Soul-searching: deep and anxious consideration of one’s emotions and motives or of the correctness of a course of action.
Who doesn’t have problems? You, me, the guy sitting next to me? Everyone has their own problems, it’s just that they vary in severity. How do you deal with your problems? Head on? By contemplating on it for a long time? Cautiously? Or simply run away?
The last one, running away, is a very appealing one indeed. And we are all for it! Because you know what, when you’re in the middle of a problem, sometimes you can’t clearly see how to find a solution for it, even if it’s right there in front of your nose, because you’re too involved in it, too mired in it. You need to take a step back from it, and see it from a different perspective. That’s where the ‘running away’ part comes into the picture.
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Running away, although does mean literally, is a way of giving yourself the break you need from the situation, the reality of it all. There’s no shame in that you need time off from reality. That you need to take step back, in order to take that much-awaited step forward. In essence, you need to do some soul-searching to see the situation clearly. And this is where soul-searching trips come into the picture.
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What you have to understand is that taking time off from reality to discover the meaning of why you’re here, is an essential step in your growth as an individual. While some may never take that step for fear of finding out the answer to that question, others might embrace it whole-heartedly, without any reservations. Some others may want to take off to go soul-searching, but never have the opportunity to do so. So, if you’re one of the lucky few who has the opportunity and the means to indulge in a soul-searching trip, then we suggest you do so at the earliest.
Whether or not you’ll find what you’re looking for on your trip, you’re going to realize one thing: How beautiful it is to be alive. That it’s a privilege, and not a right. It’s a gift, not an entitlement.
So if you’re in dire need of some serious soul-searching, check out some of our recommendations for soul-searching trips you could consider.
1. North Cape, Norway
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Have you ever wondered what the edge of the world looks like? You can meet it here, at North Cape. It’s the furthest North you could go anywhere in the world. Discover the spot called ‘The top of the world,’ whilst standing at the edge of the North Cape plateau with not much else besides sea and ice between you and the North Pole.
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The glory of experiencing the midnight sun in summer, and the enchanting northern lights in the winter are unparalleled. Both are soul-stirring experiences, you just can’t put into words. The beauty and splendor of the place are sure to leave you feeling raw, rejuvenated, and not a little awed.
2. Eastern Coast of Ireland
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The eastern coast of Ireland boasts of 5,000 years of history, featuring three unique areas. It is also the Celtic Spiritual home and contains Neolithic tombs, mythical landscape, medieval castles, Mesolithic hunting grounds, Viking cities, monasteries, and Titanic towns. Not to mention the serene, tranquil beauty of the gentle lakes, rolling pastures, and unique bogs.
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Wander through the whimsical woodland trails of Belvedere House, wander through Kilkenny Castle where saints converted kings, or get enraptured with the Viking stories in the monastic city of Glendalough. Stroll beside Lough Tay, or wend through coniferous forests and heather-packed mounds of the Sally Gap. Who knows, you might rediscover yourself while discovering this historically rich Irish land.
3. Bali, Indonesia
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Bali is known for its healing, calming energy and the incredible serenity it offers. Take the plunge and go on a meditation and yoga retreat to tap into your inner peace. Learn to balance your emotions and strengthen your mind, with peaceful surroundings aiding you in your endeavor. Let the healing energies of the tranquility around you soothe your soul.
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Soak in the magnificence that is Bali, by exploring the rice terraces at Tegallalang, Pura Taman Saraswathi, the Bedugul botanical gardens, the numerous temples, the enchanting forests, and the impressive mountains. Try and listen to the whispers carried through the mystical breezes that caress your senses.
4. Mount Kailash, Tibet
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Mount Kailash in the Himalayas is revered as the meeting place of Heaven and Earth, and a visit here is truly one of the most soul-stirring, life-changing spiritual experiences. Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way through treacherous terrain to experience true paradise on earth. Hinduism, Jainism, Bon, and Buddhism hail Mount Kailash as the most sacred on earth.
