Date a Man Who Travels

Date a man who treasures experiences over material possessions, a hand-woven bracelet over a Rolex. Date the man who scoffs at the words “vacation,” “all-inclusive,” or “resort.” Date a man who travels because he’s driven by a multitude of goals, not just one.

You might find him in an airport or at a bookstore browsing travel guides, though he “only uses them for reference.”

You’ll know it’s him because his computer background will be a scenic splendor of rolling hills, mountains, or prayer flags. His Facebook friend count will be sky-high, and his wall will be covered with broken English ‘miss-you’ messages from friends he met along the way. He makes lifelong friends in an hour. Though contact with these friends is sporadic and far-between, his bonds are unbreakable, and he could couch surf the world if he wanted.

Buy him a beer. Once a traveler gets home, people rarely listen to their stories. So listen to him. Let him paint a picture that brings you into his world. He might talk fast and miss small details because he’s excited to be heard. Bask in his enthusiasm. Want it for yourself.

He’ll squeak like an excited toddler when his latest issue of National Geographic arrives. Then he’ll grow quiet, engrossed, until he finishes analyzing every photo, every adventure. He’ll pass the issue to you and ask about your dreams, competitively inquiring about the craziest thing you’ve ever done. Tell him. And know that he’ll probably win. If you win, know his next goal will be to outdo you. But then he’ll say, “Maybe we can do it together.”

Date the man who talks of distant places, whose hands have explored the stone relics of ancient civilizations, and whose mind has imagined those hands carving, chiseling, and painting the wonders of the world. When he talks, it’s as if he’s reliving it with you. You can almost hear his heart racing and feel the adrenaline. You’ll want this too.

Date a man who’s lived out of a backpack because he lives happily with less. He’s seen poverty and dined with those in small shanties with no running water, and yet who welcome strangers with greater hospitality than the rich. He knows how a life without luxury can mean a life fueled by relationships and family. He respects alternative religions and looks at the world with the eyes of a curious and hungry five-year-old. Your dad will be happy too because he’s good with money and knows how to budget.

This man relishes home: the comfort of a duvet, the safety of a mom-cooked meal, the easy conversation of childhood friends, and the glory of a flush toilet. Fiercely independent, he has had time to reflect on himself and his relationships. Despite his wanderlust, he appreciates his ties to home. He knows about goodbyes and the overwhelming uncertainty of leaving home, yet he fearlessly goes into the unknown because he knows the joy of return. The I’ve-missed-you hug is the best type of hug in the world. He knows goodbyes are just prolonged see-you-laters, and that ‘hello’ is only as far away as the nearest mailbox.

Don’t hold onto this man. Let him go, and go with him. If you haven’t traveled, he will open your eyes to a world beyond the news and popular perception. He will calm your nerves when you’re about to miss a flight or when your rental gets a flat, because he knows the journey is the adventure. He will make light of the unsavory noises you make when you get food poisoning, making you laugh through the discomfort while nursing you with bottled water. He will make you feel like you’re home.

When you see something beautiful, he will hold your hand in silence, in awe of the history of where his feet stand, and the fact that you’re with him. He will live in every moment with you because this is how he lives his life. He understands that happiness is a string of moments that displace neutrality, and he is determined to tie as many of these strings together as he can. He also understands your need to live for yourself and that you have a bucket list of your own. Understand his. Understand that your goals may sometimes differ, but that independence is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship when mutually respected. You may lose him for a bit, but he will always come home with a new story and a souvenir he picked up because it reminded him of you.

He’ll propose when you’ve breached your comfort zone, whether it be a fear like skydiving or swimming with sharks, or sitting next to the smelly person on an overcrowded bus. It won’t be with a diamond ring, but with a token from a native culture or inspired by nature, like the penguin and the pebble.

You will get married somewhere unassuming, surrounded by a select few, in a moment constructed to celebrate venturing into the unknown together. Marry the man who travels, and together you will make the whole world your home. Your honeymoon will not be forgotten to a buffet dinner and all-you-can-drink beach bars, but will be remembered in the triumphant photographs at the top of Kilimanjaro and memorialized in the rewarding ache of muscles at the end of a long days hike.

When you’re ready, you will have children with the names of characters you met on your journeys, the foreign names of people who dug a special place in your heart if only for a few days. Perhaps you will live in another country, and your children will learn of languages and customs that open their minds from the very start, leaving no room for prejudice. He will introduce them to the life of Hemingway, the journey of Santiago, and empower them to live even bigger than both of you.

Marry a man who travels and he’ll teach your children the beauty of a single stone, the history of the Incas, and instill in them the bravery of possibility. He will explain to them that behind every opportunity, there is fear. He will teach them to conquer it.

And when you’re old, you’ll sit with your grandchildren poring over your photo albums and chest of worldly treasures, while they insert themselves into your photographs, inspired by your life.

Find a man who travels because you deserve a life of adventure and possibility. You deserve to live light and embrace simplicity. You deserve to look at life through the eyes of youth and with your arms wide open. Because this is where you will find joy. And better, you will find joy together.

And if you can’t find him, travel. Go. Embrace it. Explore the world for yourself because dreams are the stuff reality is made from.

I will be waiting right here.

212 Comments

  1. Michelle Toh May 15, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Oh, these famous last words 🙂
    LOL

    1. Ty February 1, 2014 at 5:14 am

      The person who you described is me. Peace of the mind, body and soul intertwined are much more rewarding than materialistic objects in life.

      1. Azucena February 2, 2014 at 3:13 am

        I also have married the traveled boy, 25 years and counting and my children do indeed have different names and they have a story behind them. The kids speak our native languages and we are still traveling…
        Happy Trails my friend… meet you on the road…

        1. Geffe May 19, 2014 at 7:58 pm

          I got so connected and inspired with the dream you were depicting on your sentences.
          It’s all in you, the instinct of traveling!
          I’m a traveler too (until my passport let’s me drag!) but you get lost in your work and dreams.
          And now my girlfriend left me alone after 4 years!
          I just know the medicine for my these days is again: Traveling!

          Nature, differences, people, makes you forget what wasn’t belong to you.
          That’s why I admire traveling.

      2. Ashley February 2, 2014 at 4:01 am

        Hey Ty,

        Where are you traveling right now? Let’s meet up! 😉

      3. Kat February 9, 2014 at 11:01 am

        So wonderful and inspiring. Hope to bump with you one day! See you around!

    2. Dulce Fernandes February 18, 2014 at 5:06 am

      Hello, simply loved your post on travel. Can totally relate to it.

  2. Gillian Rhodes May 15, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Nice. 🙂

  3. Gabi May 15, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Beautifully written and expressed. I hear you on all counts. Oh, and I did!

  4. Ali R June 18, 2013 at 11:03 pm

    Were you serious when you asked me to marry you? 😉

  5. Sydney Sphynx October 29, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    beautifully written!!! I’m planning my own adventure now, some say it may be abit late in life… but I belive it’s never too late to see the world huh? 🙂 safe travels 🙂

    1. well traveled January 29, 2014 at 12:41 am

      it’s never too late, some of the best travelers you’ll find on the road are much older than you, and they’re still re-inventing and re-experiencing life all the while. you’re much younger than you think. we all are.

