Erol Ozan – Travel Quote of the Week

Quick Summary 

In this article, you’ll learn how Erol Ozan’s quote, “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost,” reveals the value of embracing uncertainty and challenges in travel and life. You’ll discover how moments of confusion or struggle often lead to personal growth and unexpected wisdom. Through examples from famous figures and travel experiences, the article encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and see how getting “lost” can open doors to new perspectives and meaningful journeys.

Who Is Erol Ozan? Explore Wisdom Behind Getting Lost

Erol Ozan is a writer, scientist, and professor of information technology at East Carolina University. He has degrees in electrical engineering, applied physics, and engineering management.

In his novel Talus, Ozan writes “some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” At first, this may simply sound like a cliche phrase meant to sound deep, but it revels much more upon closer inspection.

For thousands of years, humans have connected moments of despair to the discovery of great things. Our most popular legends, fictional stories (think Star Wars), and many of our religious beliefs revolve around heroes who leave the safety of their homes only to find themselves lost and afraid. After a great struggle, they return to civilization, sharing a message of hope and wisdom.

But this pattern is not limited to fantastic worlds or ancient times. The biographies of today’s most successful people are filled with stories that fit this pattern—personal turmoil followed by great achievements. Before publishing her first Harry Potter book, J.K. Rowling was an unemployed, broke, single mother. Today she is responsible for authoring the best selling book series in history, stories which have brought joy to countless children around the world. At age 23, Oprah Winfrey was fired from her local news anchor position and unsure as to what to do next. Thirty plus years later, she uses the power she gained through a successful media career to give back to the African American community and inspire positive change throughout society.

Ozan’s quote is also relevant for travelers. While most trips don’t involve existential crises, you may find yourself in a situation that is confusing and challenging. Perhaps you’ve gotten horribly ill while traveling alone in a foreign country, and you have to rely on the care of total strangers to regain your strength. Maybe you’ll find yourself having to explain your political beliefs to a group of local fishermen whose worldview is not only different, but borderline hostile to yours.

You never know where a life-altering conversation can happen.

Growth Through Travel Challenges

Whatever the circumstances, I’ve learned through personal experience that difficult travel moments—however uncomfortable they initially may be—are almost always beneficial. In fact, I now go out of my way to place myself in settings that force me to rethink how I live, what I believe, and how I act.

Next time you have the opportunity to stray from your ordinary path in life, do it. You never know what wonderful things lay outside the borders of the everyday until you explore for yourself. 

I publish a new travel quote ever 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 does Erol Ozan’s quote mean in the context of travel?

 It suggests that getting lost or facing difficulties while traveling can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal growth.

How can challenging experiences during travel benefit a person?

Difficult moments encourage reflection, adaptability, and can broaden one’s understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Why is it important to step outside your comfort zone during travel?

Doing so exposes you to new ideas and experiences that can change your outlook on life and lead to personal development.