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- even if you've never put yourself first before.

Everything you want to know - no fluff, just straight talk.

You have questions? I have answers

Planning a big trip or want to change your life? It stirs up a million questions - that’s totally normal. I’ve rounded up the juiciest FAQs to cut through the noise and get you pumped and confident for your next adventure. Don’t see your question? Just ask.

What is the difference between travel coaching and travel planning?

Coaching is all about getting clear on what you really want from your trips (and life!) - like reconnecting with yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, or finally ticking off that bucket list.

Travel planning is where I take the reins and book everything for you. Together? It’s pure magic.

Which service is right for me?

If you're still figuring out where to go, when, or what kind of experience you're really craving - start with travel coaching.

If you already know what you want and just need someone to bring it to life (flights, hotels, activities, logistics) - travel planning is the way to go.

Not sure? Book a free call and I’ll help you work it out.

Do I have to use both the travel coaching and the travel planning service?

Not at all! You can pick whichever suits you - coaching for the soul shifts, done-for-you planning for the smooth trips, or both if you want the ultimate magic combo.

And honestly? If you do both, I give you a killer discount because they work like a dream together.

Can I start with coaching and add planning later?

Absolutely. Many clients begin with coaching to get clarity, then move into full-service planning once they know exactly what kind of trip they want. But there's no pressure to do so.

Can I use your travel coaching even if I want to book it all myself?

Yes! Coaching is perfect if you're a DIY traveller who wants expert advice without handing over the booking. You’ll leave with a clear plan, tailored recommendations, and insider tips - no guesswork, no overwhelm.

Do you offer a bundle if I want both?

Yes - right now, there’s a special offer! If you book travel coaching with me, you’ll get £100 off the cost of your holiday if you go on to book your trip through me.

There’s no discount on travel planning fees (because I don’t charge any!), but this is a great way to turn your coaching insights into real-life travel - and save a bit while you’re at it.

Do I have to be planning a far-away or expensive trip for your services?

Not at all! While I specialise in bucket list trips, that doesn’t mean your holiday has to be far-flung or break the bank. Sometimes the most meaningful travel experiences are closer to home or perfectly tailored to your budget.

Whether it’s a short break that feels like a true escape or a grand adventure, I’m here to help you create a trip that fits your dreams and your reality.

Do I have to travel solo if I use your travel coaching or planning services?

Absolutely not! Whether you want to travel with family, friends, a partner, or even join a small group, I tailor everything around your preferences.

Travel coaching and planning are all about making your trip work for you - with the people you want by your side, at your pace, and in the style you love.

Everything you want to know - no fluff, just straight talk.

Travel Coaching

Thinking about travel coaching? It’s still pretty new here in the UK, so no wonder it sparks a lot of questions. Whether you’re planning a big trip or looking to transform your life through travel, I’ve gathered the most common FAQs to clear up the confusion and get you excited and ready. Don’t see your question? Just ask - I’m here to help.

What is travel coaching?

Travel coaching is me helping you to use travel as a tool to create a better, more fulfilling life. It helps you get clear on what you really want — not just from your next holiday, but from your time, energy, and experiences. We’ll figure out where to go, when to go, and how to make it meaningful.

Who is travel coaching for?

Travel coaching is for people who want more than just time off - they want a trip that means something. It’s ideal if you’re at a crossroads, craving change, or asking “is this it?” and wondering if travel could be the reset button you need. Whether you’re planning a big bucket-list adventure, navigating a life transition, or just feeling stuck in the day-to-day, this is for you.

If you want your next trip to feel purposeful, exciting, and true to you - travel coaching is the place to start.

What do I get when I book travel coaching with you?

Your coaching journey is built around three key 1:1 Zoom calls - each one designed to move you closer to the trip (and life) you want. We’ll dive into what’s driving your desire to travel, explore your options, and shape a journey that feels aligned, exciting, and totally doable.

You’ll also get a Customised Roadmaps for every step after each call. Plus, ongoing support to keep you confident, clear, and excited - whether that’s ironing out last-minute details, celebrating breakthroughs, or tackling unexpected curveballs. Think of me as your travel sidekick, ready to jump in whenever you need.

