Do you sometimes find that after researching and planning your travels, your experiences aren’t quite as fulfilling, inspiring, life-changing as you had hoped? It gets to the point where you find yourself in a constant cycle, travelling from one place to another, with not much meaning, resulting in a repeat of unfulfilling experiences. Personally, it took a long time for me to realise that my lack of intent and purpose towards my travels were the main reasons why I would struggle to gain more from them. 

WHAT IT MEANS TO TRAVEL WITH INTENTION AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Intention isn't a goal but a mindset that represents an aim to carry out an action or actions in the future. To travel with intention means to add purpose to your journey; focusing on things that bring balance and more awareness into your life. 

Setting an intention for your travels will ultimately lay down the foundation for personal transformation. Not to say travel is the only method for experiencing transformation, but it is a mighty catalyst for it. Setting intentions prior to your journey allows you to make decisions that encourage you to use your dedicated time to travel wisely, in order to meet personal needs. 

You are also able to unlock a mindful mindset that leads you to fulfilling experiences and meaningfulness memories. You will find that the pressure to mold yourself to experiences that don’t align with your desires doesn’t exist anymore, because you’re now focused on the intentions you have personally set for your travels. 

HOW TO SET INTENTIONS & FULFIL THEM

Figure out why you want to travel by focusing on your pain points. 

Think about your life currently, what are you doing too much of or, or what are you not doing enough of? Note, you can have more than one pain point.

• Are you always distracted by social media?

  
  

• Are you an introvert who finds it hard to connect with people?

  
  

• Are you in a creative rut and lacking inspiration and motivation?

  
  

• Do you need a full reset of your mind, body and soul?

  
  

• Are you an eco-conscious individual looking to make less of a negative impact on the earth? 
  

There are many reasons for why you may want to travel. Chime into your thoughts and current situation and lifestyle. These elements can aid in helping you gain insight into what you could possibly want to gain from travelling, thus resulting in fulfilling and transformative experiences.

Ready? Set. Why & how you will travel.

So you've figured out your pain point, now it’s time to challenge your mindset and set an intention that focuses on it specifically. For example, if you’re distracted by social media, your intention would be to be more present, by spending less time on your phone, and tuning into your surroundings. If you’re in a creative rut and need some inspiration, your intention would may be to fully immerse yourself in a new culture by venturing beyond tourist attractions. If you lack the art of connecting with with people, perhaps it’s time to step out of your comfort zone by attending some local events or picking a hostel as accommodation instead of a big hotel, in order to meet new people. 

Apply and take action.

Once you’ve identified your travel intentions and set clear goals for your journey, the next crucial step is to take deliberate actions that align with these intentions. This proactive approach not only enhances your travel experience but also fosters personal growth and meaningful connections with your destination. Here’s how you can turn your intentions into impactful actions that resonate throughout your journey.

Absolutely! Here are more examples to help you apply and take action based on different intentions:

1. If you want to be more present:

- Digital Detox: Set specific times during the day to turn off your phone and other devices. Perhaps use an app that helps you monitor and limit screen time.

- Mindful Moments: Dedicate at least 10 minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. You can use apps like Headspace or Calm to guide you.

2. If you’re looking to connect with locals:

- Language Learning: Spend 15-30 minutes each day learning basic phrases of the local language using apps like Duolingo or Babbel.

- Local Meetups: Join local events or meetups through platforms like Meetup or Couchsurfing, and make it a goal to attend at least one event during your trip.

3. If you need creative inspiration:

- Art Exploration: Visit local galleries, museums, or street art locations. Document what inspires you through sketches, photos, or journal entries.

- Workshops and Classes: Sign up for a local art, cooking, or craft workshop. Websites like Airbnb Experiences and Viator offer unique local experiences.

4. If you want to focus on eco-friendly travel:

- Sustainable Choices: Choose eco-friendly accommodations, such as eco-lodges or hotels with green certifications. Websites like Ecobnb can help you find sustainable options.

- Volunteer: Spend a day volunteering with a local environmental organization. Websites like Workaway or WWOOF offer opportunities to give back to local communities.

5. If you’re seeking a mental reset:

- Nature Immersion: Plan daily activities that immerse you in nature, such as hiking, swimming, or simply sitting in a park. Apps like AllTrails can help you find nearby trails.

- Journaling: Start each day with a journaling session to set your intentions and reflect on your experiences. Prompts can include your goals for the day, what you're grateful for, and how you want to feel.

6. If you want to step out of your comfort zone:

- Try New Things: Make a list of activities you’ve never done before and aim to try at least one new thing each day. This could be tasting a local dish, trying a new sport, or visiting an unusual attraction.

- Solo Ventures: Spend a day exploring a new city or part of town on your own. Challenge yourself to navigate without a guide and interact with locals for recommendations.

7. If you want to improve your physical health:

- Active Exploration: Incorporate physical activities into your travel, like walking tours, bike rentals, or yoga on the beach.

- Healthy Eating: Research and try local health food spots, markets, and restaurants. Apps like HappyCow can help you find vegetarian and vegan options.

By setting these specific actions, you can ensure that your travel intentions are met, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful travel experiences.

Here are a few travel-inspired intention prompts to include in the next journal of your travels:

• Why have I chosen to travel to this particular destination? What has sparked my interest?

• How do I want this journey to help me grow, and what do I want to learn about myself?

• How will I try to step outside of my comfort zone?

• What (mental) baggage will I leave at home?

Do you set travel intentions? Let me know the latest one you’ve set for yourself.