Imagine stepping off a plane, not just to a new destination, but to a fresh perspective that could redefine your leadership approach. Through the eyes of seasoned founders and CEOs, discover how travel serves as a vital component in their strategy for unwinding and gaining new insights. The first insight reveals how travel offers new perspectives and empathy, while the last underscores the importance of a trip to the Maldives in promoting creativity and balance. Join us as we explore fifteen unique insights that highlight the transformative power of travel for top executives.
- Travel Gives New Perspectives and Empathy
- Iceland Trip Inspired Innovative Solutions
- Kyoto Zen Gardens Highlighted Simplicity
- Indonesia Trip Rekindled Work Enthusiasm
- Hiking in Rockies Improved Focus and Resilience
- Portugal Trip Inspired Unique Team-Building
- Bellagio Visit Balanced Creativity with Precision
- Coffee Growers Inspired Patience in Business
- Sicily Trip Enhanced Authentic Marketing Strategies
- Morocco Trip Highlighted Attention to Detail
- Pacific Northwest Trip Clarified Long-Term Vision
- Japan Trip Inspired Continuous Improvement
- Mongolia Trip Highlighted Digital Wellness
- Travel Enhances Creativity and Reduces Burnout
- Maldives Trip Promoted Creativity and Balance
Travel Gives New Perspectives and Empathy
As the owner of an international travel agency, vacations are literally what I think about and work on all day, every day. Most of the time it is planning and executing itineraries for our guests, and while sport fishing and relaxing on beaches in Central America is about as dreamy as it gets, it does require hard work and long hours. I’m in the fortunate position where taking a vacation serves the dual purpose of helping me unwind and destress, while at the same time gives me new perspectives and understanding of what our own guests must feel when they travel with us.
Running the day-to-day of a small company, my workdays are typically 10-12 hrs long and it’s rare that a weekend passes by without me sneaking in a few more hours of work. In 2014, my wife and I took a trip to Japan that was amazing in so many different ways, expected and unexpected. My wife and a local travel agent planned our 14-day visit with hotels, train tickets, and entrances to all the best historical sites, so for me to go on a vacation that I didn’t have to work on or even think about was a treat. From showing up at new hotels to enjoying pre-planned activities, it was a luxury to give the professional travel planner in me a much-needed break. I learned that sometimes decision makers simply want to have time off from making decisions—and that’s the service that my travel agency provides.
However, being CEO also means that I am always looking for ideas to grow, improve, and become more efficient. Living and working in Central America and with family in the US, 99% of my time is spent in these two regions of the world so our visit to Asia was about as polar opposite as you could get, both culturally and geographically. It was equally shocking and refreshing to be in a country where I couldn’t speak the language, read signs, or get by without help from either a local or technology.
Being English/Spanish bilingual, I can travel almost anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, but two weeks in Japan gave me a fresh perspective on what many of our own guests must feel like when they take the trips we plan for them. The “simple” questions that we field on a daily basis suddenly became much more serious when I finally felt like a foreigner again. How do I get from the airport to my hotel? Is the transportation safe? Will anyone at my hotel speak English? This rediscovered empathy led me to come back to work not only refreshed, but motivated to be an even better travel company in the future.
Chris Atkins
Owner & Founder, Central America Fishing
Iceland Trip Inspired Innovative Solutions
Travel plays an integral role in my strategy for unwinding and gaining fresh perspectives while balancing the tasks of being a CEO and leading a remote team. The change of environment offers creativity, novel experiences, and a chance to experience diverse cultures and ways of life.
One memorable trip that stands out is a two-week visit to Iceland. The isolation amid spectacular landscapes with the Northern Lights dancing overhead provided an incredible reset. The unique Icelandic culture and their resilience and ingenuity despite harsh climatic conditions instilled new inspiration within me. It was not just a break or relief from the daily grind, but a truly transformative experience that I still draw upon when I need innovative solutions or mental fortitude.
The lessons travel teaches us can give us surprisingly unique insights into the running of an organization. As a CEO, I aim to cultivate that fresh perspective, openness, and adaptability in my organization.
Yulia Saf
Founder, Miss Tourist
Kyoto Zen Gardens Highlighted Simplicity
Travel plays a significant role in helping me unwind and gain fresh perspectives as a CEO. Stepping away from the daily grind allows me to clear my mind, experience new cultures, and often discover creative solutions to challenges I hadn’t fully untangled. Travel isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about stepping into environments that inspire new ways of thinking.
One memorable trip was to Kyoto, Japan, where I spent time exploring Zen gardens and participating in a traditional tea ceremony. The calm, deliberate rituals and the emphasis on simplicity reminded me of the importance of focusing on the essentials in both life and work. I returned with a renewed commitment to simplifying processes in my business, which ultimately improved team efficiency and morale. That trip taught me that travel isn’t just an escape—it’s a way to gain clarity and reset my priorities.