How much do your travel coaching services cost?

My 1:1 travel coaching service costs £249. This includes personalised support to help you get clarity on your dream trip - where to go, when to go, what to include, and how to make it happen in a way that improves your life.

Everything you want to know - no fluff, just straight talk.

Travel Planning

Planning a holiday can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you know exactly where you want to go or need help piecing it all together, I’ve pulled together the top FAQs to make things simple and stress-free. If you don’t see your question here, just drop me a line. I’m ready to make your next trip smooth and unforgettable.

What makes your trips different from the ones I could book on my own?

I don’t do cookie-cutter holidays. Every trip I plan is designed around you - your style, your dreams, your must-haves.

I mix insider knowledge, secret gems, and a few wow-factor surprises to turn your holiday into something that feels epic, effortless, and unforgettable.

Can you save me money compared to booking myself?

Absolutely. On average, my clients save over £2,000 because I know all the secret spots to snag the best deals, juicy upgrades, and insider perks -without you wasting hours doom-scrolling through 57 booking sites.

What is the Dream Holiday Kickstarter Call?

The Dream Holiday Call is a 30-minute, free consultation designed to help you jump-start your ideal holiday planning. Whether you're unsure where to start or want expert guidance on planning your dream trip, this call will set you on the right path.

Do I have to book my holiday with you after a Dream Holiday Kickstarter Call?

No, there’s no obligation to book your holiday with me after the call. The goal of the Dream Holiday Kickstarter Call is to provide you with expert advice and guidance. If you feel that my services are a good fit for you, I’d be happy to help you plan your dream trip. But if not, you'll still walk away with valuable insights to move forward on your own.

Do you offer ABTA and ATOL protection?

Yes, I my services are ABTA and ATOL protected, ensuring that your holiday is safe and secure. This means that you can have peace of mind throughout your trip.

How much do your travel planning services cost?

For full-service travel planning, I book your trip at no extra cost to you — I earn a commission from trusted suppliers, not from you. In 2024 on average clients saved over £2,000 and 19 hours of time by working with me.

Tips, tales, and travel hacks you’ll love.

Fresh Travel Inspiration & Tips

Ready to level up your wanderlust? Dive into my latest blog posts loaded with insider hacks, real-deal stories, and fresh sparks to fire up your next epic adventure.

Travel with a Purpose: Why Your Next Holiday Needs More Than Just a Flight and a Hotel

August 01, 20256 min read

Travel with a Purpose: Why Your Next Holiday Needs More Than Just a Flight and a Hotel

Let’s be honest - anyone can book a holiday. You find a deal, click a few buttons, and boom: you’re off. But here’s the thing I’ve learned after years of planning bucket-list trips and coaching people through travel that actually changes their lives: a holiday and a purpose-driven journey are not the same thing.

If you’ve ever come back from a trip feeling like you should be relaxed but instead feel… flat, disconnected, or already counting down to the next break, you’re not alone. And it probably means you’re ready for something deeper.

That’s where purpose comes in.


What Do I Mean by “Purposeful Travel”?

This isn’t about volunteering abroad or quitting your job to find yourself on a yoga mat in Bali (though those can be part of it). Purposeful travel is about intention. It’s about knowing what you want to get out of your trip - emotionally, mentally, even spiritually - and choosing a destination and plan that supports that.

It’s travel that aligns with who you are and where you are in life.

Maybe you want to:

  • Reconnect with your partner after years of focusing on the kids

  • Prove to yourself that you’re capable of something bold

  • Step away from your routines and see what’s waiting beneath them

  • Reignite your curiosity, creativity, or courage

  • Stop living on autopilot

Whatever your reason, purposeful travel is a chance to recalibrate - not just escape.


Client Story: The “We Just Need a Break” Couple

Let me tell you about Lucy and Mark. They booked a call with me saying they wanted a “nice break somewhere sunny.” Pretty standard. But when we got talking, it turned out they were on the brink of a big shift. Their last child had left for uni. They were staring at each other across the dinner table thinking, now what?

