Updated on February 26th, 2025
For many of us, travel can be so much more than an escape from the everyday or a chance to tick off bucket-list destinations. It can be a profound opportunity for transformation, self-discovery, and renewal. But to fully embrace this potential, it’s essential to identify your WHY for travel.
WHY
Why are you drawn to explore the world, particularly at this stage of life?
What drives you to pack your bags and step out of your comfort zone?
By connecting with the deeper desires fuelling your wanderlust, you can create a travel experience that enriches your soul and aligns with your values, passions, and life stage.
Why Knowing Your WHY Matters
Why Knowing Your
WHY
WHY
Matters
When you take the time to reflect on what’s motivating your travel dreams, you gain clarity about what you truly hope to achieve.
Are you seeking adventure, healing, or connection?
Are you longing for a break from routine, a chance to rediscover yourself, or a way to celebrate a milestone?
Understanding your purpose for travel allows you to plan experiences that resonate with your inner self, making your journey more meaningful and impactful.
Without this clarity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of travelling for the sake of it—picking destinations that look good on Instagram or following trends that don’t truly excite you. Instead, anchoring your travels in a clear WHY ensures that your journey is uniquely yours and designed to fulfil the needs that matter most to you.
WHY
you
Reflecting on Your Life Stage
Reflecting on Your Life Stage
Midlife is a season of transition. Perhaps your children are leaving the nest, your career is shifting, you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, a health challenge or triumph, the end of a relationship or you’re rediscovering parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by years of responsibilities. This stage often brings a mix of freedom and uncertainty, making it a perfect time to explore what travel can offer.
Take a moment to consider the changes in your life.
How are they influencing your desire to travel?
Are you looking to mark a new chapter with a symbolic journey?
Or do you feel the need to step back and gain perspective on where you’ve been and where you want to go?
Midlife offers a unique opportunity to travel with intention and use your experiences to shape the next phase of your life.
Uncovering Your Needs and Desires
Uncovering Your Needs and Desires
Ask yourself: What needs are you hoping to fulfil through travel?
Is it:
Connection: Are you yearning to bond with loved ones, meet like-minded travellers, or immerse yourself in new cultures?
Connection:
Growth: Do you crave personal development, whether through learning a new skill, overcoming a challenge, or stepping out of your comfort zone? For more on this, check out my attempts at learning Spanish, sailing (as in the photo taking part in my first and so far only regatta, in the USVI) and salsa.
Growth:
Spanish
sailing
salsa
Freedom: Are you seeking a break from routines, responsibilities, or societal expectations?
Freedom:
Healing: Is there a part of you that needs rest, reflection, or renewal after a difficult period? You can learn more about my journey of self-discovery HERE.
Healing:
HERE
Being honest about your needs allows you to design a travel experience that satisfies them. For instance, if you value connection, you might choose group trips or cultural immersion experiences. If healing is your priority, you might look for tranquil destinations or spiritual retreats.
group trips
spiritual retreats
Aligning with Your Values and Passions
Aligning with Your Values and Passions
Your travel experiences can be a powerful expression of who you are and what you value. Reflect on what’s important to you.
Is it sustainability, creativity, adventure, or helping others?
Let your values guide your choices. For example, if you’re passionate about the environment, you might seek eco-friendly travel options. If you’re an artist at heart, you might explore destinations that inspire your creativity.
Similarly, consider your passions. Do you love history, food, or hiking? Incorporating these interests into your travels ensures your journey feels authentic and fulfilling.
Envisioning the Change You Want
Envisioning the Change You Want
Finally, think about how you want to feel or what you want to have changed by the time you return home. Do you want to feel rejuvenated, inspired, or more confident? Are you hoping to gain clarity about your next steps, strengthen relationships, or create lasting memories? Having a clear vision of your desired outcome gives your travels a sense of purpose and direction.
Putting It All Together
Putting It All Together
Identifying your WHY for travel is like creating a roadmap for transformation. It’s about being intentional, aligning your journey with your values, and honouring the stage of life you’re in. When you connect with the deeper desires driving your wanderlust, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
WHY
So, before you book your next adventure, why not take some time to reflect. Journal about your motivations, needs, and hopes. Visualize the kind of transformation you want to experience. And then, let your WHY guide you to a journey that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.
WHY
Because travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about who you become along the way.
If this has struck a chord with you, we delve a lot deeper into identifying your WHY and creating a trip which fully aligns with everything you are hoping for in my new programme Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. If you are interested in joining or want to know more then click on THIS LINK. Alternatively, hit reply to this email or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to get any answers to your questions.
WHY
Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey
THIS LINK
YouTube
Threads
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This week over on YouTube I am back in Canada & this time helping first-timers who want to explore Downtown Vancouver. From a clock powered by steam to iconic totem poles & an absolutely massive crab! Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks, or hidden gems, I’ve got you covered. Watch for yourself HERE to plan the perfect day in Vancouver BC!
HERE
Vancouver BC
Were you able to join the LIVE session last Thursday? If not, don’t worry, you can access the recording of the event HERE.
HERE
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Solo Travel Is Trending In 2025. Make New Friends With 5 Expert Tips – Forbes
Solo Travel Is Trending In 2025. Make New Friends With 5 Expert Tips
Solo Travel Is Trending In 2025. Make New Friends With 5 Expert Tips
Forbes
Best Personal Safety Devices for Solo Travellers in 2025 – Travel + Leisure
Best Personal Safety Devices for Solo Travellers in 2025
Best Personal Safety Devices for Solo Travellers in 2025
– Travel + Leisure
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
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Blog – Travel Self-Discovery – My Journey from lost to found
Blog – Travel Self-Discovery – My Journey from lost to found
Blog – Travel Self-Discovery – My Journey from lost to found
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Find Your Way – Sign up here!
Find Your Way – Sign up here!
Find Your Way – Sign up here!
Video – First Time Guide – Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver BC
Video – First Time Guide – Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver BC
Video – First Time Guide – Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver BC
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🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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@media (max-width: 575px) {
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🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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}
@media (max-width: 575px) {
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🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
.wp-block-gutenbee-column.block-19433f-3251-46 { flex-basis: 100%; }
@media (max-width: 991px) {
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}
@media (max-width: 575px) {
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🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
Booking.com
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
Get Your Guide
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
G Adventures
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
Safety Wing
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
Skyscanner
Jacks Flight Club
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
Bounce
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