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Top Transformative Attractions
- Exploring remote villages in Asia, meeting locals and learning about their approach to daily life
- Helping a clean-up crew improve the beaches in Costa Rica, making them safer for the sea turtles that nest there
- Spending a day helping build a school and distribute supplies
- Going deeper into a yoga practice with help and guidance from a teacher in India
- The feeling of personal fulfillment that comes with going deeper into any destination - participating in and learning about the nuances of local life
Transformative Tours & Travel Guide
Transformative Attractions & Landmarks Guide
All travel is transformative in one way or another. However some tours make this a focal point. Transformative tours often focus on the individual traveler from inside out, highlighting the inner experience that comes from cultural immersion or a local homestays. Many transformative tours are heavy in yoga and meditation, as well as rejuvenating outdoor activities.
What is Transformational Travel?
Transformational travel goes beyond the simple bliss of traveling and puts emphasis on cultural immersion and personal growth. This type of travel focuses on how the destination can change a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. Many transformational tours are filled with nature exploration, home stays and yoga that allows travelers to focus on personal reflection.
Top Transformational Travel Destinations
The best destinations for transformational travel are those that allow for cultural immersion. India, Nepal and Thailand are great for purposeful travel that’s focused on meaningful engagement with the people, culture and nature because these destinations offer tours involving yoga, wildlife exploration and nature immersion.
These destinations can challenge a traveler in many ways but it is always purposeful and positive. If you are looking for a deep personal transformation from travel experiences, then transformational travel is right for you.
Below is a list of some of the best destinations for transformational travel.
India
Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga which makes India a great destination to dive deeper into meditation. Practiced professionals can take you through relaxing exercises that will give you the time for personal reflection. Safaris are another transformational experience offered in India. Safari trips through national parks allow for sightings of beautiful creatures such as the tiger.
Nepal
Nepal is home to Mount Everest where travelers can visit the Everest Base Camp. The country is a great destination for visitors to take immersive hikes through magnificent forests and up looming mountains. These high intensity adventures challenge each traveler physically, mentally and spiritually.
Thailand
One of the many experiences travelers can expect from visiting Thailand is the immersion into the animal kingdom. Visiting elephants at the Thai Elephant Nursery is a popular activity among travelers where they can walk, bathe and feed the beautiful creatures. Other transformational activities include exploring temples which allows visitors time for personal reflection and spiritual connection with the world.
Amazon rainforest
Cultural immersion is a big aspect of traveling to the Amazon rainforest. Travelers can expect to tango with locals, explore Rio and uncover hidden gems like the Columbian town of Leticia. This is a great destination to uncover more about the world and yourself by exploring all that the Amazon rainforest has to offer.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has many opportunities to see wildlife. At national parks, travelers can witness Asian elephants, crocodiles and leopards. Archaeological sites are another big transformational quality of Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb 5th century fortress ruins, explore the ancient capital city of Ceylon and even marvel at cave art.
Belize
Hands on experiences are a great aspect of visiting Belize. Travelers can find opportunities to kayak, snorkel and swim as well as paddle rivers. Birds are a common sight here such as the tallest flying bird in Central and South America, the Jabiru stork. There are Mayan caves, temples and pyramids just waiting to be explored.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to many beautiful creatures that travelers often get a chance to see such as the howler monkey, caiman and sloths. In Costa Rica, visitors are immersed in the rainforest, mangroves and lava fields while also experiencing hands-on activities like exploring a canopy walk along suspended bridges.
Indonesia
Travelers can trek through beautiful forests, summit volcanoes, and get a close view of orangutans in Indonesia. Cultural immersion and spiritual growth often accompany witnessing traditional Batak dancing in Simanindo.
Turkey
Turkey is a great place to learn more about ancient history with visits to monuments like the Ottoman Empire or the Roman city of Ephesus. Travelers can literally get a vantage point over the world by taking hot air balloon rides like the one that goes over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Guyana
Guyana is the perfect destination for those seeking wildlife immersion with an emphasis on birds. Travelers can expect to see birds such as the Sun Parakeet, Red Siskin and the Guianan Toucanet to name only a few. Other beauties that visitors can expect to see are that of the luscious waters of Iguassu Falls.
Machu Picchu and Galapagos
Cultural immersion is a great aspect of any trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. Travelers can visit the bustling and colorful Indian market where they can find beautiful crafts. Transformation comes from exploring places like Lima, also known as the city of Kings, or Cuzco, a vibrant town filled with archaeological sites.
Transformational Travel and Personal Growth
Transformational travel is all about letting the destination change you, but in order for this to happen, you must step out of your comfort zone. Self discovery doesn’t happen within the activities and destinations with which you are familiar. It’s when you try new things, see new sights and experience extraordinary things that your view of the world and yourself can grow and change.
When you step off the beaten path, you may find some emotionally challenging things such as poverty or struggling wildlife. However, in the midst of these areas, you will find a cultural oasis. Transformational travel is a great opportunity to learn more about the world and the people in it. By interacting with the locals, eating their food, and seeing how their culture shapes their attitudes and beliefs, you will see parts of the world you never could have seen otherwise. This new knowledge and mindset is something you can take back home with you in your heart to help you continue to grow as a person.