    2. Hallosaurus January 29, 2014 at 5:21 am

      One of my best travel companions was in his late 80s. I understand the hesitation. But one thing I believe taking the step to travel, no matter how old you are, is that in essence you are free to live life as you please. As long as your feet can carry you, see the world, for one day when you are about to close your eyes forever, what you did and how you live will have an impact on how you feel about having to go. And to me that makes it worth while to go, see the world, meet the people, feel and breathe as intensely as I can, while I still can.

      1. Pat johnson January 29, 2014 at 7:31 am

        Lovely thoughts. I bet the author is a seasoned traveler.

  6. SP January 28, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Ramon, I think we should go on a blind date ..lol 😉 Pretty good start when we see life the same way!

    1. ramonstoppelenburg - Site Author January 28, 2014 at 10:18 pm

      Deal.

      1. SP January 29, 2014 at 9:29 pm

        Deal 🙂 but it might be a very costly blind date, as I am Canadian and currently living in Canada at this moment…lol But I am open about the location.

        1. maria January 31, 2014 at 5:04 am

          I need this!!

        2. Rohit February 6, 2014 at 4:27 am

          That’s why…TRAVEL!

  7. Diane Preston January 28, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    I found this man in midlife. Changed my perspective, took me out if my rut and truly tought me how to Live Life!

  8. Christina January 28, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Love this! Definitely passing it on 🙂

  9. sofia mackern January 28, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    I really liked the text and feel that many of my ex boyfriends were described in it. But what i didnt agree with is woth the marriage part, because i dont believe in it; it has nothing to do with love. It is a socially construct idea that is unnatural.. But anyway… Lovelly written!

    1. ramonstoppelenburg - Site Author January 28, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Marriage is an institution, I agree! Just holding hands on top of the Kilimanjaro would work too 🙂

    2. Daniel January 29, 2014 at 9:27 pm

      Or marriage is one more way to make great memories. We got married in Rabat, Marocko. My wife in local wedding dress, only our best friends present, wedding photos in old roman/arabic ruins and dinner at our renovated old traditional hotel.
      Marriage is what you make it into. Your choice, your life.

      1. Ryan February 5, 2014 at 11:26 am

        I love your perspective on it. Very cool, Daniel.

  10. Jessica Winkler January 28, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    Beautifully written. I’m so lucky to have found this man as well and it was in the most unlikely of circumstances in the most unlikely of places!!

  11. caresse January 28, 2014 at 9:52 pm

    I hope I could meet one as I love to travel too.

    1. ramonstoppelenburg - Site Author January 28, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      You will. One day you will. Just stay out.

    2. Tim January 30, 2014 at 3:38 am

      Right here 😉

  12. Lael January 28, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    This is really well done. I feel the exact same way! Thanks for giving an eloquent voice to us travelers.

  13. Joe Staiano January 29, 2014 at 12:33 am

    I savored every word! Every line. I thought I was reading my bio. This 75-country world explorer travels, lives happily. Like the penguin that’s mentioned, I carry my pebble in hopes of finding that rights someone to share it with. Wish me luck.

  14. Sheena January 29, 2014 at 12:47 am

    A traveling guy sounds like a dream! They aren’t all like you though. Some are nasty scumbags that go port to port looking for p#&&y.

    1. Melody January 29, 2014 at 6:12 am

      Help!! I travelled to Peru and Bolivia for 3 months, loved every moment….alone. Met a guy at the end, invited him back to UK. It was a disaster. Be honest with your expectations, siblings x

  15. Marius W. January 29, 2014 at 2:11 am

    Perfectly written!

  16. Elena Fellicio January 29, 2014 at 2:25 am

    Sounds like a dream! Beatiful!

  17. shernandez1083@hotmail.com January 29, 2014 at 2:31 am

    Hey guys my fiance shares these blog with me a few minutes ago… I must say these are some awesome thoughts. We recently got engage in Argentina at the Bombonera Boca’s stadium, remind you that i am originally from colombia living in the us and that’t where i met my traveler wife…. We are getting ready to head on a as long as money last trip starting in brazil this June. We also believe that detaching from our routine realities will lead us in the true adventure that we are set to live….
    i believe that i am with my long life traveling partner…
    by the way: i proposed in the boca stadium because i believe marriage is like a futbol game…. The players stick together through the wins and loses and the fan never give up on their team no matter what the score is…
    thanks

    1. Scarlet January 30, 2014 at 10:03 am

      “The players stick together through the wins and loses and the fan never give up on their team no matter what the score is…” Wow, I like that! And congratulations to the both of you!

  18. nate January 29, 2014 at 3:39 am

    now read this article “Don’t date a girl who travels”
    https://medium.com/better-humans/802c49b9141c

    Both these articles were written in a similar fashion and have that whimsical writing style to it…..

    They impose different ideas of how men and women differ…
    Just thought these two texts were comical in the context of each other.

    1. Kymber February 1, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      I read them both, as well. I fully identified with the girl in the other article. I posted it online, and my friends commented “Did they write this about you?!” 🙂

  19. Ludmilla January 29, 2014 at 4:19 am

    goosebumbs all over.
    Now need to find that perfection of a man. maybe on my next adventure?

    1. Tim January 30, 2014 at 3:40 am

      I ve just read the twin article “Dont date a girl who travel” and I think I would anyway!

  20. Aldona January 29, 2014 at 5:16 am

    This is Prince Charming Lena is describing, especially for women (like me) who travel as well.

  21. Anna January 29, 2014 at 5:40 am

    I’m thankful for my friends posting a link to this article on Facebook. While sitting here at my desk, surrounded by walls that keep people isolated, an 8 to 5 job, my cravings of the world outside were highly awakened! Travel is in my veins, though haven’t done enough, but every opportunity I get I just TAKE it 🙂 When I post some photos online, my friends and family send comments like “where are you now?” “she’s flying again” and I love it!

  22. Littlemisssunshine22 January 29, 2014 at 6:07 am

    I started my adventure in Sydney in October last year, being 30 just managed to get a whv before it was too late. Living my dream and loving the adventure.
    This is the kinda guy l would love to meet from the woven bracelets to the stories …he’s out there somewhere…….
    X

  23. Anthony Perez January 29, 2014 at 6:24 am

    This is the absolute best written travel post that I’ve ever read. I am actually blown away. Thank you so much for posting this.

  24. Sidney January 29, 2014 at 7:24 am

    I’d like to if I ever met anyone like this. I love to travel and to go with someone who had some sense of adventure and wanted to see the details, that would be awesome.

    1. mickey March 1, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      beautiful

  25. Travelmom January 29, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I have been traveling since high school and am the mom of two with one on the way…my husband is slowly understanding my love of travel. Sometimes it is hard for me to convince him that trying something new, experiencing a different culture or visiting someplace different is worthwhile, but in the end he always thanks me for “pushing” him into it. Without it he would never dare to try.

