Beyond Sightseeing: The Power of Travel
Travel is more than just visiting new places—it’s about the experiences, the lessons, and the personal growth that come with stepping outside of our comfort zones. In this episode of I'm Not Yelling! I'm Dominican, we sat down with Marie from The Culture Cult Podcast to dive into the joys of traveling, practical tips for making the most of each trip, and the deeper impact travel can have on our lives.
A Love for Travel Rooted in Family
For many of us, our love for travel begins at home. We shared how our father, a self-made success story from the Dominican Republic, instilled the importance of seeing the world. From road trips to Florida and Cape Cod to early international travel, these experiences shaped her open-minded approach to exploring different cultures. Nachi recalled the difference between “traveling” and “vacationing,” emphasizing the need to balance adventure with relaxation.
Marie, on the other hand, had a completely different upbringing. Growing up in Alabama, she felt stuck and longed for the opportunity to explore. Her first major trip—a guided tour of Europe—was a turning point. Seeing Vienna’s historical beauty and experiencing different cultures firsthand sparked a passion for adventure that eventually led her to travel full-time.
Traveling for Growth vs. Traveling for Instagram
In today’s social media-driven world, travel can sometimes become more about checking off destinations than actually experiencing them. Marie shared how she used to travel at a breakneck pace, trying to see as many places as possible, but ultimately found more fulfillment by slowing down and immersing herself in local cultures. Now, she spends months in one place, building a community, and truly understanding the way of life in different countries.
Nachi added that for us, travel is about creating meaningful experiences rather than exhausting ourselves with non-stop sightseeing. We prefer trips that offer a mix of exploration and downtime, ensuring that every journey is as enjoyable as it is enriching.
Top Travel Tips from Experienced Explorers
Between the three of us, we have gathered some essential travel wisdom. Here are some of our top tips for making the most of your trips:
Get Global Entry & TSA Pre-Check – We swear by this combo to breeze through customs and security lines, making international travel much smoother.
Make Copies of Important Documents – Always have backups of your passport, credit cards, and travel itinerary in case of loss or theft.
Bring Cash & Know Exchange Rates – While digital payments are widely used, carrying cash can be a lifesaver in remote areas or during emergencies.
Know Who You’re Traveling With – Traveling with the wrong person can make or break your trip. Be sure your travel partner is compatible with your style of exploration.
Solo Travelers: Stay Safe & Connected – Share your itinerary with trusted family members, use tracking apps like Find My Friends, and consider solo traveler meet-up groups like Time Left to make new friends.
Pack Snacks & Essentials – If you’re not sure about the local cuisine, bring some comfort foods like protein bars or instant oatmeal to keep you going.
Be Respectful & Present – Enjoy your surroundings, respect local customs, and immerse yourself in the culture instead of just snapping photos for Instagram.
Most Profound Travel Experiences
Travel has the power to shift perspectives and create unforgettable moments. For Damaris, her safari in Tanzania was the most spiritually moving experience of her life. Surrounded by untouched nature, she felt deeply connected to the world in a way she had never experienced before. Watching wildlife in its natural habitat and standing in the “Cradle of Mankind” at Olduvai Gorge was humbling and life-changing.
Marie found her most profound moment during a cross-country road trip from Alabama to California, experiencing the freedom of the open road and the beauty of America’s diverse landscapes. More recently, slowing down and spending extended time in Thailand has allowed her to build meaningful relationships and truly absorb the local culture.
Dream Destinations: Where to Next?
We wrapped up the conversation by sharing our dream destinations:
Damaris: Brazil, to explore its rich Afro-Latin culture and experience Carnival firsthand.
Marie: A spa and food tour across Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, plus a future goal of walking across an entire continent!
Nachi: Italy, though she’s still deciding which region to visit first.
Final Thoughts: Why Travel Matters
Beyond sightseeing and adventures, travel is a tool for self-discovery, understanding different cultures, and breaking free from the limitations of our everyday routines. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a months-long journey across the globe, every trip has the potential to transform us.
Where are you headed next? Let us know in the comments!
