What’s Your “Why” for Travel?
Have you ever thought about your “why” for travel? It’s a question I often explore as a travel coach. While I’ve written about it before, those thoughts sometimes get lost in the shuffle of old drafts and blog updates. But today, I’m diving deeper into this concept—because your “why” matters.
Whenever we travel, there’s always a reason. Maybe it’s stress from work, celebrating a milestone, or reconnecting with loved ones. But have you ever paused to dig deeper into that reason? Understanding your “why” can uncover connections to loved ones, past experiences, or even serve as a step toward healing from a life-changing event.
What’s My “Why”?
For me, my travel “why” centers on living life fully before it’s too late. I don’t believe in waiting for “later” to do what I love. As 2020 taught us, life can change in an instant.
Reason One: Learning From My Parents
Growing up, my parents were avid travelers, but all of our adventures stayed within the U.S. My dad’s only international experience was being stationed in Germany with the Army in the 1960s, and my mom never traveled outside the States.
They dreamed of traveling more after retirement, but life had other plans. Financial challenges, health concerns, and confidence in navigating travel logistics held them back. Now, with my dad’s passing and my mom facing serious health issues, their dreams of exploring the world have vanished. It’s a reminder that “later” isn’t guaranteed.
Reason Two: Prioritizing Time With My Wife
When my wife and I started our life together, we dreamed of traveling full-time in retirement. Whether it’s van life, RVing, or hopping on planes and trains, we want to explore it all!
However, we face challenges too. My wife’s health is unpredictable—she could stay stable for decades or face a downturn sooner. On top of that, years of sports injuries (hello, softball, baseball, and BMX!) mean our bodies don’t always keep up with our adventurous spirits.
For us, the message is clear: we need to seize the opportunities we have now.
What’s Your “Why”?
So, what’s your “why” for travel? Everyone’s reasons are different, and they often reflect deeper values or personal connections. As a travel coach, I help others uncover the purpose behind their travels, so they can create more meaningful and transformative experiences.
Here are some common travel “whys” to inspire you:
1. Celebration
- Mark a milestone, like a graduation trip to Europe.
- Enjoy a honeymoon at a luxurious Maldives resort.
- Celebrate a promotion with a wine tour in Napa Valley.
- Host a destination wedding in Bali with family and friends.
- Take a family reunion cruise in the Caribbean.
2. Mourning
- Visit a loved one’s favorite place to honor their memory.
- Take a solo trip to process a breakup or divorce.
- Attend a memorial or funeral in a meaningful location.
- Reflect on life with a quiet retreat in the mountains.
- Make a pilgrimage to a place of spiritual or cultural significance for healing.
3. Exploration
- Discover ancient ruins, like Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Take a road trip to visit all the U.S. national parks.
- Backpack through Southeast Asia to immerse yourself in new cultures.
- Dive into culinary adventures, like sampling street food in Bangkok.
- Try thrilling activities, like glacier hiking in Iceland or skydiving in Dubai.
4. Connection
- Reunite with long-distance family during the holidays.
- Visit a friend who recently moved abroad.
- Attend cultural festivals like Oktoberfest in Germany with locals.
- Join a group tour to bond with like-minded travelers.
- Build a deeper relationship with yourself through solo travel.
Conclusion
Exploring your “why” for travel can lead to self-discovery and help you reconnect with what matters most—whether that’s loved ones, your personal growth, or simply experiencing the beauty of the world.
If you’re struggling to uncover your “why” or need guidance planning a meaningful journey, I’m here to help. Travel isn’t just about getting away for a few days; it’s about creating experiences that enrich your life.
Let’s connect and start planning your next adventure today!
Happy travels,
– John