  26. Emily January 29, 2014 at 8:22 am

    This is so incredibly written and inspiring and hope-striking. I will remember this post forever!

  27. Desiree January 29, 2014 at 9:09 am

    I have never read anything in my life that has made my heart yearn for something, physically yearn like that. That was beautiful, thank you for posting this here.

  28. Pat January 29, 2014 at 9:13 am

    I have married one. 😀 I’m glad to say that we have held hands while exploring ancient relics, kayaked through sea caves, hiked down trails, and marveled at many wonder that this world has to offer.

  29. Michelle January 29, 2014 at 9:18 am

    This is probably one of the most beautiful posts I’ve ever read

  30. Aaron Kleinerman January 29, 2014 at 11:13 am

    This is great! This is how I live my life and I can feel the traveling road through your words and under your feet. Thank you!

  31. Denise January 29, 2014 at 11:43 am

    As a traveler myself, I love this so much. Too bad I can’t find anyone to share this with. Crossing my fingers I find him along the way.

  32. Derick Abram January 29, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    I’m happy to say I’ve been living this life and ran across some likeminded people and it’s amazing at how things can happen that normal people take for granted. I’m glad for this happiness and I plan on doing more in hopes of finding the woman of my dreams while doing this. Much love to EVERYONE…GIA!!!

  33. poonam January 29, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    Wonderful article and anyway this applies to men as well, date a woman who travels, what a way to articulate words!!!, I would love to meet this kind of guy.. i recently started travelling a lot to adventure places and i enjoy it alone as well 🙂

  34. Vishnu January 29, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    Awesome it is, in all the senses…

  35. Angee Pangea January 29, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Sweet writing! At this current moment I am taking a break from packing my backpack for my trip to Cambodia… And I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for him on my flights, layovers and amidst my travels.

    1. ramonstoppelenburg - Site Author January 29, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      You’ll find me in Cambodia too 🙂

  36. Boots January 29, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    I love it! Im also a traveler.. Im happiest when I’m in new places, meeting new people. Just met an awesome traveler. He’s been moving around Asia. Just brought him to the airport, he’s going to India, then Nepal for the next few months. Sad…

  37. Mark January 29, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Brilliant!!

  38. Eddie January 29, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    At 25 I quit a real job and moved to France. For legal reasons I ended up in Firenzi, Italy. Since then, I’ve traveled around my Bday every year. For the last 5 years I’ve helped villages in Haiti, Guatemala and Peru make a more sustainable living via online communities where native products are sold. Last November, I ran the Athens marathon, and 7 days later the Istanbul Marathon from Asia to Europe.

    I only share that bit of personal history because what ties my desire to live life is the encounter with the unknown, and the indiscriminate love for those who are so different from me. No one ever remembers the 18-hour flights when they have great stories to share.

    Awesome write up by author. Gracias.

    1. Lee Yen January 29, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Bonjour! I’ve been following & reading all feedback and I found yours very interesting. How was the Marathon in Athen? It is one of my dream places. The mesmerising architecture and culture in Istanbul are still in my hearts…Gosh…where else have you been?

    2. Lee Yen January 29, 2014 at 11:50 pm

      I came to know this wonderful article after reading “Don’t date a gi who travels”. I was so spiritually connected to both articles. I love travelling and adventures but didn’t get the opportunity until I had a turn-over point in my life just recently. Life is interesting when we are willing to step out of the comfort zone and just live life. I have learned to love and embrace life better ever since I have started to be actively involving in scuba diving, paragliding and hiking. Going to trek & hike up the Annapurna mountains in a few days alone. Many of my relatives and friends commented that it could be dangerous for a single female traveller…Well, that’s what adventure is about. ^.^ Cheers to all travellers!

      1. Megan January 30, 2014 at 10:16 pm

        Lee I did part of the annapurna trek this time last year by myself and it was amazing. Such an experience you really discover so much about yourself. You will have an amazing time. If you can try include poon hill in your trek the view is just spectacular. Don’t worry about being a girl traveling alone just keep your wits about you and you’re pretty much guaranteed to meet other travels who’ll look out for you. The Nepalese are really friendly people 🙂

  39. MJ January 29, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    keep on traveling and inspiring! 🙂

    My favorite:
    “Find a man who travels because you deserve a life of adventure and possibility. You deserve to live light and embrace simplicity. You deserve to look at life through the eyes of youth and with your arms wide open. Because this is where you will find joy. And better, you will find joy together.”

  40. Joe Cheng January 29, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Some experiences simply do not translate. You have to GO to KNOW. – Kobi Yamada.

  41. danreedmiller January 29, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    Am I the only one who, although a traveler myself, read at least half the post before realizing it wasn’t satire?

  42. Lorenda January 29, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Enjoyed this piece so much, and concur with the writer completely.

    The BEST people (and, yes, a guy for me) are those who with a sense of adventure and a burning desire to travel, meet, experience, taste. That is the contented life.

    I have my bucket list, which is rather long, and I have fortunately ticked off quite a lot on the list. The place I want to go to the most is Antarctica – and I know I will get there, someday.

  43. bmellow January 29, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    I started my travels in 1976. I have seen and done things people only dream of. I have met many people who wish they could do what I have done, my answer to them is ” the only thing to stop you is the wind and if you can walk straight into a headwind- then nothing can stop you.” This blog describe my life to a tee. It is very well written.
    Thanks for bring back all the memories, I still plan on making more, really hope I die while traveling doing what I love the most- ENJOYING LIFE.

  44. NB January 29, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Thank you for helping me see how blessed my life is. 🙂
    Fantastic piece!

  45. Ranjani Rajamahendran January 29, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    This was a brilliant read… And the last line was just spectacular… I hope we run into each other someday…

  46. Arefeen January 29, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    An amazingly written piece! Mashallah!

  47. Marlon January 29, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    Nice

  48. James Shannon January 29, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    I remember reading this on Thought Catalog and thinking it was brilliant! 😛

  49. Danielle Petersen January 29, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    I loved it 🙂
    Thank you for sharing.

  50. Jenny January 29, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    I’ve had a vague idea of my ideal partner for a while – this article helped fill in many of the gaps! Now to continue embracing life and looking forward to discovering the many treasures of the world, including someone to share them with! Thanks for the article!

  51. Dan January 29, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    Phenomenal piece man. I really enjoyed reading this, I thank you for it.

  52. Scott January 29, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    Wow. I am crying. Thank you for this

    1. Rahul January 30, 2014 at 10:51 am

      I got tears too

    2. Kymber February 1, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      Same here!! I started crying in my hostel room, here in Ecuador. I have five days left of this four month trip before I go back home to Canada. It’s bittersweet. I miss and appreciate home… But at the same time, my backpack is my home. The strangers are my friends. Other travellers are my love. This post was perfect.

