The Anticipation of a Retreat & Travelling

There’s something about the anticipation leading up to a retreat and travelling that is exciting and also nerve wrecking at the same time. For me, it always begins the moment I make the decision to say yes, to actually book a trip, secure flights, and share the news with friends and family. That’s when the commitment becomes real, and the excitement kicks in. It’s that feeling of possibility, like a door has opened and a new adventure is waiting just on the other side.

And then there’s the other wave of anticipation that always seems to arrive when I start thinking about the details and logistics. As the travel day approaches, the countdown feels tangible: that’s when I find myself asking, wait… “What did I book a year ago that I might have forgotten about?” “What do I still need to book?” or “Do I have everything sorted at home and at work before I leave?” It’s a mix of joy, nervousness, and that thrilling energy that comes with preparing for something meaningful and full of adventure.

What I’ve learned from all my travel experience and hosting international retreats supporting so many people is that this rollercoaster of excitement and nerves is completely normal. Planning to travel, especially for a retreat with like-minded peers, isn’t just about flights and logistics to get there. It’s also about stepping into an experience where you know you’ll return richer: richer in perspective, in community, and in connection with fellow peers and the culture of the place you’re visiting.

From my side as a retreat planner, I can tell you the lead-up to a trip feels very similar. No matter how much preparation goes into organizing an international retreat, there’s always a final burst of energy in those last few months. That’s when the details come into sharp focus, transportation, safety, rooming lists, arrival times, language questions, excursions and vendors, and all the little things that make a trip feel smooth once you arrive.

This “hustle at the end” is not just normal, it’s part of the fun. And I find it mirrors what our guests experience too. As a retreat approaches, we often start hearing from people who suddenly realize they have a question about packing, transportation, or what to expect when they land. Some are traveling alone, some with friends, some for the first time in years. Questions vary, but the underlying theme is the same: people want to feel prepared, safe, and supported.

One thing we always remind our guests is this: no question is ever silly. If you’re wondering about it, chances are someone else is too. That’s one reason we create private group chats for each retreat. They give participants a space to share questions, trade packing tips, and start building community even before stepping on the plane. It helps take the edge off those last-minute jitters and makes the whole experience feel more connected.

What’s important to remember is that anticipation is part of the journey. It’s not just about the days you’re physically at the retreat, it’s also about the decision to invest in yourself, the preparation in the weeks leading up to it, and the nervous-excited energy that builds as departure day gets closer.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler who barely feels the nerves anymore, or someone who gets a full rush of butterflies before every trip, it’s all completely normal. Some people care about every detail, some don’t. Some feel anxious about travel, others thrive on spontaneity. All of those experiences are valid, and they all belong in the retreat journey.

For us, one of the most rewarding parts of hosting retreats is supporting people through this entire process, not just while they’re physically at the destination. Because at the end of the day, the anticipation is part of the adventure. And once you arrive, the payoff is even sweeter: connection, growth, culture, and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

So if you’re in that stage of anticipation right now counting down, making lists, feeling the nerves and the excitement all at once, know that you’re not alone. It’s all part of the story, and it’s what makes stepping into a retreat so special.

~ Chantelle