How to Choose a Travel Destination For Your Soul

You could go anywhere.
And that’s the problem, isn’t it?

Every time you open Instagram, someone’s cliff-jumping in Greece, sipping chai in India, or hiking the Andes barefoot with a goat (okay maybe not that last one—but you get the vibe). With so many destinations screaming “Go here next!”, it’s easy to forget to ask the only question that really matters:

What does my soul need right now?

I’ve been there. After 12 years and 30+ countries—volunteering in Alaska, meditating in temples, staying in desert camps, and spending quiet weeks in villages most people couldn’t point to on a map—I’ve learned something: the most powerful trips aren’t always the most popular. They’re the ones that meet you in your current season of life.

Whether you came here from the travel personality quiz or simply found this post by chance, this guide will help you tune in, reflect, and learn how to choose a travel destination based on what your soul is craving—not just what’s trending.

Why Your Next Trip Should Start From Within

I still remember my first trip to Bali. Everyone always said it was magical. And don’t get me wrong—it’s a beautiful place. But the way I experienced it? Something just felt off.

It was a company trip, and we did what everyone does—we hopped from one Instagram-famous spot to another, crammed into vans, wearing our prettiest dresses, striking poses, and racing the clock to fit it all in. It looked great on camera, but honestly? I barely remember it. I came home feeling more tired.

What I actually needed back then was space. Rest. A chance to reconnect—with nature, with myself.

So I went back to Bali. But this time, I stayed in a quiet homestay, woke up to birds and rice fields, hiked to waterfalls… and even took my yoga teacher training there.

That trip felt different. It felt real. Joyful. Nourishing.

Same destination. Completely different experience.

And that’s when it clicked for me:
Travel doesn’t change you just because you go somewhere new. It changes you when you listen to what you truly need—and plan from there.

Now, before I book anything, I always ask:
“What am I craving right now?”
Is it peace? Adventure? Healing?
Then I build the trip around that.

Because how to choose a travel destination isn’t just about location—it’s about alignment.

How to Choose a Travel Destination That Feels Right for You

1. Check In With Yourself: What Do You Really Need Right Now?

Before you even start browsing Skyscanner or scrolling Pinterest, take a breath.
Close your laptop. Turn your phone face down. And ask yourself:

“Why do I want to travel right now?”

It sounds simple, but it’s the step most of us skip. We get so caught up in flight deals, aesthetics, and everyone else’s itineraries that we forget to check in with our own inner compass.

When you’re burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same routine, it’s easy to assume any trip will fix it. But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that the trips that truly help are the ones thoughtfully crafted around what you really need.

In early 2024, after I quit my job to travel full-time, I had all the emotions brewing—freedom, fear, hope, and exhaustion, all at once. I could’ve gone anywhere. But instead of defaulting to the usual bucket list route, I paused and asked:
“What does my soul need right now?”

I had just won a free flight to L.A.—but I decided to volunteer in Alaska.

It wasn’t the most obvious choice, especially to my friends. But it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I hiked alone through wild landscapes. Slept under the stars. Made deep, unexpected friendships. Almost cried happy tears every day. And found peace in places with no Wi-Fi, no schedules, and no pressure to be anything other than present.

Here’s what I know now:
There’s no “best” destination—only the one that’s best for you, right now.

📝 Journal Prompts: Choosing a Travel Destination From the Soul

• What’s been weighing on me lately?
• When did I last feel truly alive—and what was I doing?
• What emotion do I want this trip to bring out in me: peace, awe, freedom, creativity?
• Am I trying to escape something… or reconnect with something?

If you’re feeling stuck, sad, or like you’ve been living on autopilot—your next destination shouldn’t just be a distraction. It should meet you where you are… and gently guide you back to yourself.

Because choosing a holiday destination is more than finding a new place—it’s about discovering what your soul is asking for.

2. Identify Your Soul’s Travel Archetype

You’re not the same traveler you were five years ago.
Maybe not even five months ago.

We change. Our needs shift. What once excited us might now overwhelm us—and that’s okay.

That’s why one of the most helpful things I do when figuring out how to choose a travel destination is to check in with how I feel and who I’m becoming in this season of life.

Are you craving stillness? Purpose? Beauty?
Do you want to create, explore, or simply breathe?

