As part of my work as a travel advisor, along with client messages, I daily receive NUMEROUS industry emails from travel partners, collaboration requests, specials, marketing advice, some side-eye inducing spam (UGH!) and more. On September 11, 2024, however, I received an email that rocked me back.
My agency is closed annually on 9/11 in memory those we lost on that frightening and horrific day, now 23 years ago. #NeverForget. I also honor the memory of a dear friend I lost that day, so I’m very contemplative, but not sad on September 11th each year (my friend would admonish me if I did not remember her love of life and advice to always find a small way to make myself happy, no matter what’s happening). So, when I received the email and read it, it instantly resonated with me.
That loss on 9/11 has profoundly shaped my approach to life and, as an extension, travel. I am heartbroken when I see or have travelers ask me to simply get them somewhere, either ticking off destinations or going only to drop the "I've been there" on social media. Is that where YOU WANTED to go, really? Their photos are generic, or sometimes not even indicative of the destination - maybe even showing packed, unhappy crowds in the background. The same old spots, where sometimes they've had to wait in line to get a photo. What? Is that truly the way to travel? When asked how their experience was or if they engaged with those who live there and call the destination home, I either don't get an answer, or they only report what they saw - there's no story. Certainly, this is no way to travel the world.
My friend wouldn't wait for a group to go on a trip ("Ain't nobody got time for that - life's too short!" she'd say) - she'd book the trip and ask if I wanted to go - and she would be on her way, either alone or with me in tow. And I have such wonderful stories and memories of engaging with locals and wanting to give to those less fortunate! My dedication to intentional and positive impact travel is, in part, a form of tribute to my friend’s memory.
THE MESSAGE
The email I received was from a travel professional colleague (thank you, Philippe!*) who is teaching travel advisors new and innovative ways of thinking about the luxury travel planning experience. Thinking WAAAAAAAY outside the box to create un-duplicatable and enriching experiences. The message was about travel as meditation – turning everyday travels into a life reset, and needing certain key skills and habits to implement this way of thinking about travel, including starting with INTENT. I’ll let some of his words say it best:
“Instead of seeing a trip as just a break, use it to explore your thoughts and emotions deeply. Identify what you truly need - whether it's peace, clarity, or self-discovery - and let these needs shape your destination and experiences.
Write down your intention before you embark on your journey. Think about it every time you wake up and make decisions accordingly. This will keep you grounded and focused on what truly matters.
Once your journey begins, the key is presence. Resist the urge to be a ‘do it all’ traveler and focus on being fully engaged in each moment.”
Now here’s some of what initially went through my head:
So, NOT destination first?
So, the WHY before the WHERE?
So, PRESENCE?
Yes, yes, and yes. The very same things I’ve been trying to get across to my travelers. Lightbulb moment.💡 And maybe, just maybe, I may not be making these points clear to some of my clients – realizing that I may just need to take the conversation about trip planning a step back, slow things down, and delve more into the why before the where. But so many are impatient and want to get to that where and not think about or know the why…
Then I had another moment of clarity. I need one of these travel as meditation experiences. NOW. My travelers trust me and return repeatedly for my level of service. They will ask me if I’ve been to a destination and when I have, they want and love to hear my advice and insights. I am extraordinarily grateful for this level of trust and do not take it for granted. And I work very hard because I love being a professional travel advisor. Sometimes too hard.
Those who are still striving for the elusive "inbox zero" raise your hands... 🙋🏾♀️
I have admittedly been on trips where I’ve had to do so much work that the trip wasn’t completely satisfying for me or I missed so much while taking care of others. Or lost the spark for a destination because the trip was distilled down to “just hit the hot spots” with no desire to truly experience it. Those are the places I yearn to return to so that I can actually experience them and be more... present. Then I can pass that experience and knowledge on to my travelers. Surely you want this level of expertise in planning your journeys. This experience is what helps and guides me in understanding what you truly need and desire for your travels - especially the commodity of time.
There have been some trying moments, setbacks and difficulties in my life during 2024, and I manage to rally to be there for my travelers. But I fully haven’t rallied for myself. It's now time for some self-care - it’s necessary and is what helps me be the best I can be. That translates to being the best I can be for you. That’s missing for me right now. Instead of opting for a typical vacation or a few days off, I’m going to choose something different. To reconnect, ground myself and find clarity.
Consider the benefits of this type of meditative travel experience - what it can do for your mental clarity, emotional health, or even sense of purpose. What about your own need for mindful travel? When was the last time you truly and fully felt present during your travels?
So, yes, I’ll be designing a meditative travel experience for myself. When you’re ready, we’ll work together to design one for you too.
*If you want to know more about the travel professional I’m speaking about, reach out to me and I’ll tell you about him.
Crafting personalized, immersive journeys for the sophisticated, cultured explorer.™
Helping you see the WORLD, one experience at a time.™
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