Blog: The rise of conscious travel
How to follow the path of personal growth to deeper connections with nature, culture and oneself
Written by: Dušan Waldhütter
A look at current trends shows that tourism is increasingly leaning towards sustainable and conscious practices. These experiences go beyond the superficial and offer travellers an opportunity for personal growth and a stronger connection with nature and different cultures. The emphasis on conscious experiences in 2024 is greater than ever before.
In today’s fast pace of life, where almost every moment is filled with technology and everyday chores, conscious experiences on our travels and during our holidays are gaining importance. Conscious travel has seen a notable rise in recent years as tourism has experienced a significant shift towards more thoughtful and consciousness-oriented travel. An increasing number of travellers want experiences that not only bring excitement, but also enable a deeper connection with a destination, its people and its culture.
KEY TRENDS TELL IT ALL
According to the latest findings of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), travellers are increasingly inclined towards travels that enable both personal growth and sustainable action. Here are some of the key trends they noted in their 2024 global report:
This is how Heather Kelly, Director of Research at the ATTA, commented on this in an article on the association’s portal: “Travellers are looking for more than just a destination – they are looking for transformational experiences that enable them to connect deeply with nature and culture.”
WHEN THE CONNECTION WITH NATURE IS MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL VIEW FROM A HOTEL ROOM
Nature has the unique ability to ground us and remind us of our connection to the earth. Conscious experiences that include activities such as meditation in nature, forest baths and eco-hikes enable travellers to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. This experience not only contributes to personal growth, but also to an awareness of the importance of preserving our planet. An increasing number of travellers are aware that their actions during travel must comply with the values of sustainability.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES ON CONSCIOUS HOLIDAYS
Although they say that culture is the heart of any destination, it often remains only fleetingly experienced through the eyes of tourists. Conscious experiences, on the other hand, offer travellers the opportunity to experience culture in a more profound and meaningful way. This can include workshops with local artists, learning traditional crafts or participating in community projects. Such experiences not only enrich our understanding of the world, but also promote cultural preservation and the sustainable development of local communities. According to ATTA experts, conscious cultural experiences even help preserve traditional customs and knowledge and contribute to the economic development of small communities, thereby creating a more reciprocal and responsible form of tourism.
TOURISM AS A DRIVING FORCE FOR A BETTER FUTURE
In the context of conscious experiences, tourism is more than just visiting a destination; it becomes a tool for personal transformation. As they say at the ATTA: “The true value of travel is in how deeply it can transform us, not just in how many new places we have visited.”
At WOOD WE GO, we believe that this form of tourism has the power to change both the individual and the world for the better. Our mission is to create experiences that not only enrich the lives of individuals but also contribute to the sustainable development of communities and the environment. We aim to inspire, inform and encourage thoughtful and conscious exploration of the world around us.
Become part of this beautiful story from which everyone involved will benefit. Find inspiration for yourself!
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