From the New York Times and Huffington Post to Vogue and Luxury Travel Magazine, everyone is talking about transformative travel as being the travel trend of 2017.
According to Vogue, transformative travel “has similar elements of experiential travel, but taken a step further — it’s travel motivated and defined by a shift in perspective, self-reflection and development, and a deeper communion with nature and culture.”
The reality is that we now live in an increasingly fast-paced, deadline and device-driven world and, young or old, we are all forever connected to our phones, tablets and computers. Be honest, how many times a day do you look at your smart phone? The truth is, we connect to wifi more than we connect with each other! And for this reason, there is a growing demand for holidays whereby travellers can actively disconnect from technology and reconnect with what really matters.
At &Beyond we specialise in tailormaking unique and authentic bucket list experiences that encourage wanderlust travellers to truly venture into the unknown. We invite our guests to explore the world’s natural beauty and experience things outside of their comfort zones, to gain an understanding for different cultures and to return home, not only with a renewed sense of purpose, but also with an increased awareness and passion for conservation, sustainability and community empowerment.
Now that we are well in the third month of the year, have you set time aside in 2017 for an adventure that will transform your soul and leave you relaxed, inspired and emotionally energised? Here’s some inspiration. These 10 life-changing journeys will change the way you see the world and we guarantee you’ll come back a changed person.
1. Taj Mahal, India
Watch in awe as the sun gloriously rises (and sets) over the world’s most famous and unashamedly romantic tribute to love.
2. Bihar, India
Embark on a journey of personal and spiritual discovery as you retrace the 2,500-year-old footsteps of Buddha himself.
3. Varanasi, India
Witness the colourful sights, cacophony of sounds and ancient rituals of one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities.
4. Patagonia, Chile
Discover the best angle to photograph the snow-capped peaks and crystal clear lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Mingle with gigantic tortoises and blue-footed boobies on this ecologically diverse chain of volcanic islands where Darwin developed his theory of evolution.
6. Northern Amazon, Peru
Depart on a leisurely boat cruise on the iconic Amazon River as it snakes its way through the impenetrable emerald jungles of the Amazon rainforest.
7. Great Migration, Kenya/Tanzania
Marvel at the constant movement of 1.5 million grunting gnus across the vast Serengeti/Mara plains as they continue in relentless pursuit of lush new vegetation to graze.
8. Rhino notching, South Africa
Touch a gentle giant as part of a crucial conservation programme aimed at protecting the critically endangered rhino. Video courtesy of Whitney Pizale.
9. Gorilla trek, Rwanda
Come eye to eye with an endangered mountain gorilla on the misty, densely-forested slopes of Rwanda’s Virungas Volcanoes.
10. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Following a challenging climb, stand high above the clouds on the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.