In 2018, nearly $762 billon was spent on domestic and international leisure travel, according to the U.S. Travel Association. While that’s a rather hefty amount, the reality is, travel is like getting a fun education, brining numerous lessons that can be applied in our daily lives.
Table of Contents
Patience
When you travel, especially to a different country, not everything flows just like you expect it to. When you’re at home, you’re probably familiar with how everything works, where the ATMs are, which stores have your favorite foods and so on. But in a new place, everything is different, and often, obstacles arise. Perhaps your luggage is lost or you’re unable to communicate with a stranger who speaks a different language. Dealing with those challenges provides a lesson in patience, something that many people can use in their everyday lives, both personally and professionally. For example, say you were to buy one of the houses for sale in Atlanta, and had to move a long distance. After traveling overseas, you’ll naturally have a lot more patience and an easier time overall when it comes to getting to familiar with your new city.
Think More Creatively and Become a Better Problem Solver
Inevitably, problems arise when you travel, perhaps you’ll be stuck without Wi-Fi and have no GPS for getting around – you’ll have to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B without it. Even if you have it, it can sometimes be difficult with roundabouts, one-way streets and perhaps driving on the opposite side of the road. There’s always going to be some kind of bump along the way, but that just teaches you how to be a better problem solver. If you can find a way to deal with those problems away from home, you’ll take that lesson with you for life as it teaches you to think more creatively.
Learning to Try New Foods
If you were offered a new, perhaps strange food in your home country, you’d probably turn it down immediately, but when you’re traveling, you’ll get used to being served some different and sometimes rather unusual or potentially unappetizing dishes. After a while, it will become just a normal part of your day and you’ll be much more likely to try different foods no matter where you happen to be.
Time Management
Most of us don’t have unlimited resources and/or time to travel for an extended period of time, which means we have to make the most of what little time we have, fitting the best possible experiences into a set schedule. One of the most common travel mistakes is creating a schedule that’s unrealistic, trying to visit a long list of sights and attractions in a time frame that’s far too short, which often leads to exhaustion. On the opposite end of the spectrum, not planning at all and having too much free time could cause frustration by missing out on important experiences. Being able to manage time the best way possible while traveling is an important lesson that can be used both personally and professionally back home.
Enjoying Your Own Company
If you travel alone, it teaches you to enjoy your own company. You’ll have time to reflect on your experiences, the choice to do what you want when you want and not be distracted by others’ opinions. After a while, dining out alone, walking around a city by yourself and so on, won’t feel strange, but comfortable.