Some holidays stay with you long after you’ve stepped foot off the plane home and unpacked your suitcase. You come home a different person from who you were at the start of the trip. They can be transformative and life-changing, but with so many brilliant life-changing destinations around the world, how do you know which place to pick for such a meaningful trip?
Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide has analysed over 1500 Reddit comments and 447 mentions of different destinations from travellers reflecting on their most transformative experiences, and counted which destinations repeatedly came up. From solo travel trips that helped people navigate a difficult time in their personal lives, to holidays where culture shocks help make travellers feel alive; Explore Worldwide’s research reveals that there are some destinations in the world that appear to encourage life-changing experiences more than others.
Topping the life-changing destination top 10 list is Japan. The people and the food of Japan are often mentioned by travellers as life-changing, with the delicious cuisine and warm, welcoming culture leaving a long-lasting impression.
In second place is India, a country that is known for its vibrancy, variety and electric energy. The buzz of Mumbai, the rich history of Delhi and the intense spirituality of Varanasi left their mark on many people who shared their experience online. One traveller on Reddit added, “I absolutely fell in love with the country, the culture, the people and it massively changed the way I view the world and behave.”
And New Zealand follows closely in third place. From the Milford Sound fjords to the vast rivers of the Southern Alps, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurous traveller who likes to get up close to the beauty of the natural world or someone who likes to admire from afar.
