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We celebrate the 5th of September, the birth anniversary of our second president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, as Teacher's Day to acknowledge the efforts of our gurus. The occasion is especially important for students as it gives them an opportunity to express gratitude towards teachers who play a special role in their lives. On this day, students honour the determination and sincerity of the educators.
But, teaching does not only happen inside the walls of a classroom. Most of our readers would agree that we learn many invaluable life lessons through experiences like travelling. When we travel, we take a plunge into the world of the unknown and learn new lessons. While strolling through the streets of New York, trekking through the hills of the Himalayas, or walking on the sands of Caribbean beach, we experience new things and learn new skills. In this way, travelling acts as a tutor that guides us through the maze of life.
So, this Teacher's Day, let us recognise the importance of travelling and see how and why tourism is one of the best teachers!
When travelling, we get to see things differently. During the journey, we develop greater perspectives and get a chance to closely observe different cultures and lifestyles. As a result, we see people and society in a new light that makes us more empathetic, welcoming, inclusive, expansive, and vivid, all at the same time. Also, when touring new places, we learn about their history, traditions, and language, which adds to our knowledge.
While travelling, we acquire real-life experiences that help us commit new lessons and skills to our memory far more quickly and easily. When you are on the road, you gain practical experience. The information you acquire in this manner is harder to forget compared to when you learn things theoretically. Another way tourism acts as a teacher is by inspiring creativity. Travelling offers new ideas and broadens your horizons.
Here are some lessons that you can learn from travel experiences:
1. Patience is a valuable virtue
When you travel to places you haven't been to, you learn not to sweat the small stuff. You don't always have the option to avoid a 10-hour long layover or walk away, so you deal with it. When you are on the road, you may face difficulty communicating with the locals and wait in a long queue to get a table at a popular restaurant. You work through many frustrations, which gives you valuable lessons on patience.
2. Living spontaneously
You may be a planner who likes to outline every step, but travelling to new destinations offers lessons on spontaneity. When touring, many things don't go as planned. You face obstacles that force you to embrace your impulsive side. So, for example, if you are travelling and your flight gets delayed at the end moment, you can make the most of the opportunity by checking out the shop and dine sections at the Delhi Airport. You may find a chic dress or handbag you can flaunt during your vacation.
3. Making friends with strangers
You can never be alone, no matter in which corner of the world you are, if you know the art of making friends. When you are on the road, you meet fellow travellers and locals. It is an opportunity to initiate new conversations and share stories over a glass of wine. At moments like this, you realise how much fun it is to start a conversation and talk about your experiences without the fear of being judged. And, who knows, maybe you will return from your vacation with a new friend!
4. Respect nature and surroundings
Travelling to new destinations offers lessons in environmental science as it encourages you to respect nature and your surroundings. When you visit an exceptionally beautiful place, you appreciate nature's beauty. On the flip side, when you go to a place where clean drinking water is a luxury, or natural disasters have struck, you learn how crucial it is to save nature.
5. Stepping out of your comfort zone
One of the biggest mistakes one can make is settling in one's comfort zone. When you do that, you resist growth and get stuck. For flourishing in life, it is essential to leave the comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Travel helps with this. You leave behind the familiar and start exploring when you are on the road. You experience new cultures, people, foods, languages, and traditions. Encountering foreign can excite or scare you, but it won't be boring.
6. Appreciating different cultures
Travelling is a great teacher as it makes you appreciate the differences and helps you realise that we are not so different after all. It enables you to appreciate new cultures and enriches your knowledge. When you visit a new place, you check out its famous landmarks like historic forts or temples. In doing so, you learn about that place's traditions, history, language, customs, and foods.
7. Being humble is enriching
When journeying, you realise just how small your footprint is in this enormous world. You recognise how lucky you are and why you should not take what you have been given for granted. It is also possible that while touring, you encounter acts of kindness and generosity that change you from within and help you become a better person.
Travel is one of life's best teachers. It offers you crucial lessons that are significant for making your way through life. So, this Teacher's Day, expand your horizons and take a trip to an unexplored destination to learn new things in life!
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