Yoga Tours/Meditation
Yoga itself is transforming for both mind and body. However, mediating and taking yoga lessons from someone in a place like India or Thailand can push that personal transformation to new levels.
Learning from someone of a different culture means learning techniques and exercises from a new perspective with a new mindset. These types of experiences will open your eyes to new ways of seeing the world, your body and your mind.
What is an ashram: An ashram is a place to practice yoga and meditation to grow spiritually. There is usually no particular religion that is practiced here. Instead that focus is on healthy living and self-awareness.
Ashram rules: Ashrams are a great chance to be completely immersed in meditation and connect to your more spiritual side. However, there are many rules and practices that will accompany your time at an ashram. It’s best to know these expectations before you go so you know what to expect.
Students are discouraged from making any public displays of affection such as kissing or holding hands. Celibacy is also encouraged as part of the spiritual discipline. Modest clothing that covers midriff, shoulders and legs is required.
Leaving the premises is forbidden unless you get permission from the course director. There is also a curfew with mandatory lights out. All classes are mandatory.
Each ashram is different with slightly different rules and different expectations. Some ashrams include spiritual practice so if that is not something you want to participate in, make sure to research the ashram before you go.
Nature Travel
A major component of transformational travel is nature. Exploring the beautiful world in unique destinations is a great way to learn more about the world, away from all the noise of busy life and western culture. Whether you’re in the middle of a rainforest, on a safari or relaxing on the beach, the sights, sounds and smells are great for self reflection.
Top Transformational Nature Travel Experiences
Hike at Pico Bonito National Park in Honduras: Travelers can hike to the river where they can swim and even cliff jump from 20 feet into a deep river pool. The rainforest is lush with biodiversity including wildlife such as howler monkeys, armadillos, wild pigs and jaguars.
Track lions in Kenya: A local organization, the Exploring Lions Project, works to change the decline in the African lion population by collecting data. Travelers can help track these creatures and see them up close and personal.
Visit Chobe National Park in Botswana: This national park is known for its herds of elephants but travelers will get up close and see many unique creatures. Others include the rare Sable and Roan Antelope as well as the Lilac Breasted Roller.
Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland: Northern lights, also known as auroras are natural light displays in the sky caused by a disturbance in the magnetosphere. The peak viewing season in Iceland is between September and March because the nights are longer.
Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica: Travelers are immersed within the wildlife in this reserve which is especially great for birdwatching. There are as many as nine different hummingbirds that could be flying around you as you walk the bridges. Other animals such as the Emerald Toucanet, Bell Bird, White-faced Capuchin Monkey and the Agouti can also be observed.
Trek through the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile: This destination is known for its magnificent mountains, blue icebergs and golden grasslands that travelers get to admire during their trek. Along the way, wild guanacos are often spotted roaming the wild plains.
Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand: Some sanctuaries including Elephant Nature Park, Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, and Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand give travelers memorable experiences of hands-on animal interaction. Here travelers can help take care of elephants by feeding and bathing them. It’s an experience that will not only inspire you but it will also help rehabilitate the elephants.
Visit Andasibe National Park in Madagascar: Travelers can immerse themselves in the beautiful plant and animal life. The call of the indri, the largest living lemurs, can be heard all around the park. Another 15 mammal species can be found in this national park including the biggest chameleon of the island and the boa manditra.
Walk the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway in Machu Picchu: The walkway consists of seven hanging bridges, eight treetop platforms and two observation towers that fully immerse travelers in a gorgeous jungle canopy.
Go rafting on the Tara river in Bosnia: Tara river is one of the best rivers for white water rafting in this part of Europe. The journey takes travelers down the crystal clear water as they’re surrounded by forests, cliffs and waterfalls.
Planning for Remote Travel
Transformational travel includes many destinations that aren’t common tourist destinations. Instead, these remote places are great for cultural immersion and discovery. Venturing out to a remote destination can feel daunting, but there are ways to be prepared for this type of travel so you can keep your focus on the world around you and on your personal transformation.
Get in touch with a local: One of the best ways to know what to see and where to go in a place that isn’t riddled with tourists is to talk with a local. You may not know the best beach to watch the sunset on or which local food to try, but someone who lives there surely will. Whether it’s a preorganized guide or someone you stop on the street, talking with someone who knows the destination is the best way to make the most of your time.
Pack appropriately: Remote travel is very different from a trip that involves visiting museums or relaxing on beaches. This type of travel focuses on exploration and discovery, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Some activities may include helping to build a local school or hiking through a rainforest. Make sure your backpacks are filled with the right shoes, clothes and supplies so you can feel prepared for whatever experience comes your way next.
Expect physical exercise: Remote travel is just that, a place that isn’t commonly visited or known about. Because of this, there is often a lot of work that is involved in getting there. You may need to hike rocky or sandy trails or venture into the forest. Wherever this hidden gem is, you’ll have to put in some physical exercise to get there.
