How to Travel Mindfully
Since I was JUST traveling and the holidays are right around the corner, why not do a post about travel tips?
Travel is one of the more stressful things we have to deal with in daily life, whether it’s your morning commute or traveling halfway around the world for, say, a wedding (not that I’ve had to do that any time recently cough cough).
Regardless of how much you might have been looking forward to traveling, waiting in traffic or trying to make sure you have enough time to make it to your connecting flight is enough to drive anyone crazy.
These tips are meant to help you in all sorts of situations, but particularly for traveling to a new place where you might be more stressed than usual because of the new conditions.
Let me know in the comments if any of these tips are something you’d try, or something you already do!
-
Unplug
If you are on vacation, take a break from work! Turn off your damn phone.
I know it can be tough, I use my phone for maps, for Google Translate, and to take most of my pictures.
I refrain from checking texts, social media and ESPECIALLY email when I’m away.
I designate a specific time during the day to check all of that, for me, just the morning and evening.
I already posted a blog about this, but if you need a little help tracking when you’re the worst at being idle on your phone, here’s a list of a few apps that can help you manage your screen time!
-
Slow down
It’s tempting to try to see EVERYTHING, to see ALL the sights, to stay one day in one town, and the next in another.
I’ve found that I don’t get to know a place if I am constantly moving about.
When I stay in a place for more than I couple of days, I have the opportunity to get to know the person selling pastries at the cafe down the street, or the local shop keeper that I pass every day.
When I slow down, I can get a feel for the place, and get to learn what life is like there.
-
Wander
They say that “not all who wander are lost,” in my case when I wander, I OFTEN get lost!
I’ve stumbled upon amazing restaurants (that I don’t look up on Trip Advisor first), beautiful churches, cool neighborhoods, ancient places when I just set out and walk around.
I put a pin in my map where home base is, and head out & about, letting my senses guide me.
-
Document
… but don’t take photos JUST for Insta.
Take photos of things that interest you, but taking a million photos to get the “perfect” one to show off on social media later is a huge waste of time.
It takes you out of the fullness of the experience itself, and puts you into doing/planning/worrying mode. To truly be mindful, just take a photo, and then take a moment to pause and soak everything in.
5. Ride
Take a bike tour if you are physically able! If you are visiting a major city, chances are, there’s a bike tour in the area.
My husband and I try to do one in every city we visit. It’s a great way to see a city, meet interesting people, and get a little history while you are at it, while seeing the place from a different angle than any other vehicle.
6. Linger
Over dinner. Or lunch. Or breakfast. People watch. Soak it in.
Taste the food… like, REALLY taste it. I think food can be situationally delicious.
There is no fish and chips like one eaten on the coast of England while looking over the sea; there is no better crêpe than one eaten in Paris at an outdoor cafe.
There is SO much that can go into a dining experience: the taste of the food, the surroundings (sights, sounds, smells, dining companions…etc), so take the time to savor it all!
7. Journal
Write about your day, your experiences, and your emotions on the trip.
I keep a travel journal so I can remember restaurants, people, places, and my impressions! I just found my mom’s travel journal from the 1950s from her trip to Europe.
It’s a treasured keepsake for me, so your logs of your journeys could be a treasure for someone else!
8. Engage and connect.
Learn a couple of phrases from the language of the country you are visiting.
At the very minimum: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and “do you speak English?” in the local language.
Google Translate is a HUGE help if you have a language barrier. I download the language of the country I visit before I get there, and type in a few phrases just to get started.
Learning a tiny bit of a different language gives you more of a chance to interact with someone who lives there and I think connection is one of the best parts of traveling.
Some of my favorite experiences have been with the connections I have made with people.
9. Stay local.
I am a big fan of the boutique hotel, or AirBnb or even hostel (we often stayed at hostels when we traveled with our young kids!).
They get you out of a chain experience, and into a neighborhood (with Airbnb).
Staying local can give you a chance to connect with more people, to contribute to the local economy, and to get you out of the hardcore tourist zones.
10. Have gratitude.
Even if things go “wrong” on your trip. ESPECIALLY if things go wrong on your trip.
I’ve missed a flight, had to wait hours at an airport, had baggage lost (3 times, it’s why I don’t check my bag), gotten the dates wrong at a hotel, booked a crappy hotel (like, the WORST hotel you’ve ever seen), and all sorts of other inconveniences and disasters.
That hasn’t stopped me from having fun and making memories.
Have gratitude for the moments you spend discovering new things, or spending time with family and friends, or getting out of your comfort zone because they are the moments you will look back fondly on later, regardless of the inconveniences that also occurred.
Want to learn more about how mindfulness can help you in your day-to-day life? Make sure to check out the services I provide!
From my home studio in Tampa Bay I offer yoga and meditation classes (both personal and corporate), as well as workshops for MBSR.
If you’re not in the Tampa Bay area I have several online classes available through Zoom Meeting.
Be sure to follow me @lotusheartmindfulness on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more mindfulness inspiration!
