Top Inspirational Travel Quotes to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Are these the most inspirational travel quotes of all time? There's only one way to find out! Scroll down and find the travel quote that resonates with you most. If you like a quote, share it with your friends. We've added our own insight into how the quotes resonate with our travel experiences personally, but they no doubt have different meanings for everyone.

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Inspirational Travel Quotes

We hope you find your own meanings in these travel quotes and they inspire you to start your next adventure of a lifetime!

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" - Helen Keller

We whole heartedly believe in this one! Every time there is an option between going on an adventure and taking the "safe route", we have always chosen the adventure. And you know what? We've never regretted those moments! It's when we feel truly alive.

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey" - Babs Hoffman

This travel quote was really relevant to us recently when we traveled to Namibia. It is a country full of dirt roads (literally, there's one main paved road down the middle of the country and the rest are full of potholes). During our trip we even got a flat tire and nearly veered off the road! Luckily, we had our usual "casual agenda" and took our time to fix it and keep our journey alive. No biggie! All part of the adventure ;)

"The world is a book, and those who never travel only read one page" - Saint Augustine

Have you ever read a really good book and felt like you had a whole new understanding on life? That's what we feel every time we step into a new country and meet a local or climb a new mountain. Those new experiences fill up your soul with a new appreciation for something you never thought of before and your whole world can become just a little more clear.

"Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul" - Jamie Lyn Beatty

Bingo! This is one of the best short quotes on travel and it literally defines our reason for traveling. True, you definitely need to have some type of income to ensure you have your basic needs covered. BUT, when we have felt a true sense of belonging and purpose in this world has when we have been deep into a wild adventure off the beaten path. Our hearts are never fuller than in these moments.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore" - Andre Gide

Traveling definitely takes courage. It can be scary to take that step and really put yourself out there to the world. However, sometimes it is necessary to fully break out of your comfort zone head first and DIVE IN! If you don't enjoy it, you'll know that lifestyle is not for you. But our guess is that you'll enjoy that travel lifestyle just like us. You never know until you try! Use wanderlust quotes like this to fuel your inner fire.

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" - Neale Donald Walsch

Neale Donald Walsch is a true inspiration! This fact is 100% true. In our case, we strive to get out of our comfort zones on a daily basis. Why? Because we've felt the power of letting go and trying something new. It has a truly life-changing effect on your body and soul and that effect can only be unleashed by a few actions in this world, traveling being one of them.

"Not all who wander are lost" - J.R.R. Tolkien

One time, we were so lost trying to find a good hiking trail near the beach we were staying at. We had no idea where to go and just decided to wander down the first trail we came to. Of our 3 months on the road, it ended up being our favorite hike of the trip! One of the most beautiful sunsets together. And it was completely random. Case and point, just because you don't always know where you're going doesn't mean you're lost in this world.

"Catch the trade winds in your sails" - Mark Twain

One of the most authentic short travel quotes we've seen by Mark Twain. Trade winds have the ability to push boats at higher speeds than normal due to the wind flying through their sails. While not as many boats utilize these trade winds as in the past, it's still relevant today and also historical in a sense. Our ancestors used trade winds to navigate the seas as early explorers of new lands. Now we follow in their footsteps and use metaphorical trade winds to go with the flow and let adventure take its course!

"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before" - Dalai Lama

If the Dalai Lama says it, then you better do it! This is a great rule to live by and truly one of the best travel quotes we've seen in the world by one of the best people in the world. Even if you only go a couple hours outside of your hometown, there is great value in seeing new places. You never know what you might learn on a new adventure!

“So much world. So little time.”

The earth is big and our time on it is short.

"Travel is never a matter of money but of courage" - Paulo Coelho

There are so many ways you can travel on a budget. We've done it for the majority of our travels and have rarely stayed at fancy resorts or expensive accommodation ourselves. And yet, we've had the best memories of our lives in destinations all across the world! All you have to do is budget properly and sometimes choose experiences that are off the beaten path. Get out on the road and enjoy your trip with these quotes.

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but it's not what ships were built for" - John A. Shedd

This is another great inspirational travel quote referring to the necessity of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It's true that we have all felt safe and cozy in our homes before, curled up in a blanket and watching Netflix. And while that chill time is definitely necessary at times, it should not be the majority of our lives. Instead, do what we as humans were meant to do. Start an adventure!

" Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator" - Robert Orben

It's true, one of the hardest things to know in life is what to do next. Some people have road maps for 5 year plans. Some only know what they are doing tomorrow. At the end of the day, how you should plan your travels all depends on where you put your energy and what you think will make yourself truly happy.