  53. Steve January 29, 2014 at 9:48 pm

    I’ve traveled and I’ve married twice. There’s only one of those choices I want to do over and over and it should be clear which one. Temporarily grounded for now, but fine tuning the plans I’m making is what keeps me sane. What I’ve learned while in my current situation is that wasting my time on dating sites looking for some “just right” person is a fool’s errand. I know now that the women I will meet in my future travels will be my true kindred spirits. Freedom is the key and the deepest love is that which has no jealousy nor desire for ownership. You either get it or you don’t.

    In life, you fall in love many times. However, if there is someone with whom I could spend time here and there on our twin adventures around the world, falling in love anew each time we run into each other again, I’ll know I’ve found the woman for me. And if not, well – I indulged the love that never dies: travel.

    See you in my travels.

    1. Michael January 29, 2014 at 10:35 pm

      Very well put, my friend

    2. marie January 31, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      very well said. I couldn’t agree more. As soon as I finish my last year in school I’ll be packing my bags again and book my tickets.

  54. Xiang January 29, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    I agree with the writing as I do travel a lot myself. It is beautifully written and tenderly convincing of one is longing for love, “I will be waiting right here” sums it up all. This is also a dating post in disguise, and I am sure you have read Neil Strauss book based on another post, I will keep your secret intact 😉

    1. ramonstoppelenburg - Site Author January 29, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      You’ve read Neil Strauss’ book? Nice 🙂 But what post by me do you mean? 😉

  55. Rieska January 29, 2014 at 10:05 pm

    Wow, you are right. So true. I am lucky to have a traveler as a husband 🙂

  56. Vanessa January 29, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    well…
    I gotta go!

    thank you for this… like seriously.

  57. Victoria January 29, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Well said! loved your article. A small suggestion: it’s “conquer” instead of concur that better fits your context.

  58. Ilona Henry January 29, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    Thanks for your article. It was very interesting to read, however, when you started to write about marriage it became unreasonable in my mind. Travelling and marriage just don’t go together.
    I think they are different periods of life. The ‘travelling’ part is where you’re free, you’re really free of bondages. You have fun. However, then one day, when you’re travelling, you may fall for someone so badly, that you give up that lifestyle. Then, to my mind, you’re not a traveller anymore. You settle, you stay with that person. Because you want to. Why do people travel in the first place? Because they’re SEARCHING. Searching for something or someone that is reason enough for them to stay somewhere. You notice, that after all, you do need someone, and if someone needs you, it is one of the greatest things in the world. It makes you happy. But I think the man you’re describing may settle, but he would never marry. Marriage is the opposite of travelling. It binds you, forever, and it is a structural conservative thing you do to be ‘officially’ together with one person till you die. A real traveller wouldn’t do that. He may be with his girl. But he wouldn’t sign some document to declare that love. More realistically, he will love you with all that he is, until the moment comes that the time of parting has come.
    What do you think?

    1. Kymber February 1, 2014 at 8:07 pm

      Disagree. As a traveller myself, I know I will find “the one”, and I know we will have children. And I know that the whole family will travel like backpackers. The confusion lies in your perception of what marriage is. It doesn’t have to be a bungalow with two cars, a fence, and a dog. Travellers are the way the are, and a ceremony with a ring won’t make them give up their passion for travel. They’ll go together. I see it every day on the road, and it’s wonderful.

  59. Rirry Hapsari January 29, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    “Find a man who travels because you deserve a life of adventure and possibility.

    And if you can’t find him, travel. Go. Explore the world for yourself because dreams are the stuff reality is made from.”

    Oh, 1000% sure!!! I’m on my way doing this!!! 😉
    I hope I could find that man someday, who loves traveling as I do 🙂

  60. Victoria January 29, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    Wow, this is an amazing piece of writing.

  61. Danniel Nicole January 29, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    A very beautiful read. It gives me hope that one day I might meet someone like this to share my life with!

  62. Nikita January 29, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    Dude, so true. I rarely read others blogs but this piece of mind was worth it 🙂

  63. natalie January 30, 2014 at 12:17 am

    so are you single? ha! 😉

  64. Tony January 30, 2014 at 12:21 am

    Awesome. That was me all right! Lived it, loved it. Would not change a thing.
    Marriage, children, career, divorce, child support, unemployment….man, it can change fast. Maybe I can find that boy again one day…..inside myself.

  65. Anne January 30, 2014 at 12:27 am

    I am myself an enraged traveller 😉 I would not change one word you have written…Thanks 🙂

  66. Allan Deya January 30, 2014 at 12:28 am

    Beautifully written. I have not travelled as widely but plan to. This is exactly the type of person I want to be and life I want to offer mine. My children will have the benefit our experience, mine and my worldly wife.

  67. Maria Ng January 30, 2014 at 12:56 am

    There is indeed a female version of this article and I think the female version came first. The original link seems to be broken but you can read it here: http://jonesreportla.com/date-a-girl-who-travels/
    It’s also a beautiful piece. Enjoy!

  68. jasmine January 30, 2014 at 1:09 am

    I find this article interesting and really appreciate the optimism, encouragement and positive energy. However, like all humans, not all men that travel are the same. I have dated one before and the reason of the break up was because he was afraid to commit and wanted to travel the world. I myself want to travel the world and I think this article should apply to men and women both. Unlike the other article here: “Don’t date women who travel.”

  69. Sydney Brooke January 30, 2014 at 1:15 am

    Wowza. This is absolutely the most amazing thing I have ever read, reminds me of someone very near to my heart.

  70. Max Neumegen January 30, 2014 at 1:21 am

    Having being privileged in taking that first step and ending up taking four and a half years to get back “home”, and then after the family had grown up, travelled around the world again , much of it overland.
    My favourite saying now is
    “We are all different”
    “So lets celebrate our differences and add them all together”.

    Max, “the overland travellers goes around the. corner to see who there is to meet around the next corner”

  71. Ana Christi Rock January 30, 2014 at 1:23 am

    I absolutely love your article about dating a girl who travels as well as “date a man who travels”…It’s awe inspiring to find like people who love and appreciate other people and their different cultures. Those who are open minded and courageous enough to take the big leap into the unknown of our Planet alone to explore and bring back the most awesome memories and share with loved ones!!!
    If you are blessed enough to find your girl or guy who loves to travel and marry her/him you’re in for the sweet treat of a lifetime filled with adventures and true love
    Follow your heart’s desire and peace out thank you so much for your beautiful writing C ;p

  72. Aiste January 30, 2014 at 1:36 am

    I am searching for you boy!:)

  73. keren January 30, 2014 at 1:50 am

    Great Read! Makes you want to say bon voyage, see you online.

  74. Jimmy January 30, 2014 at 2:00 am

    I kinda like the “Don’t date a girl who travels” more, since I’m a traveling guy and deal with her side of things more so..

  75. Gabriel January 30, 2014 at 2:25 am

    This is all so correct what you write. I’ve travelled around the World with my backpack (1985-1990) and relate to every word. Now, I’m sedentary for living but superactive in doing, and my children are learning these skills of simplicity, trust in others and freedome of mind.

