What I’ve Learned from 10 Years of Travel Writing

“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by long-time Paste contributor Blake Snow. Although different now, travel is better than ever. Today we revisit some of our favorite experiences from a decade of travel writing.

Whenever someone (rightfully) ribs me for getting paid to travel, I often joke, “It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. This fancy hotel won’t review itself!” Truth is, I’m lucky to have covered travel for 10 years now—seven of which as a columnist for this very website.

Looking back, the last decade has taken me to six continents (soon to be seven), countless cities, dozens of countries, every ocean, 36 states, and exposed me to so many benevolent humans that I genuinely believe the world is in good hands, despite what the news says. I even wrote a rocking song about it (promise it doesn’t suck).

So what are some of my most memorable moments and lessons learned while traveling? Here are seven that stand out. 

“Shame on you:” Invest in experiences over things

A long time ago, my wife and I casually decided to “see that Arch on Utah license plates.” While there we met a friendly Danish man with his wife and two kids. Upon learning that we had never visited any of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks, despite living just three hours away, he laid into us. “My family has traveled 5,000 miles TWICE to see what’s in your backyard. You’re missing out!” We took his advice to heart and have been traveling ever since, to both Utah and beyond. 

“Hey, that’s my bag!” Crap happens (usually by mistake)

Once while flying through Europe, I was forced to stow my carry-on near the front of the plane while seated in the back. Upon exiting, a man grabbed my bag and quickly walked off the plane. “Hey, that man stole my bag and walked off the plane!” I pleaded with fellow passengers, who tried their best to let me squeeze by to catch him. While frantically trying to stop him, I ran through the jet bridge, through the customs corridor, and caught him just before passport control. Once I did, it quickly became apparent he had mistakenly snagged the wrong black bag and apologetically headed back to the plane to fetch his. Close call!

“Running” to Machu Picchu: Adrenaline is the world’s greatest drug

I got the runs on the final night before hiking into Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. Didn’t sleep a wink, since I was running to the toilet every 15-20 minutes. Early the next morning, however, adrenaline kicked in and I regained my strength. To bypass the crowds, my guided group left camp at 4 a.m. Because of that, we were first through the gates and virtually ran our way into Machu Picchu. Although it was the sickest I’ve ever been abroad, I will never forget that magical morning hiking through a Jurrasic-like jungle to see the ruined city at sunrise. 

Blizzard in Raleigh: Distance makes the heart grow fonder

Just before Valentine’s in 2014, a once-in-a-lifetime blizzard shut down Raleigh, North Carolina. I know because I was stuck in a hotel for three days while waiting for the airport to reopen so I could fly home. But I was “oh so close” to making my original flight, which was crewed by cold weather specialists from Minneapolis. After snapping the above pic showing hundreds of canceled flights (but amazingly mine was still “on time,”) I boarded a mostly empty plane feeling like the luckiest person in town. Minutes from takeoff, though, and the deicing truck got stuck in the snow, which grounded me for three full days. I’ve never missed home more. 

Stick shift in Slovenia: Trying new things is exhilarating

Once while on assignment in Slovenia, I was told I would have an automatic rental car. Upon arrival at the airport, however, I was told that stick shifts were all they had left. This filled me with dread as I had barely learned to drive a stick 10 years before, and didn’t want to wreck while driving for the first time in Europe. My wife laughed out loud after I stalled for the third consecutive time while trying to exit the airport. It was a bumpy and jerky first day, to say the least. But by the end of the trip, I was driving those narrow, winding, mountain roads like I was a native. It was invigorating! 

In-flight “butterflies:” Airplanes are a modern marvel

While flying from Salt Lake to Saint Somewhere, the man sat next to me couldn’t stop giggling. Upon takeoff, he was like a child getting tickled by several imaginary friends. His elated face and beaming smile were so infectious, soon I was laughing with him, without knowing the source of the amusement. “I’m sorry,” he said. “This is my first time flying and I just can’t get over the butterflies in my stomach.” Sometimes things become so routine, they lose their wonder, airplanes very much included. But this man was proof that flying is a miracle, magically whisking us across the globe in mere hours, as opposed to the months it used to take not long ago.

Baby bungee jumping: Swallow your pride and take what life gives you

I’ve wanted to bungee jump head first from that famous bridge in New Zealand since I can remember. I even traveled halfway around the world to get there. Filled out of the waiver. Then panicked after reading the very last question: “Have you ever had back surgery?” The answer was, “Yes.” Twice! But I was so close, I considered lying on the form. Instead, I told the truth for fear of breaking my back a third time. As consolation, the crew strapped me to a baby harness, and I jumped feet first like a scaredy cat. It was all very emasculating. 

There are so many more. Missing that flight in Johannesburg. Having my family’s dinner paid for by an anonymous stranger in Seattle. The thrill ofhiking Half Dome or seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time. MyDisneyland conversion story, which is where I got my start in travel.

Truth be told, I wouldn’t trade these memories for the world. Or maybe I already did. 

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and frequent travel columnist. He lives in Provo, Utah with his teenage family and two dogs.