Travel That Transforms: My Type of Travel
Travel trends are shifting - from the typical tourist hotspots to unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Today’s travelers seek experiences that are safe yet exciting, planned yet spontaneous, luxurious yet meaningful, and local yet accessible.
And with social media making it feel like the world is our oyster… who can blame them?
The problem is that with so many options, every decision can feel overwhelming. There are countless questions to be answered: Which flight should I take? Should I extend my layover to explore another city? How should I get around once I arrive? Where should I eat, what should I pack, and how do I save money along the way? Ahhhh, the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder that more people are turning to AI to make decisions for them, but does that actually lead us to enjoy the experience more?
In my psychology and marketing classes, I remember learning about the paradox of choice and how we think having more options will make us happier, but it often does the opposite. When there are too many choices, we feel overwhelmed by decision fatigue, we start to second-guess ourselves, our expectations rise, and we often feel less satisfied because we imagine the other paths we didn’t take. So with travel… when there are too many destinations, itineraries, flights, hotels, and tours to choose from, it can be easy to get paralyzed or dissatisfied, even when you’re planning a vacation that’s meant to give you optimal joy.
So how do we make the right travel decisions without feeling overwhelmed?
Sitting on top of the mountains in Colombia, disconnected from the outside world
Trips That Stick With You
Some of my most memorable trips are when I stayed in an off-the-beaten-path spot, immersed in local life. I have three examples from this year when I listened to my gut, saying to follow my passion for immersive, soulful travel, which includes learning from local people and having unique experiences that appease my curiosity.
Panama in January: I stayed with a host family for two weeks. They taught me to chop fresh ingredients with a machete right from their backyard for dinner. I watched monkeys run across power lines every morning. I biked past coffee beans roasting in front yards, stopped to chat with farmers, bought beans, and learned the process from bean to cup with my host family. Every moment was intimate, hands-on, and unforgettable.
Colombia: I led my first group trip for women along the coast. Cartagena’s charm, jungle explorations in Santa Marta, and a Shakira concert in Barranquilla - these were just the highlights. My group’s favorite experiences? Salsa lessons and a hike to a remote beach with local guides, even when the guides didn’t speak English. Dancing to Shakira was just the cherry on top.
Guatemala: With my partner, we built a trip around unique experiences. Jungle stays, exploring Tikal’s ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in Central America’s deepest lake, and hiking a volcano. Each moment reflected the authenticity of the region and made the trip unforgettable.
Driving past the farmer’s coffee beans roasting in the sun
The girls taking a selfie after out salsa class in Cartagena, Colombia
Pascal leaning against a wall relaxing after adventures, in Antigua, Guatemala
Learning & Growing While Abroad
Lately, I plan trips around skills I want to develop, blending personal growth with travel:
Sri Lanka: I went to learn to surf. With a few months to explore before a wedding in India, I knew it was the perfect time. Sri Lanka is one of the best places to learn, so I signed up.
India: I’ll complete a yoga teacher training. I love yoga, but even more, I love guiding others in a practice that centers and calms them. This complements my group trips, designed to bring people together in meaningful, healing ways.
Travel isn’t just about seeing a place. It’s about learning, reflecting, and connecting with people and culture. I aim to show up fully present, ask meaningful questions, and absorb everything the destination has to offer. And I’ve realized: the destination matters less than the intention behind the journey. Checking in with yourself while planning is one of the best ways to prevent decision fatigue and focus on the joy of travel.
Family & Skill-Based Travel
I also help others plan trips that are immersive and skill-focused. Next summer, I’m organizing a Spanish immersion camp for a family in southern Spain. Kids will learn the language, explore culture, and experience activities they wouldn’t have at home - all while growing together as a family.
For me, pairing experiences with people’s goals, adventure, learning, or stepping outside comfort zones, is the most exciting part of travel planning.
Why I Travel, and Why I Help Others Travel
I feel at home on the road. Even when I feel out of place in a new city, surrounded by unfamiliar languages and traditions, I feel whole, seen, and alive.
As a travel advisor, I help people design trips that match their dreams, whether that’s an immersive local experience, a luxury European river cruise, or a family-focused language camp. My goal is to make travel meaningful, transformative, and unforgettable.
If you’re curious about exploring deeper, learning new skills, or traveling in a way that truly transforms you, follow along. I share journeys, tips, and inspiration to help you craft experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
If you would like help planning your next memorable trip, contact me with your trip details and let’s get planning!
In awe of the beautiful nature around the world!
