Traveling with Purpose: Discovering Your Travel Why

Understanding the reasons behind the trips we take can elevate travel from a simple escape to a life-changing experience. 

This episode explores the many reasons for travel, including relaxation, healing, adventure, inspiration, connection, cultural exploration, and personal growth.

What if your next vacation could truly transform your life? Discover how to find the deeper motivations behind your travel desires so you can go on a journey that truly aligns with what you need at that moment. 

As a travel and transformation coach, I share insights into why understanding your individual travel motivations is key to planning trips that are not only enjoyable but also meaningful. 

Need help finding your Travel Why and the perfect destination for you? Let's chat here.

Chapters

• 0:10 The Why Behind Travel
• 9:29 Finding Your Travel Why
• 20:39 Creating Meaningful Travel Experiences

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:10

Welcome to Paradise Perspectives, where we have honest conversations about life, about growth and about finding your way, all of that with an island girl's perspective. This is where you'll get real insights and inspiration to help you live your best life. Now let's get into today's hot topic. Hey, hey, and welcome back to Paradise Perspectives, if you are new here. I'm Rizal. I'm a travel and transformation coach who has dedicated let me see the last 10 years or so to exploring the Caribbean and the rest of the world, first as a Caribbean travel content creator and travel writer, and now as a coach. I help women use travel to transform their lives.

Speaker 1: 1:00

And today we are talking about something super important when it comes to travel, and that is the why we travel and no, it's not just for pretty Instagram pictures or sipping cocktails on the beach, although that last one really sounds really interesting right about now. It is definitely a great reason to travel, but there are so many deeper reasons people travel, and we are going to find yours today. So if you have been thinking about taking a trip soon and you're not really sure what kind of trip you want to take, then sit down, buckle up, because this episode is definitely one you want to listen to until the very end. By the end of this episode, you will not only know your why you want to take a trip, but also how to choose the perfect destination for what you need most out of life right now. Okay, does that sound good? Yeah, I thought so. Let's dive in. So before we get into the why we travel, let me quickly first explain to you what a travel coach actually does, because no, as much as you'd like to think so, it is not the same as a travel agent, although, in my case, because of my experience in Caribbean travel, I can help plan your itinerary, your destination and, of course, also your accommodation. There are other travel coaches that can help you with that as well, but let's focus right now on the travel coaching part of things. So a travel coach helps people figure out the why behind their trip. They help plan travel experiences that actually change your life and that are not just there to help you zigzag through a destination. A travel coach also helps overcome fears, especially if you are trying to make that first solo trip or if you are feeling stuck and you need something to motivate you out of it. If you are feeling stuck and you need something to motivate you out of it. A coach can help you overcome those fears associated with doing something scary like a solo trip for the first time, but a travel coach also helps you use travel as a tool for your healing, for personal growth and for boosting your confidence. So, basically, I am here to help you stop taking trips to just get away and start taking trips that actually move you forward in life, trips that actually matter.

Speaker 1: 3:36

All right, let's talk about the real reasons we travel, because just saying, oh, I need a break or I need a vacation is seldom the whole story, is it? So number one reason we travel is, of course, for relaxation and to just escape. Of course, that is one of the main reasons why I see a lot of people flocking to the Caribbean. So, if you are feeling like you need a relaxation or an escape, you might be feeling stressed, burned out and you just need a break. You need, then, the kind of trip where you do absolutely nothing but chill. Okay, so think here about a beach vacation, think about a spa retreat, perhaps a quiet mountain cabin and, of course let me just put this in here just because I know a thing or two about the Caribbean an island escape might be just a ticket if this is what you're craving.

Speaker 1: 4:31

Number two reason for travel is to heal and to help you move on. You see, when you go through a breakup or a divorce or a major life change, travel can give you the space to breathe, to reset and to step into that new chapter of your story, right? So think here along the lines of a solo trip, perhaps a peaceful nature escape, but also a wellness retreat. And here I might take just a little tiny break just to tell you very shamelessly to insert here that I have my own island awakening retreat coming up from june 4th until the 8th, happening right here on the beautiful, gorgeous island of saint martin. So if this is tickling your fancy, then perhaps pause this episode run. Don't walk to the show notes and click on the link there to give you more information about the retreat, but also to get you on the wait list, because there is only a few spots available. We cannot take more than X amount of people on this retreat. So if this is sounding like something you might want to do and you want to join us in St Martin from June 4th until the 8th, then definitely go to the show notes after or right now Pause this episode, go to the show notes and click on the link. Get yourself on our wait list, because you do not want to miss this, because, believe me, it was amazing last year Amazing and it might just be something that you need right now. Okay, are you back? Great, let's continue, all right. So Number three reason to travel is, of course, for adventure. Or perhaps you feel like you want to push your limits, you feel stuck in a routine, or you need some excitement. You want to prove to yourself, perhaps thatdiving trip if you're feeling really adventurous, or perhaps a hiking trip up a really cool mountain, or just a hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest, for instance, like something that I did not too long ago. So think along those lines Now.

