Why Travel is Essential for a Successful Career July 30, 2015My LifeOff

When you’re trying to build a successful career, taking time out to travel can seem frivolous or even somewhat detrimental to your working goals. However, the opposite is true; travelling helps both the body and mind, by allowing you to meet new people, build relationships with them and solve problems — all skills that can inform your performance in the work place.

If you’d like to travel while you’re studying, or if you’d like to take some time off from your job in order to travel, here are some suggestions of places to go and attractions to visit when you’re overseas.

Europe by Rail
There are many ways to see the world, but one that has always had a romantic reputation is to see the countries of Europe by train. There is more traveling time involved when compared to flying, but it also provides you with the unique opportunity to see huge tracts of Europe’s beautiful countryside that you might not otherwise have seen, and with open rail passes you have the flexibility to hop on and off the trains and get to know parts of interior Europe that aren’t overrun with tourists.

You can also travel the rails to and from most of the capital cities in Europe, so all you need to do is the European destination that you most want to visit that you most want to visit, such as a charming Lisbon break in Portugal, or flying to picturesque Paris in France. From these international cities you can easily hop on a train and explore the pastoral side of Europe, like Lake Bled in Slovenia or Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.

Lastly, going by rail is one of the most relaxing ways to travel. Without having to deal with the stresses involved in flying, you can spend your vacation unwinding, so that when you get back, you feel fresh, de-stressed and ready to embark upon – or continue – your professional pursuits.

South East Asia
One of the most popular destinations for backpackers in the world, South East Asia has become a haven for travelers of all ages.

This is because you can see a variety of very different cultures within a limited period of time. There are lots of transport options between most of the countries in South East Asia, and they tend to be safe and inexpensive, so keen backpackers can cross the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam easily.

If you’re thinking of going to South East Asia, it’s worth noting that there are also a variety of ways you can experience this region of the world. Along with backpacking through, there are plenty of opportunities where you can mix work and pleasure by improving your professional experience, from teaching English as a second language or enrolling in language courses abroad to volunteering at an NGO. All of which will add practical knowledge and a little color to your résumé when you do return to work.

Along with abundant work and volunteer opportunities, South East Asia is just full of stunning sites, including the Angkor Wat historical park in Siem Reap, Cambodia and the infamous Khaosan Road in Thailand, making it a wonderful way to spend your time away from the nine to five.

South America
Vast, beautiful and diverse, South America’s exquisite geography is matched only by its unique sites and attractions. Home of white sand beaches, the vast wilderness of Patagonia, the Amazonian rainforest and the 15th century Incan ruins known as Machu Picchu.

South America’s diverse landscape means that it can embrace almost any interest. For history buffs, the Incan and Mayan ruins that dot the upper reaches of the continent are the place to be. For adventurers, there are opportunities to hike the trails around the snow covered Andes, or to take a raft down the Amazon River and learn about the indigenous cultures of the world’s most famous rainforest. For travelers looking to get a sense of the modern culture of this continent, they can find it in the major cities of Lima, Rio and Buenos Aires which are all cosmopolitan and international hubs.

It’s worth investigating programs that allow travelers to stop and learn a little Portuguese or Spanish, because South America’s economy is currently booming and working with these countries will become more and more prevalent in the next decade. Giving yourself a professional edge by understanding what makes some of these countries tick, will be a boon to any future employer.

Carving a career path for yourself is about utilizing all your skills and knowledge to advance in your chosen profession. But skills and knowledge are gained through experience, and taking the time to travel and be exposed to different cultures and ways of doing business can help you shape your future prospects. So pack your bag, pick a destination and get traveling!

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