Runbo Li
Co-Founder & CEO, Magic Hour
Indonesia Trip Rekindled Work Enthusiasm
For me, travel takes on an indispensable role when it comes to unwinding and gaining new perspectives as a CEO on the go. Adventuring across the globe lets me break from my routine, tap into my curiosity, and open myself up to diverse cultures and ways of thinking.
One example was a 3-month solo trip through Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The dynamic street life of Hanoi, the tranquil temples of Bali, and the ultramodern charm of Singapore offered a balance of stimulation and tranquility that rekindled my enthusiasm for work.
Moreover, witnessing and appreciating the locals’ sustainable living practices during my sojourn sparked fresh ideas for promoting eco-consciousness in my business model.
Inspiration comes from new experiences, and my travels replenish my mental reservoir and allow me to return to work refreshed and ready to instigate change.
Annelies De Gelas
Owner & Writer, Travelers & Dreamers
Hiking in Rockies Improved Focus and Resilience
Travel plays a crucial role in my strategy for unwinding and gaining new perspectives as a CEO. Stepping away from the usual environment allows me to disconnect from daily routines, which is essential for reducing stress and gaining a clearer, broader perspective on both life and business. Travel exposes me to different cultures, ways of thinking, and unexpected experiences that often spark fresh ideas I can bring back to the company.
One memorable trip was a hiking journey through the Canadian Rockies. The physical challenge of the hikes, coupled with the incredible mountain scenery, forced me to stay present and enjoy the moment. The experience not only gave me a much-needed mental break but also reminded me of the importance of pacing and resilience, both in nature and in business. I returned to work with renewed energy and a sharper focus on long-term goals rather than just immediate tasks, which helped me lead with greater clarity and purpose.
Andrew Lee Jenkins
Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Portugal Trip Inspired Unique Team-Building
Our whole concept was actually inspired by my backpacking trip through small towns in Portugal, where local business owners created these incredibly authentic experiences. I remember this tiny pottery studio in Porto where the owner spent hours teaching us, and that genuine connection sparked the idea of connecting teams with local businesses. Now I make it a point to take quarterly trips to discover unique team-building experiences, which helps me stay creative and understand what makes meaningful group activities work.
Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja
Founder, Spaciously
Bellagio Visit Balanced Creativity with Precision
Travel is essential to my strategy for unwinding and gaining fresh insights. Stepping away from the day-to-day business environment allows me to reflect without distractions, gain new perspectives, and often spark creative ideas that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
One memorable trip was a visit to Bellagio, Italy, where I immersed myself in the serene beauty of Lake Como and the elegance of Italian architecture. Walking through the winding cobbled streets, surrounded by charming villas and breathtaking lake views, I felt a sense of calm and clarity. Bellagio’s timeless ambiance and the Italian dedication to art offered a new perspective on balancing creativity with precision. I returned to work with a refreshed mindset and a greater appreciation for simplicity and detail, influencing my strategy and client engagement approach.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Coffee Growers Inspired Patience in Business
Travel is one of my main resets—it pulls me out of the usual routine and gives me a fresh view on what I’m building with my business. I find that new surroundings can open up different ways of thinking, and I come back with a sharper sense of what I want to do next.
One trip that really stayed with me helped me connect with local coffee growers and see their process firsthand. Watching them work was eye-opening; it’s not fast-paced or streamlined. Instead, they approach each step-picking, sorting, roasting—with this dedication and patience that I realized was missing from how I’d been running things.
That trip got me thinking about how to slow down and bring more care into my business. I wanted to bring people closer to the story and the craft behind each piece.
Wes Wakefield
Founder, Pro Coffee Gear
Sicily Trip Enhanced Authentic Marketing Strategies
Travel unquestionably plays a crucial role in my unwinding strategy as a CEO. It provides me with opportunities to break free from everyday routine, explore diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. One trip that stands out was my journey to rural Sicily, Italy. I was captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of its culinary scene, which inspired me to develop a greater appreciation of earnest, home-cooked meals. I learned the value of retaining originality and authenticity in my strategy as a CEO of a food digital marketing firm.
After this travel-induced timeout, I returned to work, refreshed with innovative food marketing strategy approaches that drew significantly from preserving authenticity. The increased booking rates my clients experienced testify to the effectiveness of these renewed strategies. In conclusion, travel does not only serve to invigorate but also to refresh business strategies from a unique standpoint.
Andrea Abbondanza
CEO and Founder, SEO For Restaurants
Morocco Trip Highlighted Attention to Detail
Exploring new places and cultures helps me keep my mind flexible and receptive to diverse viewpoints, which is essential for a global company like ours. Observing how others live and work reminds me there are countless ways to approach a problem. Travel helps me return with renewed energy, ready to apply these insights in innovative ways.
