7 Lessons Learned from Traveling to over 70 countries

Traveling the world is filled with highs and lows and lessons learned from the most unlikely people and places. It has led me to go on cruises with billionaires, to swim from one Caribbean Island to another, to getting lost in the streets of China and climbing some of the highest mountains. Throughout my travels, I have had the opportunity to live on a boat, live on different Caribbean Islands, and live in Central America. Here are seven valuable lessons that I learned while traveling the world that I wanted to share: 

1. Leave Your Comfort Zone Behind                     

We often don’t realize it, but we naturally seek comfort by doing the same things and interacting with the same people. Stepping outside of our comfort zones is the first step to growth, whether it’s professionally or personally. Trying activities that are unfamiliar, speaking with strangers, spending time with different people, trying new foods, visiting new places, and taking on various challenges like running a marathon all propel us in a direction outside of our comfort zone. Learning to overcome barriers that one places on oneself are key to becoming comfortable being uncomfortable. 

As a girl who grew up in a small town, traveling throughout Asia for business development purposes was a bit intimidating at first, especially when it came to navigating the different transportation systems and meeting with different people. Let’s say I managed to get lost a couple of times. It all worked out in the end, and I learned to embrace the unknown. You will never know what you are capable of until you leave your comfort zone. 

2. Be Open-Minded and Embrace Change  

It’s great to have a plan, but strict adherence to a plan can lead to missed opportunities and experiences. There is only so much planning that you can do, and it’s often best to throw yourself into action and figure things out along the way as opposed to not taking action at all. Focus on doing, rather than planning, and you will get a lot more done. Plans are meant to be changed, and changes should be embraced. Leaving flexibility throughout the week can give more time for thought, strategy, and reflection. It is often unexpected moments and unexpected encounters that will have the most significant impact on your life. 

Whenever I travel, I try to leave time to meet with people spontaneously and be open-minded. An unexpected meeting can change your life. I once landed a significant client in attempting to park a car in a tricky parking lot. I sparked a conversation with a guy that was walking by. He also successfully parked my car!

3. Take the time to think creatively   

Most people are focused on short term gains and get bogged down in the day to day. By taking a few minutes out of every day to take the time to reflect and think creatively will lead you to approach situations with a different perspective and come up with unique solutions to problems. Creative writing, reading, painting, and reflecting on questions are great ways to train your mind to be more creative and come up with unique ideas. One of the perks about traveling is that there are often periods where you can reflect and think about where you are in life and where you are going. 

Personally, climbing Rainbow Mountain in Peru was inspiring. Hiking in the mountains provided time to think clearly, and I thought about different business ideas and how I would take steps to bring those ideas to life. 

4. Your attitude is everything 

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Life throws all kinds of curveballs. When situations don’t work out as planned or people disappoint you, there is always a positive angle to every situation. Situations can be out of your control, but you are in control of your attitude.

For example, when traveling, your flight is delayed, or your planned activity was canceled; you can choose to dwell on the inconvenience, or you can choose to approach the situation with a more positive attitude and find something else to do. Having the right attitude will also change the way people perceive you. Bringing a positive attitude to a meeting can change the course of discussions. There is no sense of dwelling on the past when you can’t change it. The power of being positive should never be underestimated and can transform your life and that of others.  

5. Always be kind & grateful

Traveling the world has taught me to be more humble and appreciative. Walking through the streets in India, Africa and other developing countries was eye-opening. There is a lot of suffering around the world and little acts of kindness can have a major impact on people's lives. When you learn to give more and expect nothing in return, life somehow finds a way of bringing you exactly what you need.  

6. There is always a way 

Don’t let the negativity and opinions of others drown out your dreams. If you want to do something or achieve something, there is always a way. Taking small steps to get there is a great way to start and will lead you closer to your goal. Be consistent and persistent at pursuing your dreams. 

By creating your own luck through hard work, perseverance, and determination, you can get to almost any destination you want. 

7. The locals know best 

Someone who has lived it, done it, experienced it typically knows best. I learned not to be shy to consult locals on their opinions and suggestions and then make my own decisions. I have visited places, attended festivals and met people that I otherwise would not have experienced or met if it was not for local guidance. 

Some highlights that I have had include flying and sailing around the Caribbean, visiting local beach spots. Swimming with dolphins in the Azures and watching wildlife in South Africa National Parks. Visiting local museums (for example, the Nikola Tesla Museum in Croatia, who is one of my favourite engineers) and eating traditional local foods in Japan. Hiking on glaciers in Iceland, visiting volcanoes in New Zealand and Costa Rica.Visiting historical sites in Greece and other countries to learn the history and culture of the country. Who you experience travel with is also important, so make every moment count!