The unexpected transformations of a cycling holiday June 22, 2020 The unexpected transformations of a cycling holiday Guest travel writer Jo from 'You Choose the Way' shares some insight into what transformative travel looks like and how to make the most out of your holiday. You book your next adventure. You are eager to move slowly, so that you can see the country, meet the people and experience life in this foreign land. A cycling holiday seems like the perfect way to do it all. Besides the cultural, historical, community and culinary aspects that you’ll uncover, cycling holidays also provide an ideal context for change, within yourself and in communities you travel through.As you hop onto your bike each day and watch the exotic landscape roll by, there’s space for reflection. Within your bike helmet you have the time to think about life, and ask yourself what matters most. It’s an ideal context for inner exploration.Travel can be about better understanding the world, but it can also be about better understanding yourself. Let me explain why you would want to undergo any type of change during travel and what those transformations might be like. Why bother transforming as you travel As a travel coach, I’m always talking with travelers about how they can transform their lives. During travel, we are already outside of our comfort zones and the daily habits that make up our life. With distance from these elements than usually keep us on auto-pilot, it’s easier to create new habits, form different perceptions and understand ourselves in deeper ways.It can be hard to implement change or to pivot your life in a new direction. Our pre-programmed ways of being are rigidly set. Most of these are determined by beliefs and ideologies we were given as kids. Without having taken the time to explore these beliefs, they have stuck around and become deeply ingrained parts of our identity.Travel takes us out of our hamster wheel and drops us in a place with different norms. All of a sudden nothing is as it is supposed to be. We are eating strange food, sitting for meals at different times with new acquaintances. We’re filling our days with new activities that help us see life from a different vantage point. What we normally see as a set way of doing anything is shaken up.It’s the ideal moment for transformation as our external environment is already detoured from the status quo. Transforming your inner self Transformation starts with taking an honest look at what is and isn’t working in your life. Only from there can you explore ideas of how the situation can be improved. Being away from your usual life, like in travel, is the perfect place from where to make this type of analysis.As we can’t control many aspects that are outside of ourselves (we can’t control others, the weather, politicians’ behaviors, what will happen during the cycle trip, or most of what goes on in life), we focus our attention on what we can control, ourselves. We can choose everything about our inner context, like our perceptions, where we let our attention sit, the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings and how we co-exist with our ego. As we travel, we are given a beautiful opportunity to get better acquainted with these different elements of our inner self and transformations start to happen.To find greater joy, meaning and more fulfillment in life, we don’t have to radically change our lives, but instead, change the way we look at our lives and become more present with every moment we experience.On a bike trip that’s easier than in “regular life”. That’s why it’s such an ideal place to start.Be present with the drastic landscape you see, notice the smells and tastes with more depth and focus. Become aware of what you feel as you are brought to a local organization or as you visit a ancient sight. What thoughts appear as you hear them share their stories? What emotions arise from those thoughts? Tune into the conversations you are having with the other travelers on the trip. Focus in on what they say, be present with them.These small habits are what create life changing transformations. Bring them with you as you embark on your next trip. Transforming the world The same effort made to transform ourselves and our lives will also benefit the world and the communities we travel through. As we start living more consciously, we become more aware of the impact of every step we take. We consider the effects it has on the people around us, on the environment and on the world as a whole. This might even be what made you interested in traveling by bicycle. The slow pace, the opportunity for connection, the lack of environmental impact makes it an ideal way to travel sustainably and mindfully.I truly believe that we create a better world by becoming better people. Your next trip can be the start of your journey towards create a better life and a better world. You just have to be ready to create the change. Bio and Links Jo is the founder of You Choose the Way, a company determined to bring more mindfulness into the travel industry. As a Mindful Travel and Expat Coach, Jo helps travelers and expats have more transformative adventures by helping them connect with their mind, body and soul. From there, they can truly transform themselves and the world as they travel. You can find out more from her website, Facebook and Instagram. Share the journey Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on whatsapp Share on email Feeling inspired? Cambodia Learn More Laos Learn More Vietnam & Laos Learn More Cambodia & Vietnam Learn More Cambodia Learn More Laos Learn More Vietnam & Laos Learn More Cambodia & Vietnam Learn More Recent posts you might like to read... 9 Dishes You Have To Try Whilst Travelling in Iran August 28, 2020 9 Dishes You Have to Try While Travelling in Iran Now is not the best time to travel, with worldwide pandemic restrictions limiting options, so why not bring a travel adventure into your own home! Check out these amazing dishes with links to recipes so you can make them yourself. Read More » 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam July 30, 2020 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam Not all adventures to Vietnam are the same! Check out some of the amazing experiences you can have in Vietnam and why travelling with the right team can make all the difference! 