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.
Travel can make you more culturally competent, which is valuable in international business, diplomacy, and global markets. Networking Opportunities: Travel often involves meeting new people, whether fellow travelers, locals, or professionals in your field.
What experience do you get from Travelling? ›
When you travel, you leave behind the familiar and take on a world of new things. You're constantly learning through travel, with new cultures, friends, foods and languages. You may feel excitement or even fear, but usually never boredom… and it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.
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.
Is being well Travelled a skill? ›
Travelers often crave change and seek out new experiences. This suggests to employers that you aren't afraid to take chances and think out of the box, that you're fun and innovative. You're AdaptableBeing well-traveled suggests an ability to adapt to unique and changing situations.
Does traveling make you healthier? ›
Traveling may offer some physical and mental health benefits. Traveling has been associated with a decrease in heart disease risk, lower stress levels, and improved physical activity and well-being.
What is the value of travelling? ›
Travelling is a powerful aid to education. It provides an experience of the world. By travelling we come in connectpeople of different caste, colour, creed and community to getfamiliarity with their tradition, culture, customs, has costumes and their style of living. This helps in the better understanding.
Is vacation good for mental health? ›
When you take a vacation, pressure and stress are alleviated and your mental health is boosted. Make a tradition out of it. There are lasting effects of a vacation. People who travel regularly experience those effects for longer.
Can travel help us develop new skills? ›
Travel experiences will help us grow as individuals by teaching us important life skills such as problem-solving, communication, adaptability, resilience and so much more. Ultimately, traveling is an amazing way to gain knowledge about the world while also developing ourselves on a personal level.
It gives you room to grow, boosts your confidence, gives you courage, and gives you that validation you need to go out and do hard things. Let travel eradicate those excuses once and for all. As you embark on your next big adventure, remember to stay present and record your thoughts and memories as often as you can!
Why should I be passionate about a career in travel? ›
The constant creativity. 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.
How does travel enrich your life? ›
Travel enriches your life by exposing you to so many new things. From sights, sounds, people, and experiences. While on your journey you are able to see and experience different countries and cultures, interact with people from different religions, backgrounds, etc. and eat food you may not normally have while at home.
What are 10 synonyms for travel? ›
Related Words
- adventure.
- excursion.
- expedition.
- exploration.
- pilgrimage.
- quest.
- sojourn.
- tour.
Traveling is important in life because it allows us to explore new places and cultures, learn new things, and make connections with people from all over the world. It can also be a source of inspiration and motivation, helping us to grow and develop our skills and knowledge.
Is travel planning a skill? ›
Travel planning is a skill that can make your trips more enjoyable, efficient, and affordable. But how do you know if you are doing it well, and how can you improve your travel planning skills and habits? In this article, we will share some tips and tools to help you evaluate and enhance your travel planning process.
How do you say you enjoy travelling on CV? ›
General Travel
- Mention that set yourself some goals/targets for your travel. ...
- Mention any stand-out experiences, where you got through an issue and learned more about yourself. ...
- State what made the trip worthwhile and how it has inspired you to apply for this job.
