Beloved Travel Quotes by Anthony Bourdain

With the passing of Anthony Bourdain this past weekend, I began to think about how he inspired so many of us to pursue travel and blogging. On the surface he lived a life that so many of us dreamed of; teaching many people along the way the beauty of the unfamiliar. He was truly a testament to the belief that you’re never “too old” to achieve your dreams.

Here are some of my favorite quotes by Anthony Bourdain, mixed with some of my rudimentary photoshop work.

Travel Quotes by Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain travel quote

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move, as far as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody”

"I learned a long time ago that trying to micromanage the perfect vacation is always a disaster. That leads to terrible times." Anthony Bourdain

“I learned a long time ago that trying to micromanage the perfect vacation is always a disaster. That leads to terrible times.”

"As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt." Anthony Bourdain

“As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.”

 

"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." Anthony Bourdain

“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.”

"It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom … is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go." Anthony Bourdain

“It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom … is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”

"Food is everything we are. It's an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It's inseparable from those from the get-go." Anthony Bourdain

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.”

"Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund." Anthony Bourdain

“Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.”

And of course, my favorite Bourdain food quote:

"Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the Ride." Anthony Bourdain

“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the Ride.”

 

Anthony Bourdain was an inspiration to many of us. A man who achieved what so many of us food and travel bloggers only dreamed. An unapologetic critic of the powerful who showed us that the unfamiliar is more familiar than we think. A foul mouthed cultural ambassador who took on xenophobia in his own way. He’ll be sorely missed.

What are some of your favorite Anthony Bourdain quotes?