Travel with purpose, not just for pretty pictures
Explore the world (or your own backyard) with more intention, meaning, and connection.
You want more from travel than snapshots and souvenirs.
You’re not just looking for Instagrammable moments or passport stamps. You want experiences that change you, that connect you to culture, people, history, or even yourself.
Whether you’re planning a big trip or just craving something new close to home, you can travel with purpose, even on a budget, and with limited time.
This guide is designed to help you:
Reflect on what kind of travel feels meaningful to you
Discover ways to make your experiences richer and more intentional
Try simple, low-cost activities to connect with different places and cultures
Go deeper with resources and support when you’re ready
Begin where you are.
Step 1: Reflect
Reflection activity
Intentional travel starts with awareness. Awareness of your reasons for going, the stories behind the places you visit, and what you hope to walk away with.
Ask yourself these questions:
Why do I want to travel right now? What do I hope it gives me?
What kind of moments or memories matter most to me when I explore?
How can I engage more deeply with the places I visit (even locally)?
Read these articles for inspiration.
Step 2: Start to take action
To do
You don’t need a plane ticket to experience purposeful travel. You can begin right where you are.
Try one of these:
Take a local “street art” tour and learn the stories behind the work
Visit a museum you’ve never been to, even if it’s 10 minutes away
Choose one neighborhood or cultural group to explore intentionally this month
Read these articles for ideas on how to get started.
Try a challenge
Books to rekindle your sense of wonder
*The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker
A brilliant collection of 131 prompts to help you pay attention differently. Great for anyone trying to see the familiar with fresh eyes.
*On Looking: A Walker’s Guide to the Art of Observation by Alexandra Horowitz
The author walks around her New York neighborhood with experts—a geologist, an artist, a dog—and sees the world anew each time.
*Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit
A more literary take, this book explores walking as a way of thinking, seeing, and connecting with yourself and the world.
*This is an affiliate link, which means if you purchase this item through my link, I will earn a small commission with no extra cost to you. I will NEVER recommend anything I don’t 100% think will help you.
Step 3: Go deep
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Do you feel stuck in the “someday” phase of your travel dreams? Or maybe you’ve traveled before but came home feeling like you missed the deeper connection you were craving. This Blueprint is your step-by-step guide to creating meaningful travel and cultural experiences. It’s designed to take you from dreaming to doing, whether you’re planning an epic trip abroad or exploring new cultures closer to home.
Be intentional about your travel and cultural experiences.
This Blueprint is your step-by-step guide to designing a more adventurous, connected, and meaningful life through travel and cultural discovery. On your terms.
Inside, you’ll:
Clarify what kind of experiences matter most to you (and why)
Uncover hidden opportunities in your own backyard
Build travel goals that match your values, budget, and lifestyle
Plan your next trip with intention
Reflect and capture memories in a way that deepens the experience
What are blueprints?
Blueprints are like self-paced coaching sessions, minus the awkward small talk.
Each one is designed to help you work through a specific problem or goal in one of the 12 key life areas. You’ll get step-by-step guidance, real-life examples, reflective questions, and practical tools like checklists, challenges, and workbooks, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress.
Rediscover the magic of where you live. Learn how to be a tourist in your own town, with personal stories and practical tips to help you explore with fresh eyes.