Oscar Wilde Quotes About Travel – Quote of the Week

Quick Summary 

In this article, you will learn about Oscar Wilde’s famous travel quote and the deeper message behind it. Wilde, a 19th-century Irish playwright, encourages us to live a sensational life worth writing about. His quote, “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train,” invites us to embrace personal freedom, remove life’s distractions, and pursue a life full of adventures, something that can fill the pages of our diaries. The article also reflects on how modern society offers more freedom than Wilde’s Victorian era and how we should cherish these opportunities.

Oscar Wilde’s Life and Legacy

Oscar Wilde was a 19th-century Irish playwright, novelist, and poet. He is best known for the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, the play The Importance of Being Earnest, and his eccentric personality.

Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854, the son of two intellectuals. He learned both French and German at an early age. After studying at Oxford, he moved to London where he become famous for his eccentric lifestyle—dressing in flamboyant outfits and rejecting conventional Victorian values.

The Importance of Wilde’s Travel Quote

This week’s travel quote—“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train”—is taken from Wilde’s 1985 play The Importance of Being Earnest. It is a farcical comedy, within which its characters try find personal freedom in a rigid, 1800s England.

While on the surface the quote seems to be about possessing a diary, the underlying message is really about the diary’s content. According to Wilde, one should live the type of life that would make for a good read; one should strive to have a sensational life diary.

In Victorian society, where everything was structured and proper, there was little room for personal expression or experimentation. Thankfully, the modern world gives us much more freedom. Today, you can travel almost anywhere in the world, collecting adventures to fill the pages of your diary. All you have to do is make it a priority.

Once you have decided to write a sensational life diary, you can begin to eliminate unnecessary distractions. You can remove the obstacles—whether they be relationships, material things, or personal demons—that prevent you from living a fascinating life. Soon, you will find that your life seems to have a greater purpose than it did before. Soon, you will be happier.

The author of this week’s travel quote—Oscar Wilde

It’s easy for us to take many of our freedoms for granted; after all, we’ve never lived without them. Reading the writings of individuals like Wilde—who was imprisoned for his decadent lifestyle—reminds us how far we’ve come, and to do our best to live sensational lives.

Enjoy Every Week – New Travel Quote 

I publish a new travel quote every week, right here. Do you have a particular one you’d like us to feature in the future? What do you think about this quotation? Let us know in the comments below! 

 About the Author

Andrew Scott is the founder of Authentic Traveling and a travel educator who has traveled to over 30 countries. He believes in helping individuals discover deeper, more intentional journeys, with a focus on mental preparedness and purpose-driven travel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the deeper meaning behind Oscar Wilde’s travel quote?

 Wilde’s quote encourages people to live a life worth recording, full of adventure and personal freedom. It’s not just about having a diary but about ensuring that the content of that diary is sensational, reflecting a life well-lived.

How can we apply Wilde’s philosophy in modern life?

 By prioritizing meaningful experiences, removing distractions, and embracing freedom, we can create a life that is fulfilling and worth writing about. Modern society offers many opportunities to travel and explore, which can help us live a more sensational life.

How can I start living a more sensational life as Wilde suggests?

 To begin living a more sensational life, focus on pursuing your passions, embracing new experiences, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Eliminate distractions such as negative relationships or material concerns, and prioritize what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Traveling, learning, and personal growth are all key ways to make your life more exciting and meaningful, just as Wilde envisioned.