Unlocking Transferable Skills from Travelling

Travelling has many purposes. It is most readily recognised as a transformative experience that shapes our perspectives and broadens our horizons. But actually, it goes much further than this as it helps to equip us with a landscape of transferable skills. In this blog we explore the transferable skills generated through travelling and how they can positively impact various areas of our lives including the work we are leaving behind.

1. Organisation and Planning

When travelling, there will always be a variety of factors that need to be taken into consideration and decision to be made;

How long will I be going for? How will I get there? Where will I be staying? What will I be doing?

Travel therefore develops our planning and organisationabilities with many skills enhanced transferable into the business world. Attention to detail, accessing and analysing different information sources, asking questions, considering factors from multiple angles are all part of the precision and accuracy so necessary to make a trip work. Similar attention to detail in your business will help to ensure all decisions reached have the best chances of highest success.  

2. Time Management

When travelling, poor time management can lead to all sorts of issues including missed flights, and fundamentally wasted opportunities. To get the most out of your trip therefore, you need to ensure you are utilising your time effectively and efficiently. Exactly the same applies to the business world where time is a finite resource which is often in short supply. Thinking about what actions are needed and, importantly, the sequence of events which they need to take place in is a powerful way to become more agile.

3. Communication

When you venture into new territories, communication becomes essential. From ordering food in a foreign language to navigating unfamiliar streets, travellers must learn to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. This skill not only boosts your language proficiency but also cultivates empathy, active listening, and the ability to adapt to different communication styles. Our ability to communicate is also integral to our potential for success in work too. Think about how many projects include the need to navigate new territories as you work with different business cultures and ways of operating.

4. Adaptability:

Travelling is the ultimate test of adaptability. Unexpected situations arise, plans may change, and challenges emerge. However, in the face of such uncertainties, travellers learn to adapt quickly. This skill is an invaluable asset in both personal and professional realms, equipping individuals to cope with change, problem-solve, and remain resilient.

So, the next time you question whether you can take time out to travel, remember, your ability to be productive in the work environment is actually likely to be all the richer for it.