By Steve Price
What is mindful travel?
Mindful travel means paying attention to the journey and the place you visit, rather than rushing through a checklist. Set an intention, leave breathing room in your itinerary, notice everyday local life, and choose when to put your phone away.
We all love to take vacations: the sights, the sounds, the new experiences and the old jaunts that remind us of past trips. Vacationing is a rite of passage that frees us from the stresses of daily life and gives us a reprieve from the trials that we face on a daily basis at home. But have you ever wondered to yourself if you are maximizing your vacation experience? Sometimes trips can seem less like escapes from the daily grind and more like bland, passe experiences. Is there a way to maximize your vacation experience without breaking the bank? You bet there is! It is all in being mindful about how you plan your vacation experience and present yourself at the locale you have chosen to travel to. Let us take a look at some tips and pointers for getting the most out of that vacation, whether it is a weekend layover or a weeks-long adventure!
Before you go: set an intention and pack thoughtfully
When planning out your vacation, make sure that you set an intention for your trip and for yourself while traveling. Instead of just ‘going on vacation’, think about what you want from your trip: rest, cultural connectivity, adventure, gratitude? Parse out the meaning for your trip before you go, and allow yourself to plan accordingly. Pack thoughtfully, keeping the essentials appropriate to your trip. Consider which belongings you will actually use, and leave unnecessary items behind when practical.
On the journey: leave time to slow down
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that they have to rush everywhere and get to their final destination more quickly than they should. The reality is that traveling to and from the destination is as much a part of the vacation as anything else, so slow down! Take your time heading to the airport, the railroad station or the bus terminal. Instead of rushing through airports, train stations or highways, notice the people, the sounds, and the rhythms around you. Long flights or bus rides are excellent opportunities for reflection, journaling or meditation. Car rides are excellent chances to strike up conversations with people traveling with you; if you are heading out by yourself, consider making a travel playlist of music to enjoy while heading down to pass the time. The journey need not be a utilitarian tool to get to the destination alone!
At your destination: notice everyday local life
When traveling to new places, practice using ‘soft eyes’ – take in the whole scene without focusing only on what is Instagram-worthy. Notice textures, smells, and the pace of daily life. Get a feel for how the locals move around the city you have chosen to travel to, and reflect on the local experience instead of the kitsch of tourist traps. Savor the meals that you enjoy and try local dishes, do not be afraid to experiment with different food choices that may differ from your usual fare back at home. Open up your ears to conversation with locals or fellow travelers, glean from their experiences what you can see and experience for yourself while on vacation. One of the best tools in your arsenal is to take mindful walks around the travel destination; walk without headphones or distractions. Just observe the architecture, nature, or how people in the location interact. Exploring a new city can reveal local favorites that create lasting memories; stay aware of local conditions and access rules.
Limit digital distractions while staying prepared
Consider setting aside regular periods without social media or work notifications. Keep access to navigation, reservations and emergency contacts, and let someone you trust know how to reach you. The goal is to choose how you use your phone so it supports the trip without occupying every moment.
Make room for unplanned experiences
Leave room to explore beyond the busiest attractions, while respecting opening hours, access rules and local conditions. Choose routes and activities appropriate to your circumstances rather than treating an unfamiliar area as a place to wander without preparation.
Vacations are wonderful experiences that create a lifetime of memories. When you take your trip, do not be afraid to explore and adventure! Do your research ahead of time if you wish, or leave things up to the whim of fate when you decide to wander through a locale. Be mindful of yourself and your surroundings, and always go prepared to enjoy new experiences from what you are used to at home. More than anything, just enjoy the ride to and from, and allow the full vacation experience to overwhelm your senses. No one ever wants a vacation that leaves them underwhelmed and feeling dreary about returning home. We are always looking for that indelible high that makes us yearn to return in the future, getting us started on pre-planning a vacation back to the locales that make life worth living in the first place.
Mindful travel questions
Do I need to turn my phone off?
No. Limit distractions while retaining useful tools and a way to contact others.
Can a staycation be mindful?
Yes. Apply the same intention and attention to experiences close to home; the destination does not have to be far away.
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