain quotes more than others. By nature, humans are aspirational creatures for the most part. As a result, we may be wired to prefer sayings expressed by people we look up to more than others. Given the perception that widely recognized people like politicians, activists, and artists are accomplished, people might be genetically driven to appreciate their messages more than the words spoken or written by others.
Let These Inspiring Travel Quotes Motivate You to Pursue a New Adventure
No matter why you’re drawn to one quote over another, the key is to allow the words to wash over you, take hold, and motivate you. Whether a given quote motivates you to start a travel blog, stop worrying about the day-to-day, try something new for the first time, or make a lifestyle change, just appreciate and revel in the impact the words involved have on you.
Here are some inspirational travel quotes that have staying power and the ability to motivate people to travel to their heart’s content:
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
For better or worse, traveling can steal your breath and your words just as quickly. In either case, your experiences will enable you to speak volumes.
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin
If you’ve read even just one of her novels or short stories, this quote by Anais Nin shouldn’t surprise you. Instead, it should motivate you to seek out other places, lives, and souls throughout your lifetime.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or jetting around the world, your journey to the nearest or farthest destination truly begins with the first step you take toward it. While that initial step may seem trivial, it’s not. Without taking that step, you will never reach your chosen destination.
“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” – Anthony Bourdain
Given his worldly experiences, culinary prowess, and personal experiences, Bourdain certainly enjoyed the ride that his life had to offer. May he rest in peace, and may he continue to be an inspiration for us all.
“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
Despite his tragic end, Bourdain certainly left something good behind. His global travels introduced generations to cuisines from around the world and motivated many to open themselves up to new experiences and viewpoints.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s easy to do what others have already done, like hiking a trail someone else has laid out, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to following someone else’s footsteps. Push yourself beyond convention, forge your own path, and be an example for others to emulate.
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
How can anyone be the same after seeing the moon on the opposite side of the globe? Seeing something familiar from a new viewpoint can be a transformative experience.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
It’s true, you can’t discover new things unless you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone. While there’s a feeling of security in keeping the figurative shore within view, it’s even more exciting when you set sail upon the water.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
When you travel, your experiences will broaden your worldview. Your daily grievances will seem less important when you see others fighting for their lives and/or freedoms. The bitterness you feel about not having a large home or a new car will melt away when you witness others going with food, water, and shelter. Traveling is often humbling, and for some, that’s the point or the happy consequence.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait ‘til that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau
Traveling alone or with someone else is a choice you need to make. The statement here is that traveling with a partner may inhibit you if you let it.
“Live life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey
It’s not uncommon to get caught up in the rigors of the day and to live life from one scheduled meeting or chore to the next. Imagine how much happier you’d be if your travels dictated your day-to-day instead of a clock or schedule, even if it’s just for a little while.
“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark
Waking up in an unfamiliar location is a wonderful experience. From the new smells, sounds, scenery, and people, getting up in a different place is invigorating because there are so many experiences waiting to be had.
“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” – Katie Thurmes
A picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s forever the encapsulation of a moment that’s passed by. Although that’s true, pictures can allow you to recall the pleasant feelings and sensations you felt in the moments the photos were taken.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
Disney proved this quote to be quite true. Given how the empire he founded grew before his death and in the years that have followed, it’s obvious he inspired others to believe in him and the sentiment of this famous quote.
“There’s a sunrise and sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” – Jo Walton
Sometimes, people take breathtaking daily happenings for granted, such as the sunrise and sunset. When you travel or get up tomorrow in your own bed, don’t make the same mistake.
“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
Traveling enables people to develop balanced, informed view points they can’t achieve if they never leave home. Listen to Twain, stop vegetating, and get out there!
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
While it’s great to have an active imagination, it’s important to remain grounded in reality. If you don’t see how things really are, you can’t conceive of ways to improve them.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
Don’t settle for reading just one page or limit yourself to a single chapter. Hit the road and read the whole book the world has to offer.
“Oh, the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Suess
This quote doubles as the title of a perennially popular children’s book. While “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” was written for a younger audience, the message of endless possibilities should inspire kids of all ages.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai
Every place you visit does become part of you, including the locations you can’t even remember. Traveling allows you to become a bigger, better version of yourself.
