The Power of Transformational Travel and finding your Y.
When Y Travel was founded in 2020, it was built on the belief that travel has the power to be truly transformative. This philosophy is embodied in our 8 'Pillars of Passion'—our Y Factors. We believe that travel is more than just a change of scenery; it's an opportunity for growth, discovery, and connection. If you're wanting to travel with purpose and passion, join us as we explore some Y Factor inspirations designed to help you find your own (potentially) life-changing Travel Y.
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
Y Factor: Adventure
In The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews sings about "climbing every mountain until you find your dream," but you don’t need to conquer Everest to have a life-changing trekking experience. Imagine the unparalleled sense of accomplishment from watching the sunrise from the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Or picture yourself following ancient Incan trails to Machu Picchu, where the ruins and views will leave you breathless. Perhaps you'll tackle Mt Toubkal in Morocco, where the Atlas Mountains offer both challenge and beauty. Patagonia, at the southern tip of South America, boasts breathtaking landscapes and pristine wilderness, while the Scottish Highlands offer a serene and soul-stirring adventure with their rolling hills and rugged terrain. If you’re into hiking and getting amongst nature in its purest form, there are boundless mountains for you. No matter where you choose to trek, the world’s most iconic trails offer more than just stunning views—they invite you to embark on a personal journey of discovery, adventure, and transformation.
Machu Picchu
DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE TALENTS
Y Factor: Artistry
They say there's an artist inside everyone, just waiting for the right moment to shine, and travel is the perfect time to uncover your hidden talents. If you have ever thumbed through the pages of Vogue and dreamed of designing haute couture in Paris, a morning spent in a chic atelier, learning the secrets of fashion & design from a master couturier could be your first step towards designing your new life. Or perhaps you're more drawn to tactile arts - crafting pottery in a sun-drenched Moroccan studio or experimenting with fabric printing in vibrant India. For a different kind of creative adventure, let your camera guide you through a street-photography excursion in bustling New York, or slow down to capture the dramatic landscapes of the world with like-minded shutter-bugs on a small group tour hosted by a professional photographer. From half-day creative workshops to specialist immersive journeys lasting weeks or even months, these artistic experiences offer more than just the opportunity to unlock a new skill; they may even inspire a creative new career!
Textile Workshop in Kolkata, India
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Y Factor: Culture & Community
To truly experience a destination, why not swap your hotel for a stay that immerses you in the heart of the community and offers a unique insight into local life? Traditional home-style accommodations help travellers feel more connected to the essence of the culture and lifestyle of those who have lived there for generations. Imagine staying in a traditional Hanok in Seoul, where every detail—from the wooden beams to the serene courtyards—whispers tales of Korean history. Or enjoy the tranquil simplicity of a Ryokan in Japan, where tatami mats and onsen baths provide a window into Japanese culture. For a more rustic experience, spend a night in a yurt in Mongolia, or embrace the desert ambience in a Bedouin tent in Morocco. In the remote foothills of the Indian Himalayas, we love Shakti Lodges (especially the stunning Shakti 360), which blend authentic local design with understated luxury. Of course, ‘traditional’ doesn’t have to mean 'basic'; there are plenty of local ‘home-style’ living experiences worldwide that combine cultural, architectural, and design elements with all the comforts and amenities of a boutique hotel, but with an authentic local twist.
Japanese Ryokan
EMPOWER THOSE LESS FORTUNATE
Y Factor: Generosity
Integrating generosity into your travels doesn't require grand commitments or dedicated “voluntourism” trips. Even small acts can make a significant impact in destinations where the local communities are less fortunate. At Y Travel, we can help you incorporate kindness and generosity into your itinerary, in a way that is meaningful to you, whether it's choosing accommodations that prioritize local employment and suppliers, purchasing from artisan markets, or participating in brief community visits. These choices support local economies and foster meaningful cultural exchanges.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider joining our exclusive ‘Travel the Y Way’ 11-day small group journey to Uganda. Hosted by Yvonne Verstandig and author Suzy Zail, this trip combines luxury accommodations with opportunities to contribute to local projects, meet community changemakers, and make a lasting difference in the lives of local girls. Whether you opt for this dedicated journey or prefer smaller gestures during your travels, remember that true generosity in travel is about giving as much as receiving, leaving a positive footprint wherever you go.
