Now that family holidays are done and dusted and the kids are heading back to school, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of a less busy travel period.
Summer is almost over and it’s time for normal life to resume. But, before you get caught up in the day-to-day grind of back to school, back to work and back to reality, why not take a moment to think about what comes next?
If you’ve got an interest that you’ve always wanted to pursue, an adventure you’d like to take or a niggle at the back of your mind that something needs to change, a transformational solo trip could the answer you never knew you needed. And with a quieter few months of travel ahead, it’s time to put yourself to the top of the pile.
A change of scenery, culture and company can have a huge impact on your mental and physical wellbeing, especially with some of the life changing trips we have got lined up below. Prepare for some serious wanderlust.
From practising yoga in the Icelandic mountains and sound healing in India to perfecting your photography skills in South Korea or sharpening your golf game in Ireland, this is transformational travel at its very best.
1. Detox your mind and body in the UAE
This comprehensive restoration programme takes place in the serene Yanas mountain retreat in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). With a five-day water fast designed to support your body’s natural cleansing ability, plus yoga, Sadhu board practice, walks, meditations, massages, acupuncture, cupping and more, this is a trip to truly restore your body, mind and soul.
2. Capture compelling photos in South Korea
We all have something we love to take pictures of – be it animals, portraits, nature or street photography. Dive deeper into your niche and learn new skills, or fine-tune those you already have on a 10-day tour around some of the most amazing and photo-worthy locations on the South Korean peninsula.
3. Reach your inner potential in Sri Lanka
Meditate alongside Buddhist Monks and work through your stresses and anxieties with a 14-day programme of sound healing, counselling and daily Ayurvedic therapies all designed to restore a sense of balance and calm back into your life. Located alongside the unspoilt Rekawa Beach, Sen Wellness Sanctuary offers bespoke retreats throughout the year.
4. Traverse the jungles of Rwanda
Spending time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is said to be one of the most emotional and memorable wildlife encounters in the world, and visiting them is a great way to contribute towards their future survival. With this amazing one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll get to experience them first-hand surrounded by the captivating mountains and jungles of Rwanda.
5. A yoga adventure in the Icelandic mountains
Get off the beaten track with a luxury stay at a private farm, surrounded by mountains in the wild with a chance to witness the Northern Lights. The yoga is suited to all levels and there’s a bathhouse with a sauna, hot tub and massages, so there’s plenty of scope for relaxation alongside healthy eating with a menu of tasty and hearty plant-based meals.
6. Awaken your erotic self in Spain
This retreat is a powerful self-development tool that mirrors your dark spots and pushes you to grow. You will gain conscious communication skills to express your desires, fears and boundaries from a space of love and respect. Explore and discover yourself and others with the intention of deep self-knowledge, integration and expansion of who you are.
7. Walk your why in South Africa
This guided safari hike through the African Bushveld is designed to be an intensive and transforming experience. Spend time immersed in nature and work with a clinical psychologist to make progress on your journey to self-mastery. You will come back more confident and relaxed, with a deeper understanding of where you are at in your life.
8. Intensive sound healing in India
Experience a unique combination of traditional Indian practices and the power of music. With two nights at a New Delhi city hotel and seven nights at a 100-year-old refurbished haveli (mansion), you will learn about the tools of vibration, or Nada, within you and use it to heal and empower yourself on a psychological, emotional or physical level.
9. Sharpen your golf and learn about your heritage in Ireland
Combine spending time in the great outdoors, playing golf and learning about your heritage with a range of wonderful activities from massages to whisky tasting on the magical Emerald Isle and you’ve got a recipe for a healthier, happier you.
10. Experience a Shamanic medicine retreat in Costa Rica
Spend a transformational week reconnecting with yourself through deep healing rituals alongside time for swimming in the ocean, bodywork, space for non-doing and visiting the world class longevity centre. This powerful retreat will see you tap into your soul’s purpose and learn many new spiritual practices that will support you to come back to your life empowered and ready to be in service to all beings.