Learn some of the local language: When searching after a remote destination, you could be traveling through some local villages. It won’t be something on the typical tourist stomping ground so the likelihood of someone speaking English could be more rare. Knowing some common phrases in the local destination will help you as you go especially if you get lost.
Dietary Restrictions
Transformational travel often means culture immersion and home stays. Food is a big part of this experience. Locals often cook and prepare each meal for their visitors. This is a great opportunity to try unique and local dishes that you may not find anywhere else. However, this also means that if you have dietary restrictions, you will need to take necessary precautions. If you have allergies or other restrictions, be sure to discuss with your host what ingredients are in the food and plan accordingly.
Transformational travel often involves yoga and meditation. At yoga retreats or ashrams, the food is often simple and vegetarian. A typical meal could include: rice, vegetables, salad, fruit, yogurt and tea. Food is seen as part of the spiritual experience so visitors eat in silence and clean their plates when they’re done.
Food plays a big part in culture and thus a big part in the transformational travel experience. Eating the food that locals eat can help you get a sense of what their everyday looks like and allows you the opportunity to try something new. Below is a list of some of the classic foods you can find in the top transformational travel destinations.
India
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, one of the key staples of an Indian dish is roti, a whole wheat flatbread, rice, or a lentil based stew. For each meal, these staples are often accompanied with vegetables, chicken, fish, and curry to name a few of the options.
When traveling to India, there are potential risks of getting sick from the food you eat, like many overseas destinations, but there are ways to stay safe and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
Don’t eat from vendors. Instead make sure to eat at nice restaurants that look busy and clean. Only eat cooked food because through the cooking process, bacteria is killed off. Juice and fresh salad have also been said to cause digestion problems after eating them, so it may be best to avoid them all together.
Nepal
Much of the food in Nepal is a variation on Asian themes. One classical dish you’ll find in Nepal is momo, a steam or fried dumplings. It can be buffalo, vegetable or cheese and can be served with curry. Another popular dish is pulao which is fried rice which is accompanied with vegetables and seasoning.
Thailand
Traditional Thai cuisine can fall into four categories: boiled dishes, spicy salads, pounded foods and curries. Some popular dishes include spicy shrimp soup, stir fried noodles, green chicken curry and drunken noodles.
Amazon rainforest
If you’re traveling to the Amazon, you can expect to eat fish, meat, root vegetables and fruits. Some food staples are actually produced in the rainforest including chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper coffee as well as multiple types of fish from the rivers.
Sri Lanka
Curry and rice are key elements of the Sri Lanka diet. Many of the dishes parallel closely with a South Indian cuisine. You should expect to encounter spice and explosive flavors in each meal so if spicy food is what you like, you’re in the right place. Some common meals are deviled sweet and sour fish curry, beetroot curry and Brinjal eggplant.
Belize
Breakfasts in Belize often consist of bread or tortillas, cheese, refried beans and multiple forms of eggs. For lunch you can expect to eat dishes like rice and beans, fried meat pies or onion soup. Dinner often looks like stewed chicken, chimole or tamales.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has mild food in regards to spices with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables. A big staple food is rice and black beans as well as potatoes. Some popular dishes include gallo pinto, a meal consisting of rice, beans, onions, red peppers, and cilantro. Another is the tamal which is like a Mexican tamale except it's lighter on the spices and wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn husks.
Indonesia
Dishes in Indonesia are often described as savory, hot and spicy. Some highly recommended dishes to try include gudeg which is a jackfruit boiled in a mixture of coconut milk, palm sugar and spices. Nasi goreng is another common dish. It’s Indonesia’s version of fried rice that is flavored with chili, shrimp paste, onion, garlic and tomato sauce.
Turkey
Common ingredients in Turkish dishes include lamb, beef, rice, fish, eggplants, green peppers, onions, garlic, lentils, beans, zucchinis and tomatoes. Hummus is a popular food in Turkey as well as Çiğ köfte which is the Turkish version of steak tartare.
Guyana
Fish and seafood are a big part of the Guyanese diet. Guyana specialities include split pea soup, Guyanese style fried rice and foo-foo, a plantain cake deep fried in oil.
Machu Picchu and Galapagos
A trip to Machu Picchu and Galapagos often means eating Peruvian cuisine. Some popular dishes not to miss include ceviche which is a seafood dish that includes fish marinated in juice. Another great meal to try is the Ají de Gallina which is a thick chicken stew.
Transformative Reviews & Ratings
Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised
Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised and free time. Great travelling by train
The format of the trip enabled two
The format of the trip enabled two significant factors to coincide to make the entire experience overwhelmingly positive. 1. Our trip guide - Yuri Awanohara, made th...
Great introduction to the country. Variety of
Great introduction to the country. Variety of activities and all well planned by guide Yuri
well organised we appreciated not going to the
well organised we appreciated not going to the expensive, flashy and touristy restaurants, which gave us a good varied eating experience good mix of organised and ...
Tours of Kathmandu, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Khimsar, Jodhpur, Udiapur, Marari and all point between.
We spent three weeks touring Nepal and India. We can really recommend Safhands Travel and especially Mr. Rohit. The tour and itinerary suggested by Rohit was excelle...
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