The late Anthony Bourdain once said, “If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.” I’d say that outlook on life extends far beyond the age of 22. Experience the world through your own five senses. The question is, what travel destinations should top your list?


 
I most certainly have a lot more of the world that I’d love to see, here, taste, smell and touch. And while I know there are plenty of people who’ve done a lot more than I have, I’d like to think that I’m reasonably well-traveled.

You might remember when I featured some wild animals I encountered and the unique food that we ate in Australia. I didn’t really show you much of the majestic beauty of the Australian Outback though. It’s gorgeously breathtaking. And excruciatingly hot, so you’ll need to finish some of your hikes before noon.

Everywhere we’ve visited over the years has been different. And everywhere has been special for different reasons.

It doesn’t matter how many videos you watch of the Shilin Night Market in Taipei. Until you’re engulfed in the stench of stinky tofu, until you’ve been caught in a sudden torrential rainfall, you haven’t really experienced it. It doesn’t matter how many gorgeous pictures you see of ancient Mayan ruins. Until you’re physically there with the wild iguanas in Tulum, you can’t really appreciate the weight of it all.

So, much like Tony, I urge you to travel. As far and as often as you can. And maybe you’ll meet some interesting characters along the way too.