English 
Transformative travel isn’t about doing more. For midlife women seeking personal growth, the real magic happens when you slow down and create space to reflect.
The Quiet Power of Doing Less
When I first started travelling solo after losing my husband, I thought transformation would come from doing. From saying yes to every experience, joining every tour, ticking off every “must-see” sight. I believed that the more I packed into each day, the more I’d get out of my trip.
But I soon realised something powerful: the moments that changed me most weren’t on my itinerary. They were the quiet, unplanned pauses – sitting in a café with my journal, watching the world go by, or simply wandering without a plan.
Those pauses were where the healing began.
The Myth of “Busy” Travel
So many of us – especially in midlife – are experts at keeping busy. We’ve spent decades caring for others, managing responsibilities, and pushing through. When we finally carve out time for ourselves, our instinct is to fill it.
But transformation doesn’t happen when you’re rushing from one thing to the next. It happens when you give yourself space to breathe, feel, and reflect.
A full itinerary might keep your mind occupied, but it can also keep your heart closed. And true personal growth – the kind that travel can spark – needs stillness.
Why Downtime Is Essential for Transformation
When was the last time you did nothing – truly nothing – without guilt?
Sat somewhere beautiful without taking a photo?
Let yourself just be, instead of planning what’s next?
Downtime while travelling isn’t wasted time. It’s the most important time.
When you slow down, you allow your soul to catch up with your body. The world sinks in. Your thoughts begin to untangle. You start to notice how you feel – what inspires you, what drains you, and what you’re ready to release.
It’s in those quiet hours – the sunrise walks, the slow breakfasts, the lazy afternoons – that clarity arrives.
How to Create Space for Reflection on Your Travels
If you’re planning a trip as part of your personal growth journey, try weaving in moments of intentional stillness. Here’s how:
- Leave white space in your itinerary. Don’t plan every day. Allow for spontaneous discovery or pure rest.
- Stay longer in fewer places. Give yourself time to arrive somewhere before you move on.
- Journal daily. Reflect not just on what you did, but on how it made you feel.
- Honour your energy. If you need a slow morning, take it. You don’t need to “earn” your rest.
- Find beauty in small moments. Sometimes the most transformative part of a trip is a conversation with a stranger or a view you didn’t expect.
Transformation Happens in the Stillness
The most powerful journeys aren’t about discovering the world – they’re about rediscovering yourself.
And that version of you – the one who is calm, centred, and open – doesn’t appear in the middle of a frantic itinerary. She shows up when you pause long enough to listen.
So next time you plan an adventure, don’t just schedule the sights – schedule the stillness. Sit quietly. Watch the light change. Let the world speak to you.
Because it’s in the spaces between the experiences that transformation takes root.
So, what works best for you to take time out, reflect and think? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Argentina, then Iguazu Falls has to be on your list. In my latest video, I take you right into the heart of the falls. From jaw-dropping viewpoints and shimmering rainbows to getting completely soaked at the iconic Devil’s Throat, it’s an unforgettable adventure. We’ll also meet the mischievous coaties who aren’t shy about stealing lunch, proving the jungle has plenty of personality! You can see all the action for yourself HERE.
I was also honoured last week to be a guest on BBC Radio where I was discussing the growing trend of women travelling solo later in life. You can hear my thoughts on where to start, travel safety, eating alone and the question “Are you just being selfish?” Click HERE for all the answers!
Date for your diary
On November 15th, beginning at 11am EST, I’ll be speaking at the first ever Travel Coach Virtual Summit where over 20 Travel Coaches will be inspiring an audience of travellers to use travel as a tool for healing, personal growth, and transformation.
Topics include The Radical Power of Traveling Alone, Gain a Sense of Belonging through Travel and Relocation, It’s Never too Late for Adventure: How to Prepare Physically and Mentally for Mid-Life Travel. My talk is titled From Heartbreak to Healing: How Travel Helped Me Rebuild After Loss. There are already over 200 registered so, you can join now using THIS LINK.
And finally, just a quick reminder that I will be restructuring my offerings and significantly increasing prices from November. So, don’t miss out if you have been sitting on the fence. If you are interested in travel coaching or my course, Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey then now is the time to take action. Why not choose to invest in yourself before the new rates come in? Hit reply to this email or contact me on sue@suewherewhywhat.com to arrange a Clarity Call and we can chat about where you’re at and how I can help.
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey
Video – Iguazu Falls Argentina Side – Wet, Wild & Wonderful
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🚶♀️ For walking and food tours (two of my favourite things to do anywhere), I recommend Walks and Devour Tours.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wingyou can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanneror join Jacks Flight Clubwhich scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce
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