how to experience transformative travel: a step by step guide
Transformative travel has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years. More than traditional forms of travel that are simply about a consumer experience or escape from our day to day lives, it goes several leaps further than this and emphasises self-discovery and self-reflection. transformative travel is about awakening something new within ourselves to radically reorient our worldview and elicit change in our lives.
So how exactly might you experience transformative travel? Read on for our 9-step guide on how to travel consciously, deliberately, and for meaningful change.
1. Consider your needs.
Before leaving, take the time to think about what you want to get out of your trip (this will allow you to travel with intention, a key part of transformative travel). Transformative travel comes in many shapes and forms and varies according to the transformational lessons it can offer. Be conscious of what you’re looking for and make mindful decisions in your preparation for the journey.
2. Arrive with an open mind.
Transformative travel may be very different to how you’ve travelled in the past. Be open to new experiences and look at the people and places around you through fresh eyes.
3. Unplug and unburden to truly connect.
Travel as minimally as you can, both physically and mentally. Unburden yourself of any preconceptions or judgements (and that third pair of shoes). Carry only what you need and free your mind to really reconnect with your inner self and the people around you. Consider keeping your time online to a minimum. Documenting and sharing what you experience is important, but never at the expense of living fully and wholeheartedly in the present moment.
4. Act with intention.
Set your intentions. Think hard about and actively engage with this in your day to day. Why have you embarked on this trip? What would you like to accomplish or learn? We find that setting aside a dedicated time each morning to journal, or simply to sit and reflect, is the best way to set our intentions for the day.
5. Move with grace and respect.
Don’t be an ignorant traveler. Take the time to educate yourself on the people and places you’re travelling to and recognise the privileges and biases you may be carrying with you. Aim to have a positive impact on the environment, economy, and local people. Transformative travel goes beyond you, the individual, so make sure to move with grace and respect. Say thank you (learning a few words in the local language goes a long way!) and acknowledge that travel is a privilege that not everyone has the means to access.
““from swimming in the ocean to considering the stars, walking in forests to accepting one’s flaws, nurturing friendship to finding a sense of purpose, there are things that matter enough to sustain us through life’s “muck and grit”, if only you know how to recognise them”. ”
6. Chase the challenge & seek out adventure.
Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, and don’t shy away from physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual challenges. This doesn’t mean you have to scale the first mountain you come across… challenges come in different forms for everyone and may be as simple as making a new friend or trying a new cuisine. Embrace spontaneity and seek out what scares you – remember, from adversity and challenge comes growth!
7. Listen & learn.
Listen to the stories of those you come across – be they fellow travellers or locals. What challenges might they have experienced in life? What have they learned from this? What ignites joy for them? break bread with the new people you meet, Learning from what they have to share and in return, be generous with your own experiences and journey.
8. Seek out solitude.
As important as it is to connect with those around you, connecting with your inner self is an essential part of personal growth. Find the time to be still and check in with yourself regularly. Reflect on what you’ve learnt, how you’re growing, and recalibrate if need be.
9. Translate this into meaningful change & take purposeful action upon your return.
Transformative travel doesn’t end the moment you step foot on the flight home. Think back to step one – what ideas or goals did you set out with? Maybe you didn’t depart with any fixed ideas, in which case, what did you discover? Acknowledging the insights you’ve gained from your travel and the ways in which you’ve expanded your worldview will allow you to create a positive impact on your life and radiate outwards like a shining beacon of light onto those around you.
itching to go on your next adventure? find the transformative escape that inspires you here.