Over time, I started to notice patterns—not just in myself, but in the people I met while volunteering, staying in hostels, or sharing meals in local homes. That’s what inspired me to create a quiz to help others figure it out too.

Here are the seven soul-aligned travel archetypes I’ve seen (and honestly, I’ve lived through many of these myself):

The Soul Searcher

You’re in a chapter of healing, reflection, or rediscovery. You don’t want to be entertained—you want to feel.

You’re drawn to nature walks, meditation retreats, ancient temples, and quiet cafés with journals on your lap. Maybe you’ve been through a big change—burnout, heartbreak, or simply a spiritual awakening—and you’re looking for answers or peace.

The Nature Wanderer

You feel most like yourself under open skies. You’re drawn to places where the air is fresh, the stars are bright, and the only noise is birdsong or river flow.

Maybe you love hiking, wild swimming, foraging, or just walking barefoot on forest trails. Being in nature isn’t just about the views—it grounds you. It makes everything feel simple and real again.

The Culture Lover

You want to feel a place—not just visit it.

You skip the hop-on-hop-off buses and head straight to the local food stall or neighborhood hangout. You love learning the basics of the local language, joining a cooking class, and asking strangers about their lives.

You believe travel is about understanding people, not just snapping pictures of landmarks. Homestays? Yes. Wandering a city with no Google Maps? Even better.

The Bucket List Explorer

You have a “dream trip” note on your phone and you’re not afraid to use it.

You’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments—seeing the Northern Lights, hiking Patagonia, skydiving. You want adventure, awe, and stories you’ll tell for years.

Planning gives you joy, and adrenaline feels like freedom. You love a challenge—physically or mentally—and you’re here to do the thing you’ve always said you’d do.

The Comfort Seeker

You’ve done the hustle. You’ve done the chaos. And now, you just want a break that actually feels like a break. You crave cozy beds, long breakfasts, calming views, and slow strolls with no destination in mind. You’re not here to impress anyone—you just want to rest, feel safe, and enjoy life at a gentle pace.

Think lakeside stays, warm soups, hammams, and soft music. You’re the kind who packs books, not to-do lists.

The Creative Nomad

Your suitcase always has space for a sketchbook, notebook, or camera.

You see inspiration in street murals, chaotic markets, local rituals, and even the way a stranger laughs in a language you don’t speak. You feel most alive when you’re creating—and you love places with soul, texture, and story. That could be a pottery town in Japan, a food crawl in Oaxaca, or simply a good café with strong Wi-Fi and stronger coffee.)

The Intentional Volunteer

You don’t just want a vacation—you want your time to mean something.

You’re drawn to meaningful exchange—helping in a community garden, teaching kids, working in hostels or farms. You care about cultural immersion, mutual respect, and giving back while learning.

You might live with locals, share meals, and leave knowing your time had impact. For you, the best souvenir is connection.

The truth is, most of us are a mix. I’m a Nature Wandere at heart—nothing grounds me more than hiking in the wild, swimming in rivers, or simply being barefoot in a forest. But I’ve also had chapters where I was clearly a Soul Searcher—especially after burnout.

And now, as a full-time traveler and digital nomad, my Creative Nomad side thrives in cozy cafés with good Wi-Fi, a camera by my side, and new ideas flowing through my notebook.

Volunteering has also played a huge role in shaping how I travel—with deep connections and meaningful exchange that remind me why I’m on the road in the first place. So are the extreme adventures that made me feel alive—bungee jumping, wild camping, and endless hikes up 4,000-meter mountains.

🎯 Not sure which one you are right now?
Take my quiz “What Kind of Traveler Are You?” to discover your travel personality—and get destination ideas that match what your soul is craving.

3. Where to Go Based on Your Archetype

Once you know what kind of traveler are you, everything starts to click. You’re no longer guessing or picking places because they’re trending—you’re choosing based on what feels aligned.

Here are the destinations for each archetype—I’ve been to most of them, and they’re exactly where I’d send you. I’ve also included ideas for what to do, how to experience each place fully, and a few other destinations that align with each travel personality.

Soul Searcher → Ubud, Bali

Stay in a bamboo homestay surrounded by rice fields. Start your mornings with a silent meditation or yoga class. Visit Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu for a water blessing, or join a spiritual retreat tucked into the jungle.

