5 travel destinations that reinvigorate my soul
I just wrapped up my first vacation in three years. It was exactly what my soul needed to reawaken my spirit. After almost a year and a half of being cooped up inside, job changes, family loss, and health challenges, your girl was ready to get outside and explore.
It wasn’t until this trip to Folly Beach, just outside Charleston, that I was reminded of how therapeutic travel can be for the soul. I went to Folly Beach with 11 of my extended family members and we all stayed in one VRBO rental house. We kept the trip fairly simple and there weren’t rigid timelines that we had to follow. Which if you’ve traveled with me before you know I like to follow my own path when I travel and just be in destination. Each morning we woke up and walked two miles on the beach while we watched the sunrise. The rest of the time was spent relaxing by the water or sitting in rocking chairs in the screened-in ocean view sunroom. I did get some shopping time in during this trip and picked up a few things at the local outlets. This Tory Burch mini bag was one of my favorite finds.
As much as I love a good to-do list and strategic plan, when I travel I like to ground myself in the city and take life day by day.
This vacation has me reflecting on previous destinations where I’ve traveled that were transformative, reinvigorated my soul, and allowed me to reset. Think of destinations where you can have that Eat, Pray, Love experience. A change of scenery is good for the soul. The cities I’ve highlighted below have great food, great scenery, and positive energy about them.
Charleston, South Carolina and area beaches (Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, Mt. Pleasant)
There’s something therapeutic about this city that speaks to my soul. Each time I visit I feel renewed. The energy on the city streets in downtown Charleston and the calmness of the area beaches is the perfect mix for an ideal extended vacation. Charleston also is a foodie city and you can’t go wrong with food in this city. I’ve had some of the best dishes in Charleston. If you are looking for a quiet, gorgeous beach getaway where you can have some fun in the sun or enjoy a nice picnic outdoors, the Charleston beaches are the place to go. The heat in the summer months can be intense but spring and fall are the ideal time to visit.
Where to stay:
The Cottages at Charleston Harbor
Carolina VRBO Isle of Palm vacation rental
The Fish Vacation Rental on Folly Beach
Where to eat:
Paris, France
From the food to the culture to the fashion to the architecture to city lights at night, Paris is a destination that you should visit in your lifetime. I love everything about this city and immediately felt a shift in energy when I stepped foot in this city. The city inspires me to get outside and discover. I enjoyed early morning walks in the city, having croissants for breakfast with a cup of tea, grabbing a savory crepe for lunch in between trips to museums and some of the cities amazing shops. Fall and Spring are the best time to visit Paris.
Where to stay:
Where to eat:
New York City
I miss my annual retreats to New York City. Each time I visit the city, I leave feeling recharged and refreshed. Feeling overwhelmed right now and in need of a quick long weekend getaway, a trip to New York might be just what you need. Between the shopping, the scenic city views, the city lights, the great outdoor restaurants, and the cultural experience, New York offers it all. It’s the perfect place to travel if you are looking to leave with some creative inspiration. Que the Alicia Keys song “Empire State Mind”, lyrics:
“Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York”
New York is truly a magical place that is a quick flight away from most U.S. destinations.
Where to stay:
Where to eat:
Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Washington and Portland Oregon)
Seattle, Washington and Portland Oregon are great destinations for a laid-back urban retreat. Minutes away from the coastline, mountains, and wine country, both cities have something for everyone. There are so many opportunities to immerse yourself in the outdoors and mesh with nature.
Where to stay:
Hotel Andra in Seattle
The Porter Hotel in Portland, Oregon
Where to eat:
Archipelago in Seattle
Violet in Seattle
Walrus and Carpenter in Seattle
Tusk in Portland
Farmhouse Thai Kitchen in Portland
Aruba
Breathtaking blue ocean views and pristine white sandy beaches will take anyone’s breath away visiting Aruba’s. The heat can be intense during the fall months but early spring is a great time to visit. If you like relaxing by the beach and love excursions Aruba is the place to be.
Where to stay:
Where to eat:
What places have you traveled that have left a lasting impression on you?