Travel Makes You More Creative (8 reasons why)
Travel is a great creative act.
It inspires the artist and sparks novel ideas that may not have been realized otherwise. New cultures, architecture, food, language and social norms collectively influence your creative process and artwork (in a really good way).
I’m a musician, artist and blogger who spends a lot of time overseas (especially in Japan). And I always have new and different ideas when I travel.
Travel expands my perspectives and pushes my comfort zones. It makes me a stronger artist. And in this post, I’m sharing exactly how these travel experiences boost creativity.
So join me, travel farther and become a more global creative.
Now let’s do this!
1. Travel Opens Your Mind
A closed mind is a judgmental mind — and a judgmental mind is non-creative one.
Creative judgment is sneaky, because it’s not as obvious as the more extreme examples (like prejudice). But it is still a judgment.
For example, a dogma about some artistic technique or style (as being superior) may seem innocent, but is probably limiting your creative growth and potential.
It’s a judgment.
Being open to new ideas expands your knowledge and makes you a stronger creative.
Travel forces you to experience and accept new ways of creating, new beliefs and fresh perspectives.
“Travel opens your creative mind to new styles, techniques and perceptions of what’s possible.”
When you travel, you experience the full scope of life and creativity. You fully realize there is no right or wrong way to do things, because every culture’s perception of art, music and creativity is different (but equally beautiful).
Creativity thrives on this kind of perspective.
So the traveler always shows up with a unique take on whatever canvas they’re working on.
Recommended:
➤ What Types of Traveler Are You?
2. Travel is a Teacher
Travel always teaches me something. This becomes fresh material for new creative projects, themes and ideas.
Creativity and innovation are all about connecting the dots (like Steve Jobs talked about in his 2005 speech at Stanford University). And in my experience, every dot in your life represents some education, knowledge, experience or interest.
The more dots you accumulate, the more likely you are to connect and layer them in interesting or new ways. Travel is an awesome ‘dot’.
Creativity sometimes comes out of connecting two or more unoriginal ideas and applying them in a new way.
Travel gives you a unique knowledge dot. For example, when I travel to Japan, I learn about Japanese art styles (like wood prints), underground music scenes and their unique way of living life.
These ideas naturally find their way into my creative projects.
Travel always teaches you something. And that something always influences your creativity.
3. Goodbye, Comfort Zones
Creative work can be uncomfortable. For example, playing a live show, having your first public gallery or just putting yourself out there. But to be successful as an artist, you need to push your comfort zones (it’s where growth lives).
So travel is a fun way to get good at that. It’s a way to practice discomfort and doing things that are unfamiliar or scary.
Travel has taught me a few key things:
Most problems have more than one solution
Overcoming obstacles is a matter of perspective
Things are rarely as bad as we think they’ll be
This framework fits perfectly in creativity.
Great art and creativity requires action, risk-taking and the ability to sit in discomfort for long periods of time. The artist should get good at stepping into the unknown, feeling uncomfortable and trying new things.
Travel primes you for this work.
Recommended:
➤ Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
4. Travel Breaks Routine
Routine is not creative — unless you use it to save creative energy.
For example, it takes energy and time to pick out your outfits, choose when and what to eat for breakfast and decide on what to do first, second, etcetera. Eliminating these tasks can free up space for creative focus.
But on the other hand, routine can feel mundane and lead to stagnation. Breaking things up every so often can be like sparks of energy for new ideas and creative inspiration. Travel is the ultimate routine-breaker.
It forces you out of the daily minutiae of regimen —- it’s a pattern interrupt. You need to embody a new schedule, new foods, new language and new thinking.
This ignites my brain in exciting ways, creating new neural networks and curiosity. It forces me to diversify to my habits and surroundings, which is a precursor to discovery and learning. This new routine sparks fresh creative energy and inspiration.
Recommended:
➤ Breaking Patterns + Unconscious Habits
5. You Change
Travel changes you. And creativity loves change.
As you explore new countries and cultures, they become a small part of you. Even subtle changes in how you see the world can have a big impact on your creative decision-making, processes and style.
So if you spend any time seriously traveling, prepare to evolve. You won’t be You can’t be the same person you were before.
Recommended:
➤ Embrace the F Out of Change
6. Travel Reduces Stress
“Anger and depression and sorrow are beautiful things in a story, but they are like poison to the artist. You must have clarity to create.”
Travel can reduce stress and anxiety and increase feelings of calmness mental focus, according to WebMD.
And since creativity requires clarity and a positive mental state, this is perfect.
After all, a happy artist is a more creative one.
We all love the image of the struggling, emotionally-burdened, heartbroken songwriter or artist – but it’s all a ruse!
I create the best work when I’m happy and have clarity. And travel is one of the best highs.
It’s inspiring, energizing, confidence-boosting and so many more positive things. It fosters a happier state of being and a healthier mental state. It supports clarity.
And if you’re looking to become more creative, you’ll need clarity.
Recommended:
7. Fresh Ideas
Travel is a form of life brainstorming. You’re exposed to new ideas, new art, new words, new ways…new everything.
Naturally, this sparks innovative thinking. Ideas are the fuel to a creative project. It’s what inspires you to start and people to change. Fresh ideas are the most sought after thing for creative work.
And travel gives you a lot of new ones.
Travel is like giving yourself a competitive edge in your niche. Imagine you were to run a rest where two artists (of similar background, style, talent, etcetera) were to do the same creative work for 6 months.
One spent time traveling and the other stayed in one place.
Who would come up with more novel ideas?
Of course, I’m not saying travel is required for fresh ideas, but it is a great strategy.
8. You Get Comfortable With Mistakes
If you’ve spent any time abroad (especially alone), then you’ll know what I’m talking about here.
Traveling can make you look like an idiot — in a good way!
Mistakes and awkward moments abound, travel can make any grown adult suddenly feel like a confused or lost child. Even simple tasks like ordering food, asking for directions or crossing a busy street can become obstacles.
This is a great way to strengthen your creative skills.
Creative endeavors are all about taking risk, making mistakes, embracing ‘failures’ or being ‘wrong’ and going against the grain.
Travel prepares your mind for this type of unsteadiness.
After dealing with the stress of international challenges, creative struggles feel that much easier.
Later ✌️
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