Let yourself have slow days, where the biggest decision is whether to journal by the river or walk through a quiet village.

Other soulful destinations:

• Rishikesh, India – spiritual river town at the foot of the Himalayas
• Sedona, Arizona – red rock hikes and energy vortexes
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – quiet temples away from the tourist crowds
• Isle of Skye, Scotland – foggy hikes and wide open stillness
• Amed, Bali – quiet beaches and authentic Balinese village rhythm

Nature Wander → South Island, New Zealand

Everywhere you turn feels like a dream—glaciers, fjords, wild beaches, and green valleys. Hike through quiet forests, sleep under the stars, and let the rhythm of nature slow you down.

Other nature-healing destinations:

• Hokkaido, Japan – forests, flowers, and volcanic lakes
• Alaska, USA – remote trails, wildlife, and stillness
• Slovenia – waterfalls, alpine lakes, and forest bathing
• Scottish Highlands – misty cliffs, rain-soaked walks, and solitude
• Faroe Islands – crashing waves and endless sky

Culture Lover→ Fez, Morocco

Stay in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina. Get lost in alleyways filled with spices and stories. Learn a few words in Arabic. Join a local food tour or a family-run craft workshop. Visit the tannery, not just to see—but to listen.

• Other immersive destinations:
  • Amman, Jordan – warm-hearted locals, ancient ruins, and real connection
  • Varanasi, India – where life and death unfold beside the Ganges
  • Istanbul, Turkey – layers of culture in every call to prayer
  • Cairo, Egypt – history, chaos, and heartfelt conversations
  • Havana, Cuba – music on every corner, stories in every glance

Bucket List Explorer → Patagonia

Trek through Torres del Paine, camp under starry skies, and feel the thrill of reaching places few people ever do. It’s remote, raw, and rewarding.

• Other thrilling destinations:
  • Banff, Canada – glacier hikes and turquoise lakes
  • Queenstown, New Zealand – bungee, skydive, and alpine trails
  • Iceland – waterfalls, volcanoes, and road trip freedom
  • Peru – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Namibia – red dunes, safaris, and otherworldly landscapes

Comfort Seeker → Lake Como, Italy

Lazy mornings by the lake, long pasta dinners, ferry rides through mountain-backed towns, and naps with the windows open. Stay in a cozy family-run B&B where you don’t have to think about a thing.

Other cozy destinations:

• Luang Prabang, Laos – monks at sunrise and peaceful river walks
• Hallstatt, Austria – snow-dusted rooftops and lakeside views
• Jeonju, South Korea – hanok houses, hot soups, and tea culture
• The Cotswolds, England – storybook villages and afternoon strolls
• Hokkaido, Japan – winter onsens and warm hospitality

Creative Nomad → Oaxaca, Mexico

Explore artisan markets, take a mezcal or cooking class, photograph street art, or write on a breezy rooftop café. There’s inspiration around every corner—from street murals to handmade textiles to the rhythm of the local music scene.

Other inspiring destinations:

• Tbilisi, Georgia – indie cafés, art collectives, and poetic charm
• Valparaíso, Chile – colorful streets, vintage vibes, and open mics
• Kyoto, Japan – wabi-sabi beauty in gardens, calligraphy, and traditions
• Barcelona, Spain – Gaudí, galleries, and tapas-fueled creativity
• Cappadocia, Turkey – dreamy landscapes, fairy chimneys, and pottery villages

Intentional Volunteer → Guatemala

Live with a host family, work with nonprofits or schools, and take part in the daily rhythm of the community. You’ll leave not just with photos—but stories that stay with you.

Other meaningful destinations:

• Nepal – teach or rebuild alongside locals in mountain villages
• Tanzania – community projects and wildlife conservation
• Georgia – farm work and cultural exchange in the Caucasus
• The Philippines – environmental efforts and rural immersion
• Portugal – eco-hostels, surf camps, and regenerative projects

I’ve done a mix of these myself—and the difference it makes when your destination matches your energy? It’s like coming home to a version of yourself you forgot you missed.

💡Pro Tip: You don’t have to pick just one. You can blend them. Maybe you’re a Creative Nomad who needs a little Soul Searcher energy. Or a Bucket List Explorer who ends the trip with a homestay. Let your itinerary match your whole self.

Travel isn’t about fitting into a category.
It’s about choosing in alignment with where your heart is today.

