Transformative Travel: A Journey to Self-Discovery

Have you seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert? The story follows Elizabeth on her journey across the world as she attempts to rediscover herself. Her journey captivated me. The movie came out during a tough time in my life, and I just wanted to escape and do the things she was doing. I am sure if you have seen this movie, you may have felt the same way. The transformation she went through, the cultural immersion, it all looked amazing. So many people want this kind of transformative travel and some seek it out. However, not many people know about Transformative Travel and what it can do.

While not all of us can travel how she did, we always have the opportunity to step away from our routines, explore, learn, and discover something new. If you are going through something and feel a pull to experience more during your travels maybe this blog post can help you identify what is calling out to you.

Originally this piece was titled “Make Time for Travel” for a publication called “United on the Rok” at Camp Humphreys South Korea. The online version was taken down as the website went defunct due to changing hands. The paper version still exists, is a bit different than this text as I have added more to it. If you’d like to see it please feel free to reach out to me.

Travel and Well-Being

I can’t stress enough how essential travel is for your well-being. Transformative travel can heal, connect you with your roots, immerse you in other cultures, and teach you about different parts of the world. It changes your perspective on the world and current events.

According to Skift “Travelers today are increasingly drawn to travel as a form of self-actualization and personal transformation and growth. They want more than a simple visit to a new destination or days spent relaxing on a beach. Instead, the travel they’re seeking is an experience of the world that goes deep — one that changes them in ways they may not even be aware of. With personal growth now a central goal of many travel experiences, brands, companies, and destinations operating in the travel and tourism space can thrive by helping travelers enrich their inner lives as they explore outwardly.”

Transformative travel is not new but as people tackle what they want out of travel, it is on the rise. Personal fulfillment is now at the top of the list when it comes to travel.

Embracing the Unknown As A Way Of Transformation

Transformative travel doesn’t always take you to familiar places. Not all of mine have. Some trips, especially the solo ones, pushed me to embrace the unknown with courage and accept that I didn’t know everything and couldn’t control everything. Sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me too.

Icelandic Adventures

Let me give you an example. I was in Gdansk, Poland, waiting to board a flight to Iceland, while my husband was embarking on a deployment to Afghanistan. As I waited, I questioned whether I should have stayed home, if I had properly prepared for the trip, and if everything would go well. I could have let those thoughts consume me, turned around, and gone home. Instead, I took a deep breath, reminded myself that this was a great opportunity, and boarded the flight. That solo travel experience had a huge impact on me. I had a great time, eating my weight in skyr, Icelandic hotdogs, and licorice. I saw the northern lights and ate fermented shark.

None of that would have happened if I had let my fears and reservations hold me back. I knew I needed this for myself; it was a reminder to be kind to myself.

No GPS in Bosnia

Another example is when I went on a road trip to Bosnia. At one point, I crossed the border to Dubrovnik and lost all cell service, which meant I didn’t have directions or a map. Instead of giving up, I took a deep breath and asked for help from a man at a toll booth. The kind man helped me out and calmed me down. After this, I took another deep breath and stopped to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the bay of Herceg Novi in Montenegro.

Alta Via Awakening

Hiking can be a profound act of transformative travel. During my Alta Via Hike, I experienced transformation in multiple ways. Hiking offers a unique perspective, and I often found myself daunted by the long journey ahead. When I faced a seemingly insurmountable scree field, it nearly overwhelmed me. However, I had to summon my courage and determination to push through. This challenge taught me the importance of being kinder to myself mentally.

Experiences like these compel you to see the bigger picture and foster a shift in mindset. Despite expecting solitude in the Dolomites, I ended up making more friends at the Rifugios than I ever anticipated

I gained invaluable insights from seasoned hikers and residents. Their connection was a lifeline, especially during my loneliest and lowest moments this past summer, helping me persevere

Transformative Travel and reconnection

Sometimes, travel can be incredibly challenging. When I traveled to California to see my mother on her deathbed, it was the first time we had seen each other in over 13 years. Spending time with her in the hospital room, I had to make crucial decisions about her health, including the difficult choice to amputate her leg as her body was failing her.

I arrived at the Sacramento hospital at 10:30 PM after several delayed flights. In the blue light of the TV, we sat together in silence, just holding hands. I’ll never forget the feel of her hair as I gently rubbed her head.

Later, when my husband and I were stationed in Poland, I revisited places from my childhood and reconnected with people like my godmother. Visiting Geilenkirchen was one of the most profound experiences of my later years. There’s something magical about being with someone who knows your true self before life has shaped you. It’s like pressing a reset button.

In these ways, travel can be profoundly transformative

Travel can be so transformative in this sense.

Indulging in Travel

I didn’t start traveling until adulthood, and I use the word ‘indulge’ intentionally. When I was younger, travel was a luxury I couldn’t afford and seemed impractical. My mom and dad divorced making it hard for my mom to treat me to weekends away.

Later on in life, I was juggling three jobs to make ends meet, putting myself through school, and even briefly living out of my car. While other friends were off getting married and taking gap years. I couldn’t do much of that. Who had time for self-care and travel? I was lucky if I got to enjoy the scenic views of I-35 in Central Texas.

At the time I didn’t realize this but weekend excursions are still considered travel. These small budget-friendly trips to another location in Texas had the chance to be transformative. I think growing up, I thought Europe or Asia were the only places you could have a slice of Transformative travel.

A lot of this has to do with privilege, and what a moment in time can provide for you.

I needed to reframe the way I thought about what travel meant to me. When I was a kid, traveling meant exploring the creek. When my husband and I were dating, traveling was going to a different city or state when we could afford to. In this season of my life, I understand travel can be a solo trip to a Les Mills Fitness Day in Warsaw, or stepping into a church or temple just down the road in Korea.

Transformative Travel and Cultural Immersion

My husband and I arrived in South Korea during the pandemic when restrictions limited the places we could visit. I was already going through a slight depression.

No one knew how amazing our time was in Poland. It felt like a fever dream explaining this to people. It was like a Gap Year provided by NATO.

Being immersed in the international community was a treasure. Not only that but getting to know the Polish Community. I will never forget the kindness of the village in Zielonka after my husband deployed to Afghanistan in 2019.

That being said, Korea wasn’t all that bad.

One day, my husband and I decided to get out of the house and visit Simboksa Temple, just outside of the Adams gate at USAG Humphreys. I loved exploring the temple and was captivated by the colors.

As I was taking pictures, a young woman approached me and asked if she could teach my husband and me what the colors mean and how they give thanks to Buddha. We agreed and she and her mom guided us through the ritual, from lighting incense to the protestations. It was a wonderful cultural exchange, a unique way to be welcomed to a new country, and a memorable first lesson in Korean culture. 

From there I would go on to participate in Foreign Affairs programs and learn from an amazing group of Dharma Instructors. The friendliness of others gives way to connection.

Conclusion

In summary, define what travel means to you and make time for it. Make time for yourself. Step away from your routine so you don’t get caught up in the day-to-day. Remind yourself that a whole world of experiences awaits you, ready to rejuvenate, teach, and heal you.