Speaker 1: 6:58

Number four reason to travel is to find inspiration and to boost your creativity. Listen, this is exactly the reason why I moved temporarily for two months to Portland, oregon, last year, and it is exactly that I needed inspiration. I was craving a boost in my creativity. I needed a change of scenery to help me find inspiration again. So if, in your case, you are feeling uninspired or you're in a creative rut and you're a business person or a business owner, an entrepreneur or an artist, a new environment may be the help that you need right now. So it's not just about art and history, as you know. It's about anything that sparks new ideas and create new perspectives. So think along the lines of walking through a city full of music, of street art and of creative energy, or perhaps a completely different landscape will do for you. Like, if you are so in the city, perhaps a mountain place is good for you, or a tropical jungle, or perhaps a desert, but maybe it can also be a beach. It is really depending on what kind of person you are and what exactly you're craving and where you can find your inspiration. A remote cabin where you can be alone with your thoughts can also be very inspiring and, you know, can help boost your creativity. A country with a way of life that is so different than yours can also help you rethink your own life and help you see things from a different perspective, so that might be another way to go as well.

Speaker 1: 8:48

So, number five reasons to travel is for connection, now. It might be connection with others or it can be connection with yourself, perhaps, if you are craving a deeper bond with loved ones or with yourself. Think along the lines of a reunion or a solo journey for self-reflection. You see where I'm going with this. But if you're just craving connection with like-minded people, then perhaps a group trip is what you should be thinking about right now. A group trip is an excellent way to get to know new people, to make new friendships. So if connection is what you need, then think along those lines.

Speaker 1: 9:29

Number six reasons we travel is to satisfy a cultural curiosity or to learn new things and have new experiences. So some people just love learning about new places, about food, about new traditions, about new cultures. So think perhaps about taking a cooking class in Italy or visiting ancient temples in Thailand, or perhaps you want to learn more about the culture in Peru, you know. So those kind of trips might be something that you need that will help you satisfy your curiosity for culture and for learning. And number seven reason why we travel is, last but not least, growth and confidence. So every trip changes you just a little. It makes you more independent, it makes you more resilient, it makes you more capable, it boosts your confidence. You know it can do so much for you. So if growth and confidence is what you are seeking to achieve, then think along the lines of solo travel.

Speaker 1: 10:40

There is solo travel again. It keeps coming up, because solo travel is amazing and it should be something I think. In my honest opinion, it is something that every woman should try to do at least once. Okay, so you can also think about volunteering. Volunteering is also an excellent way for you to grow and for you to get more confidence, but also learning a new skill while you're abroad. You know that can also help with growing yourself, and if we're talking about more of a personal growth, then perhaps a solo escape might be just the ticket for you. A solo retreat might be something that is more perfect for you.

Speaker 1: 11:21

So now I want you to do me a favor. I want you to really think why do you want to travel? What is pulling you towards your next trip? And to help you find the right destination for you, I have the perfect exercise for you. This is what we're going to do.

Speaker 1: 11:40

You got to remember that not every trip is right for every season of your life. You have to match your destination to your. Why it's very important. That is why I get it. When people will go somewhere that has been. They've seen it on Instagram, on social media, and it's portrayed so beautifully. They've seen it on Instagram, on social media, and it's portrayed so beautifully, but when they get there, they are not really satisfied or it doesn't really do it for them. If you haven't done the research on your why, perhaps this is the reason why you didn't have a good time when you took that trip. Perhaps it just wasn't for you. So I'm going to lead you through a few steps that you can do right now to help you find the right destination for you. So I'm going to lead you through a few steps that you can do right now to help you find the right destination for you.

Speaker 1: 12:27

First step is to get clear on what it is that you need right now. So questions to ask yourself am I feeling exhausted? Am I feeling uninspired? Am I feeling lonely? Am I feeling stuck? Am I feeling just like I need a change? What is it? What do you need? And also focus on the emotion that you want this trip to bring for you. Is it peace? Is it excitement, clarity, is it perhaps adventure? What kind of emotion do you want to get out of this trip? Okay, what does it need to bring for you? And I think this is where a lot of people go wrong, because, especially in my line of work, when I was doing a lot of promotion for Caribbean islands, I used to get this question on social media a lot, and that is when people ask me which island in the Caribbean they should visit Should I go to Aruba or should I go to St Martin and I think that is the wrong question to start with. The real question is that you need to get clear on your why. What do you need right now? What is the reason for you wanting to take a trip? What do you want to get out of it? What emotions do you want to feel and what are you feeling right now that you wanting to take a trip? What do you want to get out of it? What emotions do you want to feel and what are you feeling right now that you want to change? What is this trip meaning for you? That is where you start, not with what destination I should go to just because you've seen some pretty pictures on Instagram.