Suzy in Uganda
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Y Factor: Nature & Sustainability
Animal tourism has come a long way in recent decades, focusing on ethical and sustainable interactions with wildlife in their natural environments, with as little human intervention as possible. These ‘hands-off’ wildlife experiences are truly transformational as they allow us to view the majesty of the animal kingdom up close but without interference. Imagine embracing your inner Jane Goodall as you trek through the lush forests of Rwanda to observe the spectacular mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, or feeding giraffes from the comfort of your breakfast table at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where these gentle giants roam the grounds and are part of everyday life. For a more remote adventure, head north to the Arctic on a guided tour with Natural Habitat Adventures to observe polar bears in their icy kingdom, or explore the Galapagos Islands on a luxurious chartered expedition yacht with &Beyond, complete with knowledgeable and experienced naturalist. Around the globe, it is also possible to visit animal rehabilitation sanctuaries, for animals that have been injured and face certain death if sent back into the wild. These transformational travel encounters offer more than just a glimpse into the animal kingdom—they're about learning and contributing to the conservation efforts that help preserve these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Natural Habitat Adventures
CELEBRATE DELICIOUSNESS
Y Factor: Taste
Food is the heartbeat of every culture, and celebrating regional cuisines is a delicious way to create memories that go beyond sights or emotions, moving into the realm of sensory experiences. The exotic scent of spices in the air, or a single bite of a certain dish can immediately transport you back in time and place. While many hotels worldwide now include local gastronomic experiences for their guests - from in-house cooking schools to specialised local menus - another way to incorporate the transformational Y Factor of 'Taste' into your travels is to time your journeys to coincide with some of the world's most exciting food festivals, where food and culture joyfully come together. Picture yourself at Naples' Pizza Festival, where over a million visitors gather to devour thousands of pizzas in just ten days. Or indulge in poutine at Ottawa's Poutine Festival, a celebration of Canada's most famous comfort food. For chocolate lovers, the Salon Du Chocolat Festival in Paris, New York, or Quito (the chocolate capital of the world) offers a paradise of tastings and culinary workshops. If paella is more your style, the International Paella Competition in Getxo, Spain, is a chance to sample delicious creations (at a very appetising €1 per plate) while cheering on the competitors. And if you're feeling thirsty after all that eating, don’t forget Oktoberfest in Munich, where the beer flows and the festive spirit is as refreshing as the brews—all 13 million pints poured each year!
Oktoberfest in Munich
A PILGRIMS JOURNEY
Y Factor: The Unexpected
Spiritual pilgrimages often hold deep religious significance, but they can be personally transformative for anyone, regardless of beliefs. For cricket fans, it could be travelling to the home of the Ashes, Lord's in England, or for golfers, playing 18 holes at St Andrews in Scotland is on par (no pun intended) with getting closer to God. One of the world's most famous spiritual pilgrimages, the Camino de Santiago, or "The Way," in northern Spain, is a prime example of a transformational journey that transcends ideology. Each year, approximately 400,000 pilgrims must walk at least the final 100 kilometres of the 800km trail, passing through stunning landscapes and staying in basic accommodations along the route to complete their pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela. It's a journey that challenges and transforms, offering a chance to reflect, connect with fellow pilgrims, and find clarity. And once you've reached your destination? Tucked behind the Cathedral de Santiago, is A Quinta Da Auga, a beautiful family-run Relais & Chateaux property where you can rest in rustic comfort, enjoy mouthwatering regional cuisine, and even treat yourself to their 'Pilgrim's Ritual' spa treatment. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a deeper connection with yourself, a pilgrimage is about more than just reaching your destination—it's about the journey and the personal and spiritual revelations that unfold along the way.
A Quinta Da Auga
REBOOT YOUR HEALTH
Y Factor: Well-being
In our busy lives, taking a break to focus on health and well-being can be truly transformative. Luxurious wellness retreats around the world offer the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your body and soul, designed to kickstart a wellness journey that can be incorporated into your daily life long after you have returned home. Often set in the world's most stunning natural environments (because nothing says wellness quite like being surrounded by nature), spending time at these retreats is like hitting the reset button for your body and mind. No matter what your goal may be—whether it's turning on your 'Out of Office' for a relaxing, interruption-free digital detox, starting the journey towards a physical transformation with delectable healthy food and a personalised training plan, or even finding a more holistic approach to addressing chronic medical issues—these retreats provide the space and support needed to return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and well on your way to the healthiest version of yourself. We love the COMO properties for their integration of health and wellbeing into all their hotels worldwide, especially their dedicated COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud, Bali, a paradise of relaxation and healing. If you're after a more scientifically-based health holiday that also incorporates pampering and natural therapies, Bangkok's RAKxa Integrative Wellness Retreat integrates state-of-the-art medical analysis and treatments with traditional Eastern techniques to bring harmonious balance back to your mind and body. So much more than just a relaxing vacation, a journey to a health-focused retreat is a transformational investment in yourself, your well-being, and your future.
RAKxa Integrative Wellness
Whether you're after adventure, creativity, community, or well-being, our Y Factors are here to guide you towards experiences that resonate with your soul, and we love nothing more than creating life-changing journeys for our Y Travellers. So what are you waiting for? Discover your Travel Y with us, and let the journey of transformation begin.