Best Travel Experiences for Personal Growth, By Enneagram Type

As a long-term traveler, I’m regularly confronted with the question of meaning in my day-to-day existence, and I often wonder what motivates the many beings I encounter around the world. Do they travel to learn? To relax? To distract themselves from something? To find a better way to live?

After nearly two decades of exploring, I’ve learned that travel – even in small doses and even in places close to home – is transformative. And, by creating intentional travel plans with our personality type in mind, we can ensure that these changes are conducive to self-growth.

One gift of the Enneagram is that it nudges us to see how we thrive, how we’re challenged and the sweet space between comfort and discomfort that lends itself to personal development. The following travel-related motivations and reflections on each of the nine Enneagram types offer guidance and inspiration for those seeking to expand horizons beyond the scope of a typical vacation.

Type 1: Pilgrimage

Motivation: I travel with a clear purpose.

Growth opportunity: To appreciate the unknown.

Enneagram Type Ones thrive on a well-thought-out and well-planned trip that resonates with a personal goal or intention. Pilgrimages, regardless of destination, offer both structure and purpose to the Perfectionist seeking to expand their comfort zone.

The word “pilgrimage” tends to evoke religious connotations and an arduous voyage, and traditional pilgrimage routes and places nudge us towards introspection, often in unforeseen ways. However, a pilgrimage can refer to any self-reflective excursion to a personally-significant destination. The naturally flowing nature of a pilgrimage also lends itself to the Perfectionist’s organizational preferences. When travel feels like it has a beginning, middle and end, Ones can relax, open up, and enjoy the process of searching for whatever they are pursuing.

Inspiration: Camino de Santiago; Jerusalem; the Appalachian Trail; a trip to the place of origin of your ancestors.

Type 2: Volunteering Abroad

Motivation: I travel to offer help to those in need.

Growth Opportunity: To nourish yourself while nurturing others.

Enneagram Twos are in their element when they’re caring or being cared for, and this extends to travel. These days, the trend of “voluntourism” is so widespread that it’s been termed, and endless possibilities exist for the Givers of the Enneagram to offer support, assistance and compassion in any environment that beckons. Along with whatever skills Twos contribute when volunteering, collaborating with people from different backgrounds offers new perspectives and enhances their sense of belonging in the world.

Since Twos are often inclined to overextend their helping hand and drain their “Giver” battery, it’s important for them to schedule time for self-care and rest, even if the intention of travel is to be of service.

Inspiration: Teaching English, formally or informally; skill shares; exploring Workaway, HelpX, WWOOF, or similar sites for work trade opportunities around the world.

Type 3: Cultural Excursion

Motivation: I travel to add value to my life.

Growth Opportunity: To form authentic connections.

Type Threes seek experiences that feel worthwhile or productive. When focusing on personal growth, this drive for “successful” travel might translate to embarking on goal-oriented trips, creating valuable memories or mastering new skills. Immersion in a new language, discovering a physical or artistic ability or simply forming unexpected friendships in a beautiful setting help Threes find this satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Since Achievers typically feel best with a touch of luxury, they benefit from staying at a boutique or family-style lodge that offers deep dives into the landscape or heart of a culture. In intimate community settings, their natural charisma won’t go unnoticed.

Inspiration: Cooking or dance classes; traditional handicraft workshops; diving or kitesurfing lessons.

Type 4: Backpacking

Motivation: I travel to embrace new experiences and sensations.

Growth opportunity: To objectively witness thoughts and emotions.

Authentic exchanges and culturally-rich settings call to Enneagram Fours from afar. Although it’s not necessary to circle the world in search of these qualities, extended travel encourages us to appreciate the beauty of every moment. Individualists thrive as they forge their own way through inspiring landscapes and the unique encounters that surface from allowing space for improvisation while traveling.

Backpacking trips don’t need to imply physical hardship, a heavy bag or food rationing. In this context, we’re referring to any travel that involves go-with-the-flow movement, minimal luggage, and an open mind. The thrill of new experiences and feelings lends itself to self-reflection and personal insight – especially if Type Fours focus on seeing beyond their emotional ups and downs at the world that surrounds them!

Inspiration: Off-the-beaten-path destinations; loosely planned trips throughout Latin America, Southeast Asia or Europe; Sailing excursions.

