5 Ways Traveling Can Help Prepare You for Your Future
I think some people think that because I am a traveler, I am escaping the responsibilities of life i.e. settling into a career, starting a family, paying a mortgage. This could not be further from the truth. As a traveler, I have been exposed to lots of different challenges that I have overcome and have been able to reflect on what I’ve learned and how they can translate into my future.
1. Organization/Planning Logistics
Traveling reaffirmed my beliefs that being organized is a very important trait to have. Through my travels, I have had to plan so many flights, buses, airport transfers, hostel arrangements, activities and meals. As travelers, we are faced with lots of logistical planning. We are constantly having to puzzle together pieces of our trip; when will we go, where are we going, what will we do there, how will we get there and who will we connect with? Though most of these questions will be left unanswered at the beginning of the trip, it is still a thought that many of us will have.
2. Networking
As a traveler, I have improved my networking skills and most of the time it’s been unintentional. Traveling solo has inspired me to be a more open person and in turn has presented me with some pretty cool opportunities and new relationships. It will be one of your greatest tools when building your own business or embarking on a new venture.
3. Releasing Control (Trusting the Process)
As I’ve talked about all of the planning and logistics that go into travel, I also want to bring up the fact that sometimes not over-planning is the most rewarding decision. Allowing your itinerary to have some flexibility and spontaneity is a very fulfilling option. I have always been a major planner, but after the travel I have been doing, I have found that though it is good to have a “rough” idea, opening yourself up to different options is exhilarating, freeing, and inspiring. This correlates to a career because it will allow you to be more open to suggestions and creative direction from others. Trust the process and the people you are working with. Allow them to feel part of the process and they will give you back more than you can imagine.
4. Creativity
I can’t think of a better way to develop creativity than to travel. It brings you into contact with so many amazingly talented and diverse people that you can’t help but be inspired to create on your own. From jewelry makers to business owners with big ideas, I am been creatively transformed in many ways and want to bring new ideas to future projects.
5. Budgeting
I have kept an Excel budget sheet throughout my travels so I can keep track of my income and expenses and to see where most of my spending is going. From bus tickets to treating myself to a nice dinner out, I log it in my budget sheet. This is a great tool to use no matter if I’m on the road or not and it will develop great skills for future jobs and relationships.
Being a traveler isn’t just about seeing new places, meeting new people, and living a life outside of the box, it is also a great way for people to gain life skills that will help shape them into a well-rounded, educated, creative being who will serve as a major asset to any future employer or as a boss of their own company.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!