The Importance of Traveling: Lessons from My Solo Adventures
As young entrepreneurs, we have been told to stick with the grind: build your business, secure your future, and keep your head down. What if, however, one of the best ways to grow-both as an individual and as a professional-is actually to step away from the hustle and place yourself in a new environment? That's where traveling comes in.
I am fortunate to have grown up in a family where travel was a yearly endeavor however as I grew up I uncovered the growth that comes with independent travel. Last year I took a month long solo adventure to visit some of the most fascinating destinations in Italy, Switzerland, England, the Netherlands, and France. Most recently, I came back from a two-week adventure that took me across the sun-soaked streets of Málaga, Spain, and on to the coastlines of the French Riviera. All experiences have consistently strengthened my belief that traveling is irreplaceable in self-developmental and entrepreneurial building, especially during your twenties.
Travel Expands Your Understanding of the World
Traveling immerses you in different cultures, languages, and ways of life. Spending a week in Málaga, a city steeped in rich history and laid-back coastal vibes, opened my eyes to the slower pace of life in Spain. It was a stark contrast to the faster, hustle-oriented culture I’m accustomed to. The daily rhythm of life in Málaga, where long lunches and late-night socializing are the norms, taught me that not everything in life—or business—needs to be a race.
During a day trip to Marbella, I saw yet another side of Spain. The glamorous, upscale beach town offered a glimpse into a different lifestyle—luxurious yet relaxed, showing me that success can look different depending on where you are in the world. Each experience reminded me of the importance of adaptability, a key trait for entrepreneurs.
Gaining Perspective Beyond Your Bubble
Nothing shifts your perspective more than stepping out of your everyday environment. While staying in Nice on the French Riviera, I embarked on day trips to Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, and Eze. Each town had its own unique charm, from the artistic energy of Antibes to the peaceful, picturesque streets of Menton. It was in these moments, walking along cobbled streets or taking in the Mediterranean views, that I realized just how small our personal worlds can feel compared to the vastness of the world outside.
In Villefranche-sur-Mer, watching locals gather for a quiet evening by the water made me reflect on how often we overlook the simple pleasures in life. Entrepreneurs often get caught up in chasing success, but travel teaches you to slow down and appreciate the world around you. This shift in perspective is vital for long-term growth, reminding us that success isn’t always about speed—it’s about balance.
Travel Makes You More Resilient and Adaptable
Travel, like entrepreneurship, is filled with challenges. Navigating unfamiliar places, dealing with language barriers, and managing unexpected changes in plans forces you to think on your feet. During my time in Nice, a train delay led to an unplanned afternoon exploring Eze, a medieval hilltop village. What could have been a stressful situation turned into one of the highlights of my trip, as I wandered through quiet streets and stumbled upon breathtaking views of the French coastline.
This ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as an entrepreneur. Just like in travel, business doesn’t always follow the script, and the more comfortable you become with uncertainty, the more confident you’ll be in handling whatever comes your way.
Appreciating Diversity and Innovation
Travel exposes you to new ways of thinking and living. During my travels in 2023, I visited Italy, Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands, each country presenting its own unique approach to culture and innovation. From Italy’s historical art and architecture to the technological advancements in the Netherlands, each experience broadened my understanding of what’s possible in both life and business.
In Switzerland, for instance, I marveled at how a country can blend traditional values with cutting-edge innovation. It was a reminder that as entrepreneurs, we can’t afford to stay stuck in one way of thinking. To grow, we need to be open to different ideas, perspectives, and ways of solving problems. Travel is one of the best ways to cultivate this openness and creativity
You’ll Appreciate Home More
There’s a unique realization that comes with leaving your familiar surroundings—you begin to appreciate your roots in a way you hadn’t before. After traveling through different countries, I found myself appreciating the comforts and opportunities of home more deeply. It’s easy to take the familiar for granted, but stepping away can help you see it in a new light.
Traveling helped me recognize the privileges and opportunities that exist in my home country. As I walked through different cities in Europe, from London’s bustling streets to Amsterdam’s canals, I began to see that while every place has its own challenges, there’s also a shared humanity that connects us. This realization of global interconnectedness has made me more mindful of how I approach both my life and business, with a focus on appreciation and gratitude.
Final Thoughts
Traveling while you’re young is one of the most valuable experiences you can invest in. It not only broadens your perspective on the world but also helps you grow as an individual. For entrepreneurs, this kind of growth is especially important, as it teaches you to be more adaptable, resilient, and open-minded—traits that are essential for success in today’s ever-changing business landscape.
The building of a business should be likened to the crafting of meaningful experiences for oneself and those one seeks to serve. Travel teaches that success is not just about the bottom line but the journey and impact one leaves behind.
