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.

🌴 Jamaica offers more than just beautiful beaches, with diverse experiences for every traveler. ✨ Three experts—a solo traveler, a family-focused mom, and a luxury travel agent—have created itineraries showcasing the island’s art , cuisine , and adventures. Discover personalized journeys that highlight the best of Jamaica 🇯🇲. Link in bio. #visitjamaica visitjamaica loweluxurytravel shamelesslyblissful hey_ciara amomexplores ...

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☀️ Solo Traveler’s Guide to Jamaica ☀️

Three days in Jamaica = pure paradise! 🎉 From Kingston’s street art to climbing Dunn’s River Falls 💦and chilling in Montego Bay 🌅, hey_ciara has your guide to exploring the island. Link in bio. 🇯🇲

#SoloTravel #VisitJamaica #JamaicaGetaway #IslandAdventures
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🌴✨ Luxury Travel Expert’s Guide to Jamaica ✨🌴

Discover paradise in its most luxurious form!🏝️ From private villas to fresh seafood 🦞 and vibrant street art 🎨, Nydia Romero with loweluxurytravel shares Jamaica’s best. Explore her luxury travel guide as well as others from our solo and family travel experts. Link in bio.

#LuxuryTravel #VisitJamaica #JamaicaGetaway #IslandLiving
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Sunsets in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey offer a mesmerizing sight with vibrant colors against the backdrop of fairy chimneys and rock formations. It`s a serene and unforgettable experience, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Reel : adrianbaias
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Vietnam is a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush rice terraces to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, its landscapes are captivating. The warmth and resilience of its people add a unique charm, whether in bustling cities like Hanoi or historic sites like Hue. Vietnam offers a profound experience that merges breathtaking scenery with a vibrant local culture, leaving visitors enchanted and inspired.

Reel: zayyarlin84
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Explore Madeira`s stunning coastline: rugged cliffs, volcanic formations like Ponta de São Lourenço, and charming fishing villages like Funchal. Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Portuguese gem!

Reel: andrechaica
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Elevate your date night at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas! Start with a meal at one of the property`s 40+ restaurants, then head to the stunning new High-Limit Gaming Lounge in The Palazzo. Whether you`re spinning the slots or going all-in at the tables, you`re in for an unforgettable experience. Ready to get lucky? Link in bio! ...

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