Type 5: Visiting Historical or Cultural Sites

Motivation: I travel to better understand the world.

Growth Opportunity: To share with others.

Curious and independent by nature, Type Fives instinctively gravitate towards travel destinations abundant in cultural, historical or geographical significance. Whether exploring ancient temples, contemplating modern art or wandering through a redwood forest, they feel both engaged and uplifted as they integrate new places and perspectives into their vast inner world.

Investigators typically prefer to travel slowly and intuitively in quiet places where they can find solitude to observe and reflect. However, connecting with others, even in small ways, allows them not only to share their unique knowledge and gifts but also to learn and receive guidance from fellow travelers.

Inspiration: Museums; national parks; Aztec or Mayan ruins; interest-based travel.

Type 6: Boat Tour

Motivation: I travel to reaffirm who I am.

Growth Opportunity: To practice confidence and release insecurities.

For Enneagram Sixes, organized trips provide a solid foundation for meaningful travel. When details are planned, our Skeptics can relax and devote their energy to experiencing new dimensions of life from a grounded and centered mental space.

Boat tours, or other meticulously planned trips with detailed itineraries, help Sixes feel both comfortable and safe. The freedom from daily responsibilities offers a blank slate for them to reflect on priorities while enjoying pre-arranged excursions. Add the element of water, especially in the form of the ocean, and you get an ideal setting for Sixes to find inner calmness, let go of worries and appreciate life.

Inspiration: Cruises or resorts with activities and excursions; intimate private boat trips; island hopping in the Philippines or Caribbean.

Type 7: Walking, Biking or Train Journey

Motivation: I travel in search of adventure.

Growth Opportunity: To fully embrace the present moment.

Adventure travel lends itself to the nature of Enneagram Sevens – these types are outgoing, optimistic and ready to explore. Rapidly changing scenery, regardless of whether it’s from a high-intensity physical challenge or a leisurely train ride, promises moments worthy of enthusiasm.

Inside the Seven’s expedition into the unknown is a valuable growth path – to slow down, even when moving quickly, and appreciate each step of a journey, including its obstacles. With an intent focus on the “here and now,” Type Sevens shine as the curious and fun-loving beings that they are, lifting others along their way.

Inspiration: Flexible multi-stop train tickets in the U.S. or Europe; group cycling tours; long-distance treks.

Type 8: Exploring the Wonders of the World

Motivation: I travel to feel empowered.

Growth opportunity: To release control.

Earth’s wonders, both natural and manmade, provide Type Eights with meaningful and awe-inspiring travel experiences. Self-planned explorations of geographic phenomena, adventures through panoramic scenery and contemplation of ancient cities all appeal to the Challenger’s propensity for independent, thought-provoking quests.

Physical challenges, places with unique histories and cultures and rarely seen sights innately appeal to Eights. If they surrender their inherent desire to control details and allow others to help navigate, they’ll return home with much more than memories.

Inspiration: Angkor Wat, Cambodia; the Great Pyramids; Stonehenge; Taj Mahal; the Grand Canyon.

Type 9: Personal Retreat

Motivation: I travel to relax and reset.

Growth opportunity: To actively engage, rather than passively observe.

Although a quiet environment doesn’t always translate to inner peace, it certainly helps. Enneagram Nines are known to pursue both an inner and outer sense of harmony, and they benefit from spending time in settings designed for those seeking well-being.

The intention of a retreat is to relax, introspect and contemplate without the distraction of daily activities. That being said, retreat communities and programs come in all shapes and sizes. Peacemakers can enjoy both solo and group retreat environments and will find endless opportunities for self-transformation by participating fully and wholeheartedly in any activity or intention they choose to pursue.

Inspiration: Yoga or meditation centers; silent retreats; secluded huts or cabins; health or wellness programs.

Final Thoughts

For better or worse, travel forces us to explore and examine not only the world but also ourselves. Although there’s certainly a time and place for a simple summer holiday or a week at the beach, growth-oriented journeys can serve us in profound ways. Our Enneagram type, along with the motivation for self-understanding, can guide us towards experiences that will both nourish and challenge us to be the best version of ourselves – wherever we happen to be.