If you've ever considered taking time out from your busy career to travel, whether for a week or a year, you probably assumed that you would have to sacrifice your chances of improving those all important work skills that employers value. You'll be happy to know that there are many valuable things that travel can teach you that will only enhance your career. Here's a list of 7 career skills that will only get better when you travel.
1. Time management
You won't be on the road for very long before you realize how critical time management skills are to travel. Plan poorly and you leave yourself with extended layovers and dead zones with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Or worse, poor time management could leave you running from place to place, perpetually late or even missing important connections.
2. Communication skills
Any seasoned traveller knows that learning how to communicate with people from cultures that are very different from your own and who speak languages that you may have never even heard of takes skill. Being misunderstood is incredibly easy if you aren't careful. It makes you a better listener and a more careful communicator in all of your interactions.
3. Visualization
When you travel you may end up having to orient yourself or find your way in a new place using nothing more than a few simple directions given to you by a local. If you're lucky, you'll have a map or a guidebook to work from. No matter what, you will have to rely on your ability to visualize.
4. Stress management
There are few things that we can do to completely cut stress out of our lives. Whether you are on the job or on the road, stress will go with you. It can be overwhelming and disorienting to be in a place that is completely new to you, which teaches you very quickly the value of handling stress in a healthy way.
5. Teamwork
Travelling with others is a great way to practice your skills as a team player. Even if you travel with just one other person, you still have to deal with all of their wants and idiosyncrasies. You have to figure out common goals and learn how to compromise so everyone gets to have an enjoyable experience.
6. Organization and planning
If your skills at organizing and planning projects are lacking on the job, the worst that can happen is that you find yourself out of a job. If planning and organization aren't your strong suits and you're on a round-the-world adventure, you could end up endangering your health, safety, your finances or well-being.
7. Adaptability
Travel presents one opportunity after another for you to strengthen your adaptability skills because things rarely ever go completely according to plan. Flights get delayed or cancelled, restaurants may not have the food you want, and that great hotel you booked online may look nothing like you expected. You learn very quickly on the road that if you hope to have any fun at all, you are better off learning how to roll with the punches rather than letting small disappointments ruin your entire day (or trip). Being adaptable and flexible can also help you with your stress management skills.
So, don't worry that taking time off from your career to enjoy life on the road will leave you at a loss when it comes to developing your work related skills. No matter where you go, you are always learning something useful.
Will Norquay is a frequent business traveler who shares his experiences and thoughts writing for Stayz, Australia’s #1 holiday rental website.
FAQs
Here's a list of 7 career skills that will only get better when you travel.
- Time management. You won't be on the road for very long before you realize how critical time management skills are to travel. ...
- Communication skills. ...
- Visualization. ...
- Stress management. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Organization and planning. ...
- Adaptability.
7 Multifaceted Benefits of Traveling
- Physical Activity.
- Stress Relief.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.
- Improved Moods.
- Healthy Eating.
- Time With Family and Friends.
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone.
Cultural Competency: In a globalized world, understanding different cultures is essential for success in many professional fields. Travel can make you more culturally competent, which is valuable in international business, diplomacy, and global markets.
How does traveling make you a better person? ›
Travel is a powerful trust-builder because it forces us into challenging and uncomfortable situations all the time — situations in which we have to actively engage with and trust strangers, including those from very different cultures. Study after study, in the US as well as China, have shown this to be the case.
How does traveling improve social skills? ›
Travel helps you see different aspects of communication
If you are respectful and try to communicate back in a similar way, you will likely have a great time getting to know them. You may even learn to be more assertive and come home as a much bolder version of yourself.
How does travel improve communication skills? ›
Travel lets us meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, breaking down barriers between us. These interactions teach us how to communicate effectively. Whether learning a new language, sharing cultural exchanges, or swapping stories with other travelers, travel sharpens our communication skills.
What is the value of travelling? ›
Travelling teaches us to appreciate and value cultural diversity, traditions and appearances. Not only does travelling help us embrace cultural, social and racial differences, travelling also increases our tolerance towards tough conditions and uncertainties.
What is an example of purpose of travel? ›
A few common reasons that people travel are for business, to attend an event, or for leisure. Some people travel as part of their education, such as with a field trip, or to study abroad.
What are the benefits of travelling essay? ›
Travelling also helps us understand people. After you spend time at a new place, you interact with the local people of the place. You learn so much about them and their culture. It makes you more open-minded and be mindful of the culture and beliefs of different people.
Why are you passionate about a career in travel? ›
Example: "My biggest motivation to succeed as a travel agent is knowing I get to help families create once-in-a-lifetime memories. I get to tell others about beautiful, unique destinations. Nothing makes me happier than a satisfied customer who returns from a trip and can't wait to go explore more."
Being in the travel industry gives me creative freedom and always sparks inspiration. The travel space has so much opportunity to showcase your skills through social media content creation, videography, creative writing, and more. It's easy to be inspired when it comes to travel.
Does traveling give you confidence? ›
While there are many ways to get that boost of self-confidence, one of the best (and arguably the most underrated) ways to do so is through travel. Traveling will teach you lessons that can allow you to be more confident throughout the rest of your life.
How does travel affect you? ›
Travel can be a relaxing escape, but it can also be stressful and affect your mental health. Travel-related stress can spark mood changes, depression, and anxiety. Travel can worsen symptoms in people with existing mental illness.
Is travel planning a skill? ›
Travel planning is a skill that can make your trips more enjoyable, efficient, and affordable.
What are traveling skills for children? ›
Travel Skills Your Kids Can Master from Toddler to Teen
- Learning a new language, packing their suitcase, and trying new foods are just a few of the benefits kids gain from travel. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Sleeping in different environments. ...
- Language skills. ...
- Using an elevator and escalators. ...
- Trying new food. ...
- Walking a ton.
