Don’t we all love a dreamy escape vacation? Something that whisks us away from the stress, appointments, and chores of daily life and drops us somewhere with stunning views, thrilling adventures, and (frequently) umbrella drinks? Yes, please.
Here’s the problem: when you get home, everything you left behind is. still. there. The report is waiting, the inbox is full, the laundry has multiplied. That dreamy escape energy disappears almost instantly.
But what if travel wasn’t simply an escape? What if it became the very thing that helps you grow, shift perspective, and return home stronger? That’s the power of transformational travel.
While it may not sound like much, the shift in intention from escape travel to transformational travel is wildly powerful.
There’s nothing wrong with a quick escape vacation. We all need that from time to time. The difference is that it’s limited in its effectiveness; great while you’re there, but no lasting changes when you return home.
This is where intentional, transformational travel shines. That “just returned from vacation glow” can last weeks, months, or even years. It’s about asking what you really want to get out of a trip, what you want to feel, and how you’ll carry that home.
Travel is the ultimate environment for personal growth. It takes you out of your comfort zone in a way that’s naturally exciting and curious.
New environments spark fresh perspectives. When you see things differently abroad, it’s easier to see things differently at home too.
Unfamiliar challenges build real confidence. You don’t need a trust fall when navigating a foreign train station gives you the same boost.
Connections deepen clarity. Whether it’s bonding with a travel partner or rediscovering yourself, travel reveals what matters most.
Distance resets your priorities. Stepping away from the daily grind shows you where you want to spend your time and energy.
The things you spend time on matter. Travel helps you see that more clearly.
This is one of the reasons I love to travel. These shifts happen on nearly every trip I take. Some I plan intentionally, others I stumble into — but all of them shape me.
A favorite piece of my planning is what I call the “scary thing.” I realized long ago it’s easier for me to choose to be brave when I’m already excited about what’s happening. And nothing excites me quite like travel. So I started making sure I did something on every trip that pushed my boundaries, pulled me out of my comfort zone, and gave me a goal to accomplish.
Often this means facing my fear of heights. Whether it’s crossing a suspension bridge, climbing to a viewpoint, or hopping in a hot air balloon, these moments stretch me. Honestly, some of my best memories come from those moments.
And the wild part? The change doesn’t stay on the trip. At home, I climb ladders with more confidence, enjoy mountain-edge views (edge-adjacent, anyway 😉), and trust myself to handle more. Travel has become a safe and joyful way to practice growth that sticks.
Questions That Transform Any Trip
So how does this look different from any other vacation? It’s all about intention. Instead of only asking, “Where should we go?”, include deeper questions right from the start:
What do I need most right now? (Rest, adventure, clarity, connection?)
Where am I struggling? (And how could travel help shift that?)
What am I excited about growing into? (Confidence, joy, curiosity?)
How much energy do I truly have to commit? (This helps match the trip style to your season of life.)
What’s one skill or feeling I want to bring home with me? (So the transformation lasts long after the trip ends.)
With questions like these, any destination can become the right destination.
The next time you hop on a plane in order to “escape it all,” remember: you’ll still return to the same inbox and routines. Nothing will change without you, but you can change without all of it.
Travel isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about who you become along the way.
Ready to Try It for Yourself?
If you’d like to dip your toes into intentional, transformational travel, my free resource: The Weekend Escape Blueprint, is the perfect place to start. It’s a simple guide to planning a short trip with the same intention and joy you’d give a big adventure.
Get it below.