Your Next Journey Isn’t Just a Trip—It’s a Turning Point

There’s a moment many of us reach in midlife. A quiet whisper that asks:

Is this it?

We’ve been the caregivers, the professionals, the reliable ones. But beneath it all, there’s a part of us that’s still curious. Still hungry for joy, adventure, meaning.

The good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, you just need to go somewhere new—and let the journey show you who you are becoming.

I learned this in the most unforgettable way when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate turning 50 (pictured reflecting on the triumph of conquering the Baranco Wall, and the daunting prospect of the journey yet to come). Step by step, breath by breath, I faced the doubts, fears, and voices that said I wasn’t strong enough, young enough, or “that kind of woman.” And with each step up that mountain, I proved them wrong.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro taught me that I can do hard things. That strength isn’t always loud or obvious—it’s quiet, steady, and deeply rooted. I learned that I don’t need to shrink or apologise. I am allowed to take up space, to challenge myself, and to honour exactly where I am in life.

Reaching the summit wasn’t just about altitude. It was about perspective. It reminded me that midlife isn’t a closing chapter—it’s a powerful beginning!

Why Travel is the Ultimate Tool for Personal Growth

Travel pulls us out of our comfort zones and into the present moment. It disrupts routine and invites discovery—not just of places, but of ourselves. Here’s why travel is such a powerful catalyst for personal growth:

ourselves

It offers space—away from daily responsibilities and familiar surroundings, you finally have room to breathe, think, and feel.
It fosters independence—navigating unfamiliar places builds confidence and trust in your own abilities.
It shifts perspective—by experiencing different cultures and ways of life, you begin to see your own through a more compassionate, open-minded lens.
It reconnects you with joy—the wonder of new experiences can awaken parts of you that you forgot existed.

It offers space—away from daily responsibilities and familiar surroundings, you finally have room to breathe, think, and feel.

It offers space

breathe

think

feel

It fosters independence—navigating unfamiliar places builds confidence and trust in your own abilities.

It fosters independence

It shifts perspective—by experiencing different cultures and ways of life, you begin to see your own through a more compassionate, open-minded lens.

It shifts perspective

It reconnects you with joy—the wonder of new experiences can awaken parts of you that you forgot existed.

It reconnects you with joy

What Makes a Trip Transformational?

If you’re craving a journey that fuels personal growth, it’s important to be intentional with how you plan it. Not every trip is automatically transformative—but with the right mindset and structure, it absolutely can be. Here are some things to consider:

Travel with Purpose

Start by asking: “What am I hoping to discover or change?” Is it clarity, courage, healing, joy, freedom, connection? Let your intention guide the choices you make—destination, activities, accommodation, even travel companions.

What am I hoping to discover or change?”

Choose a Destination that Speaks to Your Soul

Some places just lend themselves to introspection and transformation. For example:

Camino de Santiago, Spain Of course! Top of my list as I am on this particular journey as we speak! A sacred pilgrimage where every step invites clarity, surrender, and renewal. The simplicity of walking, the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, and the rhythm of daily movement offer a powerful container for self-reflection. Check out my lessons from last year HERE, or follow along with me via Instagram HERE.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia A lush sanctuary for creativity, wellness, and self-discovery. Take part in yoga retreats, traditional Balinese purification ceremonies, and artist residencies. Places like Fivelements offer deep nourishment for body and soul.
Rishikesh, India Known as the yoga capital of the world. Attend sunrise Ganga Aarti ceremonies, practice meditation in Himalayan ashrams, or join a silent retreat along the Ganges. Ideal for deep spiritual immersion and perspective shift.
Paros, Greece Less flashy than Santorini but full of peace and charm. Great for solo exploration, creative workshops, or just being still by the Aegean. Home to retreats that blend yoga, self-inquiry, and feminine empowerment.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala Surrounded by volcanoes and steeped in Mayan spirituality, this lake is a magnet for healers, creatives, and transformation seekers. Stay in villages like San Marcos La Laguna for meditation, cacao ceremonies, or intuitive coaching.
Tulum, Mexico Beyond the party scene lies a spiritual haven. Explore cenotes, take part in temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies, and stay at jungle wellness resorts offering everything from sound healing to chakra alignment.
The Sacred Valley, Peru A deeply spiritual landscape in the Andes, rich with Incan history and traditional plant medicine. Stay in eco-retreats that offer breathwork, movement, and Andean ceremony—all infused with Pachamama energy.

Camino de Santiago, Spain Of course! Top of my list as I am on this particular journey as we speak! A sacred pilgrimage where every step invites clarity, surrender, and renewal. The simplicity of walking, the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, and the rhythm of daily movement offer a powerful container for self-reflection. Check out my lessons from last year HERE, or follow along with me via Instagram HERE.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

HERE

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia A lush sanctuary for creativity, wellness, and self-discovery. Take part in yoga retreats, traditional Balinese purification ceremonies, and artist residencies. Places like Fivelements offer deep nourishment for body and soul.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Fivelements

Rishikesh, India Known as the yoga capital of the world. Attend sunrise Ganga Aarti ceremonies, practice meditation in Himalayan ashrams, or join a silent retreat along the Ganges. Ideal for deep spiritual immersion and perspective shift.

Rishikesh, India

Paros, Greece Less flashy than Santorini but full of peace and charm. Great for solo exploration, creative workshops, or just being still by the Aegean. Home to retreats that blend yoga, self-inquiry, and feminine empowerment.