“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
By remaining ensconced in the familiar, your mind can become dull. To reinvigorate your mind and soul, head to a new destination.
“If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be a priority.” – Richard Branson
You don’t have to travel into space like Branson did to have an adventure that will make you happy. Revisiting a favorite location or venturing to an uncharted, earth-bound territory may be all you need to put a lasting smile on your face.
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – H. Jackson Browne Jr.
Often attributed to Mark Twain, this quote was actually penned by author H. Jackson Browne, Jr. To avoid having regrets decades from now, take the trip you’ve been dreaming about. There’s no reason to wait as tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone.
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle
When you travel, you should do so with minimal impact on your surroundings. While the memories of your visit are yours forever, the places you travel to aren’t yours to leave an indelible mark on.
“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited of what could go right.” – Tony Robbins
Fear stops too many people from living their best lives – don’t let it do the same to you. Yes, traveling involves risk, but the potential rewards new experiences offer far outweigh them.
“The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens
If this quote doesn’t inspire you to travel the world, what will? One of the best travel tips you’ll ever get is to go see everything this beautiful world has in store for you.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
It’s oddly appropriate that this quote isn’t attributed to anyone in particular given that it’s a simple, plaintive directive. Since you don’t know who said it, you can’t argue with the logic of the statement. With that in mind, travel somewhere new at least once per year.
“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” – Asian Proverb
Why would you settle for hearing others tell you about a natural wonder or architectural marvel when you can go see it for yourself? If there’s a site you’ve been putting off visiting, make plans to go check it out so you can be the one to tell others about it.
“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
If you were going to die in seconds, would you worry about things like travel insurance or your mortgage? No, you’d want to make the most of the time you had left. Well, the clock for doing that just started ticking.
“When overseas, you learn more about your own country than you do the place you’re visiting.”—Clint Borgen
While it may seem counterintuitive, you really can learn more about your homeland when you’re outside of its borders. By interacting with locals, engaging them in conversation, and soliciting their opinions, it can change the way you think about the nation you call home and help you appreciate your country more than ever.
“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.”—Lewis Carroll
To Carroll’s point, the best gift you can give yourself is a lifetime of great adventures. Read some travel-related Instagram captions, enjoy the related pictures, and use them as motivation to embark upon a wondrous journey.
“Adventure is worthwhile.”—Aristotle
It’s widely believed that the philosopher Aristotle may have learned everything there was to know in his lifetime. Cicero once described Aristotle’s prose as “a flowing river of gold.” If that’s the case, then the three words written above must be the equivalent of a gold coin you can use to jumpstart your travels.
“Traveling allows you to become so many different versions of yourself” – Unknown
As you travel and immerse yourself in other cultures, you’ll invariably learn things about yourself. Maybe you’ll discover you love spicy food, opera music, art, or all three. In any case, you’ll meet a newer, fresher, truer version of yourself.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust
This quote is incredibly powerful. Proust’s observation teaches readers the value of having new lenses with which to view the world.
“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe” – Anatole France
When your wanderlust calls you outdoors, wandering and appreciating the breathtaking beauty of nature can re-establish your innate yet often forgotten connection to the universe.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
This is one of Tolkien’s most famous travel quotes and for good reason. While you can’t buy time, you do have the privilege of choosing what you do with the moments you’re blessed with, so why not travel?
If you travel to a new location or you revisit one of your favorite haunts, we encourage you to choose to spend some time completing a few of the challenges included in “Adventures from Scratch: Family Adventure Book” and/or “Adventures from Scratch: Couples Adventure Book.” Both books include scratch-off activities that are fun, engaging, and sometimes, a bit wild. You and your family or partner can enjoy adventures on the fly as you deepen the bonds you share.
“We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
Nehru’s statement about the world being beautiful, charming, and filled with adventures rings true. If you haven’t been out on the road in a while, get going and seek adventures with your eyes and mind wide open.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I…I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost
If you’re going to travel, take the road less traveled for an experience that’s unlike anyone else’s. While staying on the busier road may be easier, braving the less traveled one will give you a view of a new place that few others, if any have had.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller
Born with debilitating disabilities, Keller rose above her limitations and lived her life to the fullest. From an early age, Keller chose to make her life a daring adventure rather than settling for a life of despair. Let Keller’s experiences and incredible accomplishments motivate you to make your life a memorable adventure.
