Its 2025 and travel has evolved.

For years travel has focused on the logistics, things like where to go and how to pack. Yet, since the pandemic, many of us have been re-evaluating how to harness the power of travel to enrich our lives. We’ve been reminded that life is short & travel matters.

Yet, if we want to explore with more meaning, we need different tools. We need the tools to set our compass to well-being. We need the “why” and the “how”.

The why and the how matter because they get to the heart of the personal aspects of travel, the deeper understanding of our values, dreams, wants, needs, & desires.

Considering the “why” and the “how” is exactly what elevates travel from just an experience, to a more meaningful endeavor.

Knowing your why is the foundation of your adventures.

It refers to the underlying motivation, purpose, and reasons behind your decisions and keeps you focused on the things that matter. The how is the pathway you create along the way; full of experiences, practices, rituals, and celebrations.

Cultivating well-being focused on the how and the why, turns a simple vacation into something more. It becomes nourishing, meaningful, & connective.

As a travel coach, I’ve seen and experienced first hand the power of casting the net wide in travel planning. That’s because focusing on the “how and the why” is exactly what allows people to learn, grow, heal, connect, & transform through their experiences.

It’s the heart of what travel coaching is all about, generating positive change for ourselves and the world.

Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or someone who has explored the globe for years, these tips and insights can help you make each and every trip meaningful and rewarding.

These are wellness strategies that work and many form the foundation of our Capturing Wellness approach. A travel focused lifestyle where slowing down, being present, and connecting through the lens take center stage. It’s everything I’ve learned from being a health educator, living in Italy, & creating my own wellness travel lifestyle.

Ready? Let’s dive-in!

Mindful Travel Planning

Any good trip starts with intentional planning. After all, you need more than dots on a map, you need experiences that line up with what you really want.

Setting Meaningful Intentions

To start with, take a moment to think over your travel goals before you start researching destinations. Then ask yourself this one simple question: 

How do you want this trip to make you feel? 

Having this clarity helps you make connective choices about destinations and activities that get to the heart of what matters. Because, your goal isn’t simply to visit London, Rome, or Ireland. It’s to fully live the experience.

Once you know what you want from your adventures, you can better envision your path or wellness travel goals. Which might look like this:

• getting creative inspiration from new experiences
• finding peace in nature
• stepping out of your comfort zone
• spending quality time with loved ones

Choosing Soul-Nurturing Destinations

Here at TWB, we champion soulful travel, which is all about expanding your vision beyond the popular spots, and choosing places that are heartfelt and match your personal wellness needs.

The right spot could be:

• a quiet nature retreat that fits your goal of slowing down to experience more
• a vibrant city getaway that offers rich cultural experiences
• a nourishing food focused adventure in Italy
• a walking vacation exploring Cornwall’s fishing villages
• a hiking adventure in The Dolomites

Often, the best spots for your soul mix engaging surroundings with chances to grow as a person. What it looks like, is very personal to you.

Creating Space for Spontaneity

Intentional planning matters, but so does saving room for surprises.

Success lies in finding the sweet spot between structure and flexibility. Here’s how to build a roadmap that let’s you dive deep into the experience while staying open to the unexpected:

• decide your must see spots
• prioritize your must experience activities
• schedule in pockets of free time to get lost & explore
• follow your curiosity

This strategy works because it keeps you on your path while leaving room for authentic experiences that just happen naturally. It’s the best of both worlds.

Being in The Moment

A deeper travel experience awaits us when we are present. That’s because being aware shifts us from rushing, to sinking in and savoring. It turns the simple moments into encounters that find novelty, connection, & personal growth.

Practicing Mindfulness While Traveling

Mindfulness reshapes how you experience new places and helps you feel more connected to each moment. One of the most ideal places to insert mindfulness is during your morning travel routine because it clears the cobwebs and opens you up to appreciating what’s coming.

A simple way to approach this is to start the day with a few minutes of mindfulness through:

• quiet breathing
• meditation or prayer
• journaling or drawing

One of my favorite moments is my morning coffee ritual, which is often paired with a mindful photo walk. The aroma, the warm cup in my hands, and taking in new places reminds me of the possibilities and aligns me with a grateful mindset to start each day.

Engaging Your Senses

Space for wonder emerges and the world comes alive when you use all your senses when traveling. So, beyond just looking at the sights, take time to:

• Listen to the symphony of sounds around you
• Feel the textures of ancient stones or lush grass
• Savor the unique flavors of regional dishes
• Notice the unique scents of your surroundings
• Observe the play of light & shadow in new places

Slowing Down To Appreciate The Details

The art of slow travel encourages us to avoid the rushed pace of modern life.

In reality, a travel itinerary doesn’t need to overflow with activities. It just needs time and space to savor the small details that deserve attention, things like the glimmer of morning light and the detail of colorful tiles begged to be appreciated. We only “see” them when we slow down the pace and look.

One of the easiest ways to appreciate the small things is to take regular breaks during explorations. Try these simple ways to observe life:

• sit on a quiet café & watching local life unfold
• rest on a bench for & taking in the view
• pause to look behind you on a mountain hike
• watch the sunset over the ocean
• embrace slowing down for an afternoon aperitivo

A TIP TO REMEMBER
Staying present doesn’t require completely avoiding technology either. Things like mindful photo walks are way to use your attention (and your phone) with purpose. Tapping into the here & now to capture the moments helps you better connect with the experience.

Nurturing Personal Growth

Travel creates powerful opportunities for personal growth. Things like stepping out of your comfort zone, gaining new perspectives, and cultivating a growth mindset shape who you become as you learn about the world.

