If you are anything like me, you love traveling and spend way too much time dreaming about hiking enchanted forest, exploring shipwrecks, and tasting the best food that the world has to offer. You don’t just want to go to a resort and enjoy the all-inclusive buffet, you want to learn, grow and truly experience life. All I can say to that is YASSSS QUEEN!
Don’t get me wrong, of course, I enjoy being pampered at a resort, but when you take trips where you are actively exploring cultures something happens to your soul, mind and body. To help inspire you to travel more and have more enriching experiences, I have come up with 5 awesome creative trips you can take that will help you experience the world, develop as a person and love life (with Cass.)
1. VAWAA.
Have you ever wanted to get away and go on an amazing adventure where you get to learn, grow and be stretched all while being submerged in a new culture? Picture yourself learning how to create street art or how to tango all while tasting amazing empanadas, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Or how about brushing up on your photography skills in Spain, or learning the art of Bespoke Shoemaking while exploring Prague. If these daydreams sound awesome to you (which they should) then you need to check out Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA). Vacation With An Artist was created by the wonderful Geetika Agrawal. VAWAA helps to make your vacation better. In addition to getting to explore a new city or country, VAWAA connects you with local artists, who teach you their trade. How awesome is that?! When I first heard about this, I fanned-girled hard. As if travelling wasn’t cool enough, now you can travel and learn new art skills. Yes, yes, YASSSSS!Â
2. Volunteer.
Volunteering is a great activity to add to your travels and can make your trip more exciting and rewarding. I have volunteered with different non-profits all over the world and each experience stretched me and helped me develop emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. As cliche as it may sound, giving back to our world gave me so much in return. There are heaps of volunteer programs out that you can join where you can help people, animals and the environment.
3. Learn a new skill in every country you visit.
A few years ago I met a woman who was travelling to different country’s learning a new skill that was somehow related to that countries culture or history. For example, in Italy, she took a cooking class, and in Costa Rica, she learned how to surf. Ever since I have heard about her journey I have loved it. I think that is a genius idea and a creative, fun way to submerge yourself in a new culture and make new friends.
4. Enjoy wildlife experiences.
One of my favourite reasons to travel is to see wildlife. I love animals and getting to have authentic, wild encounters with them all over the world always puts a smile to my face. Here are some incredible wildlife experiences that you can enjoy.
5. Travel the world for a whole year.
Spending the whole year aboard is an amazing experience. For all of 2013, I lived out of my suitcase and travelled from country to country, living my best life. It was hard at some points – I missed my loved ones occasionally and there were a few days when I craved something familiar. However, it was the greatest experience of my young life. For one whole year, I forced myself to leave my comfort zone to explore our big, beautiful planet, simultaneously crossing off all of the items on my bucket list. Pro tip: Use an agency like Air Treks to help book a cheap(er) one-way ticket around the earth.
6. Bucket list.
What is it that you dream of doing most? Why not spend your travels/ life actually doing those things? Make a list of adventures that make your whole being come alive and then plan a whole trip around them. A trip like this will change your life in so many awesome ways.
Tips to make any trip more creative.
If you already have a trip booked, use the following tips to spice up your adventure:
- Enjoy local cuisine
- Ask a local for advice on what to see in the area
- Practice sustainable travel
- Go one full day of travelling without posting on social media
- See what activities are popular in the area you are visiting and dedicate one whole day to that activity. I.e if you are visiting a surf town, enjoy a surf-filled day. Go to the beach, take a surf lesson, visit a surf shop, eat at a surf-themed restaurant etc.
Which one of these trip ideas are you most excited about? Need some help with planning your trip? Don’t stress friends. Book a travel consulting appointment with me now, and I’ll help you get your trip out of your dreams and become your reality.
Wishing you happy and healthy travels,
