Some vacations are about exploring the world. Some are about relaxation. Some are about adventure, or getting to know new places, or discovering fascinating art and culture. But sometimes what you really want from a vacation is the chance to just get lost and find yourself.

Modern life can be stressful, tiring, and full of anxiety. We all need time to breathe; to get to know ourselves a little better, and shake off the trials and troubles of the day-to-day. This is when traveling to rediscover yourself can be an essential exercise.

Of course, not every vacation or vacation destination is suitable for this sort of experience. You wouldn’t look to find inner peace and self-actualization at Disney World, for example (although maybe it’s a place of zen spirituality for some folks!)

So if you are considering taking a vacation to find yourself, check out the destinations below for six of the best places to get to know yourself better.

 

4 Destinations to Rediscover Yourself

 

California

 

California is a remarkably rich vacation option for almost anyone – a surfer’s paradise, a cultural hub, a party destination – but it is absolutely perfect for a quest for inner peace.

Whether you are looking to find yourself doing yoga on a beach, walking through the quiet redwood forests of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park or Fern Canyon, or climbing to the top of the world at Mount Whitney, this is a fantastic spot for self-reflection.

You can even depart on a cruise from California and experience the vast, deep calm of the open ocean, a wonderful way to get some perspective on life.

 

Bali

 

While Kuta is the tourist hotspot and Canggu is full of surfers, Ubud is the spiritual center of Bali and an extraordinary place to come if you are seeking enlightenment.

Bali is famous for its exquisite temples, and regardless of your individual faith, it is hard to come away from a visit to one without a deep appreciation of the spirituality of the place.

Ubud is also the center of yoga practice for the island, with ashrams and yoga studios everywhere you turn.

There is nothing quite like greeting the day with a Sun Salutation as you gaze out across the lush green vegetation that Bali is famous for, and you’ll find a sense of tranquility that is hard to beat.

 

India

 

When it comes to soul-searching, India is an absolutely classic destination.

For thousands of years people have journeyed to places like Rishikesh, Goa, or Dharamsala in search of peace and introspection, so why not join them!

Yoga is obviously huge, but there are plenty of other options too. Try a Vipassana Meditation Retreat, a serious test of body and mind, in complete silence! You’ll find out how to concentrate on yourself and discover the things that are really important to you while bringing center and focus to yourself at the same time.

 

The Appalachians

 

Discovering yourself isn’t just about meditation, quiet reflection, and spirituality, of course!

Some of the most meaningful paths to self-discovery involve some quite strenuous exercise, and some don’t even require leaving the country!

Heading out into the fantastic wilderness of the United States and challenging yourself, while discovering the epic beauty of nature, can be a truly enlightening experience, and the Appalachian Mountains are one of the best places for this. For the most remarkable, unique, and truly personal experience, why not attempt the full Appalachian Trail hike-through, over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. You’ll cross 14 states in around 6 months, an experience guaranteed to help you find yourself again!

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