Why the Best Travel Moments Aren't Planned

At a recent industry event in Amsterdam, I had the privilege of hearing Elizabeth Gilbert, best known for Eat, Pray, Love, speak. Her message felt especially meaningful for how we think about travel.

She spoke about what she calls an “epidemic of purpose anxiety.” We’ve been taught that each of us is meant to discover a singular, world-changing purpose. Something we must identify, perfect, and use to leave a lasting legacy. It’s a heavy expectation. And, as she gently suggested, maybe it’s also unnecessary. 

Instead of obsessing over purpose, she invites us to embrace presence. 

Life, she says, is not a mystery to be solved, but a mystery to be lived in. 

That idea feels particularly powerful when we think about travel. So often, trips can become a checklist: landmarks to see, restaurants to try, photos to capture. But what if we approached travel differently? What if, instead of asking “What’s next on the list?” we asked, “What feels most interesting right now?” 

Elizabeth shared that when she travels, she follows curiosity. She chooses the most interesting path, not necessarily the most efficient or the most popular. She allows herself to be fully present in the experience unfolding in front of her.

Imagine wandering through a city without rushing to the next “must-see” site. Instead of rushing to check off every landmark, what if you paused and asked: What feels most interesting right now?

Maybe it’s exploring a quiet street just beyond the main square. Or lingering in a café because the moment feels right. Perhaps it’s following the melody to a musician playing along the riverbank. These aren’t always the moments you plan, but they’re often the ones you remember. They transform a trip from a series of activities into something far more meaningful. 

When we travel with curiosity and presence, we engage something deeper within ourselves. Our creativity, our sense of wonder, even our joy. And ironically, in letting go of the pressure to “find purpose,” we often feel more connected, more alive, and more fulfilled than ever. 

As you think about your next journey, I invite you to try this simple shift: be present to the experience in front of you. Let curiosity lead. Choose what feels interesting and allow space for the unexpected. 

Because the most memorable journeys aren’t just about where you go, they’re about how fully you allow yourself to be there. 

If you’re craving a different kind of travel experience - one rooted in presence, curiosity, and the freedom to wander, I invite you to take the next step. Click here to schedule a time to chat, and let’s begin shaping a journey that feels as meaningful as it is memorable.