Speaker 1: 13:59

So step number two is to consider the type of experience that would help you the most. So if you need peace and relaxation, then you should choose a slow, quiet destination, perhaps an island escape or a cozy cabin, or perhaps a wellness retreat. If you are needing adventure and a boost in confidence, then you should choose a destination that challenges you, like a hiking trip, a road trip and, again, a solo trip. A solo trip can also be very beneficial. If you are in need of adventure and a boost in confidence. Let me tell you there is nothing better than a solo trip for that. If you need connection, then a group trip would be for you right. A family getaway or perhaps a cultural immersion can be the perfect fit for you right now. And if you need inspiration, then think beyond just cities. Maybe a breathtaking landscape or a solo retreat again, or even an experience that forces you to unplug. That also can help you if you need inspiration.

Speaker 1: 15:14

So step number three is to think about practical things to do. If you are on a budget, be realistic. Can you afford flights to Bali right now, or would a closer destination work as well? Time is another thing to consider. If you only have a few days off and you want to do a weekend trip, then you need to choose something easy to reach. Don't go for something that will take you a whole day to get there and then you only have like one and a half full days at the destination. That makes no sense. So perhaps you should consider something that is closer to you and that is easier to reach. Also to consider is your energy level. Do you want a packed itinerary or do you want lots of free time? And if you want lots of free time, then perhaps a group trip is not for you, even though you are looking for connection, because a group trip will most likely have a complete packed itinerary and that will not serve the purpose. So you need to check those three things before you decide on the destination and the type of travel that you want to do. Are you on a budget, how much time do you have and what is your energy level? Now step number four don't overthink it. Sometimes the right trip is very simple and so much simpler than you actually think. So maybe you don't need a big international adventure right now, but perhaps just a weekend escape will do just fine, right, Something nearby.

Speaker 1: 16:59

I cannot be more behind this message. Give yourself the permission to choose a trip that serves you and don't do it just for what looks good to others or to satisfy whatever trip your spouse or significant other or your friends want to do. Make sure that you are getting out of the trip what you want to get out of it too. Give yourself the permission to choose the trip that serves you. That is so important. Okay, now to help you find your travel, why? In just a few minutes, I have this quick exercise, and all you need is you need to grab a journal, or perhaps a piece of paper or a notepad whatever you have and, of course, a pen, because we cannot write just with our fingers. It is better if you write it down by hand, by the way, and not just to type it up. It feels better when you write it down.

Speaker 1: 17:57

Okay, you are going to ask yourself these three questions and you are going to answer them truthfully. So write down the questions now and take your time. After you've listened to this complete episode, go back to the questions and answer them then, and be honest in your answer. Ok, all right. So question number one to ask yourself is what is something I feel stuck in or want to change? What is something I feel stuck in or want to change? Question number two what am I craving right now? Am I craving rest, excitement? Am I craving connection? Am I craving peace? What am I craving right now? What do I feel like I need right now? Question number three how do I want to feel when I come back? And this is an excellent question, because remember how many times you've said, oh, I need a vacation from that vacation. Maybe we want to avoid that, right? So number three question to ask yourself how do I want to feel when I come back?

Speaker 1: 19:07

So now, when you have answered these questions, look at your answers, really look at them, and that is where you will find your travel, why? So if you wrote down, for instance, I feel exhausted, I need a rest and I want to come back feeling refreshed, then your next trip should be a slow, relaxing escape. And if you wrote down I feel stuck, I need excitement and I want to come back feeling proud of myself, then perhaps it's time for a little adventure, maybe a solo trip or something totally outside of your comfort zone. Maybe that is the way to go. So you see, it doesn't need to be complicated, it can be quite simple, actually.

Speaker 1: 19:50

Now, I hope that this episode has helped you see, travel differently. It's not just about taking a trip, no, no, no. It's about creating an experience that actually matters to you, and I'd love to hear from you right now. What is your travel, why? So, when you get a chance and after you've done the exercise, dm me on Instagram or on Facebook. Send me a DM or send me an email to hello at thetravelingislandgirlcom and tell me what kind of trip you are craving, what is your travel, why? I am so excited to hear from you. And, of course, if you need help planning a trip that actually aligns with your goals and your plans, then let's chat.

Speaker 1: 20:39

I offer travel coaching and I can help you create something meaningful to you, a meaningful travel experience that goes beyond just taking a vacation, something that suits your needs right now. Oh, and if you found this episode very helpful, do me a favor and share it with a friend who needs a trip right now. Okay, go ahead and share this episode. And if you're listening on Apple podcast, I would be thrilled if you can leave me a review. Just let me know what you think about this podcast, what you thought of this episode. Has it been helpful to you? Did you find any value in it at all? Okay, my friend, until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and I cannot wait to reconnect with you in the next episode of Paradise Perspectives. So bye-bye, ciao, goodbye, adios, dag, you later.