I really missed traveling.
For the most part, my professional pursuits have afforded me the opportunity to travel. Granted, the less-glamorous aspects of early wake up calls, occasional flight issues, rental car counters and crowded interstates were not something to I savored. But they were a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience other cultures, geographies, histories and peoples. I found the trips to be enlightening, educational and an excellent means to develop personal and professional skills.
A few years ago, I changed careers and my responsibilities became exclusively locally focused. Other than an occasional personal trip, my travel was limited to advancing from stoplight to stoplight. To be honest, I did not miss the road initially. For the reasons noted above, travel can become daunting. Something is wrong when your luggage takes up permanent residence on your bedroom floor and the rental car attendant knows you by name. However, as time went on, I found something was missing, but could not put my finger on it.
Earlier this year I took a position in the travel industry and as might be expected, I was afforded the opportunity to travel. I participated in the Mark Travel 500 Gold and Platinum Club trip to Costa Rica in mid-May. It was the first time I was on an airplane in a year. From a process standpoint, it was like riding a bike. I can recite the “seat cushion may be used as a flotation device” oratory in my sleep.
But once I landed, a strange feeling overcame me. I was like the kid in the candy store. I rubbernecked to look out of the airplane window at the terrain. With every building, I scanned the minute details of the architecture. I struck up conversations with the locals. I am sure I am not much different than others who like to travel. The experience can be invigorating and enlightening.
I recently came across an article from Sean Gardner, a person I follow on social media who was able to succinctly put into words why travel appealed to me and how it can be an awesome learning experience. I thought I would share his main points because I think they strike a chord with many.
Why Travel?
- You become a better storyteller. Think of it. You go on the road and are likely to meet people for the first time. What’s your story? What is their story? Because of language barriers and different cultures, we are forced to focus and become better listeners and better communicators.
- The beaten path is not always the best route. Let your adventurous nature take over and choose the side streets. See what lies off the mainstream.
- You can learn something new. Embrace your venue. Why do they do the things they do? Get to understand the basics of a new language.
- Experience a “new” history. What better way to learn about another country or culture by experiencing its history, the venues, the events. Travel takes us there to be a part of it all.
Gardner says, “if education is the passport to our future, then travel will always figure prominently in everything I do.”
I could not have said it better.