My travels through the decades
3 decades of travel and counting
The world has undergone remarkable changes throughout its history. Traveling around our planet at different times has considerably affected my experiences. Although the pace of progress varies among countries, the signs of transformation are evident everywhere.
In the past, I relied on postcards for communication, made accommodation reservation through phone calls or just showed up, and faced fewer flight options, which were significantly more expensive. My backpack was considerably heavier, filled with numerous items that today I can easily purchase or that I may no longer require (such as film rolls, newspapers or Lonely Planet).
Looking back on the moments when I began to travel around the world, the most challenging task was finding reliable information regarding suitable accommodations, navigating by public transport and discovering the primary attractions.
While traveling through Europe, my first visit to an unfamiliar place was usually to a tobacconist, where I could identify the major local attractions featured on postcards, which I then visited. Postcards also provided a mean to stay connected and share my travel journey with family at home.
Traveling has become simpler and more accessible
In earlier times, travel demanded more creativity, preparation, analysis and flexibility compared to the 21st century, when nearly all destinations around the globe seem to be within easy reach.
Throughout the years, and across 3 decades of travel, traveling has become simpler and more accessible. The development of infrastructure, an increase in hotels and informal accommodations of various price ranges, has played a significant role. Initially, the only forms to finance the trip was restricted to US dollars bills and traveler’s checks, which were exchanged to local currency.
The growing acceptance of credit cards provided a new solution. At first, withdrawing money from banks required paying a commission, but it was much safer than carrying cash on long trips. In the 2020s, digital wallets have been replacing credit cards, especially in Africa and Asia.
When was travelling more exciting?
For me, the 1990s certainly offered a more authentic experience, as we could meet humble locals in isolated regions who had little exposure to international visitors. There were fewer tourist attractions and reaching them was sometimes a challenging task. Only the most determined adventurers were taking on such journeys.
Today, in the mid-2020s, most people from developed countries travel. It has become so easy and popular that many do it with the goal of making money.
It is disappointing that taking a selfie and publishing it on social media is often number one priority.
Not for me!
For me, traveling isn’t just about ticking off places, landmarks, or highlights. It’s about conversations with locals, the vibrant atmosphere of bustling markets, street food dinners, moto taxi rides, and the spontaneity of hitchhiking.
