When you ask someone why they travel, the answer might sound simple: to relax, to escape, to explore.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover something much more meaningful.
That’s exactly what we did in the newly released 2023 Travel Coach Network Survey, where over 400 travelers shared their true motivations for hitting the road – and the results are a powerful reminder of why travel coaching matters now more than ever.
From personal transformation and empowerment to cultural curiosity and emotional healing, this survey reveals the real reasons people choose to travel – and how coaches can tap into these deeper desires to better support and connect with their clients.
In this article, we’re breaking down the top insights from the survey and showing you how to use them in your travel coaching practice, content, and client communication.
About the Author: Sahara Rose DeVore
Hi, I’m Sahara Rose DeVore
I’m a world traveler turned entrepreneur, and the founder of The Travel Coach Network and the first ICF-accredited Travel Coach Certification Program™.
After solo traveling to 84+ countries and building a purpose-driven travel business, I now empower fellow wanderers and wanderlusters to turn their passion for travel into meaningful, impactful careers.
My work has been featured in 175+ media outlets including Forbes, CNN Travel, and Condé Nast Traveller.
Learn more about me and The Travel Coach Network when you click here.
Free Economy Class TCN Membership: Learn About Travel Coaching
Don’t have enough time to read this whole article?
Click here to get access to the FREE TCN Membership!
The Economy Class Membership for the Travel Coach Network includes:
– Travel Coaching 101 Masterclass
– Travel Coach Workbook
– Downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Travel Coaching
Why People Really Travel
In the newly released 2023 Travel Coach Network Survey, we asked 402 of our members* to vote on the deeper and more personal reasons for why they travel.
The results revealed that personal development, which involves self-discovery, feeling fulfilled, transformation, self-confidence, empowerment, reaching personal goals, getting out of your comfort zone, challenging yourself, self-love, enriching your life, and going on a spiritual journey, ranked the highest in responses (17.44%).
The second highest response (16.86%) was related to experiencing and learning about new cultures and trying new cultural foods.
Education ranked third highest (13.18%) as a response which included fulfilling a sense of curiosity, learning about history, the planet, expanding your world views, and gaining new perspectives.
The other twelve categories included topics like a sense of freedom, relaxation, creating life-long memories, healing and inner peace, exploration and discovery, human connection, having new experiences, escapism, feeling alive, and visiting new places.
What this survey indicates is that people naturally turn to travel for reasons far beyond just laying on a beach, dining at five-star restaurants, visiting popular landmarks, flying on a plane, having fun, and relaxing.
This is not surprising, given that the act of traveling is deeply ingrained within us as humans. Throughout various stages of life, we naturally gravitate towards travel, each time driven by distinct motivations due to the profound effects it has on our mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical well-being.
What travel coaches within The Travel Coach Network believe in is the powerful impact that travel has on us and our life while helping clients use travel as a tool for transformation, change, results, healing, growth, and reaching personal or professional goals, depending on their specific desires and needs.
The insights from this survey offer valuable content that can be effectively incorporated into your marketing and communication strategies when engaging with your ideal clientele as a travel coach.
You can download the report on the TCN site here:
https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/resources
*Everyone who participated is not a travel coach or owns a travel business but everyone who participated does travel for their own reasons.
Listen to the Travel Coach Network Podcast
If you love listening to, learning about, and discussing topics like these in the travel industry, then you’ll love this show!
You can find it on any major podcast player.
Free Resources for Future Travel Coaches
Check out these other free resources for aspiring travel coaches:
- Listen to the Travel Coach Network Podcast
This is the perfect way to learn all about travel coaching, no matter where you are in your business journey. - Access the FREE, Economy Class of the TCN Membership
This includes a free masterclass and workbook to help you learn more about travel coaching! - Join the FREE Travel Coach Community Facebook Group
Be around inspiring and aspiring travel coaches who are just as passionate about travel as you. - Connect with the Travel Coach Network on Instagram
Have a quick question? Send us a DM! You’ll hear from me or a member of my team quickly.
