Spearheading a small business can be very rewarding, yet taking a holiday is rarely one of the perks of being an entrepreneur. It may be difficult to spend time away from a business that relies on you. Moreover, getting away for a few days or weeks may be daunting when you anticipate a huge backlog of work when you return.

But, what if travelling made you better at managing and growing your business?

Here are 5 ways in which travel can really benefit SMEs.

1. Another way of seeing things
   Henry Miller says, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
   
   Indeed, travelling makes you see the world through a different perspective.These fresh perspectives can inspire new ideas or help you solve problems you’ve been struggling with for a while. Travelling can give you a tremendous impetus to think in new ways.
   
   
   
2. Meeting clients, partners and service providers in-person can help establish positive relationships
   Travelling to meet clients, partners and service providers helps you gauge the right opportunity and work with like-minded partners.In addition, face-to-face meetings can help establish a personal bond and strengthen the professional relationship.
   
   
   
3. Expand your horizons
   Travel experiences can help inspire out-of-the box thinking and can spark new stimulating ideas for one’s business.Travel compels you to move out of your comfort zone or daily routine. It helps adapt to new situations, people and culture. Adaptability is an important virtue for entrepreneurs to possess.
   
   
   
4. Rejuvenate
   Renewed energy and focus can be an outcome of interesting travel sojourns. Being an entrepreneur can be a very demanding job and ever so often one needs to take a break. Taking a vacation is one of the best ways to rejuvenate oneself. This renewed energy and positivity is contagious and can help re-energise the entire team.
   
   
   
5. Hone your networking skills
   Travelling can actually make you a better people’s person. Travel forces you into situations where you have to communicate with others and often overcome language barriers through creative non-verbal skills. Such experiences can greatly hone your networking ability and make you a better collaborator.

For SME owners, travel can be an experience that gives them an insight into how things work in different parts of the world. Some of the best business ideas can come from travelling to varied places. To make the most of your travel experience, follow these smart travel tips.

Share with us some of your travel experiences that have helped in your entrepreneurial journey.