As 2018 has just started I am sure many of you have decided on resolutions to get fit and eat healthier, created business goals towards greater success, and set intentions towards greater balance in life, having more fun, or perhaps connecting more with your partner. And the plan is for the next 11 months do whatever you can to achieve and accomplish all of this, with perhaps a week or two off as a break and escape from it all, then returning to the grind or even worse, not take a vacation at all because you are too busy, or would feel to guilty to neglect your business.
What if this year, instead of not taking a vacation, or using your vacation time as a chance to simply disconnect and recharge, you use it as an opportunity to reconnect to your goals, refuel, re-energize and get motivated so you don’t just return rested but super charged and rearing to go?!
As a Transformative Travel Coach I am always mindful of the purpose of each trip I take and reflecting as to how best I can achieve that end through pre-trip planning, on-trip activities and being fully present, and post trip reflection and action. Travelling with intention rather than just taking a vacation or break can be so much more beneficial for you, your relationships and your business! What is travelling with intention? It is simply travelling with a goal or intention in mind, and being mindful and taking action while on a trip to help achieve those goals or intentions.
And it’s really very simple. You can either intentionally book a trip that will clearly help you achieve your goals or take an already planned vacation and just add more intention behind it.
If the intention of your trip is to relax and unwind consider a spa retreat or learning a new activity to get you focused on something fun, or adding similar elements to an already booked vacation like daily mediation.
For those in business, please do not skip taking a vacation for fear or guilt of being away from your business. Getting away can be extremely rejuvenating, and a chance to reflect and refocus. For business goals you may consider attending a mastermind retreat to connect with and be inspired by other business owners, or taking a motivating personal or professional workshop abroad, or book some time away to reflect and plan for your business.
Looking to connect more with your partner? Instead of just going on your usual vacation with the hopes of reconnecting over mai tais by the pool, go with the intention to reconnect. Think of specific activities that would help achieve this like having intentional conversations to rekindle your love, like listing the top 5 reasons you love each other, maybe spicing things up with some lingerie, or doing adventurous activities together. Volunteering abroad together can also be a very powerful tool for seeing your partner in a new light and reconnecting.
Travelling can be a powerful and transformative tool as it provides a chance to get away from everyday distractions, distance yourself from unhealthy relationships and situations, gain great perspective, getting out of your comfort zone, and an amazing time for reconnecting with yourself. With some intention and reflection behind it – it can make your 2018 an epic and successful year!
Jill Valentine, B.Sc., RT, CLC, – Transformative Travel Coach and Trailblazer in HHW's Toronto West Branch
Jill Valentine is a co-founder of UGO Travel for Change, founder and author of Dare to be a Dandelion, and a pioneer in the transformational travel arena. As a Transformative Travel Coach Jill harnesses the innate powers of travel and volunteerism as tools for sustainable personal and global change. A passionate humanitarian, volunteerism specialist and world traveller, she lives by the words “Make it happen!”