4 Simple Ways to Be An Emotionally Intelligent Traveller

Recently I returned from a 50 day journey, of which I traveled across five continents, nine countries, attempted to speak five different languages, and was a passenger on 23 airplanes. My eyes were opened by many experiences, places, cultures, and people. The most shocking though were the people, specifically the people in the airport. Some people become a completely different version of themselves while traveling through an airport. After witnessing countless cases of rude, ignorant and pathetic scenarios I realized some people lose their empathy in these situations because the lack of control travelers have. Basically, the entire experience of air travel is out of the travelers’ control, think about it…the unknown time it will take to wait in line, the missing baggage, the last minute gate change, the delays, the missing of your connection flight, the actual flying, the pat down because the machine ‘randomly selected’ you, when you’ll be served food, the customs process, and the list of unexpected scenarios could go on and on.

As a travel writer, I have come to understand two lessons about traveling. First, as travelers, we immediately become representation of the rest of our country. And the world is watching, listening and remembering exactly what is said, or done in these situations. From there they are shaping their viewpoints of our country’s culture. The second lesson is, the most memorable moments are the unexpected ones, and usually are completely out of our control. With these two lessons I’ve adapted to become an emotionally intelligent traveller. An emotionally intelligent traveler is someone who is self-aware, culturally sensitive, empathetic to each unique situation, and curious about the world around them. 

To be an emotionally intelligent traveller these are the four mottos that can help throughout your journeys.

1. Consider what you say, before you say it

Seems easy, right? This means biting your tongue when you have been in the security line for over an hour, and want to shout, ‘what’s the point of going through another security screening’. In situations like this, this motto may seem easier said than done, this is when an emotionally intelligent traveler would self-reflect to question why am I really asking this question? Do I really need a response? Can people around me actually provide an answer? Will their answer make this situation easier or better for me and other around me?

2. Consider the Intent

This is not just a great motto for travel, but for life in general. The goal is to put yourself in others’ shoes, especially when frustrated or when there is a misunderstanding. One way an emotionally intelligent traveler would practice this is by asking themselves, ‘what’s the intent behind why they said that?’ or ‘why have they requested I complete that action?’ In my recent travels, I found myself using this tool when I started to get frustrated about the additional baggage fees. When I reflected on the intent, it was clear the check-in assistant was just doing her job and trying to ensure the weight is adjusted onboard so we are safe.

3. Show mutual respect

Traveling is the perfect environment to practice empathy and to be a good human. No one is more important that anyone else. In an airport, most travelers are in a hurry trying to board a plane, just like you are. An emotionally intelligent traveler, understands this and treats everyone with equal respect.  

4. Be Amazed & Show Appreciation  

My personal favorite way to be an emotionally intelligent traveller is to let yourself be in complete awe of the journey. To acknowledge, it’s a magnificent miracle that we have the ability to get into a tin can machine that will shoot us thousands of feet into the air and take us to another destination within hours. Once you’re in amazement it becomes much easier to appreciate the process, the staff, the security and fellow travelers. I also always make sure to go out of my way to thank the people behind the scenes keeping air travel safe and magical.  

Next time you find yourself frustrated with the long security line or about to lose it at the  check in desk, just stop, take a deep breath, and practice these simple ways to be an emotionally intelligent traveller.

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