How to travel mindfully
Do you love travelling? Are you always in a rush, trying to capture every restaurant you visit, cafe hopping, trying to see as many places in a day?
But do you realise that by doing that, you aren’t immersing yourself in the joy of being in the present?
At times, we need to slow down to let ourselves cherish the moment we’re in.
“A tourist wants to escape life, a traveller wants to experience it.”
– Steven Tsuchida, ‘A Tourist’s Guide to Love’ [Film]
Being aware of your surroundings means giving yourself time to absorb the good energy, the scenery you pass by, and other people sharing the space with you. I love standing by train windows, watching the trees going past quickly — the houses — the buildings undergoing construction — other people waiting for their train, some reading books, some talking to their friends — I love it all! I have always loved to observe, which called for being in the moment — to savour the moment.
“By travelling mindfully, you can appreciate your surroundings, the local culture, the people, the food, and anything that evokes your curiosity.”
– Komal Gupta
Here are some practices that I use myself to travel mindfully. Before you try these out for your next trip, please remember that setting intentions is crucial. To me, the most important aspect of travelling is reflecting on the experience and feeling satisfied after exploring new places — that involves absorbing its essence, thus calling for mindful travel.
Mindfulness starts even before you leave — It is not a one-time practice but a regular one. Say, you are sitting on a chair in your veranda. Feel the soles of your feet on the floor, listen to the birds chirping, the smell of plants, and the wind blowing through your hair. Only then will you be fully present in the ‘present’. Make an itinerary but allow for flexibility. It will let you incorporate and relish the surprise elements you might encounter.
“You know, this city is more than a list of tourist attractions to be checked off. Sometimes travelling is soaking in the atmosphere.”
– Steven Tsuchida, ‘A Tourist’s Guide to Love’ [Film]
Pack only what's necessary — We often overpack, bringing three pairs of shoes, extra sunglasses to match our aesthetic, and two or more ‘just in case of emergency’ outfits. Packing heavy can slow us down. You may end up spending more time organising your suitcase than visiting a must-visit cafe. Only packing what’s essential will help you to rethink your priorities (and lower your risk of being robbed by just a little!).
Be mindful of the environment — Practice sustainability: leave a place as it was when we first stepped in. Use public transport, and don’t forget reusable water bottles.
Immerse yourself in mindful activities — Engage in activities that pique your curiosity and let you appreciate the local culture of the country you’re visiting.
Some activities that you can try out can include:
Looking for homestays instead of hotels,
Volunteering with the local community,
Buying from small-scale local businesses,
Visiting national libraries and museums,
Participating in regional competitions,
Visiting the local markets,
Learning local crafts.
Talk to the locals — This is a great way to truly experience the essence of the local community and learn beyond what you can read online. You may even make some new friends! Allow yourself to be enchanted by what the community has to offer, and their way of living. Try being a part of their local customs, and I assure you that you will be surprised.
Take a break from your devices — ‘Do not disturb’ mode has always worked for me. Putting your mobile phone on silent enables you to enjoy the scenery and connect with anything and everything, free from distractions.
Take time to do what you love — If you want to journal, just do it. If you want to go for a stroll or just sit and observe the street life, go for it. Do what you want to do at the moment that makes you feel alive. Spend time practicing yoga, painting by the beach, and indulging in delightful treats. It will be worthwhile to take time to soak up every unique encounter you have.
“Rush, rush to your next place, I’d rather stay and immerse myself in the experience.”
— Komal Gupta
Mindful Movement Workshop by Calm Collective @ CalmCon
Once you are back home, take time to reflect on your experience. Revisit your journal and pictures from the trip, and ask yourself questions: What have I discovered about myself? Which moments did I enjoy the most? Share your experience with your loved ones. Take time to unwind.