The Real Value of Travel: Getting Lost and Finding Yourself

There's a profound difference between being a tourist and being a traveler. While both involve crossing borders, one skims the surface while the other dives deep into the heart of a place. Let me share why stepping off the resort property might be the best decision you'll ever make.

Beyond the Buffet Line

Imagine spending a week in Bali, never leaving your resort. Sure, you'll get the Instagram photos by the infinity pool, but you'll miss the early morning conversations with local artists in Ubud, the spontaneous invitation to a family ceremony, or the hidden cafe where the best coffee in town is served with a side of life stories.

The Power of Getting Lost

Some of my most transformative insights came from wandering city streets without a destination. In Todos Santos, getting lost led to a two-hour conversation with a store owner who told us about a local hidden gem, with wild horses that fundamentally changed how I approach interacting with others. You don't find these moments at the resort pool.

Connection: The Universal Language

When you walk a city's streets, every interaction becomes an opportunity for growth. That street artisan in  Puerto Rico isn’t just selling you a handmade bowl– she's sharing generations of family wisdom. The retired professor you meet in a Lisbon cafe might offer perspectives on leadership that no business book could capture.

Cultural Immersion as Professional Development

Walking through neighborhoods, taking public transportation, and engaging with locals don't just make for better travel stories. These experiences develop:

• Adaptability in unfamiliar situations
• Genuine cultural intelligence
• Problem-solving creativity
• Authentic relationship-building skills
• Empathy and emotional intelligence

The Case for Adventure

In today's global environment, understanding different cultures isn't just about etiquette – it's about building genuine connections. You can't learn this from a resort's carefully curated experience or a guidebook. It comes from:

• Having breakfast at local markets
• Getting lost and finding your way
• Engaging in conversations with people from all walks of life
• Experiencing daily life in different cultures
• Embracing the unexpected

From Tourist to Changemaker

Each time you choose to step out of the resort bubble, you're not just becoming a better traveler – you're becoming a more effective leader. Those moments of discomfort, connection, and discovery shape how you:

• Approach challenges
• Build relationships
• Understand different perspectives
• Lead diverse teams
• Drive innovation

The Next Time You Travel

Before booking that all-inclusive resort, ask yourself: What am I really seeking from this experience? If it's rest and relaxation, perhaps the resort is perfect. But if you're looking for growth, transformation, and genuine connection, consider:

• Staying in local neighborhoods
• Using public transportation
• Eating where locals eat
• Walking without a destination
• Saying yes to unexpected invitations

True personal and professional growth often happens outside our comfort zones. The same applies to travel. When we dare to venture beyond the resort walls, we don't just discover new places – we discover new capabilities within ourselves.

What's your next destination? More importantly, how will you choose to experience it?

If you want to experience a personal revolution, join me in Todos Santos, March 3-4, 2025. Click here to apply.