The Surprising Ways Travel Can Strengthen Your Career

If you had an extra hour each day just for yourself, how would you spend it? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never seem to have the time for? 

For many women, the answer is travel. A recent InHerSight survey found that more than 40 percent wish they had more time for exploration. 

Although most people think of travel as an escape from burnout and mundane routines—which it can be—it’s also a powerful catalyst for growth. Exploring new places challenges your perspective and pushes you out of your comfort zone, strengthening sought-after soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. It teaches you how to embrace uncertainty and think on your feet, two qualities that are just as valuable in your professional life as they are in your personal life.

As someone who prioritizes travel in my own career, I’ve seen firsthand how it can spark creativity and boost motivation. I’m fortunate to work at a company that values the benefits of travel, so I make it a goal to take at least one big trip every year. Each time I return from a vacation, I feel re-energized and more inspired in my work.

Busy schedules and conflicting life demands can make traveling feel out of reach, but it’s possible to set realistic goals around travel and incorporate more exploration into your life.

Can traveling really make you a better employee?

The short answer: absolutely. 

Almost every trip comes with at least one unexpected challenge—a missed flight, a language barrier, getting lost in an unfamiliar city—and each one teaches you to think on your feet. Adjusting to a last-minute itinerary change? That’s flexibility. Figuring out how to communicate without a shared language? That’s creative problem-solving. In workplaces where change is constant and decisions need to be made on the fly, these skills give you an edge. 

Beyond that, travel broadens your perspective in ways that fuel innovation. Immersing yourself in new cultures—the environment, traditions, food, art—begets fresh ways of thinking, whether it’s adapting to a different pace of life, problem-solving when plans go awry, or refreshing your daily routine after a trip. Seeing the world makes you a more visionary, forward-thinking leader.

How to prioritize travel and exploration

For many, the biggest hurdles to traveling are the time, money, and energy needed to make it happen, but a shift in mindset and some thoughtful planning can help turn your travel dreams into reality.

Set intentions before you hit the road

Often, the most valuable skills are gained through travel without even trying. However, setting a few intentional goals can make your trip more purposeful and aligned with your personal and professional growth. Before you go, take some time to reflect on the following questions:

Answering these questions honestly will allow you to set clear and impactful goals for both personal and professional growth on your trip. A few examples of tangible travel goals include:

• Learning a new language

• Attending a professional conference or networking event

• Traveling alone

• Volunteering in a new community 

• Visiting a state or country known for innovation 

• Taking part in a leadership retreat

• Documenting your journey for self-reflection

• Connecting with local entrepreneurs or creatives

Get serious about financial planning

Setting goals and dreaming big are important, but turning your travel dreams into reality starts with smart financial planning. It’s essential to be strategic about how you save, spend, and manage your money. 

• Set a savings goal. Start by designating a specific amount to set aside each month for your travel fund. Break down your travel expenses into categories like flights, accommodations, meals, and activities to help you budget effectively. Make sure to set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected travel expenses.

• Take advantage of credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and travel discounts. Many credit cards offer points for everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays.

• Research the best times to book flights for lower rates. Typically, booking mid-week can save you money, so set up price alerts for your desired destinations to track deals. Flights are often cheaper during the off-season, so consider planning trips around those times to save money.

• Visit countries where your currency has more purchasing power. Research destinations with a lower cost of living to maximize your savings on accommodations, food, and activities.

• Consider budget-friendly accommodations like renting a room on Airbnb, using home-sharing services, or staying in hostels, which you can research on sites like Hostelworld for ratings and reviews.

Read more: Money Confidence Coach: 4 Tips That Can Make Budgeting Empowering in 2025

Create a healthier work-life balance

Travel is a vital part of maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. Taking time away from work can improve sleep, prevent burnout, and improve your overall wellbeing. The key is to integrate travel into your professional life in a way that feels natural and manageable.

• Plan trips during downtime: Identify natural slow periods at work (such as the holidays or post-project lulls) and schedule your trips around these times. When you plan your trips during quieter work months, you reduce the risk of stressing over missed deadlines or feeling overwhelmed by the workload waiting for you when you return.

• Take advantage of flexible work options: If your job offers flexible hours or remote work, leverage those opportunities to save your paid time off days or even extend your trip. Consider your options, whether it's taking a few full days off, working half-days, or adjusting your hours throughout the day.  

• Talk to your employer: Have an open conversation with your manager about how they can support your travel goals and how you can delegate your workload. Be clear about what you ideally want and ask if they’d be open to sabbaticals, travel stipends, or allowing you to work remotely while traveling.

• Reframe travel as part of your overall wellness routine: If you approach it as a necessary and rejuvenating part of your work-life balance, it can feel less like an additional burden and more like a reward.

Read more: Is ‘Work-Life Effectiveness’ the New ‘Work-Life Balance’? Expert Tips on Finding Your Flow

Tips for weaving more exploration into your life

Not every trip has to be a grand adventure. Taking small, local trips or exploring new parts of your city can ignite the same sense of curiosity and newness. Get creative with travel in a way that fits your lifestyle, budget, and career goals.

• Take a weekend getaway: Short trips can be just as rejuvenating as longer vacations without requiring extended time off. Seek out charming small towns, nearby nature reserves, or neighboring cities just a short drive, train ride, or bus trip away. Even a two- or three-day trip can give you an energy boost.

• Reframe work trips as exploring time: If you travel for work, turn business trips into mini explorations. Arrive a day early or take advantage of free time and visit a historic museum, try the local cuisine, or walk in a public park. These trips can be a great way to make the most of time away from home.

• Take a work-vacation: If you work remotely, plan a “workcation” in a location that inspires you—think beachfront cottage, mountain cabin, or bustling city. Dedicate your weekdays to work, then use your evenings or weekend to explore. 

• Find inspiration in the mundane: Exploration doesn’t always mean traveling to far-off places, it can be about seeing the familiar with fresh eyes. Act like you’re a tourist in your town and visit new cafes, parks, or hidden gems. Try a different route to the grocery store, attend a local meet up, or spend time in a neighborhood you’ve never fully explored. Small, everyday changes can get your routine out of a rut.

Read more: How to Staycation in This Economy