The Art of Traveling on Purpose:

 5 Tips to Maximize Your Travel Experience for Summer and Beyond…

Whether you're traveling abroad or moving from state to state, one thing remains true: travel

holds the power to awaken, inspire, and shift your perspective. But that kind of transformation

doesn’t happen by accident. It happens on purpose.

As someone who has crossed continents more times than I can count, I’ve learned a thing or two

about travel—mostly through trial, plenty of error, and a deep desire not just to visit the world,

but to truly connect with it.

With over 100 international trips behind me, I can tell you this: no two journeys are ever the

same. Still, I’ve discovered a few consistent ways to elevate any trip.

One summer in France taught me this lesson in the most unexpected way.

That summer, my itinerary was packed from morning to night. I was constantly on the move,

checking off every attraction, historical site, and culinary experience I thought I couldn’t miss.

But somewhere between the rush of activity and the thrill of doing it all, I realized I wasn’t

actually present. I was physically there, but not emotionally engaged.

I came home with photos, receipts, and passport stamps, but I couldn’t clearly recall how any of

it made me feel.

By the end of that trip, I wasn’t refreshed. I was exhausted.

It was a sobering reminder: you can stand in some of the most beautiful places in the world and

still miss the moment. I had been chasing the idea of a perfect trip instead of allowing myself to

fully experience it. That summer changed everything for me.

It was a wake-up call.

I didn’t want to simply move through beautiful places. I wanted to be moved by them. I needed

to redefine my approach to travel and reconnect with my purpose. That’s when intentionality

became my compass.Here are five purpose-driven travel tips to help you make your summer travel unforgettable:

1. Be Intentional. Your “Why” Deserves a Window Seat.

Instead of starting with your schedule, start with your why. Ask yourself: What do I want from

this trip—rest, inspiration, clarity, connection? Let your intention guide your destination and

your decisions. Travel becomes transformational when your purpose leads the plan.

2. Be an Open-Minded Guest, Not Just a Tourist

Go beyond the travel guide. If you’re abroad, learn how to say hello in the local language; if

you’re traveling within your own country, make an effort to engage and speak with people. Learn

the cultural norms. Ask a local what they love most about their city or country. I’ve learned that

the world opens up in unexpected ways when we approach it as students, not just tourist.

3. Balance Your Trip with Stillness

Some of the most powerful moments on a trip happen when we can quiet the noise and just be

still. Build in space to breathe and take it all in. Sit at a café with no agenda. Take a walk without

a destination and allow your soul process.

4. Be in the Moment, Not Just Consumed with Curating It

We all want beautiful photos, but the best moments aren’t always captured on camera. Pay

attention to the smell of the market, the culture of the people, the rhythm of daily life, and the

way the sun rises and sets. Tune in to the unique heartbeat of the place you’re visiting. These are

the moments that stay with you long after the pictures and perfectly curated posts are forgotten.

5. Leave Room for the Unexpected

Say yes to one unplanned opportunity. The spontaneous hike. The last-minute invite. The local

festival you stumble upon. Some of the best stories are found in the detours we aren’t afraid to

take.

Wherever you go this summer, go with your heart open. Travel isn’t just about distance; it’s

about depth. It’s not about how far you go, but how deeply you connect.

Live. Explore. Travel on Purpose.

Contact:

Instagram: @PrestonD3

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