Gap years or travel experiences can complement formal education in personal growth. We asked for their insights from a travel agent and advisor, founders, a registered nurse, travel bloggers, and an organizational psychologist. Here are six examples that highlight the enriching impact of travel on personal growth.
Increase Flexibility Through Travel
Traveling fosters flexibility and adaptability, essential life skills that formal education cannot match. Working at Golden Rule Travel as an Emergency Travel Fixer, I’ve witnessed innumerable instances where passengers have had to act quickly and adjust to unforeseen circumstances. These encounters provide lessons beyond what can be learned in a classroom, making them priceless for personal development.
I will never forget helping a family on a trip to Africa who had an unplanned medical emergency. Before they were scheduled to travel home together, a young woman who works for an NGO in Zambia received a visit from her parents and brother. However, the mother fell during a safari trip and broke her back severely.
There were many obstacles to getting her proper care in a far-off place. Fortunately, their travel insurance covered the cost of sending the mother to a better hospital in Johannesburg via air ambulance. However, while she was receiving treatment, it meant unanticipated changes to the group’s itinerary and delays.
The father and daughter had to deal with extra stress and costs when they had to stay in Africa for weeks longer than anticipated. However, they ignored it all and concentrated on the mother’s health, the most crucial consideration. Their adaptability and ability to go with the flow demonstrated flexibility that has helped many travelers in challenging situations abroad. It was encouraging to see their cooperation and fortitude in a problematic circumstance far from home.
I won’t sugarcoat it: There were moments of frustration, some of which, I must admit, were directed at me. Nevertheless, that’s my job as an Emergency Travel Fixer. I understand that emotions can run high when under a lot of stress. This interaction encapsulates why I am excited to work at Golden Rule Travel.
In addition to getting tickets, we help people through some of the most challenging and unexpected situations they may encounter. These situations test one’s flexibility and ability to adapt. They push you to the edge of your comfort zone, force you to make decisions quickly, and ultimately result in significant personal growth.
Hans Mast, Travel Agent & Advisor (Emergency Travel Fixer), Golden Rule Travel
Showcase Adaptability
Gap years show that you can step into the unknown and adapt to change by moving away from the comforts of home to visit brand-new destinations. They allow you to showcase that you are open to new experiences, the same way you would have when you first took the plunge to start on your journey of further education. For example, I have now lived and worked in six countries, and each place has increased my knowledge and skill set within the travel industry, which I had already worked in for several years before moving to the first place.
Michelle O’Donnell, Travel Blogger, Brit Adventures Travel Blog
Learn Psychological Agility
Before pursuing my PhD and starting my business, I spent several years traveling the world. Those experiences became the bedrock of my personal and professional growth. One of the critical lessons I learned was psychological agility.
Moving from country to country, often without speaking the language, I relied on non-verbal communication and let my personality and instincts lead me. These skills are now a core part of my professional confidence—I can step into any room and feel comfortable, especially when I don’t have all the answers!
Traveling taught me humility, openness, and being flexible with myself and others. These transferable, tacit skills can and should be applied to all educational and professional endeavors. I’m not sure a classroom can teach you that—it’s experience.
Dr. Tatijana Busic, Organizational Psychologist, Busic Psychology & Consulting
Enrich Personal Growth
Traveling the world provides invaluable lessons that formal education cannot match. As someone who has traveled extensively and runs a successful travel agency, I’ve seen firsthand how these experiences enrich personal growth and professional capabilities.
Gap years or travel experiences offer practical, real-world learning that complements the theoretical knowledge gained through formal education. While classroom learning provides foundational knowledge, travel teaches adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural sensitivity. These skills are crucial for personal development and are often best learned through experience rather than textbooks.
Having traveled the world, I’ve encountered diverse cultures, languages, and ways of life. This exposure has broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to connect with clients deeply. When advising clients on their travel plans, I draw from my experiences to offer authentic insights and recommendations. This personal touch builds trust and credibility, setting my travel agency apart.
For instance, when a client is interested in visiting a destination I’ve explored, I can share detailed, firsthand knowledge about the local culture, hidden gems, and potential challenges. This personalized advice is something formal education alone could never provide. It’s the difference between reading about a place and truly experiencing it.
In the travel industry, personal travel experiences are precious. They allow me to empathize with clients’ concerns and aspirations, offering tailored solutions that meet their needs. My extensive travels have equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to handle any situation, making me a better advisor and business owner.
In summary, gap years or travel experiences complement formal education by providing practical skills and personal growth that classroom learning cannot offer. These experiences have been instrumental in my professional journey, enriching my ability to serve clients effectively. Traveling the world has expanded my horizons and made me a more empathetic, knowledgeable, and credible travel expert. Embracing travel is invaluable for anyone looking to enhance personal and professional growth.
Tammy Levent, Founder & CEO, Elite Travel Management Group, Inc.
Encourage a Deep Appreciation For Different Perspectives
Travel experiences, especially with plenty of interaction with the locals, have provided a deep appreciation for different people and perspectives, especially in my nursing profession.
Two weeks after I graduated from nursing school in 2002, I was in Italy for six weeks, teaching English to Italians and many internationals from Eastern Europe. Wow, what an experience and one that would shape my perspective on internationals overall and a deep respect for internationals here in America. One thing is seeing folks from different backgrounds or other countries on TV or the news. Still, interacting with them, answering their questions, getting our questions answered, and spending quality time with them for better understanding is entirely different.
Now, when I have a patient, a nursing student, or a new person at my church who is a different ethnicity, language, or country than the U.S., I can interact with them and relate much deeper and more accessible because of my international experience. I love it, and (just like the new guy from Germany last week at church) I get to learn more about the world and myself from the interactions.
Michael Hasebroock, RN, Kaplan Test Prep
Discover Life-Changing Experiences
As the founder of a European travel blog, I firmly believe that gap years or travel experiences are essential in complementing formal education for personal growth. I say this from my personal experience. Throughout my 35 years of traveling to Europe, I have learned so much about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that I never could have learned in a classroom. My love for photography has also grown immensely through my travels, capturing the beauty and diversity of each place I visit.
Running may no longer be a part of my daily routine, but I discovered the joy of running through stunning landscapes and stumbling upon hidden gems during my travels. My vegetarianism has also been enriched by trying new dishes and discovering the vibrant culinary scene in each stunning place I visit. Had I stayed in the classroom, I never would have had these life-changing experiences.
Renee Hannes, Founder, Dream Plan Experience