  76. Moin Ashraf January 30, 2014 at 2:37 am

    Such an interesting read,There are points which can be so relating.

  77. Aundra January 30, 2014 at 3:03 am

    This was amazingly written…I mean my heart raced the entire time. My love of travel grows in leaps and bounds from having read this. GEEZ!! The day I meet the man who is equally as or even more excited to explore like this…#countingdown

  78. Holly Hawt Heels January 30, 2014 at 3:24 am

    I have just found the male version of myself. I have just fallen in love with this traveling boy! I hope to find you out there!

  79. av January 30, 2014 at 3:35 am

    Awesome article! I also read the one about the girl traveler. So I think some of the single people should get together/exchange info and see what happens. Maybe some beautiful traveling partnerships 🙂

  80. Pnay84 January 30, 2014 at 3:53 am

    I enjoyed this read so much. I’ve only started traveling in 2012. Stayed in hostels and churches for the most part. Marrying a man who travels? If it is meant to be, it will find a way. I’ll be heading to my home country, Philippines, with my Swedish guy friend in tow, in 2015. I hope he will love my country and it’s people.

    Happy trails to you!

  81. Danielle January 30, 2014 at 4:15 am

    Lovely! Oooh I know one day I’ll meet my man.❤️ Hopeful it’ll be soon ! Who knows I’ll bump into him during my upcoming travels. 😉

  82. Mon January 30, 2014 at 4:54 am

    Why cannot I find a boy like this ?

  83. Snowrat January 30, 2014 at 5:28 am

    So we’ll written and helped me appreciate why I have been focussed on independent travel for so many years.
    Currently in Indonesia heading for the Philippines with an open schedule.

  84. Daniel January 30, 2014 at 5:47 am

    Hahaa, yeah great last words. But somewhat counter productive, considering that would make you a woman who travels, and a similar article about “don’t date a girl who travels” would suggest you would never find a man.

  85. Lee @ BaldThoughts.com January 30, 2014 at 5:52 am

    I really enjoyed this post. I can’t wait to teach my son about the cultures and experiences waiting for him in the world. He’s almost 3, but he already has a passport with a few stamps in it and Global Entry to speed us along on our journeys together… and, eventually, on his own, with friends, and his future spouse. Thanks for writing so eloquently! I look forward to reading more of your posts.

  86. JP January 30, 2014 at 6:13 am

    Can I advertise myself here? Maybe my destiny is here, not out there. Haha!

    The best fact among the facts that you have cited that I like a lot is this: “Date a boy who’s lived out of a backpack because he lives happily with less.”

  87. Nurain January 30, 2014 at 6:35 am

    I’ve been travelling for the last 14 years, and live in hope of finding such a charmer. Oh – and Lena, if you can, please steer him to Switzerland. My postcode is 1782 :0) :0)

  88. Ahammad Ali January 30, 2014 at 8:27 am

    It described me in a much different way but these are true. Passing it on cause one needs to reaf it if he/she likes to know me better. 🙂

  89. Steve O'Kane January 30, 2014 at 8:27 am

    I am thee most untrusting person who keeps all emothions to my self but feck me this hit me hard! SO HARD! Whoever wrote that i have the upmost respect for. Personally think now ive just finished reading that, that it has already set into motion a massive life change! Thank you so much!
    Yours truely untrusting bottler of emotions haha 🙂

  90. Rhonda January 30, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Very well said! And refreshing to read.

    I recently came across the article “Don’t date a girl who travels” and I wrote up my own response to this subject:

    http://bamboobutterfly.com/dont-date-a-girl-who-travels-marry-her

    People tend to have false assumptions about travelers and travelers sometimes have assumptions ( which sometimes stem from big egos) about people who can’t or don’t want to travel as much.

    The bottom line is we are all human, can all be interesting, and all have things to teach one another. Keep on traveling! 🙂

  91. Chelly January 30, 2014 at 9:28 am

    Beautifully written!
    I hope to find this traveller guy who will turn my world upside down 😀

  92. Ricardo Veloro Jr January 30, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Nice one, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  93. Scarlet January 30, 2014 at 10:12 am

    I love your articles, and I can’t wait to really travel! But bad things always happen the day before I leave. I always have to cancel my plans. I keep chasing the chances to travel (I don’t wait for them; I chase them. hehe) but the problem is, it just can’t happen. I’m only 21 but I feel so old and bored.

  94. Aprille January 30, 2014 at 10:16 am

    This article is soooo nice and inspiring. I have been single all my life and never got the chance to travel yet. Times are hard where I am at and as much as I would like to travel, I can’t. I’m turning 26 this year and I am planning on saving money so I can travel hopefully next year. But just to nearby countries. I hope someday I will be able to live the life of a real traveler and find someone who will enjoy traveling as much as he loves being with me.

  95. Rahul January 30, 2014 at 10:49 am

    Damn! I can feel it
    lovely article 🙂

  96. Justine January 30, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I have a thing for guys with blonde hair and oh..that vanilla skin just does magic to me….Am from Uganda, yes the originally dark chocolate/ebony type. Inspired by this article, am so hitting the road to somewhere in Aruba Island to probably meet a blond boy on holiday who might be travelling or exploring the world and if that wont work, am in on the next Octoberfest in Munich or another big event. Lovely blog!!!

  97. Jerry January 30, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    OH my God ! I want to go back traveling !!

  98. Rashmi January 30, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Aprille ..
    Ma story is exactly the same as yours:) will pray for both of us:) God bless us

  99. Yuimi January 30, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    And the Last line stole the show 🙂
    Couldn’t agree more with the writer….. Having a bestie who travels a lot, I cannot but nod all along! 🙂

  100. Chiheb January 30, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    Brought a tear to my eye 😉 Thank you for this truly beautiful article !

  101. Elias January 30, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    “Once a traveller gets home, people rarely listen to their stories.” True! Well written piece of advice.

  102. lhiez January 30, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    lucky i had mine already , my husband love to travel before we met and until now 🙂

  103. Gunnar January 30, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    A friend sent me this article some days ago. I thought “Of course you should, what’s the news?”. And although some things might be a little too much, the general picture is very, very true. I already have two very special things my UFW (unknown future wife) will receive to our wedding, which is already sorted out as well 🙂 It was very nice to read that some women (and also men of course) know what is important when it comes to the bottom line. Thank you for making me look a little more focused on small backpacks on the road now 🙂

  104. Johan January 30, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    Love this, goes into my soul

  105. Rohan Vyas January 30, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    Loved it. Amazing thing which I find while I was reading this article is the level of correlation of the person described with me, like hand-woven bracelet or desktop background. Really inspired by the beauty of the copiousness of the description or in simple words, as I said already, loved it. 🙂

  106. Alexandria January 30, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    This is beautiful. Still searching for someone to be a part of my life journeys. 🙂

  107. j'aime January 30, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    I don’t have to trade my Rolex for hand-woven bracelet. Yes, I still get excited whenever my monthly issue of the National Geographic comes…..even though I have been getting them for the last 30+ years. I sailed the Aegean sea, the Mediterranean and the Bay in Cuba. I slowed down a bit as I got older but the lust to travel never left my heart! It’s in my veins!

