Debunking 5 Myths About ‘Transformational Travel’
Debunking 5 Myths About ‘Transformational Travel’
by Michael Bennett, Ed.D.
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The term ‘transformational travel’ has become more and more commonplace in the travel vernacular over the past several years. Thanks in large part to the tremendous work of organizations such as The Transformational Travel Council and travel brands like Explorer X, more and more people are beginning to shift how they see, approach, and engage with a travel experience.
Still, there is a degree of uncertainty or confusion about what ‘transformational travel’ is, who it’s for, and, perhaps most importantly, how to ‘do it.’ This article is an attempt to define what transformational travel means for Explorer X and then dispel some of the myths about it.
Before diving into debunking the myths, let’s start by defining what we mean by the term ‘transformational travel.’
At Explorer X, we believe that any travel experience that inspires people to create positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world is worthy of being called ‘life-changing’ or ‘transformational.’ We also believe that taking a more ‘mindful’ approach to travel – being more intentional, preparing both our mind and body for the journey ahead, practicing curiosity, and taking time for reflection and meaning-making – significantly increases the likelihood that we realize the growth or change that we may be seeking.
That is how we define the work that we do: Our mission is to guide people on an exciting and inspiring ‘Inner Journey’ of learning, growth, and change as they embark on this wonderful ‘Outer Journey’ of exploration and discovery that we know and love … the adventure of travel.
With all of that said, let’s begin tackling those myths, shall we?
MYTH #1
You have to be a spiritual guru or deep into the ‘woo’ to have a ‘transformational travel’ experience.
There’s no doubt that we do, at times, plan travel for people that are more spiritual and are looking for a deeper level of change or transformation in their lives. We refer to them as ‘Seekers’ and love working with them! But the vast majority of people who travel with Explorer X tend to fall into 2 buckets.
First, there are those who are feeling some degree of discontent, frustration, stuckness, confusion, or any other unwanted emotion and are looking to disconnect, hit the RESET button, and find answers to the questions they have been pondering at home ... and they look to travel to help create the space needed to do this work. Mind you, they are regular folks like you and me: Not spiritual gurus, per se, but people who are looking for a more meaningful experience of life ... the experience of being alive!
The second group we get often are those who don’t have any specific challenge, opportunity, or question that they are working on but instead simply love to travel because it always gives them the opportunity to learn and grow. These people see travel as an art form and are constantly looking for ways to deepen their practice; the tools, resources, and expertise we provide are just what they are craving!
The bottom line: Anyone looking for growth, learning, and/or change can have a life-changing travel experience if you are willing to go a little deeper and travel a little better.
MYTH #2
You need to create dramatic changes in your life in order for a travel experience to be considered ‘life-changing’ or ‘transformational.’
Many people who come to us believe that in order to have a ‘transformational’ or ‘life-changing’ travel experience, they need to quit their jobs, end their relationships, abandon their loved ones, move to Nepal, shave their head, become a Buddhist monk, and start a non-profit.
Obviously, this is not the case.
In fact, most people that travel with Explorer X do come home feeling inspired to make changes in their life, but these are overwhelmingly small changes to their daily routines or lives that ultimately lead to BIG impacts for them and for those around them. Some common examples include beginning a meditation practice, signing up for a cooking class or joining a yoga studio, launching a side-hustle business that has been a dream for years, or simply committing to spending more time with nature, loved ones, or even themselves.
The bottom line: Most people make small changes in their lives as a result of their travel experiences with Explorer X, and these small changes often have really positive impacts on their overall experience of life!
MYTH #3
Travel can transform who you are.
This one may be a little more hotly debated, as there are many people out there who believe that travel can fundamentally shift who you are.
At Explorer X, we believe that travel doesn’t change who you are – your values, character, strengths, etc. – but rather helps reveal who you are, something that has likely been covered over with layers of expectations and ‘shoulds’ and conditioning and other crap for years and years.
And, as we become increasingly aware of not only who we are but what we want in life and what our passions truly are, etc., we begin to re-prioritize everything from work to relationships to our overall feeling of aliveness.
The result? We end up making small changes (see Myth #2) that have big impacts on our lives and the lives of those around us. And these impacts shift the experience of life we are having from one of ‘Meh’ to one of ‘Hell Yeah!’
The bottom line: We don’t believe that travel changes who you are as much as it helps you transform who you are being in your life and, ultimately, the experience of life you are having!
MYTH #4
Travel will automatically shift perspectives and transform your life ... Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Yes, traveling does expose us to new cultures, people, ideas, and ways of living. And, yes, those new cultures and ideas, etc., can very well form the foundation of what we would call a life-changing experience. But simply hopping in your car or on a plane and relocating yourself from one place to another will not automatically lead to life-changing shifts in perspective or any of the other amazing benefits of travel.
If you want to experience any degree of learning, growth, or change from travel, you need to more mindfully engage with the experience.
Our ‘travel better’ practices include: Being intentional about your travels, preparing for the Journey ahead, cultivating your curiosity, staying open-minded, and taking time to reflect on your experiences. In doing so, we give ourselves the best chance to not only have a fun and exciting travel experience but a life-changing one as well!
The bottom line: You need to approach and engage with a travel experience in a deeper and more mindful way if you want to reap its full benefits!
MYTH #5
You need to go on a ‘transformational travel’ trip to create real change in your life.
Just as travel will not automatically transform who you are or how you are living, going on a trip marketed as ‘transformational travel’ is neither necessary (nor sufficient) to have a life-changing experience.
First of all, we all make changes in our lives each and every day that have nothing to do with travel, so no, travel is not a prerequisite for change.
Secondly, let’s not lose sight of the fact that many people have used travel as a catalyst for creating powerful new behaviors, perspectives, and actions in their lives without ever going on a ‘transformational travel’ trip.
(At this point, you may be asking yourself, ‘OK, then why should I travel with Explorer X?’ Good question ... Let’s dive in!)
In addition to our travel design expertise, Explorer X gives you the practical tools and resources (ex: Inner Journey Toolkit, workshops, courses, coaching), all inspired by a healthy mix of ancient wisdom and modern science, that can guide and support you as you embark on your Inner Journey.
The bottom line: While you can have a transformational travel experience without traveling with us, working with Explorer X increases the likelihood that you will have the life-changing experience that you are looking for, whatever that means for you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is no doubt that travel offers increased opportunities for us to have ‘disruptive’ experiences – experiences that invite us to question long-held beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. As a result, travel is ripe with the potential for not only excitement and adventure but also personal discovery, learning, growth, and change.
But at the end of the day, it is up to us to embrace this ‘Inner Journey’ as much as we do the ‘Outer Journey.’ It is up to us to travel more mindfully and to make the most of our time on the road by implementing small but powerful changes in our lives when we get home.
When we do, we will not only be developing our ability to ‘Travel Better,’ but we’ll be doing our best to make sure that we ‘Live Better,’ too.
— Michael Bennett, Ed.D.