Transformative Trips To Help You "Find Yourself" - Full-Time Travel

Transformative Trips To Help You “Find Yourself”

Transformative Trips To Help You "Find Yourself"

By Esme Benjamin

Cliched though it may be, the concept of traveling to “find yourself” is rooted in travel’s unique ability to bring us clarity and direction when we need it most. During life’s messy in-between moments, when we are muddling through a transition or feel completely stuck, the experience of travel can help us discover more about who we are and what we want. If you’re looking for a trip that will aid self-knowledge (AKA one that will help you find yourself), book one of these growth-focused travel experiences, stat. 

Camp Grounded by Digital Detox: Get offline and live in the moment 

Perfect for: People who miss the simplicity and connection of their childhood summer camp 

If you often find yourself wondering what you’re capable of without technological distractions, perhaps it’s time you took a trip with Digital Detox. Camp Grounded is a nostalgic reimagining of summer camp designed for adults who value human connections over WiFi connections. Attendees go offline the whole weekend and all talk of work is forbidden. Instead, there’s a fun-packed itinerary of activities and “playshops,” from archery and acro-yoga to creative writing and music. Plus, campfires and s’mores galore, naturally. 

Find connection around the campfire at Camp Grounded | By Leon Contreras

Wild Women Expeditions: Channel your inner outdoorswoman

Perfect for: Fans of Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild,’ who want an accessible nature adventure

Female owned and run, Wild Women Expeditions hosts adventurous trips across 30 global destinations – from Tanzania to Mongolia. Join a diverse group of female travelers – many of them solo – on a horseback riding tour of the Scottish Highlands, a kayaking trip along the Italian Riviera, or a multisport adventure through Yellowstone National Park to name a few. If you love the idea of a true adventure involving an accessible level of physical challenge, a Wild Women Expedition is the one for you. 

Esalen: Explore all aspects of yourself on the Cali coast 

Perfect for: Hippies at heart seeking a holistic approach to personal betterment 

Probably the most famous holistic wellness center in America, Esalen has been offering guests workshops and retreats for “emergent transformation and internal exploration” since the 1960s. Esalen’s programming spans topics ranging from writing to meditation and sustainability – all with a new age-y spin – and its location, overlooking the deep blue Pacific in Big Sur, sets the tone for a life-changing experience. 

Could you do 10 days of silent meditation? | By Hope Film Photo

Vipassana Meditation Retreat: Quiet the mind with 10 days of silence

Perfect for: Those with a desire to take their meditation practice to the next level

Ever since Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey tweeted about his grueling but transformational experience with Vipassana, the 10-day silent retreat program has been firmly on the radar of mainstream America. Held at retreat centers across the world, Vipassana is a meditation technique taught to new practitioners over the course of 10 days. For the duration of the stay, attendees must remain silent and are not permitted to engage in anything that might distract them from the task at hand (learning to focus the mind with sustained attention), including smart phones, books, sex, or exercise (excluding a daily walk outside). It’s not for the faint of heart, but advocates like Dorsey say it’s one of the best ways to understand one’s inner nature.

SOJRN: Live and learn abroad while working remotely

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to pursue their passions without a huge life upheaval

Described as ‘work from home meets study abroad,’ SOJRN offers remote workers the opportunity to join a four-week deep-dive into a destination and its culture. Each trip (or “chapter”) involves jetting to a dream location for a month, with accommodation and a work space taken care of, and ample opportunities for learning during free time. The curriculum of activities connects to the destination (think wine in Tuscany, fashion in Paris, philosophy in Athens, wellness in Bali, Spanish in Medellin), so you explore your niche interests while savoring a true slow travel experience at the same time. 

Read an interview with SOJRN founder Tara Cappel>>
Learn about wine in Italy with SOJRN | Photo by Anny Richey

The Art of Living Retreat Center: Find self-expression and wellbeing in the mountains

Perfect for: Those determined to make wellness a priority this year 

Nestled in the forested mountains of Boone, North Carolina, The Art of Living Retreat Center is a one-stop for all aspects of wellbeing. Browse programs by theme – happy, healthy, inspired or relaxed – and choose according to how you need nurturing. If you need a calming break from everyday pressures, a yoga and meditation retreat might be just the thing. Want to harness self-discovery through a creative program led by a noteworthy guest teacher? Try author/illustrator Mari Andrews’ upcoming creating from the soul retreat. 

