Mindful Traveler | 13 Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
Becoming a mindful traveler helps the journey in many ways. It will help with emphasizing connections between places you visit and yourself. It will help to create a conscious awareness and exploration of awareness, appreciation, and respect for diverse cultures, environments, and communities.
Becoming a mindful traveler may result in engaging in introspection, compassion, and sustainability while fostering meaningful interactions and experiences that complients both oneself and the world around them.
Mindful Traveling – What Is It?
Picture this: you’re not just ticking off places on your travel checklist, you’re diving deep into each moment, savoring the sights, sounds, and sensations around you.
Mindful traveling isn’t just about snapping the perfect Instagram shot (though those are nice too), it’s about tuning into the rhythm of your surroundings and immersing yourself fully in the experience.
Imagine strolling through a bustling market, not just browsing the goods, but engaging with vendors, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. It’s about sipping tea in a centuries-old teahouse, not just tasting the flavors, but savoring the tranquility of the moment.
Mindful traveling is like hitting the pause button on the chaos of everyday life and pressing play on a serene adventure.
13 Tips to Become a More Mindful Traveler
1. Be Curious & Try Something New
Being in a new location can be a little intimidating. The food, music, entertainment, language, and sports may be completely different than your norm. And – that’s okay.
Opening up our minds can be difficult when we are pushed outside of our comfort zone. However, the amount that we can learn about ourselves and others will be a striking difference when we accept different cultures and communities.
Whether it’s a wild new food, a band you haven’t heard of, a sport that you might not understand, or someone you meet at a coffee shop. Becoming more open to understanding others can bring a lot of insight into your own adventure. Plus, you may find out tips from the locals on the best places to go.
Start planning your next adventures with Ticketmaster or GetYourGuide!
2. Step Away From Your Devices
Technology is amazing and connects long-distance friends and families all over the world. On the flip side technology can also be a little addicting and take us away from the moment.
Sometimes we may spend too much time on our phones, laptops, TVs, tablets… you name it. There is nothing wrong with a little New Girl binge or maybe watching reels of cute dogs (or is that just me?). When we spend so much money and time deciding which place we are traveling to, why should we waste that time glued to a device?
If you are partaking in an activity or having a coffee with your travel companion, be present and in the moment. It can be liberating to turn your phone on Do Not Disturb and adventure more mindfully.
3. Don’t Rush
One of the hardest things while traveling is the desire to see as much as you can. It might be rushing to each attraction you have researched, visiting nearby cities, eating at all the restaurants, or wanting to do so many hikes that you go into exhaustion mode (guilty of this).
I have failed at this tip more times than I can count, which is why I hope my failures can help with others’ successes. I have been in another beautiful country and rushing from a restaurant to a hike, to a paragliding tour, to make sure I get on another train to head more east, and it is exhausting. I was having a great time at these destinations, but I look back and wish that I got to spend time and take in all of the new culture.
4. Pack Light
Okay – this one I will say is not meant for everyone (I already know what some of my friends are going to say). As someone who refuses to check a bag, I will just list my reasons why I like to pack light:
- Don’t have to wait for checked bag at baggage claim
- Don’t have to worry about checked bags getting lost
- Spend less money on paying for checked bags
- Limits the amount of things to haul around
- Less things to worry about in general
The 1-2-3-4-5 rule is generally – 5 pairs of socks and undergarments, 4 shirts, 3 pants/shorts, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 hat + swimsuit. It may alter with where you are traveling to and what time of year, but this has generally been helpful.
5. Let Go of Expectations
It can be difficult when you spend so much time researching things you want to do, planning tours, or finding restaurants you are dying to eat at. Then poof, a wrench is thrown in your plans. The restaurant closed. The tour is discontinued temporarily.
When we work hard to plan, and expect it to go well and it “crumbles” down, you can either let go or let that take over. As cliche, as it might sound, I always tell myself that “it happens for a reason”. Letting go of expectations and being more present in the moment will help you adapt to a change of plans and lead you to another journey. Maybe one you will have enjoyed more!
6. Ditch the To-Do List
I’m pretty sure a lot of us have been the victims of the “to-do” list or the “must-see” list. Sometimes following that list puts us on autopilot of getting to that next place and checking a box…what’s the fun in that?
It’s okay to veer off the agenda, partake in something out of the ordinary for you, eat at a funky restaurant, or try something that might make you uncomfortable.
Please don’t feel like you need to follow a list exactly as it’s written, it can be used as a guide. If you see something else you would love to do, do it. You won’t regret it.
7. Give Others Your Full Attention
This tip for mindful travelers is one of the most important pieces if you ask me.
If you are traveling with someone or around other travelers, giving others your full attention shows that you are interested in what that person has to say, and is also the respectful thing to do. You are more present in the moment, able to take in more of your surroundings, learn from someone else, and grow a relationship whether that’s a travel companion or maybe a stranger.
