Finding Presence: A Journey into Restorative Travel
Photos by Karsten Winegeart
Let’s be honest: modern travel often feels like a race. Checking landmarks off a list, snapping Instagram-worthy shots, and packing itineraries so full that you’re more exhausted coming home than when you left. Sound familiar? If so, let me introduce you to the idea of restorative travel—a way to journey that nourishes your soul rather than drains it.
As a mental health therapist (and someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of travel), I’ve seen how intentionally slowing down and connecting to the present moment can make any trip—whether to a bustling city or a quiet mountainside—a restorative experience. Here are some ways to weave mindfulness into your next adventure.
Start with Intention
Before you even pack your bags, take a moment to ask yourself: What do I hope to get out of this trip? Maybe you want to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, or simply experience something new. Setting an intention isn’t about creating pressure to have a “perfect” trip—it’s about anchoring yourself to what matters most to you. Write your intention down and keep it close. You’ll find it’s a powerful compass when distractions arise.
Savor the Journey
Mindfulness is about experiencing the here and now, and travel offers endless opportunities to practice. Notice how the sunlight dances on the airplane wing or how the scent of fresh coffee wafts through the terminal. If you’re driving, roll down the windows and feel the wind on your face. These small moments, often overlooked, are what make the journey itself a part of the adventure.
Embrace the Art of Doing Less
When creating your itinerary, prioritize quality over quantity. Choose experiences that allow you to immerse yourself, whether it’s an afternoon exploring a single neighborhood or lingering over a meal at a local café. Resist the urge to fill every hour—leave space for spontaneity and rest. Trust me, it’s in those unplanned moments that the magic of travel often unfolds.
Tune Into Your Senses
Wherever you are, take a moment to ground yourself by engaging your senses. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Taste? Feel? For example, if you’re hiking, notice the crunch of leaves underfoot and the earthy scent of pine. If you’re at the beach, feel the grains of sand between your toes and listen to the rhythm of the waves. These sensory check-ins not only bring you into the present but deepen your connection to the place you’re visiting.
Let Go of Expectations
Not everything will go as planned. Maybe it rains on the day you wanted to hike, or the restaurant you were excited about is unexpectedly closed. Instead of letting these hiccups derail your experience, lean into the unexpected. What’s the opportunity here? A cozy afternoon reading in a café? Discovering a hidden gem you wouldn’t have stumbled upon otherwise? Some of the best travel memories come from moments we couldn’t have predicted.
Reflect and Carry It Forward
As your trip winds down, take time to reflect. What did you notice about yourself? About the world around you? What brought you joy? You can jot these reflections in a journal or simply ponder them on your journey home. And here’s the beautiful thing: mindfulness doesn’t have to end when the trip does. The presence you practiced while traveling can find a place in your everyday life—whether it’s savoring your morning coffee or taking a deep breath before a meeting.
Mindful travel isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more—more present, more open, more connected. It’s an invitation to step off the treadmill of constant “doing” and rediscover the joy of simply being. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider letting mindfulness guide your way. Who knows? You might just return with more than memories—you might come back with a renewed sense of self.
Here’s to traveling mindfully and finding presence, wherever the road takes you
