Mark Gerardot on How Travel Changes You

Traveling is more than just leaving the country to taste new foods and see new sights. Every time you take a trip, you expand your knowledge, skills, and create new connections. Not only that, but you open your mind to new experiences and ways of living. Traveling won’t just give you a sense of happiness, it will also help you grow as a person.

What Happens When You Travel?

You Learn To Live
Being able to walk away from technology and blocking stressors is a skill that many of us are unable to acquire when going about our everyday lives. Yet, when you travel you learn to live in the moment. You can unplug yourself from your normal life and enjoy your surroundings more. Traveling teaches you to forget about social media and the internet.

If you are in Italy, try some gelato. If you are in Japan, visit Mount Fuji. Try a new food or see a new location in person. Your phone screen doesn’t hold all the answers in life, and while you want to capture the moment in a photo, sometimes you just need to live in the moment.

You Learn To Be Flexible
No matter when or where you travel, you’ll experience some sort of shift in plans, whether it’s a delayed flight or forgotten travel item. You learn to make the best of every situation. Instead of getting frustrated or angry, you learn to stay calm and collected as you initiate a new plan of action. It also helps you learn to become spontaneous. Did the museum or event you were planning to attend get canceled? Well, that just means you can explore whatever city you are in for something new to do.

This is an invaluable skill that you can apply to future situations and even your career. Being flexible in your job helps you think of innovative solutions to problems you face.
You Learn About New Perspectives

You experience new cultures and meet new people. Both are things that will change who you are and shape your perspective for the better. You learn about how people live in different countries. You learn to appreciate what you have and gain empathy. Knowing who they are will help you become a well-rounded person.

You Learn About Yourself And Conquer Your Fears
Traveling is a great time for self-reflection. When you visit new countries, you utilize different skills and abilities to help you. As you do that, you realize what you are good at and where you need improvement. If you are uncomfortable talking to new people, then you can practice back in your community. Start to volunteer or try talking to someone that you meet in an elevator or at the store.

Traveling will help you face your fears. When you see new countries, you observe new animals and encounter scary situations. Those experiences will help teach you how to manage your fears better and overcome them. Did you meet a snake for the first time? Well, next time you see one you will be better prepared to handle the situation. You will know what to do and what not to do.

No matter where you travel or who you go with, know that it does change you for the better. Not only does it make you a well-rounded person but it can also help you in your career and personal relationships. The more you travel, the more opportunities you have to grow.

Originally published on MarkGerardot.Wordpress.com

Mark Gerardot is currently with AMResorts in Philadelphia as the Creative Director. He has an extensive history in marketing and graphic design. With his knowledge and expertise, he is helping his team at AMResorts achieve their goals and potential.