What is it about traveling?
What is it about traveling that expands our minds so much? Opens up new ways of thinking, new questions?
What is it about traveling that leaves you with more questions than answers?
I just got back from nearly three months of traveling through Central America—Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
The trip was meant to be a test to see how I like working abroad + a chance to improve my Spanish + some fun + why not?
And it was an amazing experience—I loved it.
As I’ve been reflecting on it since being home, I realize that it’s brought up a lot of questions… questions that don’t always have immediate answers. Some are light, some are not. Many make for great conversation and learning, which I believe is really the ultimate point of traveling: to grow and expand as a person by connecting with other people in other places.
So, here are 27 questions without answers I have from traveling abroad:
- What is my responsibility as a traveler to learn the local language?
- What’s the right balance between trying new foods and not getting food poisoning? (I obviously did not strike the right balance one fateful day in Guatemala…)
- Should I always “choose local” or is it okay to go to Starbucks sometimes when they have the best WiFi?
- Is there anyone more committed to having beans and rice for every meal than the Costa Ricans?
- Is it okay for tourists to be charged more money because we can afford it or are we being taken advantage of? (Looking at you, taxi driver in Granada)
- Is volunteering abroad legitimate? How do you know when you’re truly helping others versus doing it just for your own experience?
- Why haven’t shucos made their way to Canada yet? (The best hot dog I’ve ever had)
- Is it ethical to volunteer with children when abroad?
- How do I handle my privilege of traveling so easily as a white, young Canadian when it’s so much harder for others with different passports?
- Is tourism a net positive or negative on the local community?
- Is it worth climbing active volcanoes to check it off your bucket list despite the real potential of it erupting? (I didn’t climb this, but volcán de fuego erupted just a few days after I was in the area).
- Do friendships you make while traveling ever last? Or should you just enjoy them for the time?
- What would the world look like if every country adopted “pura vida” as its motto?
- How much should tourists try to blend in with the local culture? Can they?
- Should I stop staying in Airbnbs because they drive up rents in local economies? Or is it okay because it helps create good opportunities for locals?
- What’s the best way to deal with aggressive salespeople or harassment as a foreigner in a new city?
- Does everyone else know about the magic that is Airalo and e-SIMs for traveling?
- Is it possible to walk the streets of Antigua without rolling my ankle? (Apparently not)
- Why do people adopt new personalities/personality traits when they travel?
- Are all people in all countries critical of their governments? Is that good or bad?
- How long do you have to stay somewhere to really experience a place?
- Is it rude to decline food you’re served when staying in someone’s home?
- Literally what would I do without Google Maps?
- What’s better—a 14-hour bus ride for $50 or a 2-hour flight for $350? (Spoiler: I went for the latter).
- Are you ever too old to stay in a hostel?
- Should I tip like a Canadian or tip like a local?
- Should natural wonders like waterfalls or hot springs be built up to be more accessible (but therefore more touristy) or kept natural and off-the-beaten-track?
Let me know if you have any more questions… or answers!
Happy travels!
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