A Lesson From a World Explorer
I once had the opportunity to travel in Egypt with Dr. John Goddard, a recognized world explorer who had embarked on many incredible expeditions throughout his lifetime. The L.A. Times called him the “Real Life Indiana Jones.” Some years ago as we were sitting on the upper-deck of a small cruise boat sailing on the Nile River, he told me, “Mike, throughout my travels, I have never met a person I couldn’t learn something from.”
That simple philosophy has stuck with me through decades of my own travel.
It doesn’t matter whether someone is a prominent figure like a historian, an artist, a successful business owner, or a struggling single mom who sells fresh tamales from her simple stand on the street. Every person carries stories, perspectives, and insights shaped by their experiences.
By investing the time to step away from our own daily life routines and go venture into foreign lands and even other regions of our own home country, we can encounter people of all backgrounds who, if we take the time to meet and listen to them, we might learn something from their perspective on life.
Sometimes the most profound lessons come from the most unexpected encounters. It could be a shared meal with a family in a remote village, a conversation with an elderly person who has seen generations of change, or even a simple exchange with a shopkeeper who takes pride in their business.
The world is full of cultures, traditions, and ways of life vastly different from what we know.
We all can learn from their life experiences if we are open to listening and asking questions.
When we travel to explore, we will most likely encounter “different.” Different foods, customs, parenting styles, and even clothing might not align with what we’re used to. But “different” doesn’t mean wrong. It just means – not like home. And honestly, if you wanted everything to be just like home, why leave in the first place?
This mindset is what separates travelers from tourists.
The Difference Between Travelers and Tourists
I run a tour company that takes small groups into destinations where history and traditions run deep in México – far from the all-inclusive resorts and on many of our tours, off the well-worn tourist paths. Over the years, I’ve learned something important: one judgmental person in a group can shift the entire dynamic of that group in a negative way.
I’ve seen it happen.
Imagine a small group of curious explorers sitting down to a meal in a family-run restaurant in a remote town, eager to experience what the locals eat. Then, one person turns their nose up at the unfamiliar dish in front of them, loudly questioning why things aren’t done “normally.” You can feel the mood shift instantly. The excitement dims. The moment is lost.
That’s why I make it a point to fill my tours with travelers, not tourists.
What’s the difference?
- Tourists seek a “more like home” vacation experience—comfort, familiarity, and minimal surprises.
- Travelers embrace the unfamiliar. They approach new cultures with curiosity, not comparison. They engage with history, people, language, and food, rather than just snapping photos and checking places off a list.
And if I get the sense in a first phone call or email correspondence that someone might struggle with being surrounded by different on one of our tours, I’ll suggest to them that they should contact a local travel advisor for help in finding a more tourist-friendly trip that better suits their expectations. No hard feelings. It’s just about making sure everyone ends up on the right journey for them.
Travel is About Discovery, Not Comfort
When I think about the trips that stayed with me the longest, they weren’t the ones where everything went smoothly. They were the ones that challenged me, where I stepped into an unfamiliar place and let it teach me something new.
I believe the best moments happen when we show up curious—listening more than we talk, noticing more than we assume, and allowing a place to be exactly what it is, without trying to mold it into our own idea of comfort.
If that sounds like your kind of travel, then let me introduce you to a country that is made for explorers.
Beyond the Resorts – Why México is a Land Filled with Exploration Possibilities
If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on discovery, México offers an incredible diversity of cultures, shaped by over 60 distinct indigenous groups. Their languages, traditions, and ways of life are woven into the very fabric of this country.
This is a land where ancient civilizations left behind towering pyramids, where traditional crafts have been passed down for generations, and where vibrant markets pulse with the sounds of local dialects and centuries-old customs.
Venture beyond the tourist hotspots and you’ll find places where the past and present exist side by side. Where you can witness Day of the Dead rituals in a small mountain town, learn the intricate art of weaving from Zapotec artisans, or share a home-cooked meal with a family whose ancestors have lived on the same land for centuries.
México isn’t just a place to go to relax on a beach. It’s a place to experience, to learn from, and to be transformed by . . . that is . . . if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Are You Ready to Travel Deeper?
If you think of travel as a learning experience and not just an escape from everyday life, and if you’re willing to embrace the unfamiliar, then it’s time to explore México – beyond the highly advertised and commercialized tourist destinations.
About the Author
Mike Vondruska is the founder and director of tour operations for Go Now Adventures LLC. He and his team specialize in creating expert-guided small group multi-day tours for curious and adventurous travelers to explore the country of México.
Mike’s tour company is registered in the United States and also has an office near the city of Pachuca in the México state of Hidalgo. His company website is GoNowAdventures.com
