What is "meaningful travel?"

As the owner of a small travel company that offers meaningful travel opportunities, I really should know what meaningful travel is, right? In fact, I find the product definition incredibly elusive.

Defining "meaningful" is key here and, having been compelled along life's path seeking the answer to, "Why am I here?," I have yet to receive an answer, a diploma or even a certificate acknowledging my class participation. Apparently life is more a question than an answer; as they say, a journey rather than a destination. And, admittedly, everyone is on their own personal journey. So, instead of defining for everyone what "meaningful" is, I've decided to focus on defining the conditions that encourage individual insights into meaning.

I believe that meaning is accessed when one becomes more connected to oneself. (I thank Meg Wheatley, living-systems-thinker and author of Leadership and the New Science for that useful insight.) Another author, Anna Quindlen proposes that "finding out who you are is the whole point of the human experience." Oh, look at that. An answer to my question. Thank you Anna.

Upon reflection (and reflection is critical to the discovery of anything), the two areas of my life that have contributed most to my understanding of myself are parenting and traveling. For others, these might include religion or spirituality, extended family or career. It seems that it is whatever we truly value, care about deeply, and approach with attentiveness. I find that parenting and traveling up to my standards requires the use of humble qualities like inquiry, flexibility, open-mindedness and patience. Allow me to get off my moral soapbox now and note that these activities also provide endless stimulation, challenge and entertainment, alleviating my aversion to routine and boredom.

So, in regards to defining meaningful travel (meaningful parenting is another blog)...I think I'll instead launch a "conditions for meaningful travel" list with the qualities listed above: stimulating, challenging, and entertaining activities met with inquiry, flexibility, open-mindedness and patience. What do you think?

As owner of the small business, Sweet Mango Tours, offering meaningful travel and service opportunities in Southeast Asia, I can only promise to put my heart and soul into creating those conditions that encourage the traveler to find some greater understanding of oneself and one's role in this incredibly diverse and fragile world in which we live. I welcome your help with the development of this list.

Comments

[Donna]

Your background is both shining through and guiding you, I can see. The way you planned for and worked with this last student group (including your sweet daughter) to make the trip meaningful is your intention realized. Good work!

It seems like you are enjoying the pilgrimage, the journey, and the time to reflect on what's there in front of you, what you left behind and what is to come. We await your return and will be open ears to many stories and insights. Our study group, too, would love to hear about Buddhism as part of life in Thailand and how it has affected your mind and practice.

Love from 8 Ridge St., Montpelier.
Donna

[Ehren Miller-Nogueira]

Food for thought:
How do we make "meaningful travel" as meaningful for those we travel through, as it is for us? Is it an entirely personal experience? What transformations define the meaning full?