I believe traveling is important because of just how much we can learn from travel. The great American, and very well-traveled, writer Mark Twain once said “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” There are tons of ways traveling is beneficial to those who are willing to wander a bit, but I think there are three really important things we learn from hitting the road.
1. We Are Similar In Our Uniqueness
I love meeting new people, and I welcome the opportunity to make new friends as I travel.
One thing I’ve learned from traveling is that we are all different, and that makes us the same. Our differences are what unite us; we have different hopes and fears, but we hope and we fear, nonetheless.
When we remember that we are all at heart the same, despite what may seem like insurmountable differences, we can better understand the people who would be our customers, neighbors, and friends.
2. We Are Smaller Than We Know
Our world is a big place, and traveling helps you appreciate just how big it is. Your ego takes a hit when you stand before an ocean, and your heart skips a beat when you reach the top of a mountain.
For those of us who run companies, we can start to imagine the universe begins and ends with us. Traveling helps remind you just how wrong that is.
3. We Are Bigger Than We Imagine
By traveling, we learn that our impact can reach around the world.
When I am traveling, I know that, whenever I meet a new person, for that moment, I am representing every man my age, from my home town, from my country, and from my company. I can influence what people think of me—and people like me—for years to come. I can leave every place I visit just a little bit better.
That’s powerful.
Travelling is good for the soul, and as an entrepreneur, I see travel as a chance to recharge my batteries and seek out inspiration for new business opportunities. There’s a lot to learn from traveling.
Plus, it’s fun.
Jack Fallon
