15 Trips That Will Actually Change Your Life

Life-changing experiences — the alteration of a person's life in a meaningful way —provide our lives with purpose, happiness, and satisfaction. Many people encounter these substantial experiences by traveling.

–Nicole Dos Santos, Editor

This May, enjoy the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in a unique way by embarking on the Turkana Festival Tour. Fourteen ethnic communities gather together to showcase their cultures and traditions through song, dance, crafts, and house-building, to name a few. The two-day drive to Lake Turkana takes you through a variety of environments and you'll pass many villages on your way. It's difficult to find a more remote place in the world.

MSC Cruises partnered with Weight Watchers International to provide Rejuvenation Vacation at Sea aboard the MSC Divina from Miami. The seven-night Caribbean cruise (May 6–13, 2017) will include a number of special activities and programs such as SmartPoints Friendly Meals, customized fitness programs, Weight Watchers meetings at sea, seminars/workshops with leading industry experts, and much more. This trip allows members and guests to maintain a holistic, healthy lifestyle even while at sea.

From spectacular volcanoes to unique glaciers and beautiful mountains, there are tons of reasons Iceland should be on your travel radar. But one of the most popular reasons is the Blue Lagoon Spa. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation getaway, dip into the steamy waters, and enjoy the luxurious amenities.

If you have suffered from a recent hardship or trauma, head to Thailand and restore your well-being with the Kamalaya Embracing Change wellness program. This program is personalized for those seeking support for challenging situations such as relationship issues, anxiety, or grief. You will have the opportunity to take advantage of mentoring sessions and to work with Kamalaya's experts by participating in activities such as yoga, meditation, and natural healing therapies. Together you will work to ensure your ability to sustain the personal practice to rebuild your life.

For some of the most incredible skiing in the world, visit the Swiss Alps. Experience a high-altitude resort and freestyle ski on slopes surrounded by incredible landscapes. Bonus: Some resorts allow kids to ski for free!

Imagine exploring 450,000 acres of pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta on horseback and riding alongside zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Also, look out for the 380 species of birds, leopards, and herds of buffalo. With nearly 50 horses in the barn, efforts are made to ensure that each horse is matched with the most suitable rider.

Take a break from your everyday life, and treat yourself to a trip with Aro Ha Wellness Adventure. You will find yourself in a world of your own among the sub-alpine mountains. Ignite your inner power and develop a healthy lifestyle with daily yoga, challenging guided hikes, and functional training. You will also learn healthy eating habits as you treat yourself to a rainbow of vegetarian cuisine for optimal well-being.

Step onto a boat and float along the calm waters on a sea cave tour in the Algarve. Listen to the water as it crashes into the rocks around you, admire the clear water, and take tons of photos of the incredible scenery.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet, a World Heritage site, and one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world. It's known for its colorful reefs and variety of plants and animals. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible for protecting the park. According to the Australian Government, "the Marine Park is widely recognized as one of the best managed marine protected areas in the world."

The spectacular light show appears in the beginning of September and continues to the end of March, but to really catch a good glimpse, make sure you're catching them on a cold winter night when the sky is clear. Places to view the spectacle include, Abisko National Park and the small villages Porjus and Jukkasjarvi.

If you are one of many people who suffer from insomnia, this trip is going to change your life. Head to Italy and take part in the Ti Sana Insomnia program. Release your stresses with a specialist, and enjoy medical spa treatments and therapies to help reclaim your sleep-wake rhythms. Learn how to naturally bring balance to your cortisol levels — the hormone responsible for stress. Together with a customized nutrition plan and calming yoga lessons, you will form healthier habits to resolve your sleep issues and enjoy secondary improvements on affected problem areas, such as fatigue, weight gain, and digestion issues.

Jaw-dropping mountains, the fresh alpine air, thrilling adventure sports, and luxurious resorts are just some of the many things that you have to look forward to in Lake Placid. Stay at the Mirror Lake Inn, a beautiful lakeside lodge, for the ultimate reality escape. Simply relax, release your stresses, clear your mind, and rejuvenate; then head back home with a new and refreshed state of mind.

Explore the Norwegian landscape on a dog sledding experience. Sit back and let these dogs take you on a trip through the beauty of Norway. Explore the sights and spot some local wildlife such as polar foxes, seals, and polar bears.

Experience the ultimate excitement and adventure of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Participate in the festivals, join in on the parades, and even take a city tour. Then if you're up for it, go on a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and venture your way through the Manchac Swamp; get a close-up look at alligators and giant bull frogs.

Deception Island is known by many as one of the most incredible islands on the planet. It is an active volcano with steaming beaches, glaciers, and a flooded caldera. Go swimming in this hot spring surrounded by a snowy, cold landscape.