The intentional nomad: how to travel with purpose
- Pramiti Bhargava
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Let your itinerary guide you toward meaningful experiences.
From time immemorial, human beings have travelled in search of discovery, adventure, and livelihood. But travel has evolved far beyond mere movement from one destination to another; it is now an immersion in itself. We all cherish those childhood travel experiences: those lengthy road trips to grandparents' houses, boisterous train travels, and family getaways where happiness was determined by laughter rather than luxury. Then came the school trips, which were filled with companionship, spontaneity, and wonder.
But the rhythm of travel has changed. Amid the familiar bustle of families dragging suitcases behind children, there is now another kind of traveller: the one who passes through with a small backpack, headphones on, and an itinerary scribbled on a phone. This is the face of modern travel: solo, spontaneous, self-directed and unique. Travellers nowadays look for journeys that have a purpose and are full of joy, culture, and enlightening experiences that feed the soul and expand the mind.
A recent Statista Consumer Insights survey shows that across 21 countries, an
average of 38 per cent of respondents look for unique experiences when travelling. As Lovelle Drachman said, "blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures." Ready to explore differently? Here are five one-of-a-kind travel experiences you'll want to try on your next adventure.
1. Content creation retreats/Creator's meets
For people who love capturing memories and sharing stories, creator retreats are the perfect blend of travel and creativity. These experiences allow travellers to explore the world with a twist as they discover new places while producing spontaneous content along the way. You can create content as you explore, from sunrise shots and street photography to local stories. Unlike traditional workshops, where learning happens in classrooms or studios, creator retreats focus on organic creation.
From the serene 4D3N Ancient Yoga Retreat in Bali, where mornings unfold with Yoga amid emerald greenery and mindful nature walks, to the inspiring Ubud Creative Retreat, a sanctuary for digital storytellers surrounded by rice terraces and temple spires, creativity here flows as freely as the island's rivers.
Meanwhile, in India, the Meri Kashi Creators Workshop in Varanasi, the spiritual hub, offers many opportunities to take pictures at festivals and morning ceremonies along the ghats. When combined, these retreats would assist in incorporating creativity, culture, and wellness into adventures that you could then share with your online network.
2. Travel with purpose into the wild
Exploring safaris and wildlife sanctuaries is much more than spotting animals in their natural habitat. There's something heart-stirring to see our favourite animals roam freely in the wild. Long after the journey is over, these experiences foster empathy, respect, and a fresh understanding of the planet's amazing biodiversity.
Whether it's gliding atop gentle elephants in Kaziranga at sunrise or deer grazing in the mist, being in the jungle is simply breathtaking. From observing rhinos to conserving sea turtles on Madagascar's remote Nosy Ambarivato island, where visitors help hatch and release the babies into the ocean, connecting with nature offers the kind of tranquillity no other activity can. Another enriching experience is the volunteer program at the Zimbabwe Lion Conservation in Victoria Falls. Riding through Brazil's Pantanal on robust Pantaneiro horses, silently walking the wetlands in search of jaguars, anteaters, and the brilliant species of birds, every one of these expeditions provides a window into the natural splendour of a hidden world.
P.S. - It's also a haven for photography enthusiasts.
3. Wander and write
A great escape for all bibliophiles bitten by the travel bug should be a writer's retreat. Put it on your checklist already!. Imagine waking up to birds chirping, sipping coffee as morning mist curls over the hills, and spending your day weaving words in quiet solitude–pure bliss. From the lava-lit horizons of Iceland to the misty evergreens of the Pacific Northwest and the soaring calm of the Himalayas, these retreats redefine what it means to disappear into your art.
In Reykjavík, the Iceland Writers Retreat gathers storytellers beneath the midnight sun for workshops and Nordic coffee while drawing inspiration from the island's raw, mythic landscapes.
Across the ocean, Hedgebrook on Whidbey Island offers women writers a woodland sanctuary of hand-built cottages, organic meals, and the quiet strength of shared purpose.
High in Himachal's Parvati Valley, the Alekhya Writing Retreat welcomes a handful of writers to its apple-orchard cottages, where solitude, mentorship, and mountain air mingle to let words find their truest form.
4. Eclipse trails
One of nature's most breathtaking spectacles occurs when, for a few fleeting moments, day surrenders to night as the Sun's blazing disk is perfectly veiled by the Moon, forming an eclipse. Many travellers, called "eclipse chasers", plan years in advance to witness the phenomenon under the best possible skies. Ancient civilisations saw solar eclipses as powerful omens or messages from gods. In 585 BCE, one such eclipse famously halted a battle between the Lydians and the Medes. As daylight vanished, both armies lay down their weapons, awed by the sudden darkness. As Neil deGrasse Tyson puts it, "The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth - three celestial bodies aligning perfectly, just long enough to make us remember how small we are"
For those seeking this unforgettable experience, the Atacama Desert in Chile offers crystal-clear skies and dramatic landscapes, with San Pedro de Atacama and Valle de la Luna as recommended vantage points. In the United States, towns like Madras, Oregon, or Carbondale, Illinois, provide wide-open skies and lively local festivals to witness this spectacle.
P. S. - While on this trail, always pack eclipse glasses, a sturdy tripod for photography, and layered clothing; temperatures can drop quickly during totality. Don't forget snacks and water; many viewing sites are remote. Also, consider combining your eclipse chase with a larger trip: hiking, sightseeing, or exploring nearby towns. After all, the path of the eclipse often takes you through some of the world's most stunning landscapes.
5. The Global Scavenger Hunt (GSH)
In order to boost deep immersion, the Global Scavenger Hunt facilitates participants to engage in activities such as photo safaris, blind taste testing, and local polls. Teams have to get from one place to another using local public transport, which adds to the realism of the experience. They are sometimes not allowed to use any technology to assist them, which forces them to rely on local resources and problem-solving capabilities.
At the end of the tournament, the team that is flexible, culturally engaged, and demonstrates teamwork during the event is declared the "World's Greatest Travellers" Interested participants can apply online through the official website.
In conclusion
As Indian novelist, Anita Desai, states, "wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. A keen mind and an adventurous heart can even transform even mundane journeys into life-changing events."
Travel isn't just about seeing new places, but about moulding yourself with each
unique experience. Every destination becomes part of your story, and you carry the memories and
learning with you, wherever you go next.
Also Read: Travelling China–Unlearning the Global South