One particularly inspiring trip was to Morocco, where I explored ancient cities and vibrant markets. Observing the intricacies of local craftsmanship made me think about how attention to detail can transform even the simplest product. I came back motivated to bring that same level of care and thoughtfulness into our company’s design and user experience.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Pacific Northwest Trip Clarified Long-Term Vision
As a CEO, I find that travel plays a crucial role in helping me step back, unwind, and gain fresh perspectives that ultimately benefit my work. Taking time away from the day-to-day operations allows me to recharge, see things from a new vantage point, and come back with renewed energy and creativity. Travel gives me the chance to experience different environments and approaches, which often sparks new ideas and insights that I can bring back to the business.
One memorable trip that had a particularly refreshing impact was a recent visit to the Pacific Northwest. I spent a week exploring the scenic coastlines and forests, immersing myself in nature and disconnecting from my usual routine. The slower pace and stunning landscapes gave me the clarity to think about our business from a long-term perspective, rather than just focusing on immediate challenges. I returned with a clearer vision for future projects and new ideas on how to streamline operations while maintaining our personalized approach.
That time away not only helped me relax but also allowed me to return with a broader, more strategic outlook. Taking the opportunity to travel and unwind periodically has become an essential part of my approach to leadership, ensuring that I can continue leading with purpose and fresh insights.
Samantha Easton
Chief Executive Officer, Blue Diamond Sales & Rentals, Inc
Japan Trip Inspired Continuous Improvement
As a busy CEO, traveling has always served dual purposes for me—a means of unwinding and an opportunity to glean new insights and perspectives. The experience of exploring unfamiliar landscapes, interacting with diverse cultures, and getting out of my comfort zone acts as a welcome respite from the operational stress, nourishing my mental well-being.
One trip that remains etched in my memory is a two-week expedition to Japan. There, I discovered the Japanese concept of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, which I later integrated into my company’s business ethos. This journey not only gave me the much-needed relaxation but also provided me with a nugget of wisdom that transformed our approach to quality control and prototyping. This illustrates how travel can serve as an unexpected source of inspiration, fueling both personal well-being and business innovation.
Jason Woo
Owner, Able Hardware
Mongolia Trip Highlighted Digital Wellness
As a CEO, I see travel as a necessary component of my strategy for resting, gaining new perspectives, and revitalizing my ideas. Exploring different cultures and environments allows me to step out of my routine and return to work with a clearer, more divergent outlook.
A particular trip that stands out was my journey through the untouched landscapes of Mongolia. Sleeping under the Mongolian sky, detached from the modern world and digital distractions rattled my perspective. This experience helped me appreciate the necessity of a balance between digital advancement and maintaining our connection to nature.
On returning, I was more refreshed than ever and integrated more digital wellness strategies into my companies. In my opinion, travel not only refreshes the mind but also stretches our cognitive flexibility, making us better problem solvers and leaders in the long run.
Riccardo Ocleppo
Founder & Director, OPIT
Travel Enhances Creativity and Reduces Burnout
As a CEO, travel can be more than just a break—it’s an essential tool for recharging, sparking creativity, and returning to work with fresh energy. Here’s how it can make a real difference for executives:
Stepping away from daily stresses helps CEOs gain a broader perspective and reduce burnout. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant demands of leadership, but taking time to disconnect can provide a much-needed mental reset. Travel also stimulates creativity—being in a new environment, experiencing different cultures, and seeing how others approach challenges can inspire innovative ideas to bring back to the business.
Travel doesn’t just benefit the mind; it can also improve mental health by reducing anxiety and promoting happiness. On top of that, exploring new places usually means more movement-walking through cities, hiking trails, or even just staying active outdoors-which contributes to better physical health.
For leaders, travel also builds cultural awareness, enhancing global perspective and cultural intelligence. It’s an opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and gain insights that can shape a more inclusive and well-rounded leadership approach. Plus, stepping away from the office tests how well your team and systems function in your absence, which is a great way to gauge organizational resilience.
One practical example is a “workation” at a scenic destination, like Four Seasons Lanai I went to recently. This allows executives to blend work with relaxation—changing up the environment while still tackling essential tasks, enjoying luxury amenities during downtime, and gradually disconnecting from work pressures. It’s a balanced way to recharge without completely stepping away.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings once emphasized the importance of regular vacations and being open about them with your team. Setting this example reinforces a culture of work-life balance, showing that rest is as important as hard work. When leaders prioritize their well-being, it not only benefits them but also sets a positive tone for the entire organization.
Jay Yue
Growth, Wanderboat
Maldives Trip Promoted Creativity and Balance
Being in the position of CEO, travel serves as an escape and a way to get fresh insights. It changes the usual flow of things, provided I look at the same picture but from a different angle and come back recharged. One trip that stands out was to the Maldives where I was a guest at a private resort. I managed to disconnect and reset because the atmosphere and the level of service were great and it helped me focus on being creative at work even more when I came back. Travel has been one way to promote equilibrium and encourage fresh perspectives.
Mohd Rizwan
Director, Travelosei