5 Reasons Why Short-Term Travel is Good For You
Many people take months, years to plan long vacations. A week in New York to cover every borough, or a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles with everything on the way. While undoubtedly rewarding, many forget that there are trips you can make over a short weekend, a few days in between things, and even on business travel. These whirlwind trips are often exciting for some, but for the majority, can be stressful, leaving them numb searching for things to do while attempting to get work done and keeping in touch with friends and family.
However, short term and business travel can be rewarding and refreshing for you too, with these easy tips which will allow you to get a new perspective. Here are five reasons why such travel can be good for you.
1. Upgrades your routine coffee experience
We get it, every morning you need your coffee. Yes, you could easily have a Starbucks coffee in any city you are in. But why not try the local matcha, the corner cafe or the locals favorite, if coffee is your thing? Or even better, try a tea house in San Francisco, the iconic Urrth Cafe of Los Angeles, or the many little shops that New Yorkers swear by. It'll make each trip a different, and unique one, without taking any extra time. And you'll return back to your routine, possibly with a new perspective and newly acquired tastes.
2. Passively aids in cognitive development
If you've lived in the same city for a while, chances are you do things by a routine. Crossing the street, driving your car, or whatever it may be that happens mindlessly. But while "jay-walking" is a norm in New York, it can be a ticket-able offense in Los Angeles. Similarly, while 'jug-handles' are the way to make u-turns and left turns in New Jersey, many states have actual turning signs. Having to think about what is innately sub-conscious, even on a short trip, makes your brain stop relying on what it assumes, and actually build on knowledge. The result is a new way of thinking, which goes beyond just routine and can be applied to other things at work and in life.
3. Enlightens you on cultural intricacies
Carrying on from the previous point is the notion of culture. In some states, small talk with waiters and hotel staff is a sign of politeness, in another its looked at as being nosy. Even at restaurants, learning of what to order depending on seasons is key to enjoying an indulgent meal, as opposed to going for the safe comfort zone. New York style pizza, or deep dish pizza in Chicago? Doing your homework by light reading on the plane, or even better, by simply engaging in small talk can be useful. And did you know California has a mandatory staff insurance tax added to all restaurant checks? Or that Chicago has 12 am, 2 am, 4am and 5am bars (marking their closures)? Compared to Los Angeles with its 1:30 to 2 am closures.
4. Boosts your confidence and people skills
The thing about short term travel is that you don't have time. So you have to step out of your routine and comfort zone more quickly, and engage with new cultures, new settings and even engage in small talk. As per Wharton and Harvard business school journals, this can build your confidence greatly, amplified if you aren't familiar with the language! Combined with passive cognitive development, these skills can be used in many facets of life, acquired merely by travel.
5. Gives you the opportunity to organize effectively
Sure, if plonked in a hotel in Times Square, you could explore just that when strapped for time. Or only wander Millennium Park in Chicago. But with the influx of travel platforms, travel and transport apps and a mushrooming of local favorites popping up in every city, you could easily explore what the city truly has to offer. Like the iconic Chelsea Market or its many free art galleries, just 3 stops from Times Square on the subway, or West Loop, a quick walk from Millennium park with local favorite restaurants. Its all about using your time effectively, and organization should be a top priority in short term travel anyway!
For more personalized recommendations, register for free on Dot & Pin.
However, short term and business travel can be rewarding and refreshing for you too, with these easy tips which will allow you to get a new perspective. Here are five reasons why such travel can be good for you.
1. Upgrades your routine coffee experience
We get it, every morning you need your coffee. Yes, you could easily have a Starbucks coffee in any city you are in. But why not try the local matcha, the corner cafe or the locals favorite, if coffee is your thing? Or even better, try a tea house in San Francisco, the iconic Urrth Cafe of Los Angeles, or the many little shops that New Yorkers swear by. It'll make each trip a different, and unique one, without taking any extra time. And you'll return back to your routine, possibly with a new perspective and newly acquired tastes.
2. Passively aids in cognitive development
If you've lived in the same city for a while, chances are you do things by a routine. Crossing the street, driving your car, or whatever it may be that happens mindlessly. But while "jay-walking" is a norm in New York, it can be a ticket-able offense in Los Angeles. Similarly, while 'jug-handles' are the way to make u-turns and left turns in New Jersey, many states have actual turning signs. Having to think about what is innately sub-conscious, even on a short trip, makes your brain stop relying on what it assumes, and actually build on knowledge. The result is a new way of thinking, which goes beyond just routine and can be applied to other things at work and in life.
3. Enlightens you on cultural intricacies
Carrying on from the previous point is the notion of culture. In some states, small talk with waiters and hotel staff is a sign of politeness, in another its looked at as being nosy. Even at restaurants, learning of what to order depending on seasons is key to enjoying an indulgent meal, as opposed to going for the safe comfort zone. New York style pizza, or deep dish pizza in Chicago? Doing your homework by light reading on the plane, or even better, by simply engaging in small talk can be useful. And did you know California has a mandatory staff insurance tax added to all restaurant checks? Or that Chicago has 12 am, 2 am, 4am and 5am bars (marking their closures)? Compared to Los Angeles with its 1:30 to 2 am closures.
4. Boosts your confidence and people skills
The thing about short term travel is that you don't have time. So you have to step out of your routine and comfort zone more quickly, and engage with new cultures, new settings and even engage in small talk. As per Wharton and Harvard business school journals, this can build your confidence greatly, amplified if you aren't familiar with the language! Combined with passive cognitive development, these skills can be used in many facets of life, acquired merely by travel.
5. Gives you the opportunity to organize effectively
Sure, if plonked in a hotel in Times Square, you could explore just that when strapped for time. Or only wander Millennium Park in Chicago. But with the influx of travel platforms, travel and transport apps and a mushrooming of local favorites popping up in every city, you could easily explore what the city truly has to offer. Like the iconic Chelsea Market or its many free art galleries, just 3 stops from Times Square on the subway, or West Loop, a quick walk from Millennium park with local favorite restaurants. Its all about using your time effectively, and organization should be a top priority in short term travel anyway!
For more personalized recommendations, register for free on Dot & Pin.
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