How to Plan a Transformative Travel Experience That helps you Grow Using Four Simple Techniques

The first step when we want to travel typically involves looking for ‘inspiration’ on the ‘gram. If that is not enough, we ask our circle of friends for tips and advice. And if they cannot give us the answer we are looking for, we visit travel websites.

All this to justify what we know from the beginning — our destination is chosen and all the poking around is to justify the why to ourselves.

Then we put a plan together, decide on the day-to-day itinerary, and make a list of places to see and the things to buy. It is the best plan ever.

We go there, generally have a good time and enjoy the break from work.

Upon returning home, we share trip pictures, get everyone together to talk about our experiences and show off the shopping.

We then proceed to give away the souvenirs and return to our lives. The afterglow of a great trip fades, and we are back to daydreaming about our next trip.

When was the last time you travelled without every detail ticked off, and that too, to a destination not many people in your circle know of?

When did you last venture to a place off the grid?

And when was the last time you spent observing, internalizing, and truly immersing yourself in the cultural extravaganza that every new place offers?

Travelling without actively participating and reflecting can be mere entertainment. To truly immerse yourself in the experience, pay attention to how you feel and what you learn along the way.

Here are some goals to have in mind when you travel:

1. Try to actively learn about the place you’re visiting. Observe the native customs and interact with the locals.
2. Learn about the history and the reasons behind the customs. Ask questions and try to understand how they relate to your experiences there.
3. Notice how the journey is affecting you. Reflect on your memories, insights, and opinions.
4. Only plan out some details. Allow yourself to explore and be spontaneous.

Applying these goals can be tricky, but here are four techniques you can use to make the most of your travels

1. We often generalize from our limited experiences, but travel broadens our sample set and helps us understand the universals of the human condition.

> Do this: Keep a travel journal to reflect on and capture your experiences. If you can correlate it with your photos and videos, even better. 📝

2. Travel exposes us to new ideas and ways of living. It reminds us of the options —better or worse — we have when we return home.

> Do this: Be deliberate in setting your goals for the trip, and don’t try to recreate your life at home in a different place.🎯

3. Travelling helps us understand that there are many definitions of a good life and many ways to be happy. Ours may not be the only way.

> Do this: Allow for serendipity in your travels, and don’t over-plan your trip. You will often be surprised by what comes tumbling the road at you.

Befriend the locals. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏽

They usually are proud to give you the best of themselves, and 8 times out of 10, they also want to know about you and your life.

4. Remember, not everyone wants what you want.

Diversity in how we manifest our goals and desires accounts for differences in personal philosophy and product markets.

> Do this: Be open to growth and anticipate that you might add to the construct that is “you” when you travel. 🪴

Setting goals and actively engaging with your surroundings can transform your trip into a meaningful and enriching journey. Travel can offer unique insights and opportunities for growth if you let it.

By embracing serendipity and being mindful in setting goals, you return home with new resources and a fresh perspective.

So next time you plan a trip, consider applying these goals and techniques to ensure that your journey is not just entertainment but a truly transformative experience.

Tell me about a travel experience that changed your life.