  108. NKyAdventurer January 31, 2014 at 12:46 am

    I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It embodies everything I do and believe; however, as far as dating is concerned, I’ve found that women (most) want someone who is going to be around all the time. I can always count on losing a girlfriend when I take off on an adventure.

  109. Deb January 31, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Seems to me that there are more girls out there who fit this description (myself included) than guys! I couldn’t find the male equivalent of myself, so I ended up marrying a guy who hadn’t traveled much, but he’s a good sport and lets me drag him all over the world, with only a small backpack, doing things he never even dreamed of doing. We’re having a blast! Thanks for writing a wonderful article that brings back many memories and reminds me that there are so many more to make.

  110. aditbaco January 31, 2014 at 2:27 am

    I got a goosebumps while reading this… an epic piece! thanks for sharing 🙂

  111. phil January 31, 2014 at 5:32 am

    Traveling around the world you meet the best of mankind. I’m sure wen I return to the edge of the earth(alaska) after my travels I’m as excited as a young child to tell my friends about the crazy bus rides, riot gear, animal rides, hikes and all other sorts of unknown most people will never get to experience. Well written.

  112. Ryan January 31, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Absolutely loved this verse; it sets off a series of emotions that only the traveler can truly understand.

    “He has had a chance to miss and be missed. Because of this, he also knows a thing or two about goodbyes. He knows the overwhelming uncertainty of leaving the comforts of home, the indefinite see-you-laters at the departure gates, and yet he fearlessly goes into the unknown because he knows the feeling of return”

  113. Larry_O January 31, 2014 at 9:01 am

    This sentiment obviously resonates with many.. people say that travelling is like the new universal religion! I’m going to balance this argument with the following. Yes travelling is fantastic, finding yourself in completely new worlds, communicating with people from these strange worlds, bla d bla..
    This is what it boils down to and the motivation for most travelers today IMO

    “for one day when you are about to close your eyes forever, what you did and how you live will have an impact on how you feel about having to go”

    If this is what you fancy, fire away.. keep going til your feet fall off! For me personally, I have sat in work, looking at my computer at pictures on facebook of friends on the beach in Oz, shooting M16s in Vietnam, hiking up the Machu Pakislava Picchu, while it’s dark freezing, raining sideways out my window and thought to myself.. pretty much the argument being made by Lena here.

    But I stayed where I was, because I value my career (which limits where I can go even if I’d like to go). Also, I love my family, so I like to be close to them and some day hopefully have a family of my own. This is the big choice IMO.

    You can argue against it if you like, but there has to be a cost for this amazing lifestyle and for me, the trade-off is reducing the chances of settling down and raising a family the same way you were raised yourself. Not at all trying to rain on the parade, just food for though and balance to the argument. I hope that when my time comes, I will feel that I have made a positive contribution to this world.

  114. vagabondblood January 31, 2014 at 9:32 am

    So, i was just on the road for 2+ years, where is this boy? I guess I will have to get back on the road… :p

  115. Bryden January 31, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Or for all you slightly less biased & less extreme-to-either-side-of-the-spectrum females….date an entrepreneur – for he can do it all.

  116. Traveller boy January 31, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    The first post ever that moved me somewhere deep inside. Its like someone just took all the values I have always lived by and just penned them down!
    You got me at the “he knows the value of each stone” part.. all my friends thought it was stupid but i know the right girl will always see the magic behind it!
    Great !

  117. Mike Hulleman January 31, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    All truth. I needed this to share with the one who let me go, and perhaps, the one I will see again. Thank you.

  118. Rosalia January 31, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    I think my next stop at the airport I will seat with binoculars and at the edge of my seat as I find this particular gentleman 🙂 🙂

  119. Mel January 31, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    I have traveled to many places, I have enriched my soul with beautiful experiences, flavors and smells but I still have not found him, somedays I think he only exists in my imagination (sigh)… still looking… still with the eyes closed and the soul open, regardless of the risks of having an exposed soul. Still waiting with a smile 😀

  120. Tinbai January 31, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    This is the answer to a “calling to travel again” that I’ve been hearing inside me. I’m glad I found this page, and I look forward to reading your other blog posts. Keep it up, Ramon! – Tinbai 🙂

  121. vergi January 31, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    i’ve been dating such guys for ages. it’s kinda tiring though. i’d say i’d like to be with someone who is not so obesessed with traveling 🙁

  122. Crystal January 31, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    Amazing read. I can completely understand this. I say if you can’t run wild with me, then let me go. My soul hungers for travel, hungers for the unknown, hungers for places I have yet to see, and people I have yet to meet. I pick up the National Geographic magazines and place myself in every photo. I want to climb those mountains. I want to surf in those water. I want to be in the cage underwater with sharks in my face. I wish everybody had the desires to explore this world and look at it in awe and wonder, and have undying curiosity. My hands have touched the Mayan ruins and my mind was fueled with thoughts of what that civilizations was like. I pictured the sacrifices that happened on those temples. I have been to the top of mountains, I have watched the sunrise at the Grand Canyon, I have been to places that I didn’t want to return from. You always think “if only I had a little more time here.” My paths have crossed with numerous strangers from around the world who are now friends. Friends who crave the adventures just as much I do. Friends who understand the hunger of exploration. Friends who understand wanting to be completely immersed into another culture. People like us, all we want is somebody to run wild with us. Somebody to share the adventures with. However, we are so independent that we never fear taking on adventures alone. …

  123. Harmony January 31, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    Wow! What a lovely lovely piece! I am crying. I have read it 3x over and still crying. You described my husband almost to a T! We have been together 24 years and have traveled across the world a few times together.

    We have held hands and wept in silence at some of the most awe inspiring sightS, he has taken care of me when I had dysentery! We came home from our travels and had 2 kids and named them after 2 of the countries we visited.

    I pray for every travel bitten women out there that you meet this man. Your life will never be dull, the people you meet will bless you and you will be a blessing as well!

    Thanks so much for the great read.

    1. Rohan February 8, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Waoo, you & ur hubby are so lucky 🙂

      Congratulations in advance in completing ur 25th yr. Its a long time of travel & love.

  124. Rodrigues February 1, 2014 at 12:19 am

    Excellent piece of writing 🙂

  125. amarl February 1, 2014 at 2:05 am

    I found one 🙂

    1. farha February 8, 2014 at 5:32 am

      i found one, we found each other in nepal, im from malaysia, he’ french canadian from quebec canada, together since 1o years ago, we ‘ve been everywhere together since then, more than 25 countries so far.

  126. Esther February 1, 2014 at 2:23 am

    This is the guy I am looking for my entire life.

  127. svea February 1, 2014 at 2:37 am

    Thank you. from the bottom of my heart <3

  128. Iliak February 1, 2014 at 7:05 am

    I just feel like crying after this!!! I have no words for the awesomeness of this article!

