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Top 10 Travel Observations from Our Journey
What the World Has Shown Wayne & Tamara While Traveling Abroad
YANKEESMUSICCHINATOWN
Wayne and Tamara Driver
7/29/20264 min read
Living in Panama and traveling across six continents has changed the way Wayne and I see the world. Every destination has revealed something we may have once taken for granted. In many ways, these observations began the day we moved from the United States to Panama.
Now that we are renewing—not retiring**—**we've learned to slow down. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next in "vacation mode," we spend weeks or months in one place. Slow travel has taught us to stop, notice the little things, and truly experience everyday life.
During our recent travels, we began jotting down observations that sparked wonderful conversations between us. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and every one reminded us that travel is one of life's greatest teachers.
Here are our Top 10 Travel Observations from around the world.
🧢 1. Everyone Loves a New York Yankees Hat
No matter where we travel, we see New York Yankees hats.
The funny part? Many of the people wearing them have never visited New York—or even the United States.
Those who have traveled to America often mention the same destinations: New York City, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, or Los Angeles. We always smile because there's so much incredible America between the coasts.
Today, the Yankees cap has become far more than sports apparel. It's an international fashion statement recognized almost everywhere.
Travel reminds us that American culture reaches far beyond our borders.
🎵 2. American Music Truly Is Universal
Walk through a shopping mall in Cape Town.
Enjoy dinner in Buenos Aires.
Ride in a taxi somewhere in Europe.
Relax in a café in Panama.
Sooner or later, you'll hear American music.
Whether it's classic rock, country, jazz, Motown, or today's pop hits, American artists continue to influence generations around the globe.
We've also discovered that music is one of the ways many people learn English.
Music has a remarkable way of bringing people together—even when they don't share the same language.
🥢 3. Nearly Every Major City Has a Chinatown
From Philadelphia to Panama...
London to Brussels...
Rotterdam to San Francisco...
It seems every major city has its own Chinatown.
Of course, you'll also find Italian, Greek, Thai, Mexican, and many other international cuisines.
These neighborhoods preserve history, celebrate heritage, and often serve some of the best food you'll ever taste.
They remind us how immigration has enriched communities around the world.
📱 4. Technology Has Become the World's Common Language
One thing we've noticed everywhere is this:
Everyone has a smartphone.
Need directions?
Transportation?
Restaurant recommendations?
To pay for something?
Technology has become the universal travel companion, helping bridge language barriers and making international travel easier than ever.
🚻 5. Restrooms Around the World Can Be...An Adventure
Few things surprise travelers more than bathrooms around the world.
We've encountered everything from luxury bidets and handheld sprayers to squat toilets, bring-your-own-toilet-paper facilities, and yes—even the occasional hole in the ground.
One lesson we've learned?
Always carry your own toilet paper (BYOTP), hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.
And remember...
If there's a trash can beside the toilet, it's usually there for a reason. In many countries, toilet paper doesn't belong in the plumbing.
Travel quickly teaches us there are many different ways to do everyday things.
🧺 6. Face Cloths Aren't Common Everywhere
Many Americans don't realize how uniquely American washcloths are.
In countless hotels around the world, you'll find beautiful bath towels and hand towels—but no face cloth.
We've even learned that asking the front desk often results in puzzled looks because they simply aren't common in many countries.
Now we always pack our own.
Sometimes the smallest travel lessons become the ones you'll never forget.
🍽️ 7. "Where's the Check?"
Ordering food is easy.
Getting the bill can be another story.
In many countries, restaurants won't automatically bring your check.
Why?
Because dining is considered an experience—not something to rush.
We've learned that patience, a smile, and knowing a few local phrases like "La cuenta, por favor" make all the difference.
🍕 8. Pizza and Burgers Really Are Everywhere
No matter how culturally rich the destination, somehow pizza and hamburgers always seem to find us.
While we love sampling authentic local cuisine, we can't help but laugh when we see signs advertising "Authentic New York Pizza" or "Real Philly Cheesesteaks."
Tamara grew up in New York.
Wayne is from Philadelphia.
Let's just say...we've learned not to believe every sign.
And yes—the Colonel and the Clown seem to have franchises almost everywhere.
Sometimes a familiar meal is comforting after weeks abroad.
🌐 9. Google Translate Is One of Our Best Travel Companions
We never expect everyone to speak English.
Instead, we try to learn a few local words everywhere we go.
When that isn't enough, Google Translate comes to the rescue.
It's become common to see both travelers and locals holding up their phones, translating back and forth together.
One important lesson we've learned:
Spanish isn't the same everywhere.
Neither is French.
Or English.
Every language has regional slang and expressions.
Technology helps—but making the effort to learn even a few local words shows respect and often opens doors to wonderful conversations.
📏 10. The Metric System Really Is the World's Standard
Outside the United States, nearly everything is measured differently.
Kilometers.
Celsius.
Kilograms.
Liters.
At first, constantly converting measurements can feel overwhelming.
Eventually, though, your brain begins thinking in kilometers instead of miles.
Travel reminds us that what feels "normal" depends entirely on where you're standing.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Travel isn't simply about collecting passport stamps.
It's about collecting perspectives.
Every country has its own customs, traditions, and way of approaching everyday life. Rather than comparing everything to home, we've learned to appreciate those differences.
Some observations make us laugh.
Some challenge our assumptions.
All of them have made us better travelers.
As Wayne often says:
"The world becomes much smaller when you're willing to see it through someone else's eyes."
Until our next adventure…
Happy Travels!
Wayne & Tamara Driver
International Driver – Exploring God's World, One Journey at a Time