There are many reasons why people go on vacations, like reducing stress, taking a break from work, and building relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Vacations are for enjoying activities in favorite places, exploring new locations for the pure sport of adventure, and for reflecting on our existences and appreciating the hard work we’ve accomplished throughout the year. Vacations are important for all of us, no matter what physical condition we’re in.

But for those of us who fight physical and psychological trauma over long periods of time, we have to work twice as hard on a daily basis for the job that pays our bills, but also for our pain management and recovery. Everybody at some point needs an escape for mental refreshment or healing. These breaks away from work are not just for mental healing, but a celebration of life as we acknowledge and appreciate all we do.

Because each of us are at different ability levels, advice on traveling for mental healing will be capably acceptable for some and not the best fit for others. With this in mind, here are my tips for traveling to encourage reflection and mental healing:

1. Do Your Homework Before You Pack

My first recommendation, especially for those of us with an impairment, is to do your homework before you choose to travel. Getting there and realizing the hotels or venues you’re there to experience are not accessible will not help you achieve your vacation goals. Check out reviews. Try contacting venues and locations to make sure your experience will be worthwhile!

2. Define Your Goals

Before you travel, ask yourself questions to confirm your goals have the means to put you on a higher plane, boost your confidence, and rejuvenate energy levels so you can continue a stronger journey forward. Questions to consider:

• What are you attempting to accomplish?

• Are the activities you have in mind attainable?

• Is your trip a spiritual retreat, physical adventure, or both?

3. Document Your Thoughts

You might consider journaling your thoughts prior to your trip of all you intend to conquer, whether it be peace and enlightenment or something more concrete. Journaling the positives and negatives you may encounter is also helpful: when the positives occur you’re grateful, and if a negative appears you can anticipate and overcome the challenge. Above all, remember that you’re going on this journey to have fun!

4. Focus on Introspection

The idea behind a healing and reflective vacation is to spark your personal growth and reclaim something missing within you. However, what’s misplaced doesn’t necessarily need to be a recreation of something you’ve done in the past. Use your imagination to find something new that’s all yours to create. If you listen closely, you may even find that your heart and soul are reaching out to you about that next destination. Once you’ve locked it in, build what it takes to make the adventure a reality — even if you have to go it alone.

Yes, I said that! Determination builds confidence, and sometimes we need it to cross over and make the dream trip a reality. Once you do, you’ll be surprised by how you feel.

5. Take the Leap of Faith!

Now we’re finally in that place of what to do, which can certainly be a leap of faith moment. You don’t need to reach for the stars and there’s nothing wrong with being a little conservative. For instance, your choices might include a petting zoo for a warm up, then a sailing cruise at sunset and dolphin watching. (Kiawah Island, South Carolina is also great option!) There are bigger things to do and see, but they also require more planning and patience. No matter the level, anything is possible with a little ingenuity.

Have you ever been to the east or west coast of the United States and watched a sunrise or a sunset? How about camping at an accessible site followed by some stargazing? Do you have binoculars? How about camping in the backyard one weekend before deciding on a vacation just to see if the dry run brings other things to mind as they relate to your limitations? Have you ever seen the International Space Station flyby overhead? All you need is the app on your phone, a little timing and patience and you’re there!

Remember, the destination isn’t what makes the vacation. It’s the journey and what you seek in being there.

For those of you traveling with limitations, I encourage you to reach out with some of your favorite locations and activities that assisted in improving your mental well-being. Please feel free to reach out to me in the comments here or on social media: I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.