  129. shamrock February 1, 2014 at 10:41 am

    You’ve reminded me of a part of myself I’d almost completely forgotten about but given me clarity over a few things too. Travelling can and does change a person (for all the right reasons I would hope) but it seems to be the case of everyone else dealing with those changes that they’ve noticed in the person when you come home for any particular length of time that can be difficult to deal with. From my experiences and where I’ve been in the world it’s definitely opened my eyes. You’re not wrong in any of what you’ve written about here. Not a lot of people ever ask me about travelling so I never talk about it but it’s for me and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat so …thanks man! : )

  130. Nana February 1, 2014 at 11:06 am

    I´m a girl who travels, I want a boy who travels…

  131. Pingback: Date a potato | Fledgeling Bird

  132. Jenny February 1, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Why is it that female astronauts are the most happy ones then?

    1. Ramon - Site Author February 1, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Because they weigh absolutely nothing in space.

      1. SP February 2, 2014 at 7:20 am

        LOL….omg This is one Ramon…I am cracked up…hahaha

  133. Bhavya February 1, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    This is just absolutely beautiful. I know how most of it feels, and I absolutely cherish all of it.

  134. Iza Sanchez February 1, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Romantic and profound. You must have married your travelling prince and are an avid traveler yourself. I am deeply moved by this article. Dream big and travel far. Thanks for sharing!

  135. Benoît February 1, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    Hi Ramon! I loved how you put things up in your article, it made me travelled already 🙂 ! I am one of those guys, mostly travelling short time so far (2 months here, 2 months there) and living in Morocco at the moment but I’ll be on my way for a much longer trip, shasing the dream, in a very short moment ! I know the road will be full of incredible encounters and I’d be glad to share a moment with you if life makes me cross on your path! Enjoy life and continue writing.

  136. chasquiwa February 1, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    im in , I love this site , it describes me very much ,although im at home right now I ve been a traveler since I was a kid (with my parents) and on my own after it, I ll intend to keep going this year 2014 probably through southnto Oz on 2015 ,chao amigos and see u soonamerica and may go

  137. Kymber February 1, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    Thank you. This resonates in my soul. Travellers – real travellers, not the resort people – are a different breed. We think different, see different, love different. “Back home”, people don’t understand us, how we could possibly live for months or years out of a backpack, or how we find thrills in putting ourselves in danger, or how we find it so easy to make friends with strangers.

    Not all backpacking guys (or girls) are the way you describe, but the ones that are, are priceless. The whole article had me nodding in agreement, substituting “him” with “her”. I even broke into an ugly cry when you wrote about the indefinite see-you-laters at departure gates. The friends and lovers we meet travelling stick with us like a new part of the body.

    Thank you so much for this hope-inspiring accurate description of what loving a backpacker can feel like. I hope to give those feelings to another person. I’m the “him” in your story.

    1. Ramon - Site Author February 1, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      “Back home”, people don’t understand us, how we could possibly live for months or years out of a backpack, or how we find thrills in putting ourselves in danger, or how we find it so easy to make friends with strangers.

      Very well put. Thank you!

  138. Care February 2, 2014 at 1:32 am

    Beautifully written! I’m counting down the days until my next adventure. I’d love to meet this guy, but my journey will be amazing solo or shared. 🙂

  139. kiara February 2, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    Wow.. just read these article after ignoring it in a few days… oke.. i’ll travel along to thailand in the next two weeks.. wish me luck for finding one of the traveling man. Hehe

  140. jessica February 3, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    this is an amazing written. i wish i would find this kind of guy one day because i do love travel!

  141. ANN February 3, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    This is the most amazing piece of writing i have read in a very long time….
    and i wish i manage to find and date a boy who travels!

  142. Ann-Katrin February 3, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    Beautifully written, but unfortunately for many of us the men that claim that they travel are often just looking to settle down themselves, or find it hard to believe that there are women that travel out there too – they seem to all have read the post “don’t date a girl who travels”- https://medium.com/better-humans/802c49b9141c
    I can’t say that it bothers me anymore. I am the girl who travels and I have been since I was a kid. Many are those tho tried to calm my travel nerve or thought I would get over it. Many are those who tell me “eventually you will find where to settle down”. Except that just shows they haven’t understood a thing…
    And now I travel on my own and love it. The men who travel are rare, the men who REALLY travel even more so…

    1. Matt February 10, 2014 at 5:15 am

      idea of settling down in a city or a specific place is just plain scary.. it never made sense really.. Why settle when there is the whole world .. why keep repeating the same patterns in life when you can go and learn and experience more and more … ?

  143. Jocelyn February 4, 2014 at 1:15 am

    So around 1 hour ago, a guy who I love but we have never really met still decided to leave me. He wasn’t like what your article said. In fact, he’s totally opposite from what you have mentioned in the whole content. And for the past few months I had been trying to tell him it’s good to travel…but honestly there were many things that he couldn’t accept nor understand why would I want to travel. Maybe time proved that we are just not suitable for each other and it’s time to stop trying to fit yourself into somewhere you don’t even belong to.

    I’m happy that I found something to make me move on. Thank you.
    And I hope that I could find someone, the guy who would like to travel around the world with me, as backpackers. 🙂

  144. Lives4Adventure February 5, 2014 at 12:02 am

    I am this guy. Traveling gives me the feeling of freedom. When you hike in some far off distant land with the sunlight energizing your face, you are surrounded by blue skies and majestic snow-capped mountains. The winds howl at you & all of your senses are overwhelmed. When everything around you deafens you the world begins to slow down. Your mind becomes clear. You embrace the challenge and the solitude that comes with it. The soul becomes free and at that point, you know who you are. I love seeing the world because you can be yourself.

    When I talk to women about traveling and the subject comes up with where I have been in the world (34 countries across 6 continents and counting!), all that I hear is dead silence and never a question about it. Perhaps I am talking to the wrong women…

    1. SP February 9, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      You must talk to the wrong girl…LOL.. I experience myself the same dead silence in most case with men. Some gets intimidate by vivid traveller. There are all kind of travellers out there. It is pretty easy to call ourself a traveller but what we often forget is to talk with travelers’ who have similar taste than ours. There is a huge amount of travellers out there that are close minded and still call themselves travellers so it’s about to talk to the RIGHT traveller for you. I personally talk with so much passion when while talking about anything related to travel that I start thinking …”I must scare them’….I had two long terms relationships (11 & 3 years) that had to end mostly because of my travelling. My ex partners decided to make it an issue, where I did not see it as an issue. Personally I saw it as an asset as I am really appreciative of everything we have home and for it’s comfort (like a toilet that flush) sand what is truly important in life, human connection and exchange. The reality was that my ex partners were not able to compromise for me while I was compromising for their favorite hobby and passion. They never try to understand why would I go out there and put myself in countries and location that are sometime dangerous places, why I would want to go to poor places, why I love to help indigenous and impoverish kids to get an education in remote places while it cost me thousands of dollar every year from my own pocket, how I also book myself a luxury vacation while I can travel with backpack and sleep in hostel and foreigners….WHY DO I call myself a traveler…because traveling make me feel alive and it is in my blood. I am who I am because of travelling. I get something in return and in all kind and various ways while travelling. If we would not gain anything from it we would just not travel right. So I decided it was time for me to stop compromising who I am and what I love for people that would not compromise for one particular aspect of my personality and be concern about my happiness. Since then, I found my authentic self and feel free to be who I am and travel without anyone making me feel like a weirdo that is not content with he ordinary life at home. Usually while travelling we meet nice and different passionate traveller like us and sometime very different than us, but who still call themselves a ‘Traveller’ People that do not question you about your favorite places you ‘ve been are not really interest to really know you and what you are about and come from,trust me. If they were interest they would listen to you and questioned you. They would also respect your passion and will string along in your next crazy travel destination. Good luck!

