And here we are. The start of a new year.
A blank page.Full of endless possibilities.
The ball has dropped and we’ve officially shut the door on 2017. We’re busy taking down decorations, cleaning out leftovers, buying new planners. And of course, it’s time to spin the globe and decide where to travel next.
We’re all deeply curious by nature.
We long to lose ourselves on a mindful adventures where we can see the world authentically through the eyes of those we meet despite our cultural, religious or political differences. Travel fills ours souls and pushes us to step away from the comfort of a daily routine.
Where do we go? What do we do? How do we do it?
Let’s try something a little different. Let’s think about the experience first and see if it guides you to your next destination.
1. Get Lost.
We hear this all the time, but what does it really mean? It looks completely different for each of us. For some, it’s putting down the map in a large, foreign city and wandering for hours. For others, it’s learning a new tradition or culture. For me it’s getting deep into nature and exploring.
A few years ago, my sweet friend Tita told me about Vilarinho da Furna, a sunken village deep in the Minho region of Northern Portugal.
History suggests the village dates back to the first century AD, when the Visigoths were known to inhabit the region.
The year was 1967, the ancient village was still relatively small. Home to only 300 residents. The reigning government of Portugal decided to build a dam to provide steady economic growth to the local electric company.
Sadly, in order to build the dam, the village would be submerged for all of eternity. In 1972, after the last remaining residents collected their families and abandoned their homes, the dam opened and the village flooded.
To date, an incredibly scenic hike will take you to the village. If the conditions are right and the water levels are low, you’ll see the haunting remains of the Vilarinho da Furna peeking out to share its story with you.
2. Spread a little love.
Last year I was packing for a trip to South America, when a friend told me about Pack for a Purpose, a small non-profit with an enormous heart. Together, they partner with hotels, tour operators and travel suppliers to support local initiatives.
Suddenly, packing cute shoes and floppy hats was no longer a priority and the space in my carry-on took on a completely new meaning.
How many toothbrushes could I fit in one ziplock bag? Tubes of antibiotic cream? Boxes of crayons, pencils and erasers?
The company’s website makes it incredibly easy to participate. Click on their map and locate the country you are traveling to.
Read about the participating local partners, the current supported projects and list of supplies needed. So pack your bags full of love and head out on your next adventure!
With just a little effort, you can help transform lives in communities you’ve never heard of.
3. Disconnect from Technology.
Gone are the days where we are able to completely disconnect from technology. This is our 21st century reality. Last summer, we traveled to Santorini where we spent 7 days exploring every inch of this stunning Greek oasis.
We kayaked, biked, sailed, hiked, toured wineries and ancient ruins. We even sunbathed on black sand beaches. It was truly heaven on earth.
Most of the time.
I soon realized what I liked least about Santorini was the very thing that made the island so famous.
Nearly every postcard you will ever see of Santorini features tightly stacked, whitewashed cave houses and blue domed churches that spill out onto the glistening Aegean Sea.
What you don’t see are the hoards of tourists with oversized backpacks and selfie sticks waiting for the perfect shot. Instagram princesses posing in colorful outfits on balconies. Drones taking flight to capture a picture perfect aerial view.
And then we got off the beaten track and we explored a side of Santorini we never knew existed.
We learned about Greek wines and how Assyrtiko grapes grow in a koulara or “vine basket” at ground level. We explored the architectural dig site and ancient ruins of Akortiri, a civilization that predates Pompeii by nearly 1500 years. We cycled through tiny villages like Emporio, a fortified medieval town intentionally constructed with narrow alleyways and elevated entrances to prevent pirate invasions. We hiked to a remote church built into the side of a cliff, where I was taught bell-ringing techniques by a local.
Photos are great. They can trigger a memory and share a sense of destination. Just don’t forget to get out from behind the smartphones and cameras and just be.
It’s where the true adventure begins.
