In the last couple of years, many of us have decided we want to be more intentional with our time. Whether it is for work, hobbies, travel, or something else. When it comes to travel, you may want to begin to travel with purpose. You will have so many options when it comes to traveling with a purpose. Today, I am going to share some of those options. I will also discuss the purpose for travel and how it will change how you see the world.
What is Traveling with a Purpose?
Travel with purpose is basically choosing to create a meaningful travel experience for yourself. Most of these experiences are formed through learning-led travel. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you choose to be present at a single attraction.
Less is always more when you begin traveling with a purpose. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary for your next vacation. If you think you will be thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day, you are not going to be traveling with a purpose. Unless, of course, you decide to hike fifteen miles to be one with nature. Then you will be traveling with a purpose on your own terms.
The 6 Ways to Travel with Purpose
There are more than six ways to travel with purpose. However, I am focusing on the six main options today.
1. Join the Community
Attending local events, and joining the community, are two excellent ways to travel with purpose. You can find local events online or in newspapers and tourism magazines at your destination.
2. Start Conversations with the Locals
The locals are always a wealth of information when it comes to culture, traditions, and local events. They also know the best local experiences that you should have.
Start conversations with any local you meet and see how your purpose for travel changes immensely.
3. Assist a Non-Profit
One of the best ways to change how you travel is to assist a non-profit in any destination you visit. Some of these organizations also hold workshops and tours you can take advantage of.
4. Support Local Businesses
Part of joining the community, which I mentioned above, will also include supporting local businesses. Talking to the locals will allow you to learn which local businesses are in the area you are exploring.
When you choose to support local businesses, you will be doing fewer touristy things on your vacation. This is perfect for adding travel with purpose when you are exploring the world.
5. Participate in Eco-Activities
Eco-activities are perfect for traveling with a purpose. You are focusing on doing things outside in the natural environment. A few of the best eco-activities include African safaris, stargazing, glamping, and hiking. All things that will make you stop and appreciate the beauty all around you.
6. Choose Off the Beaten Path Destinations and Off-Peak Travel Times
Choosing to travel to off the beaten path destinations, and during off-peak travel times, will allow you to experience more of the places you are seeing. You won’t be bogged down by thousands of other tourists. And you will have the attention of many of the locals.
I recommend choosing small villages instead of big cities. Venture out into nature. Hike instead of drive. Simply embrace the beauty of the world.
The 3 Benefits of Traveling with a Purpose
Again, there are going to be more than three benefits of traveling with a purpose. These three benefits seem to occur the most though.
1. Deeper Connections
All those conversations you have with the locals will create deeper connections between you and them. If you choose to have longer conversations with certain people, you may find yourself with new friends in that destination. The result will be lifelong friends you can stay in contact with.
2. Personal Growth
When you decide to add purpose for travel, you will see yourself grow in leaps and bounds. Learning new things can challenge you. Those challenges will allow you to see everything in a new way. The result will be you seeing the entire world differently. While expanding your knowledge at the same time.
3. Positive Impacts
During your travels, you probably take lots of pictures to share on social media. Or you show those photos to friends and family. All those pictures, as well as your stories, can have a positive impact for the destinations you have visited. People will see these destinations in a new way, through the beauty of the pictures you took. And through the fascinating experiences you share through your stories.
Traveling with a purpose isn’t meant to be difficult. It is supposed to be a way to allow you to open your eyes and imagination to really appreciate the destinations you are visiting. To travel with purpose means simplifying travel, instead of overcomplicating it. So, embrace purpose for travel today and see what you have been missing all these years!
