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Travel Theory #124: Travel is Good for the Ego
One of the gifts of travel is the confidence boost you receive from navigating a place, language, culture or situation that is foreign in every sense of the word. It is nearly impossible to return from a challenging journey unchanged and unaffected. Though you may not notice the growth or maturity in your socio-emotional intelligence, the people around you will.
This "traveler's glow" as I like to call it, is a magnet for the opposite (or same!) sex. If your love life is lagging, your sex drive is sagging and your ego is dragging: hit the road! There are thousands of people out there waiting to charm your pants off (literally and figuratively). This article talks in generalities about what makes people attractive. I've got my own ideas, with a twist of course!
Six Ways That Travel Makes You More Attractive:
1. Your confidence grows. Knowing that you can get through a layover in Istanbul, or navigate the extremes of India, will boost your confidence in other areas of your life.
2. Knowledge is sexy. You know the difference between Puerto Rico and Puerto Escondido, you know Desmond Tutu from Nelson Mandela. It is impossible to travel and not become more aware of the world around you, and people will always want you at their dinner parties.
3. You've got skills! Whether it's a cooking class in Oaxaca, or an Art History course in Florence, strike out and learn something new. You never know when your talent for juggling, wine-pairing or knife-throwing might get you some loving!
4. Your communication skills improve. You have to depend on other people to help you find lodging, trust restaurants to serve you clean, healthy food and drink, make new friends and companions to stave off boredom or loneliness. These skills will follow you long after you've hung up your Tevas and put your enormous backpack in storage.
5. Adventurous spirits are attractive. Everyone loves someone that can make them laugh or get their adrenaline pumping. Whether you're encouraging some cutie to shark dive off the coast of Cape Town or stroll through the vineyards of Bordeaux, travel offers the opportunity to check off some of those things on your life's "must do" list.
6. You can order beer in three languages. Pints, steins, or mugs, enough said.
Filed under: Learning












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Blindian Jan 24th 2007 4:33PM
Now I'm definitely going to have to jump on the travel bandwagon!
Fa Jan 29th 2007 9:12PM
This article never lied, I met my delicious husband abroad. Traveling will change your life forever! Now I do tours. Love it. Bon Apetit
Allen Twillie Jan 29th 2007 9:31PM
I need this kind of boost in all areas! I've been thinking of an adventurous vacation for one. I subscribed to Travel Zoo. I think I'll give it a try.
Paula Jan 29th 2007 11:11PM
Every comment above is true and then some. We tend to try to look our best when traveling and take better care of ourselves ... call it papering if you will. Taking time to read a book in some exotic place, having a swim or a drink with some Caribbean soul is good for the soul! The list goes on and on and you come home a NEW person. Get out there and go for it!
Mary Jan 29th 2007 11:34PM
I am a tour director. This article does say it all. You do beccome a different person. You seem smarter. When you experience different cultures, it's like WOW. It is so fun. I have the greatest job in the world. The world is my office and the people I meet are my bonus. Everyone should travel.
Addie Jan 30th 2007 12:33AM
the most challenging thing about travel is, to blend with the culture of the land you visit.
DO listen ;o)
Addie Jan 30th 2007 12:35AM
The best " souvenir " from a place you visit.. is a new friend !
GWhittleAL Jan 30th 2007 1:56AM
I had never thought specifically about this, but the article is right on... I would also add that the mandatory acceptance of differing cultural norms and world views during international travel makes it forever easier to get along with other people.
I lived in Japan for two years 17 years ago. For the past 10 years, I have traveled 15 to 20 days every month for business. In just the past 3 years I've been to 20 countries and the 48 contiguous states. I'll gladly agree with everything the author says.
I must be becoming one of the most confident and sexiest men around. [Yeah right -- not!] But I can certainly handle myself in almost any conversation that ever arises due to my various travel related experiences. It has really been good for my business career even if it hasn't helped this married man's social life very much.
Arthur Jan 30th 2007 1:48AM
From Bali to Costa Rica; Travel will improve your life and the lives of those around you. One can not put a price on traveling to exotic places. I have never taken a tour, so I will not comment. Get on the plane; everything will come together when you land. One will be suprised with the people one meets. More often than not, one will find a common acquaintance. Good luck with your travels.
ivonne Jan 30th 2007 3:53AM
This is for Mary the tour director, After 25 years of doing the same thing Ihave decided that I would love to do escorted tours but I am having difficulty learning how do I get started. Do you have any helpful tips about getting started in the tour business? I am in Los Angles.....thank you
alya Feb 3rd 2007 2:44AM
it is definitly true , this year I was in Spain for 3 weeks , and to tell you the truth I came back a totally different person . . more happy , relaxed , excited and confident ; my family lives all over the world and I get to travel a lot , i always believed that i am a citizen of the world not a country , because when i travel from one place to another i feel like home . . every place i go to , completes me , and opens my eyes to something more beautiful and interesting , i wish i could live everywhere
alya Feb 1st 2007 9:26PM
it is definitly true , this year I was in Spain for 3 weeks , and to tell you the truth I came back a totally different person . . more happy , relaxed , excited and confident ; my family lives all over the world and I get to travel a lot , i always believed that i am a citizen of the world not a country , because when i travel from one place to another i feel like home . . every place i go to , completes me , and opens my eyes to something more beautiful and interesting , i wish i could live everywhere , the world is an amazing place :)
M Feb 1st 2007 10:27PM
You forgot to mention the ultimate liberation of identity when traveling abroad. There is a deligthful freedom when you are out of your element and no one around you knows you. You are a clean slate to be who and what you want, inspiring more confidence and risk taking. This is why traveling solo is the BEST! Plus you're more approachable...