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Best Places to Travel for Self Growth (3 Destinations That Changed My Life)
- Nequa
- Apr 30
- 6 min read
If you’re searching for the best places to travel for self growth, the answer isn’t just about location—it’s about experience.
The best destinations for personal growth will:
Push you outside your comfort zone
Give you space to reflect
Expose you to new cultures and perspectives
Allow you to reconnect with yourself
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For me; Belgium, Hawaii and Tulum did exactly that. Each destination gave me something different—clarity, awareness, and independence.
There’s a difference between taking trips… and experiencing transformation.
I’ve been to 49 states and multiple countries, and while I’ve had amazing experiences along the way, there are a few places that didn’t just give me memories—they changed me. These are the places where I grew. Where I realized things about myself. Where I started becoming her. And no… these are not in any specific order.
Best Places to Travel for Self Growth
1. Brussels, Belgium — Where My World Got Bigger
Brussels, Belgium holds a special place in my heart because it was my first time leaving the country. I was in my early early 20s, and up until that point, my world felt… small.
But stepping into Brussels changed that. Seeing the Atomium lit up at night was breathtaking. It was massive, glowing, and honestly surreal. Then there were the waffles—my first real Belgian waffle from a street vendor—and let me tell you… nothing compares. And don’t even get me started on the chocolate. As a dark chocolate lover, Belgium gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. Now,
I’m not going to lie—Europe was an adjustment. The hotel bathrooms? Tiny. I felt like I was touching every wall in the shower. And I had no idea about outlet adapters, so that was definitely a learning moment.
But beyond all of that…This trip made me realize there is so much more to life than what I was used to. More culture. More experiences. More possibility. That trip didn’t just introduce me to travel—it opened my mind. It made me curious. It made me want more. And that’s where my travel journey really began.
2. The Big Island of Hawaii — Where I Chose Myself
The Big Island of Hawaii is one of those places that instantly slows you down the moment you arrive. Coming from Ohio, the journey itself is an experience—the flight is long, so we intentionally broke it up by spending a day in Los Angeles before continuing on. That pause made all the difference, because the next leg—from LA to Honolulu and then on to the Big Island—is about six hours alone. By the time we landed, I already felt like I had stepped into a different pace of life.
Once we arrived, we rented a Jeep Wrangler—top down, of course—because the island is vast, and having a car is absolutely necessary to explore it fully. We stayed at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa, which was everything you want in a getaway—peaceful, welcoming, and the kind of place where breakfast each morning feels like part of the experience, not just a routine.
One thing I didn’t expect, though, was the number of cats. And I mean everywhere. The island has an overwhelming number of them, so if you’re allergic, that’s definitely something to keep in mind before booking your trip.
But beyond all of that—the logistics, the stay, the scenery—what stood out most to me was the beach. The black sand, the volcanic rock, the way the waves hit the shore… it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. There was a calmness to it, but also a depth. That beach gave me a moment I didn’t even know I needed. I felt peace. I felt clarity. I felt… stillness. And in that stillness, everything became real.
I was in a relationship at the time, and as I sat there looking out at the water, I had a realization I couldn’t ignore. I knew I could no longer stay in it. It wasn’t aligned with the woman I was becoming. That moment was heavy. I cried—really cried—because walking away from something familiar, something comfortable, isn’t easy. But I also knew that growth required me to let go. That was the moment I chose growth over comfort. That was the moment I chose me.
FUN FACT: I learned while I was on the Big Island made the experience even more meaningful. There’s actually another island in Hawaii called Niʻihau—often referred to as the “Forbidden Island”—that isn’t open to the public. It’s privately owned and protected to preserve Hawaiian culture and way of life. Learning that shifted my perspective. It reminded me that Hawaii isn’t just a destination—it’s a place rooted in history, culture, and boundaries that deserve respect.
The Big Island didn’t just give me a beautiful experience—it gave me clarity, truth, and the courage to choose a different path...
4. Tulum, Mexico — Where I Found My Independence
Tulum was a completely different experience for me because it was my first solo international trip. Traveling alone, especially out of the country, brings a different level of awareness—you’re responsible for everything, and there’s no one else to rely on but yourself. From the moment I landed, I could feel that this trip was going to be more than just a getaway.
I stayed at Our Habitas Tulum, a beautiful beachfront resort known for its natural, immersive design. The experience felt like a private retreat, with an indoor-outdoor living concept that brought me closer to nature. My room was peaceful and unique, with the bathroom located outside, which made every moment feel intentional and connected to the environment. However, that same connection to nature came with its surprises—the bugs were definitely present, and one night I even heard something scratching on the roof of my tent. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about luxury—I was at the front desk asking for someone to come handle it immediately.
Despite those moments, the overall experience was incredibly calming. Each morning, I woke up to fresh juice on the beach, allowing myself to slow down and truly be present. One of the highlights of my stay was a Mayan clay massage, which was both relaxing and grounding. It was one of those experiences where you lose track of time because you’re fully immersed in the moment.
I also stepped outside of my comfort zone by going on excursions, including cave diving, visiting the Mayan ruins, and riding ATVs through the jungle. While these experiences were exciting, there were moments where I had to pause and really process what I was doing—like being in a cave, surrounded by water, with people I didn’t know, and thinking to myself, what am I doing right now? As empowering as it was, it also reminded me of the importance of being mindful and intentional, especially when traveling solo.
Through all of this, I realized something that shifted my perspective entirely—I am capable of doing things on my own. I can travel alone, navigate unfamiliar environments, and trust myself in situations that once felt intimidating. Tulum gave me more than a beautiful experience; it gave me independence, confidence, and the understanding that I don’t have to wait on anyone to live my life.
It Was Never Just Travel
Looking back at these experiences, I realized that I wasn’t just traveling—I was evolving. Each destination gave me something I needed at that point in my life. Brussels, Belgium expanded my perspective and introduced me to a world beyond what I knew. The Big Island of Hawaii gave me clarity and the courage to choose myself. Tulum, Mexico gave me independence and the confidence to move through life on my own terms.
These weren’t just trips—they were moments of transformation that shaped how I see myself and the world around me. Now, I approach travel differently. I travel with intention, with purpose, and with a deeper understanding of who I am becoming. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about where you go…
This is a transition.
If you’re new here, check out my "Meet Nequa" post to learn more about my journey.
The life you want might be one flight away… go ahead and book that trip.
Your Travel Bestie,
— Nequa
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