“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”
We all need vacations. At least once a year. Twice is better. Whether you decide to travel within your country, or outside your country depends on you and your budget. But in the end, if we want to unwind ourselves, add zest to our life from all the hustle-bustle of our mundane lifestyle, and the constant pressures from the office, we need breaks. All works and no plays make Jack a dull boy. Here, our “plays” are a suitcase, some clothes, essential necessities, tickets, passport, and off to explore the world.
The reason why people who tend to travel often succeed more at work than those who don’t is because travelling diversifies one’s mind. Do you want to know in details? Read on.
1. They are open-minded
People who are involved in office works, especially the high-level corporate office leaders have agreed that once they come back from a holiday, they tend to focus more on works. Their minds get fresh, more open towards the world. They are more ambitious, they have a clearer perspective on everything, and more importantly, they are more optimistic.
2. They have a wider range of networking
When you are visiting another country for a conference, or workshops, you are inclined to meet people from different parts of the world. This helps you to promote yourself, to build up social networking. These people stay in your contact lists. This is a crucial point if you are keen to expand your networking.
3. They are good at organising
If your service involves logistic problems, HR, accounting, or anything related to handling cash, then this will help you to organise better. How? If you plan to travel to a different country, regardless of whether you are travelling alone, with family, friends, or even business trips, you are steering a lot of things—things like taking care of your passport, different currency, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, looking after your companion(s), etc. Once you are back to the office, your tasks will seem easier for you to complete.
4. They know a lot about other cultures
When you are on overseas travel, your eyes open up to different cultures. Having first-hand multi-cultural experiences will aid you to understand how people handle different situations regarding life or office works. Observing an international style of work will able you to apply some to your own occupation as well.
5. They are better at socialising
International travel means the scope for acquiring knowledge about different cultures, languages, etc. Those cultures, languages, society, everything is dissimilar to your own. You can take a short language lesson prior to visiting the country, or buy a translated book, but whatever it is that you do, you will always be tested at your social skill. This includes how well you articulate in that foreign country with the locals, your patience, your tactfulness, and your etiquette. If you can succeed in this “examination,” then you can easily thrive in your career.
6. They get a fresh start after every trip
What happens when your electronic device freezes? You restart or refresh it, and it starts working fine again. Similarly, we all need to reinvigorate our brains at one point in time. And the best way to do that is to take a break, even if it’s for a short period of time. Going abroad is better therapy. A pleasure trip will make you forget about your everyday chores and your hectic life. Trips like these will leave you to fall in love with the world, will energise you, and make you a better person. Once you travel back home, you know you are ready to face the reality with a fresh mind.
“A well travelled person is an astute business person. There is perspective gained from international travel that cannot be matched in a classroom or office environment.”
—Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President Americas, Philippe Lacamp.
Do you agree with him? Let me know your opinion!