“Eat well. Travel often.”

Travel and food go hand in hand. When you explore a new destination, there is most likely a new culture and cuisine that comes with it. These experiences help shape your understanding of the world!

"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams" - Douglas Ivester

It's funny, every time we travel and go to a new country, we always say it was the best place we've been to. That may be because we're still on our natural high of a new adventure, but at the same time, we're always blown away by the new things we've learned and new stories we have to tell. It's the best feeling in the world.

"If you think adventure is dangerous... try routine, it's lethal!" - Paulo Coelho

This travel quote hits home for us! We were working a 9-5 job together and while it was definitely good for us in terms of growing our career, learning from our great colleagues, and earning consistent income, it was also hindering our relationship. We were finding it hard to stay motivated to do routine tasks and be consistently happy. Once we quit our jobs and got on the road, our happiness levels were back to where we met and we were taking part in real new experiences together again. It was a magical realization moment for us!

"The journey itself is my home" - Matsuo Basho

This is a great quote to live by. In reality, there will be ups and downs when traveling. You'll have times when you see the coolest thing in the world and then the next morning, you get your earrings robbed from a hostel. Those things happen. What's important is to take everything in stride and be ok with the rough moments because you know the adventure highs will wash any bad stuff away in one second. This is one of the best nature quotes that capture the travel mindset.

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things" - Henry Miller

We can't stress enough how much our perspectives have changed on life after we've traveled. While we have been all over the world in the past years (Ine has been to 50+ countries), it's our minds that have really shifted the most. Each experience changes us bit by bit and opens our eyes to how other people across the world live. It's so valuable and we never take that for granted!

"Live your life by a compass, not a clock" - Stephen Covey

Sometimes we wish clocks were never invented. They usually cause stress and push you to do things at a faster pace than you are comfortable with. Have you felt that before too? On the other hand, when has a compass ever stressed you out? In our experience, it has always helped us and relieved stress! So, we suggest to ditch the clock and get a compass.

"Traveling tends to amplify all human emotions" - Peter Hoeg

Travel for us is literally like a drug. We get a natural high when we see something new. For instance, when we hiked through the Rocky Mountains for 2 weeks last year, we saw the most beautiful glacial lakes of our lives. Every night we would be ecstatic at the campfire sharing our favorite moments from the day. It's like being in another world when you're in that travel zone!

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist" - Oscar Wilde

While this is a bold quote, it is true in a sense. Many people are scared to take that step of traveling due to a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, it is rare for people to fully break out of their comfort zones and current systems to explore the world. What we've found is that the people who do are much happier that they tried it and did it!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments and places that take our breath away" - Anonymous

This is a beautiful quote to finish this article on. It's a beautified version of "quality over quantity" which is true for everything in life. Make sure to cherish the unique moments that you have on this earth and breathe in that fresh air when you take in your next travel experience.

“You need not even listen, just wait…the world will offer itself freely to you, unmasking itself.” – Franz Kafka

This is one of the best inspirational travel quotes. There’s nothing better than living in the moment while traveling. Letting yourself see the world for what it really is. When you go abroad, try not to have preconceived notions of what that destination should be like. Rather, let the destination and culture tell you for itself.

“Travel expands the mind and fills the gap.” – Sheda Savage

Travel truly does open up your mind. We find so much inspiration from getting to know a new culture or the history of a place we visit. The world is constantly evolving and shaping new stories through the people who live within it. Traveling helps put those puzzle pieces together and that’s why we love it so much!

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

We couldn’t agree more! It’s not the destination that matters while traveling, but rather the journey that it takes to get there. Those little experiences will give you a new perspective on life and the world. When you get home, you’ll see earth with new eyes!

“I am not a great book, I am not a great artist, but I love art and I love food, so I am the perfect traveller.” – Michael Palin

The world is filled with so many different and beautiful cultures. There are two things that usually define one culture compared to another and that’s art and food! The different tastes of each country always intrigue us. Some cultures have a heavy emphasis on seafood while others prefer dishes filled with lots of vegetables and fruits. These tastes also leak into the styles of art in those cultures.

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If you're feeling inspired by these quotes and want to learn more about why, make sure to check out our article on How Travel Can Make You Happy.

Where to find other inspirational travel quotes:

1. Earth Trekkers - 60 other inspiring travel quotes

2. Expert Vagabond - Quotes to inspire a wanderlust mindset

3. Traveling Lifestyle - Inspiring travel quotes for social media

Do you know of other inspiring travel quotes that have shaped your life? We would love to hear them. Comment below!