“Disconnect to reconnect”
8. Move Your Body
A day of travel can be tiring, mentally and physically. You might be stuck on multiple planes for a day or jammed in a car with suitcases and animals (been there). Let me tell you, sitting scrunched up in a seat all day is not ideal.
If you have layovers or time to get out of the vehicle and stretch. Take those opportunities to get your body moving. It helps release the tension in your muscles but also lets your mind relax from all the travel chaos that you might have had to deal with.
Once you get to your destination try a calm walk in the morning, yoga or meditation, an afternoon bike ride, kayaking, or whatever type of movement fills your soul.
9. Write/Draw in a Journal
Something that I recently started to do and am so happy that I started this, is bringing a journal on my trips. I keep a separate journal just for my travels and I love pulling the journal out and reading it now and then after trips. It’s funny how many small moments that were so impactful that I might have forgotten. Jotting down notes is a great way for us to cherish our memories on paper and write down all of the feelings we have at that moment.
Try drawing a picture of something you liked (stick figures are my go-to) or a tasty meal you ate if you are not much of a writer.
Some of my favorite travel journals on Amazon:
- Guided Notebook for Travelers
- Leather Travel Journal
- Linen Adventure Journal
- Travel Notebook w/ Checklist, Journal, Roadtrip, and more!
10. Prepare Ahead of Time
Time flies by and before you know it, boom your flight is the next day. To help mitigate the last-minute packing stress or travel anxiety, try to prepare for your trip ahead of time.
Here are a few things to start to check off the packing and preparation lists:
- If you are traveling out of the country, think about the cash that you might need to exchange at the airport and allow yourself more time
- Cell phone plan – do you need to set up international minutes/data?
- Credit cards – do you need to notify the bank beforehand?
- Check the weather in the destination and see if there are any items you will need to purchase before traveling
- Create a packing list on your phone
- If you are an indecisive packer, try to pack all of your items in your bag with enough time to go through it once more before you leave so you can make sure you have everything or take other items out that you won’t need
- Documentation – stay organized with all bookings and reservations so you don’t have to stress while you are traveling
- Animals or kiddos staying home – are the plans for them all taken care of?
- Plant sitter? (Recommend someone who is experienced enough to not kill a cactus)
11. Be Grateful
You did it, you worked hard to get to this destination, you might have worked longer hours, skipped other events/trips, and you are now here.
Be your hype person, enjoy the present moment, and be proud of yourself for getting to where you are.
12. Know What’s in Your Control and What Isn’t
Let’s be honest, a lot can go wrong on a trip. Losing a bag. A flight delay that causes you to miss another flight. Waking up early for a sunrise hike that ends up being completely cloudy and fogged in. You name it.
Knowing what you can control versus what you can’t control is helpful for a mindful traveler. More than often we will be upset by something and it can kind of make everything else thrown off course, but that doesn’t mean that we need to let it steer the ship. If you can’t control something, focus on what you CAN control. Focus on how you want to control your attitude, and how you redirect your time, thoughts, and energy.
13. Practice Mindfulness Before Travels
Before your trip, take time to pause, use your senses, set daily intentions, eat mindfully, fill your downtime by getting present, celebrate the little things, and get your rest.
Taking time to do one of those mindful practices each day, even if it’s for 5-10 minutes, will help you set the stage while you are traveling and make it easier while you are in the middle of your trip or getting ready to hop on a flight back home.
Dealing with a Change of Your Daily Routine
Dealing with a change of routine while traveling can be challenging, but with some strategies, you can adapt more easily. Here are some tips that may help:
- Embrace Flexibility: Understand that traveling often involves disruptions to your usual routine. Embrace the unpredictability and see it as an opportunity to try new things and have different experiences.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Maintain aspects of your routine that contribute to your well-being, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest. Incorporate these activities into your travel schedule to help maintain balance.
- Be Mindful of Time Zones: If traveling across different time zones, adjust your routine gradually to minimize jet lag. Gradually shift your sleeping and eating patterns to align with the local time zone.
- Practice Adaptability: Stay adaptable and resilient in the face of unexpected changes or challenges. Approach disruptions to your routine as learning opportunities and opportunities for growth.
Language Barriers Tips
- Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in the local language such as greetings, asking for directions, and common courtesies. Even a few words can go a long way in making a connection with locals. Here are two apps that I have used to learn basic phrases:
- Use Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids such as maps, pictures, or gestures to convey your message. Pointing to a location on a map or using hand gestures can sometimes be more effective than trying to communicate verbally.
- Practice Patience and Empathy: Understand that communication may take longer and be patient with both yourself and others. Show empathy towards locals who may also be trying their best to understand and assist you.
Conclusion: 13 Tips for a More Mindful Traveler
Embracing the role of a mindful traveler can transform your journeys from mere vacations into enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact. By integrating mindfulness into your adventures, you not only deepen your connection with the places you visit but also contribute positively to new environments you visit.
Remember, it’s not just about ticking off the to-do list, but it’s more about immersing yourself fully in the present moment and appreciating the beauty and diversity of our world.
So, grab your passport and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, one mindful moment at a time.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
