5 Ways to Transform and Travel: Philippines with Chantal

Guest Post by Chantal Cowie

I feel most alive when I travel. I see, smell, eat, drink, laugh, explore, and love with fervor as if I

am a child and everything is new. I crave this feeling when I don’t have it.

What is the purpose of this experience? We spend a great deal of time planning the concrete

aspects of our trip but do we ever pause to reflect on why travel brings us these feelings? What

are we doing during our travels to help us achieve this level of serendipity? Why do I come away

from my travels feeling accomplished and enlightened?

Transformation, that’s why. Travel creates endless opportunities for personal growth. Travel by

its very nature takes us out of our element and into a world of unfamiliarity. This challenges us

in unexpected ways and forces us to adapt to succeed. This is where the potential for the most

personal growth rests. This is why I travel.

My earliest memories involve traveling from Florida to visit my grandparents in Georgia. In the

20 plus years since I’ve traveled to 30 states and 26 countries and lived in America, Australia,

and South Africa. I was fortunate enough to be born into a family where travel is a highly valued

pastime. My parents explored the world when I was young and took me along with them. When I

became an adult I continued to fuel my passion for travel with my own trips.

I encourage you to take a moment before you go on your trip and think about the goals you have

for transformation during this time. Are you looking to become more independent? Would you

like to become more knowledgeable about other cultures? Are you trying to be more outgoing?

The Philippines is the perfect place for you to relax and take in the beauty of the world while on

this path of self-discovery. Decide what your goals are and consciously take action throughout

your trip to reach these goals.

My interest in the Philippines was sparked four years ago when I moved to Chicago, Illinois, and

fell in love with my partner. My partner is Filipino-American and introduced me to this

incredible country that had somehow missed my radar.

The beaches of the Philippines called to me during one of Chicago’s harsh winters and I decided to spend two months traveling this country coming up with new and exciting ways to challenge myself.

Thanks to my journey, I collected a list of five things you can do in the Philippines to encourage personal transformation during your journey.

5 Ways Transform and Travel in Philippines

Photo Credit: Chantal Cowie