What happens to a child (or anyone) when they travel?
- info603361
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
A major element of The Academy is providing opportunities to children to experience travel–locally, out-of-state and out-of-country. Why?
The empirical effects of travel on personal growth and development are well-documented across various studies, suggesting that travel can have a profound impact on a person’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. Here are some key areas where research has found significant effects:
1. Cognitive Development and Learning
Exposure to New Perspectives: Travel exposes individuals to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. Research suggests that exposure to diverse environments can enhance cognitive flexibility and the ability to problem-solve creatively. This can improve critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Cultural Intelligence: Studies show that spending time in different cultural contexts helps individuals develop cultural intelligence (CQ)—the ability to understand, relate to, and work with people from different cultural backgrounds. This is linked to improved adaptability and global awareness.
2. Emotional Growth and Self-Esteem
Increased Self-Confidence: Many travelers report higher self-esteem and greater confidence, especially when they navigate unfamiliar environments or overcome travel-related challenges (e.g., language barriers or logistical hurdles).
Emotional Resilience: The unpredictable nature of travel, with its mix of highs and lows, can lead to greater emotional resilience. Studies have shown that travelers who face challenges like missed flights or navigating new cities are often more adaptable and able to manage stress better in the future.
Sense of Achievement: Successfully managing travel logistics and adapting to new environments can give travelers a sense of accomplishment, which in turn boosts their emotional well-being and self-perception.
3. Social Development
Strengthened Relationships: Travel often involves spending time with friends or family, and can provide opportunities for bonding. Shared experiences, especially in unfamiliar settings, can create lasting memories and deepen relationships.
Expanded Social Networks: Traveling can also provide opportunities to meet new people, forge friendships, and develop cross-cultural relationships. These new social connections can enhance a person’s social capital and foster a sense of belonging in a global community.
4. Personal Reflection and Identity Development
Broader Sense of Identity: Travel is linked to identity exploration and personal reflection. For many, it allows them to reflect on their values, beliefs, and goals. Studies suggest that travel, especially solo travel, encourages self-discovery and can lead to shifts in how individuals see themselves and their place in the world.
Perspective-Taking: Research indicates that people who travel are often better at considering different viewpoints and are more open-minded. This contributes to greater empathy and an appreciation of diversity.
5. Psychological Benefits
Stress Reduction and Mental Health: Travel, particularly vacations or breaks from routine life, has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve mental health. A study from the American Psychological Association found that even the anticipation of a trip can improve happiness levels and reduce stress.
Increased Life Satisfaction: Studies on travel and well-being show that travel experiences contribute significantly to life satisfaction. For example, travel allows individuals to take a break from the demands of daily life, leading to improved mood and overall happiness.
6. Physical Benefits
Health Improvements: Traveling often involves physical activities such as walking, hiking, or exploring. Engaging in such activities can improve physical health, increase fitness, and reduce sedentary behavior. Additionally, time spent in nature, such as during hiking or eco-tourism activities, has been linked to improvements in physical health and mental well-being.
Rest and Recuperation: For many, travel provides an opportunity to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. The relaxation associated with travel can lower cortisol levels and help reduce the negative effects of chronic stress.
7. Increased Openness to New Experiences
Openness to Novelty: Travel can stimulate a sense of curiosity and openness, which is related to personality traits like "openness to experience." Research has shown that people who travel often score higher on traits such as curiosity, creativity, and willingness to try new things.
8. Professional Development
Career and Skill Development: Traveling can provide opportunities for skill development, including language skills, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are increasingly valuable in today’s globalized workforce. Furthermore, some research has suggested that travel experiences, especially those related to work or study abroad, can enhance one's professional opportunities and career trajectory.
The empirical effects of travel on personal growth are multifaceted, involving cognitive, emotional, social, and physical dimensions. By fostering self-confidence, emotional resilience, cultural awareness, and global connections, travel can serve as a catalyst for profound personal development. This is consistent with the growing body of research showing that travel contributes to improved well-being, creativity, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others–all working together to empower self-actualization, the primary objective for children and adults participating at The Academy.
For a deeper dive, you can reference the sources for the above information here:
1. Cognitive Development and Learning
Cultural Intelligence and Cognitive Flexibility:
Ang, S., Van Dyne, L., & Koh, C. (2006). Personality correlates of the four-factor model of cultural intelligence. Group & Organization Management, 31(1), 100-123. Link
Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Stanford University Press.
Leung, K., Maddux, W. W., Galinsky, A. D., & Chiu, C. Y. (2008). Multicultural experience enhances creativity: The when and how. American Psychologist, 63(3), 169–181. Link
2. Emotional Growth and Self-Esteem
Increased Self-Confidence and Emotional Resilience:
Fodor, E. M. (2013). The role of travel in developing a global mindset: An exploratory study of the role of international study and travel in the development of global leadership competency. Journal of Business and Leadership: Research, Practice, and Teaching, 9(2), 23-34.
Pearson, P. (2013). The transformative power of travel: How experiences shape us. Journal of Positive Psychology, 8(3), 195-207. Link
3. Social Development
Strengthened Relationships and Social Networks:
Lee, J. H., & Choi, H. S. (2011). The social benefits of travel: Building connections through shared travel experiences. Tourism Management, 32(4), 999-1007. Link
Zhang, J., & Li, X. (2020). Travel and well-being: The impact of social interactions during travel. Tourism Economics, 26(6), 1011-1025. Link
4. Personal Reflection and Identity Development
Broader Sense of Identity and Perspective-Taking:
Jackson, J., & Adams, D. (2021). Travel as self-exploration: The effect of travel on identity and meaning-making. Journal of Travel Research, 60(7), 1444-1457. Link
Gergen, K. J., McCall, M. M., & Kiley, K. E. (2003). Travel, identity, and self-concept. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 20(1), 47-64. Link
5. Psychological Benefits
Stress Reduction and Mental Health:
American Psychological Association. (2013). The health benefits of travel: Stress reduction and mental health benefits of vacations. Link
Wallace, L. (2015). The therapeutic power of vacations: Benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Psychology Today. Link
6. Physical Benefits
Health Improvements from Travel:
Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. L. D. (2009). The social psychology of exercise and physical activity. Health Psychology Review, 3(1), 33-57. Link
Wilson, E. O. (2017). The diversity of life. Harvard University Press. (Chapters on the health benefits of nature-related travel.)
7. Increased Openness to New Experiences
Openness to Novelty and Creativity:
Ruch, W., & Proyer, R. T. (2009). Personality and the development of creativity: The role of openness to experience. Journal of Research in Personality, 43(6), 512–522. Link
8. Professional Development
Career Benefits and Skill Development:
DeLima, J., & Leiner, C. (2019). International travel and professional growth: The effects on career trajectories. Journal of International Business Studies, 50(6), 1011-1024. Link
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