As we dug deeper, Lucy admitted she wanted to reconnect with the version of herself she’d put on the backburner for 20 years. Mark wanted a bit of adventure - something to shake them out of their routine.

So no, they didn’t need “just a break.” They needed a reset.

We planned a trip to California - not just beaches and wine tastings (though there was plenty of that) - but time to hike, get a little lost on scenic drives, have real conversations in the desert, and see what life could look like next. When they got back, Lucy messaged me and said:

“We didn’t just have a holiday. We remembered how to enjoy each other again.”

That’s what purpose does. It gives the trip weight. Meaning. Momentum.


The Problem With “Default” Travel

Here’s the trap I see people fall into all the time: they plan the same type of trip they’ve always done, or what everyone else is doing, and expect it to fill the gap they’re feeling in their life.

It doesn’t work.

If you’re exhausted, burnt out, or emotionally drained, lying on a beach with a cocktail won’t fix it. If you’re craving clarity or courage or a change of direction, a fast-paced sightseeing frenzy will just leave you tired.

Travel can absolutely help - but only when it matches your intention.


Purpose Doesn’t Mean Planning Every Second

Now, let me be clear: purpose doesn’t mean squeezing the joy out of your trip with a rigid “transform your life or else” schedule. Quite the opposite.

Some of the most powerful moments happen when you let go of the plan. When you give yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and feel something again.

But there’s a huge difference between space that’s thoughtfully created… and a trip that’s thrown together last minute and leaves you overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

Purposeful travel is about designing a framework for your experience - so the magic can happen. You’re not controlling every moment; you’re intentionally shaping the experience you want to have.


Client Story: The Woman Who Needed a Reminder

Another client, Hannah, came to me after a rough year - job stress, family pressures, general burnout. She said, “I feel like I’ve lost my spark.” She wanted to go to Japan, and she was torn between going full tourist mode or hiding in a ryokan and hoping clarity would come.

We built her a trip with just enough structure to give her direction, but tons of space to be - to wander, to sit in onsen baths, to walk through gardens with no destination. She journaled every day. She didn’t rush. She let Japan’s quiet beauty nudge her back to herself.

When we had our post-trip call, she said:

“I didn’t expect to cry in a temple, but it hit me - I’ve been rushing everything for years. I finally stopped. And now I know how I want to live.”

She came home with more than memories. She came home changed.


How to Build Purpose Into Your Next Trip

You don’t need a life coach and a spiritual awakening to plan a purposeful trip. But you do need to slow down and ask better questions.

Here’s where to start:

1. Ask yourself what you really need right now

Not what looks good online. Not what your friends are doing. What do you need? Space? Adventure? Inspiration? Healing?

2. Choose destinations that match that energy

If you want peace, don’t cram five cities into ten days. If you want growth, go somewhere that stretches you a bit. If you want connection, go somewhere that invites conversation—not just sightseeing.

3. Let go of pressure to do everything

Give yourself permission to say no to the “must-sees.” Leave space for slow mornings, spontaneous detours, or doing nothing at all.

4. Reflect as you go

Journaling, voice notes, or even daily chats with a travel coach like me can help you stay connected to your why throughout the trip.

5. Treat the return home as part of the journey

Don’t let it all fade the second you land. Take the insights with you. Make changes. Keep growing.


Final Thoughts: Travel Can Change Everything - If You Let It

You deserve more than just a break. You deserve a trip that fills you up, not just fills the calendar. A trip that reminds you who you are, what you care about, and how you want to live.

That’s what I help people do - create journeys that feed the soul, not just the itinerary.

So if you’re standing at a crossroads, or just feeling the itch that says “there’s more to life than this,” don’t wait. Let your next trip be the one that changes something. Travel with purpose. Travel like it matters. Because it does.

travel with a purposepurposeful travelintentional traveltransformational travelmeaningful holidaysself-discovery through travel

Kerry Ellis

Travel Coach & Founder of Kerry Ellis Travel. I help thoughtful travellers plan meaningful holidays that reconnect them with themselves - and the world.

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