by Lori Meier
What Is Intentional Travel?
Intentional Travel means approaching your trip with mindfulness and purpose. It’s not about over-planning every detail—it’s about deciding why you’re going in the first place. Similar to how preparing for a productive day starts the night before—laying out your clothes, prepping breakfast, setting your alarm—Intentional Travel starts with setting your intentions before you even pack your bag.
When you give your trip a purpose, even the simplest getaway becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. As in life as with your travels, it’s important to “chart your course.”
Why Set Intentions for a Trip?
Every traveler has a story and a reason behind their journey. Here are just a few examples:
- A parent seeking quality time with family.
- A solo traveler looking to heal from a personal loss.
- A couple wanting to reconnect.
- A business traveler hoping to make space for personal enjoyment amidst meetings.
- A wellness seeker ready for renewal.
Travel becomes transformational when you pause to ask, What do I want from this experience? and then take small, intentional steps to support that vision.
Real-Life Applications of Intentional Travel
Let’s take a family vacation as an example. A parent might set the intention: “I want to be fully present with my kids and create lasting memories.” That intention is a great start—but how can it become action?
Here are a few steps:
- Be present: Before leaving, turn off app notifications or even temporarily delete distracting social media apps.
- Create memories: Involve each family member in choosing one activity for the trip. It could be something out of your comfort zone—those often become the best stories.
(On a trip to the Dominican Republic, my sister and I swam with horses in the ocean—an experience I never expected but will never forget.)
When intention meets action, experiences deepen.
Examples of Intentional Travel in Action
- Wellness Retreat: A solo traveler wants to begin a healthier lifestyle. Their intention is to eat mindfully and incorporate movement. They book a wellness resort that includes plant-forward meals, guided yoga, and optional health workshops. Here is a list of questions and considerations when planning a Wellness Retreat or Wellness Vacation
- Romantic Getaway: A couple wants to reconnect. They choose a serene adults-only resort and schedule meaningful experiences—sunset dinners, couple’s massages, and one activity per day, leaving room for spontaneity and rest.
- Spiritual Reset: A traveler needs time to reflect and reconnect with their values. They book a cabin surrounded by nature. Their intention? Unplug, journal daily, and take mindful walks on nearby trails.
- Work Trip with Purpose: A frequent business traveler wants to make the most of downtime. Before leaving, they research local attractions or use a travel advisor to uncover cultural gems they can explore between meetings.
The Takeaway
You don’t need a milestone moment or big life change to travel with intention. You simply need a why. Then, take small steps to support it—whether that’s choosing your destination mindfully, adjusting your itinerary, or being intentional about how you spend each day. How to plan a Wellness Vacation that boosts your sense of well-being.
Intentional Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up when you get there.
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About the Author:
Lori Meier is a wellness travel specialist and the founder of Lori Beth Travel, where she helps clients design mindful, purpose-driven vacations that promote relaxation, renewal, and personal growth. With a heart for intentional living, Lori is passionate about creating journeys that leave travelers refreshed—mind, body, and soul.