Travel changes us all in some way. This blog series explores how intentional planning, mindful traveling, and meaningful reflection can evolve a trip from a checklist of things to see and do into an experience that can transform our lives long after we return home. Read more transformational travel stories.

Goals And Intentions

My call to adventure was an invite from my dad and stepmom to join them in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Portuguese territories I’d never visited: Azores and Madeira. Another factor calling to me was that these are two places known for their natural beauty. This appealed to my desire to relive my peaceful and awe-inspiring years as a part-timer on Hawaii Island.

My intentions for this trip were to spend a lot of quality time with my dad and stepmom reconnecting outside the usual work and family responsibilities. I intended to see dramatic nature that is different from my usual Seattle, USA, sights. I intended to reset healthy practices such as meditation, physical therapy, and gratitude journaling that I dropped during “real life,” causing me suffering from their absence.

My goals were to unplug from work and take relaxing walks and road trips with my dad and stepmom. I wanted to see interesting island fauna and flora. Another goal was to get two destinations closer to joining the Travelers Century Club (100 countries or territories visited).

Travel Experience

A feeling of doubt loomed over the week before the trip. Thoughts of cancellation abounded as we experienced health, weather, and airline issues. I admit to having not-proud travel moments in my past, in which setbacks greatly upset me. But I observed myself not really stressing–I tried to reframe any arrival as a win considering the obstacles.

The lush landscape and raw nature of Sao Miguel Island soothed me. I felt peaceful while appreciating Sete Cidades’ twin caldera lakes from the Vista Do Rei lookout. My body relaxed in the geothermal pools at Parque Terra Nostra in Furnas. The waves pounding the black sand beach at Mosteiros struck me with awe. I enjoyed chats with my dad and stepmom over tree-lined picnic lunches and cobblestone street dinners in Ponta Delgada. We all loved eating bolos levedos (sweet yeast muffins), and my family members promised to experiment at home to find the best recipe.

On Madeira, both the 1,900-foot sheer drop at Cabo Girão and the sea-swept land’s end at Caniçal viewpoint took my breath away. With my daughter joining the family adventure, we all enjoyed walking together among quaint traditional homes in Santana, through the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden, and along the charming harbor of Câmara De Lobos. Sharing a delicious tea service as a family at Reid’s Palace and walking through their garden was another highlight.

Transformation Reflection

With the obligations of work set aside thanks to vacation, it was easy to spend quality time with family on this trip. We shared old stories and had deeper discussions, things that time crunches usually don’t allow. We even discussed future trips we could take together, something you often have time and interest to do more so while away from home.

I felt recharged by the combination of time away from work, time in gorgeous natural environments, and time with family I care deeply about. I found myself reset to near 100% on my daily practices of meditation, PT, and gratitude that I know bring ease to my daily life.