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Whichever religion you may belong to, there’s no denying the fact that Mount Kailash is a one of a kind place that is too fascinating to not visit. On your journey, you will discover Buddhist traditions, monasteries, nomads, ascetics, meditation caves, never-ending grasslands, and picture perfect lakes. The father you go on this magical journey, the deeper you’ll find yourself.
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5. Maasai Mara, Kenya
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Maasai Mara is a huge game reserve in Kenya, connected with the Serengeti National Park in the neighboring Tanzania. Famous for its Masai lions, African leopards, and Tanzanian cheetahs, Maasai Mara is also host to the annual migration, known as the Great Migration, of animals like zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti.
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The animals migrate north, from the plains of Serengeti, to further south, every year in July, in serach of fertile feeding grounds. Again, in October, they make the long journey back from south to north. In essence, the animals traverse a migratory path that spans a whopping 6,000 kilometers (~ 3800 miles). Witnessing the Great Migration is a once in a lifetime opportunities to experience the circle of life going on, come rain or shine. This is one of the must-see trips in your life, and not just on your list of soul-searching trips.
6. Victoria Falls, Africa
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The largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls, situated at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is so breathtaking and striking, that you might just forget every worry and problem you may have. The sheer force and volume of the Zambezi River water flowing, culminating in the grandeur that is Victoria Falls, gives new meaning to magnificence. In the face of such sheer natural force, your issues and problems will suddenly seem small, if not trivial. This is nature at its forceful best.
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Lose yourself in the wilds of Chobe National Park, which boasts the world’s largest herds of African elephant, hippos, impalas, buffalo, zebras and several other predators. Leave behind your worldly worries at the threshold to experience nature’s gift of exquisite fauna to its full extent. You might even meet yourself in the wild, if you’re keen enough!
7. Trans-Siberian Railway
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Several travelers across the world have claimed that the Trans-Siberian railway is one of the most fascinating journeys that one can take. Being the longest railway line in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway line spans a whopping 9,289 km (5,722 miles), and was built from 1891 to 1916. It traverses through a record seven time zones and takes about eight days to complete the journey.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is also the third longest continuous journey that one can make by rail. The complex rail network links hundreds of remote cities, and connects Moscow with the Russian Far-East and the Sea of Japan. The long journey should be planned carefully, because isn’t really a hop-on, hop-off affair. So you’d be better off planning the different legs of the journey separately.
8. Pushkar, India
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The state of Rajasthan is a unique place in all of India. A whole different terrain, culture, and cuisine from the rest of the country, Rajasthan is a sight to behold. The various hues, the cultural and religious history, coupled with numerous temples, magnificent forts, and splendid palaces – offer up something new on your lonely walkabout.
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While there are several small and big cities in Rajasthan that are beautiful in their own right, Pushkar takes the cake. This small and peaceful city is housed around a majestic lake, which is considered sacred by its inhabitants. The lake is said to be the tears of Lord Shiva, which he shed after the death of his wife, Sati. The entire city has an aura of spiritual mysticism, that draws you in and calms your soul. Visit a temple or two, and you’ll find peace.
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9. Sri Lanka
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The Emerald Island is steeped in strong spiritual history, where you can go for a meditation retreat. The spectacular beaches, the serene ashrams, the many temples dedicated to Buddha, are all sure to bring you peace and closer to yourself like no other place. Visit Sigiriya, the 5th Century Lion Rock fortress, the Dambulla Rock Caves, and also the reclining Buddha and temple at Polonnaruwa.
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Oh, and don’t miss visiting the famed Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada, meaning sacred footprint. It’s a depression in the shape of a foot, that Hindus believe to be of Lord Shiva’s, while Muslims and Christians believe it to be of Adam’s. However, it’s considered to be the most sacred place for Buddhists because they believe it to be of Buddha’s footprint. A trek through these amazing places is sure to bring you harmony and peace to your inner self!
These are the destinations we recommend you put on your list of soul-searching trips around the world. From mountains to spiritual places to waterfalls to a soul-searching train journey, we have it all in this list. You just need to pack your bags and get going!
Featured image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
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