Embracing New Experiences

Meaningful growth happens when you go deeper than surface level activities and build real connections with places and people. Instead of just fly-by visits to iconic spots, incorporate simple growth opportunities like this:

• Connect with communities at festivals
• Learn simple phrases in the local language
• Take part in workshops or classes
• Visit local neighborhoods

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Personal growth comes when you embrace discomfort.

Leaving your comfort zone doesn’t only mean dramatic actions, like skydiving or bungee jumping. Small steps also fuel your courage and can be found in everyday moments like:

• talking to strangers
• saying yes when you want to say no
• take an unexpected detour

Whatever it looks like for you, push yourself to step outside of your everyday comfort bubble and try new things. It’s the pathway to meaningful change and transformation.

Finding Balance While Traveling

The right balance of activity and rest during travel can change your trip from tiring to rejuvenating, as well as, help you have more satisfying experiences and deeper cultural connections.

Harmonizing Exploration & Rest

One of the keys to good travel is finding your personal rhythm between exploration and downtime. In fact, studies show that switching between high energy activities and periods of rest helps you stay energetic throughout your trip. Here are some ways to find balance:

• Schedule rest periods between sightseeing
• Mix indoor and outdoor activities throughout your trip
• Stay flexible for unexpected adventures
• Plan around your body’s natural energy peaks & dips

Maintaining Self-Care & Rituals

Your daily self-care routines & rituals help you stay grounded when you travel. Whether you keep your daily routine, or give your daily exercise a twist with a hike instead a run, tending to your health is vital. Here are some tried & true self-care tips for travel for travel:

• quiet spots like a bench, park, or cafe can help you reset when needed
• outdoor activities restore by reducing stress & boosting well-being
• find solitude with early morning walks or by watching the sunset
• include quiet moments to process your daily experiences

Note that wellness travel is personal, so what others do might not suit you. Listen to your body’s signals and adjust your pace. Some days call for adventure, while others might need more rest and reflection. Being flexible lets you travel well, honoring your needs while creating meaningful memories.

Managing Digital Consumption

One thing is certain, our connected world makes mindfully managing devices vital for both being fully present and restoring alongside our travel experiences. Being intentional with screen time helps us to fully show up and feel more present. Here are some simple ways to approach screen time:

• pick specific times to check emails & social media
• plan tech-free meal times
• use airplane mode during when you’re exploring

In the end remember that technology can boost your trip, but it shouldn’t overshadow the real life experiences.

Deeply Connecting With The World

In one way or another, all of our goals & desires circle back to connection. Connection to ourselves, others, the places we visit, nature, & even the larger world. Connection is the common thread in why we all travel.

Immersing in Local Experiences

Cultural experiences are the backbone of travel and the desire to engage with a sense of place genuinely shapes the meaning of any day trip, weekend getaway, or vacation.

So, don’t just head to historical monuments and museums, immerse in the local scene. Here are some ways to support local communities while making your experience richer:

• Join local cooking classes or food experiences
• Take public transportation to experience daily life
• Visit residential neighborhoods away from tourist centers
• Seek out community events & festivals
• Explore local markets

Practicing Responsible Tourism

Being mindful of your effect while traveling matters.

Responsible tourism respects the environment, community, and culture. Which might be best described as the antidote to over tourism. Traveling well through meaningful participation can create positive ripples. Here are some ways to embrace being part of the solution, respect local culture, and impact change on a larger scale:

• buy locally made handcrafts & products
• respect artisans by paying a fair price
• hire local guides
• eat at family owned restaurants
• follow rules at religious sites

Creating Lasting Travel Memories

Travel opens a window into our experiences, so why not bring your camera and journal along for some engaging reflection?

The practice of self-reflection is all about learning and is one of the most important tools in our self-care toolkit. Think of journaling and photography as a ways to guide your personal growth.

Journaling and Self-Reflection

Travel broadens our minds, teaches us to live in the moment, and reminds us cherish the people and places that are part of our journey. Journaling is a wonderful way to integrate those experiences. Here are a few prompts to guide your thoughts:

• What surprised you today about the culture or place?
• Which moments made you feel most alive?
• What challenged your previous points of view?
• How did today’s experiences change you?
• What local customs would you like to add to your life?

Capturing Meaningful Moments with Photography

We all love to capture the beauty of the world and this is exactly what makes photography such an organic part of travel. Beyond capturing the moments, photography can also be a gateway to deeper connection with the ourselves and the world. This connection is an untapped resource for self-discovery and personal growth.

Through mindful photography, we sync our mind, heart, & soul as we open to the possibilities of life. Here are some insights for capturing the world mindfully:

• Capture the moments you want to remember
• Follow your curiosity
• Slow down your pace & use your senses
• Take time to observe before you take any photos
• Capture beauty & emotions, not just landmarks

Integrating Travel Lessons into Daily Life

Travel’s true value emerges when we blend the lessons into everyday life. Perhaps the most underutilized growth opportunity in travel, reflecting on your experiences actually allows you to integrate your growth into your life. Here a few simple ways to do this:

• Bring a new recipe home with you
• Keep in touch with people you met during your travels
• Bring aspects of nature you enjoyed on your trip, into daily life
• Host a themed dinner with cuisine from your travels
• Share your photos & stories with friends

Traveling Well in 2025

Good travel isn’t just about going places, it’s about changing through the process itself. Intentional planning can turn regular trips into meaningful paths of joy, well-being, & personal growth. Isn’t it time you planned your next adventure?

until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well