4. Let Go of FOMO and Choose With Intention

Just because everyone is in Paris doesn’t mean you need to be.

I remember skipping most of the must-do’s in Paris and instead going for hidden gems—like a mosque, local markets, quiet parks, and spontaneous picnics. I took long walks, grabbed a croissant from a neighborhood market, enjoyed slow mornings, and even napped under the trees.

It didn’t make it to Instagram, but it brought me back to myself.

The truth is—FOMO (fear of missing out) is one of the loudest voices in travel culture. Social media bombards us with curated highlights, countdowns, and all the “musts” and “can’t-miss” spots.

It can make you feel like you’re “falling behind” or not doing enough if your trip isn’t packed with viral spots or picture-perfect moments.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
You don’t have to earn your trip. You just have to enjoy it.

Choosing a holiday destination isn’t about checking boxes or impressing anyone. It’s about choosing what nourishes you. What excites you. What makes you feel something real—even if no one else understands it.

Gentle reminders when choosing where to travel:

• You don’t have to go where everyone else is going
• It’s okay to want calm instead of chaos
• You can skip the top 10 lists and still have the best trip of your life
• You can prioritize silence, curiosity, or connection instead of content
• You can say “no” to a packed itinerary and “yes” to sitting by a lake for hours

When you travel with intention, you stop performing and start experiencing.
You make space for the kind of moments that don’t need to be posted—they just need to be lived.

If you’ve been feeling pressure to “make it count,” maybe the bravest thing you can do is to let go of what everyone else is doing… and listen to what feels right for you.

5. Design a Journey That Matches Your Pace

It’s not just where you go—it’s how you go.

I’ve done the fast-paced trips: changing cities every other day, stuffing five activities into one afternoon, moving so quickly I barely had time to feel anything. And I’ve done the opposite—staying in one place for weeks, doing less, noticing more.

Guess which one I came home from actually feeling rested?

Here’s the thing: You don’t need to “maximize every moment.” You just need to honor the moment you’re in.

If your energy is low, you don’t need a jam-packed trip.
If you’re craving space, don’t feel guilty about “doing nothing.”
If you’re in a creative or curious phase, give yourself room to explore without rushing.

Travel hits different when it matches your energy—not someone else’s itinerary.

💡 Try This: Match Your Travel Rhythm to Your Archetype

• Soul Searcher? Leave space for silence. Don’t overplan. Let your day unfold with forest walks, breathwork, or no-Wi-Fi zones.
  
• Nature Wanderer? Plan for long stretches in nature—without rushing back to the city. Pick places where you can walk everywhere barefoot.
  
• Culture Lover? Stay longer in one place. Learn a few local words. Have repeat visits with the same vendors or neighbors.
  
• Bucket List Explorer? Schedule your big adventures—but buffer them with rest days to actually feel the magic.
  
• Comfort Seeker? Go slow. Sleep in. Plan one meaningful thing a day—then let the rest be gentle.
  
• Creative Nomad? Build in creative windows—journal in the mornings, edit photos in a café, write that short story you’ve been putting off.
  
• Intentional Volunteer? Stay long enough to contribute meaningfully. Build relationships. Don’t just show up—settle in.

Whether you’re going for three days or three months, your pace matters.

You’re allowed to travel slow. To stay longer. To wander aimlessly. To cancel a plan because the sky looks too beautiful to ignore. Because the most meaningful journeys aren’t built from squeezing in more—they’re built from choosing less, but feeling it fully.

What Happens When You Travel From the Soul

When you choose a travel destination based on your inner compass—something shifts.
You stop performing. You start being.
You return home more connected, not more exhausted.

You’ll remember the feeling of watching sunrise in silence more than the rush of checking something off a list.
You’ll remember the conversation with a local more than the photo you posted.

So if you’re sitting there with five tabs open and still unsure where to go—start here:
What does your soul need right now?
Then let that guide you.

Let’s plan a trip you’ll actually feel good about.

I’ve helped dozens of travelers create journeys that feel good on the inside—not just look good online. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning a trip that truly makes sense for you, join the waitlist for my 1:1 travel planning support.

You’ll get first access to upcoming trip design sessions, destination match support, and soulful planning tools. Let’s co-create a journey that feels aligned, intentional, and unforgettable.