I've learnt many things/I learnt many things

[Gunner1999]

Hi. I know that it's possible to use the simple past tense, even if there is no time expression. However, I realise that the action has to be finished in the past. Here I'd like to give you an example, so that you can see what I mean. This amazing journey has finished. I've learnt/learnt many things. My soul has completely changed/changed . I've met/ met plenty of interesting people. Moreover I've bought/bought a few souvenirs.

Now I'd like to know which tense is better. I suppose that the past simple will be better, because the journey is finished. Even though there is no time expression, it is seen that this period of time is over. But on the other hand all these actions have a result on the present.

 

[Tdol]

You can use the simple past, but this amazing journey suggests it ended recently. If the journey and experiences are still resonating with you and you wish to emphasise this, then the present perfect is the form to go for IMO.

 

[bubbha]

I would use the simple past because the journey is over. Compare:

"The journey is over. I learned many things."
"The journey is almost over. I have learned many things."

(In American English we favor "learned"; indeed, "learnt" is quite rare.)

 

[Tdol]

The journey may be over, but the experiences and learning may remain.