Key ways to engage in transformational tourism individually or collectively include connecting via cultural contexts, environmental connectivity, self-reflection, knowledge, creativity, and tourist engagement. Furthermore, transformative travel can potentially improve one’s physical or mental health.

What is transformative travel?

People travel for numerous reasons. They travel to escape their mundane day-to-day routine, for vacation from work or family responsibilities, to experience new adventures, or explore different cultures and cuisines. Others venture out to experience nature's tranquility. For example, some travelers want to challenge themselves by climbing Denali — North America's highest peak. Others seek tranquility by sitting on a beach watching the ocean, while other people go on a yoga or spa retreat in search of inner peace. Furthermore, travel can help people find religious or spiritual serenity, bring happiness by visiting family or friends, or set them on a quest for the meaning of life or the fountain of youth.

Regardless of one’s reason for leaving the comfort and safety of home, globalization, tourism, and personal pursuits boost economies and build memories for travelers while providing spiritual awakening, helping those without a life focus find meaning, or even offering an opportunity for more affordable healthcare. This type of travel has been termed transformative travel.

Benefits of transformative travel

The Transformational Travel Council’s mission helps to empower people to make positive changes in their lives. Their mission states that transformational travel is “travel that raises the collective consciousness of humankind to regenerate and thrive.” They suggest that travel can be a way to improve ourselves, the climate, and one’s longevity. They propose that transformative travel is more than passively traveling from place to place. It requires connecting with others, being pro-environmental, improving conservation efforts, and providing time for self-reflection and inner meaning. Travel can be engaging and provide pleasure but also be outcome-based. Still, they caution people from setting unattainable expectations.

Each person’s transformation will be unique. People may: