The Regrets of Not Traveling in the 20s: A Reflective Journey

Traveling in the 20s can be a transformative experience, one that can broaden your horizons and enrich your life. However, as I reflect on my journey, I can't help but ask myself, 'Do I regret not traveling more in my 20s?'

A Blessed Career and Worldly Experiences

I am fortunate to have a wonderful career that has taken me to over 90 cities in 35 countries. This journey has been a bucket list come true. However, my experiences have also been marred by a personal tragedy. In 2011, I suffered a surgical malpractice that left me in a coma for three years. Though I am now 70 and can only move with assistance, the places I've seen have brought me a sense of satisfaction. Each travel destination I can visit is one less place I admire from afar.

The Cost of Priorities

Travel should not be an afterthought. When I was younger, my priorities revolved around other necessities. My first international journey wasn't until I turned 24, and even then, I didn't have much to show for it. Over the years, I managed to visit 14 countries in Europe, along with a week-long prize trip to Turkey, which was the highlight of my life. The journey to travel as much as possible is one that I strongly recommend. Yet, I have colleagues who struggle to leave home for even a few days.

Financial Constraints

Money has always been a factor in travel. As a schoolboy and a student, I barely ventured beyond my local surroundings. When I started working at 21, I was focused on other priorities, and travel didn't play a significant role in my budget. My first trip abroad was in 1981, and it involved a competition prize that took me to Istanbul and Ankara. Over the following years, I visited various European countries, the United States, and South America.

Marriage and Family

Starting a family changed the landscape of my travel. I met my wife shortly after turning 40, and she became the main reason behind my extensive travel. Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and the Philippines all feature prominently in our travel history. With a young family and the financial burden of regular visits to the Philippines, we had to limit our travel to more affordable options. However, we have still managed to visit the English coast extensively, making up for the lack of exotic travel experiences.

Lessons Learned

The regret of not traveling more in the 20s is a lesson I carry with me. It is a reminder to prioritize experiences and to seize opportunities when they arise. Travel is not just about visiting new places; it is about enriching your life, learning, and creating lasting memories.

Conclusion

Life is too short to live in regret. Embrace every opportunity to travel and explore the world. Whether it's a short trip to the seaside or a long journey to distant lands, each experience shapes who you are. Don't let financial constraints or other priorities hold you back. Travel while you can, and make the most of the time you have.