I didn’t go to Bali with a checklist. I didn’t go with a packed itinerary or a long list of must-see spots. And because of that, Bali ended up changing the way I travel more than almost anywhere I’ve been.
Before Bali, I thought intentional travel meant planning well. After Bali, I realized it meant something else entirely: moving through a place with curiosity, presence, and trust in the experience itself.
Letting Movement Lead the Way
Some of my favorite days in Bali were the least structured. I spent hours walking through rice fields, riding scooters down unfamiliar roads, and finding my way to beaches without knowing exactly what I’d find when I arrived. Movement became the way I understood the island, not rushing, not observing from a distance, but engaging with it physically and fully.
Traveling this way made everything feel more alive. I noticed details I would’ve missed otherwise: morning rituals, quiet conversations, the rhythm of daily life. Being active didn’t just shape my days—it shaped my connection to the place.
Slowing Down Instead of Performing Travel
Bali also taught me the difference between experiencing a place and performing it. There’s a temptation when you travel, especially when you document your trips, to chase the most photogenic moments. But the moments that stayed with me weren’t always the ones I posted.
They were slower, quieter, more human. Sitting somewhere longer than planned. Saying yes to a detour. Letting a day unfold without trying to optimize it. Intentional travel, I learned, isn’t about doing more; it’s about being present for what’s already happening.
The People Who Made the Experience Real
More than anything, Bali reminded me that people define places. Conversations with locals, small acts of kindness, and shared moments shaped my understanding of the island far more than any landmark ever could.
Those interactions grounded my experience and reminded me why I travel in the first place: not just to see somewhere new, but to feel connected to it.
How Bali Changed the Way I Travel Now
Since Bali, I’ve been more thoughtful about how I move through the world. I look for experiences that encourage exploration, connection, and time outdoors. I prioritize travel that invites participation rather than observation, and I choose journeys that allow space for spontaneity and shared experience.
This mindset has also shaped how I write and create content on my travel blog. I focus less on perfection and more on authenticity. I focus on telling stories that reflect what travel actually feels like, not just what it looks like.
Bali didn’t just give me memories; it gave me a new way of traveling. One rooted in intention, movement, and meaningful connection—and it’s a perspective I’ll carry with me wherever I go next.
As Always,
With love, Ava
Ava Stepanian 