Why You Should Set an Intention for Your Next Trip

Have you ever gone on a trip then came home and said “I need a vacation from that vacation”? Or have you ever returned from a trip and were bummed out that your next vacation isn’t for months from now and you don’t know how you’ll last until then?

That’s what can happen when you don’t set intentions for your trips. We know how beneficial travel is for ourself. It’s why we desire to go on a trip in the first place. Traveling soothes our soul, helps us cope with or heal from grief or heartbreak, fulfills us, provides us with a sense of purpose, brings us joy and happiness, builds our self-esteem and self-confidence, builds connection with our loved ones, and so much more.

How to set intentions for travel

Studies by BlueHealth show the healing power of spending time near blue and green spaces has on our mental wellbeing. Blue spaces, like the beach, and time in nature are things that we often naturally seek in our adventures.

All of these wonderful benefits of travel can easily be missed out on when intentions are not set for a trip. The next time that you go on a trip, ask yourself where your motivation for wanting to get away is coming from. What is causing you to feel this way? How do you feel right now and how do you want to feel during and after your trip? What would truly make you happy to do on your trip? How do you want your life, relationship, or work-life to look upon return? What limiting beliefs fill your mind around travel and life? What would your dream travel experience look like?

Answering these types of questions can help bring awareness to what type of travel experience you need to have to gain the feelings, transformation, or outcomes that you’re craving during your travel planning phase.

The mindful traveler

Once you are self-aware, you can make better decisions on where to travel to, whom to travel with, how long to travel for, and what types of activities and experiences you need to have.

To set intentions for your next trip also helps you become a more mindful traveler. You can be mindful about the impact that your travels have on the planet and on communities but you can also be more mindful on the impact that your trip will have on your mental, emotional, spiritual, or overall wellbeing as well as on your relationships, professional life, and daily life.  Your self-awareness can help you decide how you need to spend your time.  Maybe it’s to relax on a beach and breathe in the fresh air, or to be more physically active and go on a hike to a beautiful view point, or maybe to sit near a serene lake and journal.

If you are yearning for inspiration and connection, maybe that means choosing a destination where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, get creative ideas from the street or cultural art, or experience other ways of living while hearing the local’s stories.

The next time that you plan your trip, either work with a travel coach or get in touch with a Healing Concierge to help you set intentions for your trip. Or ask yourself those important questions to spark self-awareness and hopefully you’ll have the transformative and impactful experience that you need and are looking for.