“To travel is to live.”—Hans Christian Anderson
We couldn’t have put it any better ourselves. Well done, Has Christian Anderson!
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list” – Susan Sontag
Once you get bitten by the “travel bug,” it’s likely you’ll find that your bucket list of places to visit will grow much faster than you can visit them. Believe us, that’s not a bad thing as it just gives you more adventures to look forward to down the line.
“People don’t take trips – trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
Even with the best-laid plans, things can still and often do go wrong when you’re traveling. We can assure you that there’s nothing wrong with that as mishaps can make traveling even more enjoyable and fulfilling. Don’t resist a trip “taking” you. Embrace the resulting experience with open arms instead.
“Travel – the best way to be lost and found at the same time.” – Brenna Smith
This quote needs no explanation. If you’ve ever traveled before, you’ve experienced being lost and found simultaneously, and it’s a glorious thing.
“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
If you have the chance, we strongly encourage you to follow Stevenson’s example and travel for sake of traveling itself. When you travel with no inhibitions or expectations other than the desire to be on the move, it’s truly liberating, refreshing, and rewarding beyond measure.
“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey” – Babs Hoffman
It’s true that driving over a pothole can throw off your car’s alignment, but you know what? You can get a wheel alignment and your vehicle will drive just like it used to before you ran over the pothole. With that in mind, you shouldn’t let potential pitfalls or potholes stop you from enjoying the journey that is life.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries” – Aldous Huxley
One of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century, Huxley couldn’t have been more accurate or blunt with this statement. No matter how much material you consume about a destination, you’ll never truly know it until you visit. Your experience in a location will be yours and yours alone, which is why you have to go to a destination to develop a personal understanding of it.
“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the 19th century’s leading philosophers, literary figures, and global travelers, Ralph Waldo Emerson had a serious case of wanderlust. We’re incredibly grateful that was the case as quotes like this one continue to inspire people to find and carry the beauty of the world with them.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things” – Henry Miller
This quote taps into a theme we’ve referenced several times so far, and it’s the notion that people see things differently as a result of their travels. That shift in perspective is a gift you shouldn’t take lightly as traveling can open your mind to new ways of life.
When you learn to see things differently, it can force you to reconsider your values and lifestyle. Even if you don’t make any big changes, it’s always worth reexamining the things that make you uniquely you.
“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.” – Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s quote speaks for itself. You shouldn’t make excuses or travel with regret under any circumstances. Learn to forgive yourself for your shortcomings and be quick to forgive others who share your life’s path. Invite others to join you on your journey, and never regret where you may end up along the way.
One way you may end up regretting a visit to a select city is by not signing up for an app-led scavenger hunt planned by Let’s Roam. Our team has coordinated hunts in more than 400 cities around the world, including Melbourne, Australia, Atlanta, GA, Newland, NC, Newark, NJ, and more. If we don’t already have a hunt put together for a city you intend to visit, give us a call so we can plan a custom scavenger hunt for you for a special occasion like a birthday.
“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself” – Matthew Karsten
What better move can you make than investing in yourself? Travel offers so many potential benefits, and you deserve to enjoy them all. Invest in yourself by planning your next road trip or a trip to an overseas location today.
“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
The more you travel, the more meaning Angelou’s words will have as you’ll see that people experience many of the same things across cultures and regardless of the race they identify with. Understanding that the human experience should unite us rather than dividing us is a powerful lesson everyone should embrace, and travel helps people do that.
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
One of the best things about traveling is making new friends. Whether you’re shy or outgoing, consider this – making a new friend who lives in your destination city means you’ll always have a reason to return for a repeat visit. For that reason alone, establishing new relationships wherever you go is a worthwhile endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, all it takes to inspire travel is recounting interesting or exciting travel stories or anecdotes. Try motivating others with these adventure travel quotes from AdventureBook.com!
These adventure travel quotes from AdventureBook.com include words of inspiration and wisdom from Tim Cahill, Maya Angelou, Oscar Wilde, Henry Miller, Robert Frost, J.R.R. Tolkien, and more.
Try sharing motivational adventure travel quotes, leading them on fun expeditions like scavenger hunts, and using activity ideas from Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition.