Have you ever taken a trip that changed you forever? A vacation that stayed with you, one that you think back on again and again, and that affected you long after you returned home? If so, congratulations! You have experienced a transformative journey. And if you’re thinking you’d like to experience something like that again, this newsletter is perfect for you.
What is transformative travel?
Before we delve deeper and explore whether such a transformative journey can be planned, let’s take a quick look at what it actually is. Transformative travel emerged as a travel trend last year and will continue to influence travel in the coming year.
Specifically, transformative travel means your trip goes beyond discovering a new destination. You probably didn’t plan your first transformative trip specifically; you simply let your experiences take effect. With the „transformative travel” trend, however, you actively seek out experiences that promote personal growth, self-reflection, and a deeper connection to the world.
Important!
Not every trip has to be transformative. A relaxing vacation by the lake or at the beach is just as valuable!
☞ If you would like to learn more about this travel trend, feel free to read the blog article on the GREEN TRAVEL BLOG, in which we have already addressed the topic.
Is it even possible to plan a transformative journey?
You can’t plan in detail what will inspire you or resonate with you. However, you can create the right conditions. One tool for doing so is mindful travel planning, which involves thinking in advance about what you expect and want from the trip. Based on these expectations, you can seek out specific experiences before and during your trip, allow encounters to happen, go with the flow, and let your subconscious take over. This may sound a bit spiritual, but it’s relatively simple, we promise!
A step-by-step guide for mindful travel planning
Take your time when planning this type of trip. Ensure that you won’t be disturbed (this also applies to your mobile phone — we won’t be doing any research!), make your favourite hot drink, light a candle, or find some other ways to make yourself really comfortable. If the weather permits, we wholeheartedly recommend planning your trip outside.
- Step: Set clear intentions
Ask yourself honestly, what experiences you want to have, what changes you hope to see, and what perspectives you want to gain. Do you want to be more open to other people? Would you like to become more independent, spontaneous, or courageous? Or, do you want to better understand other people’s worldviews?
Important!
This is NOT about self-optimization or, for example, better career opportunities, but about what you want for yourself.
- Step: Don’t just check things off; dive deep
What experiences or activities could support or fulfill your intentions? If you want to become more independent, plan a day alone, away from your partner or group. If you want to be more open to others, a local cooking or sports class might be right for you. And if you want to be more spontaneous, don’t plan your trip down to the last detail; allow things to happen differently sometimes.
Important!
During this brainstorming session, collect all your ideas without evaluating them. You can always discard or sort them out later.
- Step: Search for authentic offers
Take a look at what your destination or chosen hotel has to offer (yes, you can use your phone again!). Consult your list of ideas and search specifically for local offers and community-based activities. Add anything that appeals to you to your list. Of course, you can also include tourist attractions. After all, not everything has to be transformative.
- Step: Create a travel plan
Now it’s time to actually start planning your trip. You can make your plans as detailed or rough as you like. The important thing is to schedule breaks. You’ll need this time to reflect on your experiences and encounters.
- Step: Come up with small rituals or anchors
Think ahead about small rituals or exercises you can incorporate into your trip. These could include writing a few lines in a travel journal, sending yourself a postcard, or doing a short morning meditation. After your trip, you can use these rituals to help you relive your journey.
Sustainable travel inspiration for you
To help you get started, we have selected a few experiences, destinations, and special accommodations. Feel free to use them as inspiration or as the basis for planning your trip. The advantage? You can rest assured that the accommodations are truly sustainable.
Nature conservation project in Peru
At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, you will stay in the heart of the rainforest, experience it in a unique way, and become part of something greater than yourself. For 50 years, Inkaterra has been actively committed to protecting this fragile ecosystem and conducting field research. By staying here, you will not only discover the diversity of nature but also help protect it.
Experience glaciers and climate in Zermatt
Mindfulness up close: In addition to the postcard-perfect backdrop of the Matterhorn, the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt invites you to witness the effects of climate change on the melting Gorner Glacier. As you look at the ice, you will realize how fragile this mountain world is and how important it is to protect and explore it gently and sustainably.
Yoga retreat in the Himalayas
At the eco-resort The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, you will find a space to arrive, breathe, and simply be. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas, you can leave your everyday life behind. Throughout your stay, you can enjoy yoga and meditation sessions led by an experienced instructor, as well as hikes in the world’s highest mountains and authentic farm-to-table cuisine. A yoga retreat at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm is about more than just conscious movement; it also includes theoretical content and spiritual practice, such as the origins of yoga. Visits to the local community and monastery will enrich your practice and ground you. In the end, you will feel more connected to yourself — surrounded by a landscape that inspires you.
Hiking in the Hohe Tauern National Park
Imagine being surrounded by the wild beauty of Hohe Tauern National Park. Here, you can connect with nature while hiking and find your rhythm in the mountains. Instead of merely checking off waypoints or summits, you can explore nature without ambition or pressure. Then, at the Naturhotel Outside, located in the heart of the national park, you can reflect on your experiences. Do so either in the Natur Spa with a view of the mountains, over a regional dinner, or in your cozy room. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and feel the power of the landscape on a journey that will reconnect you with what matters most.
Travel can change us when we approach it consciously.
Tell us about your experiences! And if you know someone who might be interested in this topic, feel free to forward this newsletter to them. #sharingiscaring
