Lessons in Adaptability and Leadership Through Travel
by Monique Stokes
Traveling overseas is one of the most amazing experiences you can indulge yourself in. The journey allows for self discovery, exposure to new cultures, and the experiences you have along the way allow for lessons on adaptability and leadership skills you can use in your everyday life. As a somewhat seasoned traveler myself, I take pride in my positivity and quick thinking when it comes to being overseas. Something not going my way doesn’t mean my trip is ruined but a slight bump in the road and an opportunity to experience something I wouldn’t have if things went my way.
Adapting to the Unexpected
As humans we know events can go our way or completely switch trajectories. Understanding this before traveling can help save headache and future stress. These situations can be stressful, but going about it in the right way can allow for an opportunity to grow. Being flexible in a time when a flight is delayed or staying calm if you miss a train, these situations can offer insight on how to adapt and be resilient in unexpected situations.
A few tips for remaining calm during an inconvenient situation and allowing yourself to adapt:
Stay calm and assess the situation
Identify available resources (smartphone, travel insurance, nearby students or TA’s)
Communicate effectively across language barriers
Remaining positive throughout the entire inconvenience
Solo Travel: Building Self-Reliance
Solo travel boosts personal growth in many ways. When you're alone in an unfamiliar place, you become your own problem-solver, navigator, and decision-maker. This self-reliance builds confidence that carries over into other aspects of life. The first few days of solo travel can feel overwhelming. Each successful interaction builds confidence, and soon you find ease with handling unique situations.
Travel teaches leadership in powerful ways:
1. Decision-Making Under Pressure
When your flight is cancelled and you need to quickly rebook while helping fellow travelers understand their options, you're practicing leadership. These situations teach you to gather information quickly, weigh alternatives, and act decisively.
2. Cultural Intelligence
Effective leaders understand and adapt to different cultural contexts. Travel forces you to develop this skill naturally as you learn to read non-verbal cues, respect local customs, and embrace cultural differences.
3. Resource Management
From budgeting your money to managing your time and energy, travel requires careful resource allocation – a fundamental leadership skill.
Practical Tips for Building Resilience Through Travel
1. Prepare, But Don't Over-Plan
Research your destination thoroughly, it’s nice to plan but
leave room for the unexpected. Some of the best learning experiences come from
unplanned moments.
2. Document Your Learning
Keep a travel journal focusing not just on what you did, but what you learned. Reflect on challenging situations and how you handled them.
3. Connect with Others (like the TA’s, other students on your trip, or locals).
These connections often provide support, insights, and friendship.
Bringing Travel Lessons Home
The value of travel-based learning is best applied when you’re back home in everyday life. The confidence gained from navigating a foreign city alone translates to tackling new projects at work and school. Travel, especially solo travel, is more than just visiting new places – it's a chance to learn about adaptability, leadership, and personal growth. Each challenge faced and overcome builds resilience that serves well beyond the journey itself.
Monique Stokes
Trip Mentor
‘Futurism and Sustainability in the UAE’
Spring Break 2025
