This week, on the podcast, we have special guest Susie Chow talking about using travel as a tool for personal growth and transformation.

According to Susie Chow, founder of Carpe Diem Traveler, travelling can be a profound tool for personal growth and transformation. By stepping into new environments, you can gain fresh perspectives, foster personal development and open yourself up to serendipity and spontaneity.

Dive into each benefit from today’s episode:

New perspectives from travel

One of the most significant benefits of travel is the shift in perspective it offers. When you place yourself in a new environment, you automatically change the way you view the world. 

This change can spark new ideas and allow you to dream bigger than you might if you were confined to your usual surroundings.

Serendipity and Spontaneity

When you are in an unfamiliar place, you are more likely to encounter unexpected events and meet new people. These serendipitous moments can lead to meaningful experiences and connections that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. 

Leave room for these moments by not over-planning your trips. By doing less, you create space for spontaneous adventures and meaningful interactions.

Overcoming Fears and Uncertainties

Facing challenges during travel can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.  Whether it’s navigating a new city, trying a new activity or interacting with people from different cultures, these experiences can help you grow and become more resilient. 

Susie points out that even small adventures, like exploring a new hiking trail, can bring up uncertainties and fears.

Building Connections

When you share your travel experiences, you can spark conversations and create bonds with people who have had similar experiences. 

Additionally, travelling can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as job offers or networking connections, simply because you were open to new experiences and meeting new people.

Intentional Travel

To maximize the benefits of travel for personal growth, it’s essential to be intentional about your plans. Susie advises getting clear on your intentions and prioritizing the most important experiences you want to have. 

This intentionality allows you to focus on what truly matters to you. By aligning your travel experiences with your personal goals and desires, you can create more meaningful and transformative journeys.

Travelling is not just about escaping daily life; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into these points and how you can maximize these personal growth and transformation experiences.

Listen to this week’s episode with Susie Chow about how to use travel as a tool for personal growth and transformation.

You Don’t Need a Large Budget to Travel

Travelling doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. In fact, starting small with local trips and using strategies like miles and points can make travel more accessible and affordable. 

Here are some insights from the Intentional Manifestation Podcast episode featuring Susie Chow that can help you travel without breaking the bank.

Start Small with Local Trips

One of the key takeaways from the episode is that you don’t need to go halfway across the world to have a meaningful travel experience. Susie emphasizes that even a short road trip to a nearby town can offer new perspectives and enriching experiences. Here are some ways to start small:

• Explore Nearby Towns: A short drive to a neighbouring town can provide a change of scenery and new experiences without the need for expensive flights or accommodations.
• Day Trips: Consider taking day trips to local attractions, parks, or hiking trails. These trips can be both affordable and fulfilling.
• Staycations: Sometimes, being a tourist in your own city can reveal hidden gems you never knew existed. Visit local museums, restaurants, and landmarks.

Use Miles and Points

Another effective strategy to make travelling more affordable is to use miles and points. Susie mentions that this is like a “secret cheat code” for affording flights and luxury hotels. Here are some tips on how to leverage miles and points:

• Credit Card Rewards: Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn miles or points for every dollar spent. These can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
• Loyalty Programs: Join airline and hotel loyalty programs to accumulate points with every booking. These points can add up quickly and be used for future travel.
• Promotions and Bonuses: Keep an eye out for promotions and sign-up bonuses that can give you a significant boost in miles or points. Some credit cards offer large bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

Reallocate Your Budget

Susie also suggests that long-term travel doesn’t necessarily mean spending more money; it’s about reallocating your existing budget. For example:

• Accommodation: Instead of paying rent or a mortgage, allocate that budget towards accommodations on the road.
• Transportation: Swap your car payment for travel-related transportation costs like flights or train tickets.

Be Intentional and Open-Minded

The key to making travel affordable is to be intentional and open-minded. Susie advises being clear about your travel goals and priorities. This helps in making informed decisions that align with your budget. Additionally, being open to different types of travel experiences, such as staying in budget accommodations or exploring less touristy destinations, can make travel more accessible.

Travelling on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of planning and creativity. As Susie puts it, “You don’t have to go far to see something new.“

Check out these tips for making the most of your travel experience:

Working with a Travel Advisor: Tailoring Meaningful Travel Experiences

Working with a travel advisor can significantly enhance your travelling experiences by providing valuable insights and helping tailor your trips to align with your personal goals and interests. Here are several ways a travel advisor can make your travel more meaningful:

Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

Travel advisors possess specialized knowledge about various destinations, accommodations, and activities. This expertise allows them to recommend options that you might not find on your own. For instance, Susie, mentions that travel advisors can help you choose between different all-inclusive resorts by understanding the specific value and unique offerings of each one. This ensures that your choice aligns with your preferences and needs.

Personalized Itineraries

A travel advisor can create a truly tailored experience for you. Susie specializes in helping families create soul-filling adventures that strengthen bonds without breaking the bank. This personalized approach means that your travelling plans are not just generic itineraries but are crafted to include activities and experiences that resonate with you and your family.

Reducing Uncertainty and Anxiety

Travelling can often come with uncertainties and anxieties, such as concerns about safety, logistics, and unforeseen events. A travel advisor can help mitigate these concerns by providing detailed information and support. For example, they can alert you to important travel requirements, such as passport validity, which can prevent issues like the one Megan experienced when she couldn’t board her flight to Italy due to her passport expiring in less than six months.

Flexibility and Spontaneity

While many people tend to over-plan their trips to minimize uncertainty, Susie advocates for planning less to allow room for spontaneity and serendipitous moments. A travel advisor can help you strike the right balance between having a structured plan and leaving space for unexpected, meaningful experiences. This approach can lead to more relaxed and enriching travel.

Cost-Effective Travel

Travel advisors can also help you travel more cost-effectively. They can provide strategies for using miles and points to afford flights and luxury hotels, making seemingly expensive trips more accessible. Additionally, they can suggest starting with smaller, local trips to build up to more extensive travelling, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to having meaningful experiences.

Peace of Mind with Travel Insurance

Travel advisors can guide you in selecting appropriate insurance, which is crucial for covering unforeseen events, especially when travelling with family. This added layer of security can reduce stress and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Building Connections and Unique Experiences

By working with a travel advisor, you can access unique experiences that align with your interests. For example, if you have a specific interest in learning how to make wine or taking a cooking class in Italy, a travel advisor can help you find and book these experiences, making your trip more personalized and memorable.

Working with a travel advisor can transform your experiences by providing expert insights, reducing anxiety, offering cost-effective solutions and tailoring your trips to align with your personal goals and interests. This ensures that your travel is not just an escape but a meaningful and enriching part of your life.

Listen to the full episode here

Resources:

Connect with Susie Chow:

Check out Susie’s Website
Connect with Susie on Instagram
Get your FREE 99 Family Adventures Guide

Connect with Meagan Murtonen:

Learn more on Meagan’s website
Connect with Meagan on Instagram
Interested in diving deeper into becoming your highest self so you can live your best life that you’ve always dreamed of? Check out the Highest Self Academy!