Ready to experience travel like never before? We can harness manifestation tools to dream and create unique trips that are heart and soul aligned. This version of trip planning is distinct because it takes you inward to create your outward reality. Let’s check off some of those bucket list travel destinations!
It may feel edgy and a bit uncomfortable, but what adventure isn’t?!
Disclaimer: What I share is all from personal experience and what I’ve learned works well for me. Because we all manifest in our own unique way, it’s important to always trust your intuition first. I highly recommend exploring Human Design to better understand how you manifest. If you want to learn more about intuition and how it works, check out this masterclass to dive deeper.
The blog post will contain invitations to pause and reflect. Take out a journal to write down whatever comes up. A workbook with even more journal prompts, plus a guide to shape how travel is incorporated into your life, is available for purchase. This purchase directly supports the creation of this blog and… your epic travel adventures! Investing money and time into the workbook is the best way to implement what is shared in the post and to witness transformational results. Explore what the workbook offers below.
Reflect
First, reflect and gather information about your current set of beliefs on the topic of travel.
What kind of travel did you experience growing up? What were the types of attitudes and opinions towards various types of travel from people you grew up with? Do some trips trigger you in a way that brings up jealousy or resentment?
For example in my family while growing up I heard a judgemental tone when it came to things like, cruises, tropical beach vacations, resorts, and DisneyLand. A lot of typical American trips you see families go on. Then I experienced some of this on my own as an adult and LOVED it. On the other hand my family values and celebrates international travel for cultural immersion, service, or study. Before they met, both of my parents traveled to countries where they didn’t speak the language. Since I was 2 years old we have been traveling to Peru every few years to visit family. So naturally, this type of trip feels more attainable to me since it was valued and normalized growing up by my parents.
Is there a unique item on your bucket list that you want to experience but are holding back because of a belief about yourself or fear of how others would perceive you? Where is your comfort zone and is there a desire that asks you to gently side step out of it?
Write it down
Gather information for travel destinations when you feel inspired
Sometimes we can over research and focus on the wrong thing. Listen to your intuition and instincts and trust the guidance. Research and gather information when it feels aligned to do so.
My tendency to over research for solo trips happens because of the unknown space. Acting from a place of panic and letting your ego lead the way is a disservice to yourself and ultimately the trip of your dreams. We have a co-creative higher self. The universe is putting the pieces together for you. Let yourself enjoy being taken care of rather than micromanage.
On the flip side, if research is part of your manifestation magic, go for it! Listen to yourself and notice which actions offer the satisfying yes.
One last note… sometimes your dream experience manifests without doing anything except living in the moment and making calm grounded heart aligned choices. Sometimes manifesting can be as simple as speaking out loud what we desire and letting it be. There is a fine balance between over control and trust and gratitude for the present moment.
Keep a running list of destinations and recommendations
When the time comes to plan the trip, you will already have a great jumping off point! This is also a great way show yourself you are serious about it. Getting physical and tangible in simple ways like this helps to anchor your dream into reality.
Notes App
Within the app you can create a running list of countries and destinations that peak your interest.
Google Maps
In google maps, proactively save restaurants and cafes that you come across or receive a recommendation for. Even if it’s in a place you don’t have a plan to visit, you never know when that “saved list” will come in handy.
YouTube playlists
With an account you can save any travel videos you come across into a private playlist
There is a Pinterest Save Extension you can add to any browser for free. Easily save images and the corresponding website links to a board you create. (You can save this blog to a Pinterest board too!)
Website links
Organizing bookmarks into folders can be very handy for any article you come across.
Visualize and gather imagery of unique bucket list destinations
- Purchase print magazines
- Follow travel bloggers, writers, and video creators on YouTube (A list of links I recommend are at the bottom of this post)
- Create a vision board on canva.com or by printing images and cutting up magazines
Clarify the type of travel and intention of the trip
What is the purpose of your trip? What excites you most when you think of that destination?
When you imagine yourself in the location, what does your body and spirit feel drawn towards doing?
What attracts you to this place?
What about this travel destination makes your heart glow?
Travel comes in so many shapes and sizes. Everyone has a different style and focus of interest. Having clarity on the intention and why, makes planning a trip much easier.
To save time and energy, make it a rule of thumb to limit your research and wait to book anything until you have that clarity.
This tip helped me to manifest the perfect Airbnb stay on a solo trip to Mexico. After hours of research and indecision, the home appeared as if by magic after I focused in on my core intentions for the trip.
The timing of your trip (which you may or may not know yet) can influence the intention. Let it evolve, and tap into your heart and higher self connection to receive the inner truth. Remember, you can always return to the destination. It is best to follow what feels good for your heart and soul in this moment rather than overwhelm your itinerary to fit everything in.
Types of Travel
Below is a list of examples to play around with while planning out a bucket list adventure. Your plans may contain a combination items on this list. Especially if you are traveling in a group, it is good to discuss your intentions, expectations, and preferred ways to explore a new area. The universe responds well to clear direction.
If you feel indecision, take a pause and focus on something else. The clarity comes in its own divine timing.
My most recent trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico I would categorize under rejuvenation and self nourishment, and cultural immersion.
Leaps of faith
Adventure and exploration trusting your intuition and higher self to guide the way. No clear path except your first destination and overall intention.