1. Cultural insight via local experts and Read More » Short term volunteering opportunities abroad July 22, 2020 Short Term Volunteering Opportunities Abroad and at Home You don’t need to travel to volunteer abroad. In a world that has come to a standstill due to COVID-19, local and international NGOs need help now more than ever. If you’ve got some skills and a little spare time, read on Read More » Mental health benefits of cycling July 16, 2020 The Mental Health Benefits of Cycling Just as we’re susceptible to falling ill to a variety of different forms of cancer, we’re all vulnerable to suffering from a range of mental health illnesses. Mental health awareness is moving into the mainstream, and in this time of social distancing, the acceptance Read More » Cambodia is open for tourists- but there’s a catch July 2, 2020 Cambodia is open to tourists again- but there’s a catch Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia never completely closed its borders. However, despite remaining open, as of early July 2020, there has only been 141 reported cases and ZERO deaths. So is it safe to go to Cambodia? And how complicated Read More » Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 May 19, 2020 Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 “When can we book holidays to Cambodia?” Unfortunately it’s still very much a ‘plan today, travel tomorrow’ type scenario as we wait for governments around the world to reopen borders and relax travel restrictions. But let’s look a little closer to get some Read More » Search for anything... Search Stay ahead of the trend Be the first to get the latest travel tips, cycling inspiration and insight into life changing local initiatives- straight to your inbox! Send Share the journey Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on whatsapp Share on email Follow our ride Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Pinterest Our latest posts 9 Dishes You Have To Try Whilst Travelling in Iran 9 Dishes You Have to Try While Travelling in Iran Now is not the best Read More » 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam Not all adventures to Read More » Short term volunteering opportunities abroad Short Term Volunteering Opportunities Abroad and at Home You don’t need to travel to volunteer Read More » Mental health benefits of cycling The Mental Health Benefits of Cycling Just as we’re susceptible to falling ill to a Read More » Cambodia is open for tourists- but there’s a catch Cambodia is open to tourists again- but there’s a catch Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia Read More » Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 “When can we book holidays to Cambodia?” Unfortunately Read More » Best cycling routes in Northern Laos Best cycling routes in Northern Laos Thinking about cycling from Laos to Vietnam? This is Read More » COVID-19 and the future of Social Cycles COVID-19 and the future of Social Cycles Social Cycles founder, Brett Seychell, shares some insight Read More » Brett Seychell +61 479 108 222 [email protected] Hub, 696 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000 about us How we started Our purpose Your donations Responsible travel Meet the team NGO partners Private adventures Corporate teams Self guided destnations Cambodia Laos Iran Samoa Vietnam Mongolia Colombia connect Name Email Let's stay in touch Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube responsibletravel recommends Social Cycles Brett Seychell +61 479 108 222 [email protected] Hub, 696 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000 connect Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Name Email Let's stay in touch!
9 Dishes You Have To Try Whilst Travelling in Iran August 28, 2020 9 Dishes You Have to Try While Travelling in Iran Now is not the best time to travel, with worldwide pandemic restrictions limiting options, so why not bring a travel adventure into your own home! Check out these amazing dishes with links to recipes so you can make them yourself. Read More »
10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam July 30, 2020 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam Not all adventures to Vietnam are the same! Check out some of the amazing experiences you can have in Vietnam and why travelling with the right team can make all the difference! 1. Cultural insight via local experts and Read More »
Short term volunteering opportunities abroad July 22, 2020 Short Term Volunteering Opportunities Abroad and at Home You don’t need to travel to volunteer abroad. In a world that has come to a standstill due to COVID-19, local and international NGOs need help now more than ever. If you’ve got some skills and a little spare time, read on Read More »
Mental health benefits of cycling July 16, 2020 The Mental Health Benefits of Cycling Just as we’re susceptible to falling ill to a variety of different forms of cancer, we’re all vulnerable to suffering from a range of mental health illnesses. Mental health awareness is moving into the mainstream, and in this time of social distancing, the acceptance Read More »
Cambodia is open for tourists- but there’s a catch July 2, 2020 Cambodia is open to tourists again- but there’s a catch Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia never completely closed its borders. However, despite remaining open, as of early July 2020, there has only been 141 reported cases and ZERO deaths. So is it safe to go to Cambodia? And how complicated Read More »
Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 May 19, 2020 Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 “When can we book holidays to Cambodia?” Unfortunately it’s still very much a ‘plan today, travel tomorrow’ type scenario as we wait for governments around the world to reopen borders and relax travel restrictions. But let’s look a little closer to get some Read More »
9 Dishes You Have To Try Whilst Travelling in Iran 9 Dishes You Have to Try While Travelling in Iran Now is not the best Read More »
10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam 10 Things You’ll Experience on a Social Cycles Holiday in Vietnam Not all adventures to Read More »
Short term volunteering opportunities abroad Short Term Volunteering Opportunities Abroad and at Home You don’t need to travel to volunteer Read More »
Mental health benefits of cycling The Mental Health Benefits of Cycling Just as we’re susceptible to falling ill to a Read More »
Cambodia is open for tourists- but there’s a catch Cambodia is open to tourists again- but there’s a catch Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia Read More »
Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 Cambodia Travel Outlook Amidst Coronavirus in 2020 “When can we book holidays to Cambodia?” Unfortunately Read More »
Best cycling routes in Northern Laos Best cycling routes in Northern Laos Thinking about cycling from Laos to Vietnam? This is Read More »
COVID-19 and the future of Social Cycles COVID-19 and the future of Social Cycles Social Cycles founder, Brett Seychell, shares some insight Read More »