Wanderlust, globe-trotting, navigating, seafaring. There is something magical that lies behind these words. Traveling is much more than just going from one place to another. This idea of “traveling the world” has substance behind it, a substance that only fellow world travelers can understand. There are pieces of traveling that change a person; these pieces change the eyes to ones of a traveler, for it is only through experience that one can truly look through these eyes.

Language

There is something about this difference between cultures that becomes so eye opening. At first, the language barrier is abrasive and hard to get used to, but after a day or two abroad, the differing of languages becomes second nature. One takes for granted just how useful facial expressions and emotions can be. Travelers come to know that though the words may not match up, emotions are universal. Words may differ from culture to culture yet the language of emotions remains the same no matter the country.

Food

Who does not love trying new foods? It is amazing just how different each culture’s eating pattern is, as well as types of foods can be. As an American, you may think you know your ethnic foods but I am here to tell you that eating Americanized international foods does not make you cultured. Until one tries traveling to a country, being surrounded by that specific country’s authentic meals, the stomach has not yet traveled the globe.

History

Knowing your homeland’s history is essential, yet learning a variety of culture’s history is a key piece in becoming a true world traveler. Whether one visits historical landmarks, museums, or hears the history through a native, a true traveler learns something here and there. It is important to learn a country’s background because this is how it came to be. It allows one to fully understand the reasoning behind cultural mannerisms and lifestyle. The history of a country is important, because without it, the country and its people would not be what it is today.

Lifestyle

Traveling is much more than just going to the hottest tourist sights. While there is some substance in these places, it is living like the natives that allow these traveling eyes to be opened. Learning the unique lifestyle from culture to culture makes one rethink their own culture’s customs. Is one way really better than the other? Rather than simply becoming drowned in tourism, spread your wings and visit areas uncommon to travelers to really see how the natives really live. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

Experience is the true secret behind knowledge. One can read as many books as they want about a culture but until he/she gets a taste of these four pieces of traveling, one does not fully know another culture. Putting your wanderlust into action is what really opens a closed mind. Going from one country to another is not traveling, experiencing a culture’s true roots is what allows one to finally see through these traveling eyes.