June 03, 2025
22 minute read
There's something universally captivating about personal growth stories intertwined with travel, isn’t there? Films like Eat Pray Love show us how journeys to distant lands can lead to profound self-discovery and transformation. Whether it's Liz Gilbert's quest for balance and fulfillment across Italy, India, and Bali, or other inspiring tales like Wild by Cheryl Strayed, where a solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail becomes a path to healing, or Under the Tuscan Sun, where a spontaneous trip to Italy leads to a new life, these narratives resonate deeply with our desire for adventure and personal evolution.
Already have the setting for your own travel-inspired story picked out? Find your tour.
There are some destinations on this planet that seem to exist simply so we can discover something about ourselves in them. Transcending trends, they continue to stand the test of time, beckoning travelers over the centuries who are drawn to ancient cultures, iconic wildlife, epic landscapes, and mysteries found far from home.
Let’s explore some timeless destinations that invite us to look inward.
Standing before the Pyramids of Giza or exploring the temples of Luxor, you might be struck by the sheer scale and endurance of ancient Egyptian civilization. A journey through Egypt is a profound encounter with time, spirit, and human legacy. As you connect with the country’s rich spiritual tapestry — woven from ancient mythologies and diverse religious traditions — and the warmth and generosity of its people, you can gain perspective into Egypt’s inclusive view of cultural identity. Whether meditating in the desert or sharing tea in a bustling souk, you just may leave with a renewed sense of humility, reverence, and interconnectedness.
Check out Treasures of Egypt
A journey through Morocco can reveal contrasts and connections — where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in a cultural mosaic. Wandering through the winding alleys of Fez or Marrakech, enter a sensory world of color, scent, and sound that invites presence and curiosity. The call to prayer echoing over bustling souks, the quiet hospitality of a Berber village, and the vast silence of the Sahara all offer moments of reflection and grounding.
As you come across the people who call Morocco home, whether spending time with a nomadic family in the desert and learning about their way of life or getting a culinary lesson at a women’s cooperative in Marrakech, uncover nuances of Moroccan culture and explore differences and common ground.
Check out Colors of Morocco
Jordan is a land of quiet strength and sacred stories. From the rose-red city of Petra to the serene expanse of Wadi Rum, the landscape itself feels like a spiritual guide.
Travelers often leave with a renewed sense of humility and awe, having walked paths once taken by prophets and nomads. The warmth of Jordanian hospitality and the country's deep-rooted Bedouin culture teach lessons in generosity, simplicity, and connection to the land.
Check out Journey Through Egypt and Jordan
An African safari offers more than just breathtaking wildlife encounters — it’s a profound reconnection with the natural world and our place within it. Watching elephants move in silent communion, hearing a lion’s roar echo across the savanna, or witnessing the delicate balance of predator and prey awakens a deep sense of awe and humility.
In the stillness of dawn game drives or under starlit skies, it’s possible to rediscover a primal rhythm that modern life tends to obscure. Safaris cultivate mindfulness, patience, and respect for the interconnectedness of all life.
Want a taste of what going on safari is like? Listen to our Travel Unpacked podcast episode with traveler Suzanne S., who shares her once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Southern Africa. Big 5 encounters, cultural moments, and honest reflections on getting out of your comfort zone — this one’s unforgettable.
Check out Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water
Peru is a journey into the mystical heart of the Andes. Whether trekking to Machu Picchu or participating in a traditional Quechua ceremony, immerse yourself in a worldview where nature and spirit are deeply intertwined. Let the reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the legacy of the Inca civilization inspire a renewed respect for ecological balance, ancestral knowledge, and the sacredness of everyday life.
Want a firsthand look at what traveling through Peru really feels like? Read a personal photo essay by traveler Bethany S. about her Collette tour — from Sacred Valley alpacas to sunrise at Machu Picchu. It’s a heartfelt journey of discovery, growth, and gratitude.
Check out Peru: Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
Traveling through Southeast Asia offers journeys into layered histories, spiritual depth, and the quiet power of resilience. In Cambodia, the majestic spires of Angkor Wat rise from the jungle as a testament to both architectural brilliance and enduring faith, inviting reflection on the sacred and the impermanent. Vietnam offers a dynamic blend of energy and introspection — from the buzz of Hanoi’s streets to the serene limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. In Laos, time seems to slow amid misty mountains and golden temples, offering a sanctuary for mindfulness and simplicity.
Across the region, discover shared values of community, reverence for ancestors, and harmony with nature, perhaps finding a deeper appreciation for inner stillness and the beauty of living with intention.
Curious about visiting Southeast Asia? Tune in to our podcast episode on Thailand, where Collette’s own Kaitlin C. shares what made her trip truly transformative — from Bangkok tuk-tuks to soulful moments with a former monk.
Check out Kingdoms of Southeast Asia https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/asia/vietnam/three-kingdoms-of-indochina
Visiting India is a journey that stirs both the senses and the soul. Whether standing before the beauty of the Taj Mahal or exploring Ranthambore National Park to spot a Bengal tiger in the wild, imagine the sense of wonder India can instill. From the sacred rituals along the Ganges in Varanasi to the meditative stillness of the Himalayas, India invites travelers into a deeply spiritual and introspective space. Its diversity of languages, faiths, and philosophies challenges assumptions and expands empathy.
Whether through a shared meal, a temple visit, or a moment of stillness in a chaotic street, India leaves travelers transformed..
Check out Mysteries of India
Travel can lead to life-changing experiences, offering insights into different cultures, histories, and ways of life. As you embark on your own journeys, remember to embrace the changes and growth that come with exploring the world.
Learn more about Collette tours to timeless destinations all over the world, including in South and Central America, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, and African safaris.
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