Some days I really do wish for travel to be simpler. Like you, I traveled a lot in my early twenties - 25+ years ago. Like you, I frequented internet cafes, solely to keep in touch with people back home via email.

I still remember staying at a hostel after 8 years of a travel hiatus in my thirties. I came out of my room in the morning expecting to find a bunch of people happily chatting to each other, instead, every single person was staring at an iPad or smartphone. I was shocked. This was certainly not the same scene that I had last partaken in so many years ago.

These days we try to maintain the element of surprise by not researching destinations. Sure, we will usually have accommodation sorted out in advance, but we leave the rest up to explore and learn as we go.

On our hardest travel days, I always tell Chris "Now imagine this day without a smartphone and maps in our pocket." He says he can't imagine. Haha. Great reflections here, Scott:)