Cairn & Sky: Stretch yourself physically and emotionally

Perfect for: Guys who want to focus on personal growth in a supportive environment

Wyoming-based Cairn & Sky offers retreats for all kinds of men, geared around personal growth and connection. Facilitators Scott and Jerry incorporate both physical and emotional elements into the experience, so an average day might start with a challenging hike in the mountains around Jackson Hole, followed by a journaling exercise and fire-side conversation. Group size is limited to 12 to keep the whole thing intimate, allowing attendees to comfortably open up and connect with one another.

Do a mind/body reset at PachaMama | By Jared Rice

PachaMama Transformation Cycle: Dive into a total mind/body reset

Perfect for: Those without time constraints who are seeking profound change

Situated deep in the steamy rainforest of Costa Rica, PachaMama is an eco-village and retreat center that bills itself as “a platform for a profound voyage into healing, self-acceptance and expansion of consciousness.” If you’re serious about making some changes, this is the place for you. Of all the programs offered at PachaMama, the Transformation Cycle is the most intensive. Spread over five weeks, it’s a holistic approach to mind and body revitalization that incorporates a nutritional detox, group therapy, yoga and movement, a 7-day silent meditation retreat, and a sweat lodge ceremony.  You'll leave feeling brand new.

Istanbul`s beauty lies in its historic architecture, the Bosphorus Strait`s scenic charm, vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, rich cuisine, Sufi traditions, captivating sunsets, street art, and its unique blend of cultures as a crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Reel: @samisrt
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Sweeping mountain views of the Dolomites, beautiful wildflowers, and the most delicious dinner included with your stay at @hotel_dolomitenhof_u_altepost.

Reel: @tc.travels
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In the latest episode of our podcast, Christine Winebrenner Irick, entrepreneur (@lotussojourns) and podcaster (@souloftravelpodcast) shares the story of her first big trip to Asia. In the midst of a period of rebirth, as her career and marriage were crumbling, Christine took inspiration from Alex Garland`s book, The Beach, and set off for Thailand with one good friend and no solid plans. What unfolded was a perspective-shifting experience that would, in Christine`s own words, "reveal who she would become." 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#tttcm #traveltok #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast #thailand #travelthailand
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Is it too early to think about Fall? Daydreaming of autumn in Patagonia.

Reel: @ramirotorrents
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A lovely town on the French Riviera, Menton is known for its beauty, mild weather, colorful buildings, and lemon production. Enjoy beaches, history, and a laid-back vibe.

Reel: @sofikulin
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Full-Time Travel`s sister brand, @kingdomgolf, invites you to a join special guests from the world of golf and entertainment, including Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam, for a luxury island experience. Play the incredible courses at Wexford and Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club. ⛳️ Link in bio to reserve your spot at the 2023 Kingdom Cup on Thursday, September 21st thru Sunday, September 24th. ...

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One night in the desert inspires a corporate worker to follow her dream of becoming a travel journalist.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel journalist, podcaster, and entrepreneur Yulia Denisyuk (@insearchofperfect) shares the story of a career-altering trip to Morocco. It`s an ode to the power of looking for signs when you need confirmation you`re on the right track. If you`re harboring a dream but it never quite feels like the right time to make the leap, this episode is for you. 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#fulltimetravel #travelreel #ftt #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast
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Submerged beneath the ocean waves or inside a kaleidoscopic aquarium, these rare underwater restaurants serve meals alongside a cast of aquatic creatures. Book a table and enjoy a whole new spin on dinner and a show. ...

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Bike through the world`s largest salt flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

Reel: @islayjoy
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Known for its stunning sand dunes that create a landscape resembling white sheets (lençóis in Portuguese), Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique national park located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

The park`s most iconic feature is the series of turquoise lagoons formed by rainwater that collects between the dunes. These lagoons are a stark contrast to the surrounding white sands and provide a refreshing oasis for visitors.

Reel: @melly_ba
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A travel entrepreneur rows 3,000 miles in 36 days, completely unsupported.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel entrepreneur, Jimmy Carroll (@jimmyalexandercarroll), shares his experiences of participating in the world’s toughest rowing race: the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

For 36 days, Jimmy and his three teammates rowed in alternating two-hour stints for 24 hours a day, through storms, sleep deprivation, and an unexpected attack from a 12-foot blue marlin. It was an experience that pushed them to the limit of their resilience but one that was also full of profound beauty and awe.

🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#thetripthatchangedme #fulltimetravel #ftt #travelpodcast #podcast #jimmycarroll
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Sunsets in Big Sur are always a magical view.

Reel: @nathanaelbillings
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