  145. Ecat February 5, 2014 at 12:40 am

    Wow, I feel like you described my husband 🙂 I will never have the power to tell him to stay home, because for him “home” is the whole world. His face, when arriving to a new place, is priceless…

  146. Karina February 6, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I cannot wait to start living my life of adventure. And I cannot wait to find someone who I can pursue these adventures with. But, for now, I’m just gonna keep working hard (I have only two more years before my own adventures begin!) and stay patient, knowing that the man of my dreams is roaming around out there, living out the stories I will hear about when I meet him.

    1. Matt February 10, 2014 at 5:05 am

      thumbs up ! thats the attitude !! 🙂

    1. SP February 11, 2014 at 10:26 am

      Hi Andrew,

      I loved your text, as I felt a lot of love by the respect and trust each other seem to have. Love do not mean to stop the other to do what it has to do. Marriage does not mean prison, possession and ownership. Love means allowing, supporting and helping the other to do what it feel it needs to be done for their own happiness and self development. I agree about not dating forever, at least, and marry if it feels it is the right person. Long life to your relationship. Cheers.SP

  147. coneyqu February 8, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    Already started the journey by how beautiful it was described… it’s like collecting all the pieces of you until you are whole again. So nice, so comforting.

  148. Rohan February 8, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Every sentence has been felt before writing. Very well composed & inscribed here.

    This article exactly reflects myself. I just love traveling alone coz no other are able to match my wanderlust frequency. I am too waiting to meet the girl of my life with whom i can visit each place as mentioned in my bible “1000 places to visit before you die”.

    I have been traveling for last 6 years and loving every inch of it. Love to meet you guys here. you are an inspiration for many to teach them real truth about life is hand made / weaven bracelet not a Rolex (too much of fake).

    And well said, Marriage is just a bond for society, true bonding is between hearts & frequency 🙂

    Live to Love
    Rohan

  149. Sunny February 8, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    Lovely, this is where I would like to restart a new life…meet a traveler…then travel the world with purpose.

  150. Rita February 10, 2014 at 3:17 am

    I am never bored when I am with a guy like this. And trust me, if you step out of your comfort zone you will see these guys !!!

  151. Matt February 10, 2014 at 5:04 am

    That is me in progress ! ahaha I absolultely loved seeing that what I do is not normal but being normal is weird anyways .. 🙂 😀 Living from a backpack .. all i truely need is in there 🙂

  152. Gisela February 11, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    I love this! “Independence will keep your relationship fresh and exciting, and when you’re together again it will forge a bond of unbreakable trust.” Outstanding! Thank you! 🙂

  153. Salini February 12, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    Such a beautiful post, thank you very much. I would love to marry a boy who travel, may that dream of mine come true one day..:)

  154. Andy February 14, 2014 at 2:53 am

    Thank you for this! Made me to decide something very important!

  155. yenyenb February 14, 2014 at 3:00 am

    This is beautiful. Inspire fcd me to. Go out there and travel. I just wish more countries would allow Filipinos to enter without visa. 🙂

  156. lana brook February 14, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    I am a traveller girl. 8 years and counting. It is a way of life 🙂

  157. NANDAKUMAR M N February 26, 2014 at 11:45 am

    It’s MY LIFE TOO !!

    It’s a life very few have passion for. I’m Lucky and too happy I’m one of them.

    I keep travelling – Wildlife, nature Walks (No treks too tired for it) , Scuba diving, Rafting, Mountains, OR just culture travelling.

    Enjoy every bit and minute of it. But the Pity many a time Land up doing it alone. No regrets as long as I am fit and enjoy it

  158. mawe3 March 2, 2014 at 4:33 am

    #TOUCHED

  159. Rina AR March 5, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Beautifully written.. Love it 🙂

  160. Ace Gem Guevarra March 10, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    Very well written!

    I’m not familiar with the author but she seems to know a lot about me. LOL… But really, this is the most beautifully written post I’ve ever read.

  161. Tony Daversa March 16, 2014 at 6:07 am

    Wow, wow, and wow! I’m sitting here on a ferry in the Cook Strait, going from the North Island of New Zealand to the South. This made me tear up with happiness as I read it! I felt as though this was written for me. Traveling has been a huge part of my life and has helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m currently 2 and a 1/2 months in on what I hope to be a year long trip around part of the world.
    The author of this post couldn’t be anymore spot on! It is all about the journey… the people you meet, the sights along the way, the challenges you face, and the memories you will keep forever!
    Many thanks for this blog, it has made me smile even brighter today! I too look forward to the lady that will one day join me on a magical journey to another land, and perhaps for life!
    Keep Smiling!

  162. Sunrise Seekers April 3, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    Thanks for sharing an optimistic piece! I am an adventure junkie but have not met men who travel and want to commit or settle down. Lena’s writing redirected my search of what I am and my love.

    And if you can’t find him, travel. Go. Embrace it. Explore the world for yourself because dreams are the stuff reality is made from.

  163. Tokachi Pangan April 13, 2014 at 8:31 am

    I really love this article so i write my own insight 🙂

  164. Nita Agustin April 16, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    nice post.

  165. Serotoninful April 19, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    I wanna meet that boy someday 🙂

  166. Bonnie May 19, 2014 at 5:21 am

    Hi there,
    all I can say is just “wow”!!!!!!!!! That article touched me, I almost started to cry- but at the same time I had to smile, because I just realized: The guy, you described, is just the one, I´m looking for:D:D
    I´ve been traveling ever since, I´ve seen many places in Europe, and I´ve been in the US several times (fell in love with South and New England), but my greatest adventure were three month in Chile. I´m still living on the memories of that adventure and I´m dreaming of traveling through South America again, someday (next year, perhaps:D)…but there are so many places in the world, I would like to see. …
    Anyhow, I really thank you with all my heart for writing this article. Can´t even say, which line/ sentence finally caught me…They are all so great and so true!!
    Thank you for giving me the motivation to keep up my dream^^
    Keep on writing such beautiful articles!!
    Greetings.
    Bonnie

  167. Dani September 20, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    That could be me – and I’m a girl 🙂

  168. anna October 18, 2014 at 1:41 am

    wonderful words!!! and so true…!