Paros, Greece

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala Surrounded by volcanoes and steeped in Mayan spirituality, this lake is a magnet for healers, creatives, and transformation seekers. Stay in villages like San Marcos La Laguna for meditation, cacao ceremonies, or intuitive coaching.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

San Marcos La Laguna

Tulum, Mexico Beyond the party scene lies a spiritual haven. Explore cenotes, take part in temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies, and stay at jungle wellness resorts offering everything from sound healing to chakra alignment.

Tulum, Mexico

The Sacred Valley, Peru A deeply spiritual landscape in the Andes, rich with Incan history and traditional plant medicine. Stay in eco-retreats that offer breathwork, movement, and Andean ceremony—all infused with Pachamama energy.

The Sacred Valley, Peru

Include Elements of Stillness

Transformation doesn’t happen in the hustle. Build in time for slowness—morning journaling, evening walks, digital detoxes. Consider accommodation in nature or places that value wellness and calm over entertainment and nightlife.

Use Reflective Tools to Deepen the Journey

Transformation also doesn’t just happen out there—it happens within. As you explore new places, give yourself space to explore your inner landscape, too. Here are some powerful tools to help you reflect, process, and grow along the way

out there

inner landscape

A Travel Journal – Your journal can become your most trusted travel companion. It’s a place to unpack experiences, process emotions, and capture those fleeting moments of clarity. You don’t need to write a novel—just a few lines a day can reveal so much. You might be surprised how your insights build over time—turning your trip into a story of growth and awakening.
Mindfulness and Meditation Apps – Even five minutes of stillness each day can anchor you in the present. Apps like Headspace, or Calm offer simple meditations, breathing exercises, or even walking meditations—perfect for grounding yourself before a busy day or winding down after an inspiring one.
Books, Podcasts and Audio Journals – Bring a book that aligns with your personal journey—maybe something spiritual, motivational, or adventurous. Podcasts can be great company on long walks or train rides, especially ones focused on women’s stories, midlife reinvention, or mindful living. Even better? Record voice notes or audio journals to capture how you’re feeling in the moment. Your future self will thank you.
Art Supplies for Creative Expression – You don’t need to be “artistic” to create something meaningful. Sometimes colour, shapes, and lines say more than words ever could. Creativity is healing. Give yourself permission to play, explore, and express.
1. Pack a small sketchbook, coloured pencils, or watercolours. 2. Create a visual journal: collage ticket stubs, leaves, photos, and doodles. 3. Let your intuition lead—don’t judge what comes out.

A Travel Journal – Your journal can become your most trusted travel companion. It’s a place to unpack experiences, process emotions, and capture those fleeting moments of clarity. You don’t need to write a novel—just a few lines a day can reveal so much. You might be surprised how your insights build over time—turning your trip into a story of growth and awakening.

A Travel Journal –

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps – Even five minutes of stillness each day can anchor you in the present. Apps like Headspace, or Calm offer simple meditations, breathing exercises, or even walking meditations—perfect for grounding yourself before a busy day or winding down after an inspiring one.

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps –

Headspace

Calm

Books, Podcasts and Audio Journals – Bring a book that aligns with your personal journey—maybe something spiritual, motivational, or adventurous. Podcasts can be great company on long walks or train rides, especially ones focused on women’s stories, midlife reinvention, or mindful living. Even better? Record voice notes or audio journals to capture how you’re feeling in the moment. Your future self will thank you.

Books, Podcasts and Audio Journals

Art Supplies for Creative Expression – You don’t need to be “artistic” to create something meaningful. Sometimes colour, shapes, and lines say more than words ever could. Creativity is healing. Give yourself permission to play, explore, and express.

Art Supplies for Creative Expression –

1. Pack a small sketchbook, coloured pencils, or watercolours. 2. Create a visual journal: collage ticket stubs, leaves, photos, and doodles. 3. Let your intuition lead—don’t judge what comes out.

Consider a Solo Trip

I’ve said it many times before but there’s something deeply empowering about travelling solo—especially in midlife. It may feel daunting at first, but that’s often where the magic begins. Without the pull of other people’s needs, you start to really hear yourself again.

Solo travel can help rebuild trust in yourself, spark unexpected joy, and offer the kind of space that’s hard to find in everyday life. For my take on all the benefits of travelling alone, check out my blog post HERE.

space

HERE

Remember, you don’t have to change everything. Sometimes, just a change of place opens the door to everything else.

Need Help Getting Started?

I’ve put together a free Transformational Travel Toolkit to help you plan a trip that nourishes your soul—not just fills your calendar. Get your own copy now via THIS LINK.

free Transformational Travel Toolkit

THIS LINK.

THIS LINK

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an invitation. And I believe travel is one of the most beautiful ways to accept it.

So, are you ready to rediscover yourself? Which of these destinations or reflection tools appeals most to you? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

This week, over on YouTube we are back in Greece and this time it’s the turn of one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades archipelago, Syros. From climbing endless steps in the main town of Ermoupoli, to getting soaked on Vaporia Beach, this trip had it all! See it all in just 90 seconds HERE.

HERE

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Until next time,

Safe Travels

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.

More of my Adventures…

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Transform Through Travel

Video – Walking the Camino de Santiago What You Need to Know!

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Video – Syros Island Greece Worth the Climb & the Chaos?

And finally, just for you…eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

And finally, just for you…

eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

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