Travel is a great learning opportunity. First, of course, is learning the history, geography, and culture of a place. The cuisine of a new place is a particular personal interest. Of course, you can also learn about politics, economics, and more as well.
A second level is looking at how these are portrayed within their own milieu; what are the stories they tell themselves and others about who and what they are.
And, of course, regardless of planning, travel ends up throwing you little challenges: changes in schedules, closures, delays, and more. These become opportunities for meta-learning: both attitudinal (patience, tolerance, persistence, friendliness) and strategic (problem-solving, communication, etc.).
Moreso if you make a conscious effort to not just replicate the same experience everywhere you go (e.g. the generic international resort experience regardless of location), but instead work to learn what makes this particular destination unique. It’s like making content interesting; you have to find what makes the folks who live there proud. Another meta-lesson.
I was fortunate that my parents were great travelers, and instilled the love of new cultures in me, and I’m trying to do the same with my kids. I find the most interesting people are those who are interested in others. But even if you haven’t had the skills and attitude modeled, you can develop it yourself. Start small, get some wins, and expand (like all good plans :). Bon voyage!
Mark Twain said “One must travel to learn.” My best education about the world and people and cultures has come through experiencing them. When my sons were growing up I would do whatever necessary to see that they had the travel opportunities available through organizations they belonged to. This summer I am discovering that I don’t have to travel outside of my county to experience some very different cultures and people from whom I can learn much and through whom my life will be enriched. There are so many places I have yet to experience in the world. I doubt if I get to travel to all of them, but it will a fascinating journey to attempt.
I find it really helpful to take some time while traveling to reassess big challenges in my life (whether work or personal). Being physically removed from the environment that is generating the challenge seems to smooth out the path to finding a solution. Lonely hotel rooms are my most productive work environments because they’re anonymous and don’t carry any baggage (pun not intended!).