Backpacking
This is your path if you are ready and excited for navigating local transportation, booking hostels, budget friendly meals, and packing everything into one to two bags that are easy to transport. You are likely to bounce around every few days and get the most out of your time in the region of choice.
Nomadic Travel
Similar to leap of faith, this type of travel is for someone who doesn’t have a return flight. They are taking their time in the journey and have an integrated way of life with travel. They may stay in one city for a month before heading to another area.
Rejuvenation and self nourishment
A destination free of agenda or a tourist check list.
Cultural immersion
Travel for the enjoyment of climate, foods, language, activity, and people
Resort or Hotel Experience
Some trips are truly to enjoy the amenities and accommodations of a fabulously designed and well curated space. At these locations you get to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and location from the comfort of a plush robe. Spa days and lounging poolside, to dining at the 5 star hotel restaurant.
Bucket list experience
These travel plans are inspired by and centered around one featured activity. It could be hotel, a unique dining experience or a hike you want to go on.
Adventure sport, and hobby
Surfing, hiking, fishing, golfing, etc. There are a lot of hobbies and interests that you could enjoy in a new location. For example if you are passionate about hiking, you’ll likely incorporate a hike into your travel plans.
Parties and clubbing
Some trips are purely destinations to party. During the day you will likely be tending to a hangover or easing out of a trip… 😉
Long weekend visit (3-4 days)
Short trips are unique in itself. Your itinerary is usually planned out a bit more thoughtfully and the destination is a manageable distance away.
Vacation
Nothing but relaxing and staying in a 1-2 mile radius of your home base.
Pre-organized group travel
Some travel destinations are completely planned out with a travel agency. Or you may be someone who likes to incorporate mini guided tours within your stay.
What type of traveler are you?
Clarify your true needs and desires. Being honest with yourself helps manifest a trip that is supportive of the unexpected nature of travel and your unique way of navigating it. Getting clarity of the type of traveler you are will also bring clarity to what you value most and where you invest time and money.
How do you handle stress? How does your physical and emotional body respond to stress?
What helps you to feel grounded and at ease?
What do you value most when you visit a new place?
What sort of experiences would you invest into?
Where are your priorities when it comes to travel budget?
Dream Big
Imagine the sky is the limit, and you know for a fact the universe is providing everything you desire.
What would your trip look like? What kind of experiences would you have while there? Write down a list as if it is an order from a menu. What do you select for your plate? This could be a bullet list of concrete items, or focused on imagery and the sensations.
When there is limitless possibility, it can bring about indecision or frustration.
In those moments come back to focus on the overall intention and sensation of being in that part of the world. Feel into your body and imagine you have just complete the trip of your dreams.
Reshape beliefs and mindset
When we dream big and create from a place of limitless possibility, the opposite will arise. The limitations of the mind and the ego will voice itself. We have to go through a process of releasing the outdated program so that we can be in alignment to receive the heart and soul version of travel.
Notice limiting thoughts and simply take note from a perspective of neutral observation. If a limiting thought arises that triggers a feeling of pressure, anxiety or disempowerment, take time to journal about it. You can also move that energy and emotion through a variety of exercises like yoga, fitness, dance, stretching, and deep breaths.
When our internal subconscious belief system supports our intended manifestation, it will happen with ease. As simple as taking a deep breath.
Let’s give space for the fears to be heard and seen. Pull out a journal and write down whatever comes up.
Journaling while planning a trip can help you become self aware of what deep down holds you back from manifesting the big dream version. Journaling can help you process these emotions and concerns before you depart.
While writing, notice if an alternative, lighter version of what you write down comes up in your thoughts. The limitless part of you may peek its head in and have a few words. Feel free to write those ideas down too.
Once you are complete, get up and move your body to move the energy.
A full list of guided questions to assist your journaling experience is available in the workbook below.
Bucket list travel planning in summary…
Rather than rush and push something that has been on your heart to manifest, let it naturally come to you. Rather than over control and plan out every detail and date, gather information when you feel inspired and clarify your intentions. Script out your manifestation as if you are the writer of your own movie.
Come back to a state of gratitude for the day, and release your tight grip on the vision. Visit your journal often and give space for the limiting thoughts to release them by acknowledging your limitless nature.
If you focus so much on how the travel is not coming into fruition, you will miss out on the precious moments of life happening right now. You can and will receive everything you desire. Just let it naturally unfold and trust your co-creator has your back.
I highly recommend the workbook to dive deep into re-wiring the subconscious and to gain clarity on what it is you truly want to manifest.
Resources and links
Favorite creators on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@JesuisLou She lives in Barcelona and goes on short trips around Europe from time to time. I mostly follow her for the imagery of European aesthetic.
https://www.youtube.com/@LisaAndJosh This couple travel around mostly Asia and I love seeing what they eat. Although their style of travel is different from my own, I love watching them explore in a DIY way when it comes to tours, hotels, transportation, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/@rosiemaio An Italian girl sharing about food and her Italian life. There are a few videos I could watch over and over again for the food content!
https://www.youtube.com/@alysmalls Travel packing hacks and location travel tips! I found her when researching Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
A platform created for writers to share long form content. There are many topics that get covered including travel!
My current favorites are Kiss Me on Tulips and The Fox Is Black
Group travel
https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/
https://manifestedadventures.com
https://startyouradzenture.com/
I hope this post inspired you in some way. We all deserve to experience what truly lights us up.
Wishing you all the best on your travel adventures!
Love,
Erika
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