As we turn the page to a new year, it’s natural to ask some of life’s bigger questions: Am I living my best life? Am I living with purpose? Am I living responsibly? Am I engaging the world deeply? And even – am I fulfilled? For many, a life filled with experiences that connect us to others, challenge us to grow, and inspire us to see the world anew makes it easier to feel satisfied and gratified with the answers to those questions.

At Journeys International, these questions inspired us to reflect deeply on what drives our mission. During our 2024 Strategy Retreat, we revisited and expanded our core values to better reflect who we are and what we believe travel can offer. Alongside reaffirming our commitments to play, connection, honoring Earth, forward thinking, reflection, assuming positive intentions, and a can-do spirit, our discussions led us to add cross-cultural engagement and integrity as guiding principles. These values are the foundation of meaningful travel, shaping transformative experiences that inspire growth, connection, and purpose.

This year, we invite you to reflect on how travel and other adventurous experiences have created opportunities for personal growth and how prioritizing adventure and cultural connection can make 2025 your most fulfilling year yet.

Rafting in Costa RicaWhy Experiences Matter

Research consistently shows that while material possessions may bring fleeting satisfaction, impactful experiences create lasting fulfillment. A study from Cornell University found that the joy derived from significant experiences often grows over time, while the novelty of material goods fades. Why? Because experiences become part of who we are, weaving into the fabric of our identity and relationships.

Neuroscience further reveals that revisiting memories of meaningful experiences engages the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, an area tied to personal identity and introspection. Reliving memories releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” strengthening emotional connections with the people and places that shaped those moments. Even the inevitable challenges of travel—missed trains, language barriers, or sudden downpours—become cherished stories of resilience and growth. Psychologists call this phenomenon “rosy retrospection,” where we recall past difficulties with pride and even fondness.

Meaningful experiences remind us that fulfillment doesn’t come from avoiding challenges but from embracing them, connecting with others, and creating stories that endure.

Adventure: Growth Through ChallengeTrekking group

Adventures compel us to step beyond the familiar, inviting us to grow in ways we never imagined. Whether it’s trekking through dense rainforest, navigating the vibrant chaos of a local market, or delving deep into questions of the cosmos under a canopy of stars on a clear desert night, adventure challenges us to expand our boundaries and discover new facets of ourselves.

Scientific research supports the transformative power of adventure. Novel and challenging experiences stimulate the hippocampus, enhancing memory formation and learning. They also boost the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes resilience and adaptability. These moments of uncertainty and perseverance teach us to embrace the unfamiliar, reminding us that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.

Adventure isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s about transformation. It fosters curiosity, builds confidence, and leaves us with stories that define not only our journeys but also who we are.

Group of African women from Samburu tribe, central Kenya, Africa. Samburu tribe is one of the biggest tribes of north-central Kenya, and they are related to the Maasai.Cross-Cultural Engagement: A Bridge to Meaning

Immersing ourselves in different cultures offers one of the most profound ways to foster personal growth and connection. Neuroscientific studies show that engaging with diverse customs and learning new languages enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This adaptability makes us more creative, empathetic, and open-minded.

Cultural engagement also deepens our sense of compassion. Sharing a meal with a family in a remote village, participating in a local celebration, or learning traditional crafts fosters authentic connections that transcend borders. These moments activate neural pathways associated with understanding and empathy, reminding us of our shared humanity and the beauty of diversity.

Travel’s greatest gift is often its ability to challenge our assumptions, broaden our perspectives, and connect us with people and ways of life we might never have encountered otherwise. It’s in these connections that we find meaning and build bridges of understanding.


Setting Intentions for 2025Stalking cheetah watched with safari vehicle background - Masai Mara, Kenya

As you look to the year ahead, consider how adventure and cross-cultural connection can enhance your fulfillment. Prioritize experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect you to the world around you. Make plans for that long-dreamed-of journey, commit to elevate moments of curiosity within your daily routine, and decide to immerse yourself in a culture that broadens your perspective.

Fulfillment doesn’t come from what we own but from the moments that shape us. By choosing to explore, connect, and grow, you can craft a year filled with transformative experiences and lasting memories.

The world is waiting. Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery, connection, and transformation—together. Tell us what adventure you dream of, and we can provide a consultation on joining a Rare Journey group trip or curating the right private custom adventure.

References

  • Kumar, A., Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilovich, T. (2014). Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory consumption of experiential and material purchases. Psychological Science, 25(10), 1924-1931.
  • Van Boven, L., & Gilovich, T. (2003). To do or to have? That is the question. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(6), 1193-1202.
  • Kuhl, P. K. (2011). Early language learning and the social brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(Supplement_3), 20436-20443.
  • Immordino-Yang, M. H., & Damasio, A. (2007). We feel, therefore we learn: The relevance of affective and social neuroscience to education. Mind, Brain, and Education, 1(1), 3-10.