Travelling is often seen as a way to escape work, but for entrepreneurs and career professionals, it can be much more than that.
Stepping out of your daily routine, seeing new places, and experiencing different cultures can spark creativity and give you fresh ideas for your business.
Travelling has been an essential aspect of my life over the past 20 years, from new experiences, cultures, and ways of thinking.
Going to new countries, seeing new things, and having different conversations has been fun.
Here's how travel can inspire your next big business idea—and how you can use your travels to fuel your success.
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When you travel, especially to places outside your home country, you experience different ways of living, working, and solving problems.
These new perspectives can help you think differently and come up with ideas you wouldn’t have considered at home.
For example, Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, got the idea for his business when he saw travellers' difficulty in finding affordable places to stay.
He realized there was a huge opportunity to change the travel industry by staying in local homes instead of hotels during a trip.
Tip: While travelling, note what’s different from what you’re used to.
Are there unique business models? Unmet needs? Problems that people face? Keep a travel journal where you jot down exciting observations or ideas.
Routines are great for productivity, but they can sometimes limit your creativity.
Travelling breaks you from your usual habits and forces you to adapt to new environments.
This shift can get your creative juices flowing.
For instance, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for drawing inspiration from his travels, including trips to India, which helped shape his minimalist design philosophy.
Stepping outside your comfort zone can challenge your thinking and lead to fresh ideas.
Tip: Change up your routine while travelling.
If you always work from a desk, try working from a café or a park in a different city.
If you usually take the same type of transportation, walk or bike instead. The small changes in routine can lead to big breakthroughs.
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Different cultures approach problems and solutions in unique ways. By immersing yourself in another culture, you can learn from their innovation.
Whether it’s observing how businesses operate or how people use technology, cultural exposure can help you identify new opportunities.
A good example is Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, who was inspired by the coffee culture in Italy.
His visits to Italian cafés sparked the idea of turning Starbucks into a place where people could relax and enjoy coffee, not just a quick stop for caffeine.
Tip: Visit local businesses, markets, or cafes during your travels.
Talk to local entrepreneurs and observe how they solve challenges. This will help you bring back innovative ideas to your own business.
Many business ideas come from finding solutions to problems people experience while travelling.
If you encounter issues during your trip—with transportation, accommodations, or communication—think about how you could solve them.
For example, Uber was founded when Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick had trouble hailing a cab in Paris.
That frustration led them to create an app that revolutionized transportation worldwide.
Tip: Pay attention to any frustrations or pain points you experience during your travels.
Ask yourself: “How could this be easier or more efficient?” Your solution could be your next big business idea.
Travel opens the door to meeting new people, leading to collaborations, partnerships, or investors.
Every person you meet could offer a new perspective or insight that could shape your next idea.
Entrepreneurs who attend international conferences or events often return home with new business contacts and ideas.
These connections can be precious, as they introduce new ways of thinking and opportunities.
Tip: Use platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite to find business or networking events in the places you travel to.
You never know who you might meet or what conversations might spark your next big idea.
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Travelling is more than just a break from the office—it’s a chance to expand your mind, find inspiration, and discover new opportunities for your business.
Whether through new perspectives, breaking routines, or solving problems, travel can fuel your creativity and innovation.
So, the next time you plan a trip, consider it an investment in your entrepreneurial journey!
On your next trip, observe the local culture, businesses, and daily routines. Keep a journal to capture ideas, insights, or interesting business models.
Network with locals or attend business events to expand your professional connections.
Your next big idea could be waiting for you in your next destination!
Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.
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