Let’s face it—travel is supposed to be relaxing, right? But how often do we return from a trip needing another vacation just to recover from all the chaos? Between crammed itineraries, overpacked luggage, and chasing the perfect Instagram shot, we sometimes forget to actually enjoy the journey.
Here’s the thing: mindful travel isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, on purpose. It’s about slowing down, unplugging, and designing a trip that genuinely fills your cup (not just your camera roll). This is exactly what I did at the start of 2024 when I decided to revisit the United States of America for the fourth time, but this time as an intentional solo trip.
Start Before You Even Pack
Mindful travel doesn’t start when you hit the road—it starts when you’re figuring out where to go and why. I had two years left of my ten-year US tourist visa, and I had always wanted to go backpacking—literally—a simple trip with just a backpack. I spent months learning about the art of travelling light, from the perfect carry-on backpack to the lightest travel towel options. Instead of diving into travel blogs or chasing the cheapest deal, hit pause and ask:
What do I actually need from this trip?
Is it rest? Adventure? Connection? Creativity? Decide what vibe you’re going for, and let that guide the rest. As a tech nerd, I needed to get my “tech fix”. So, I decided to go on a Silicon Valley techie adventure that started in San Francisco, making my way down the west coast to the “City of Angels” (Los Angeles) in search of Hollywood’s rich and famous. Planning with intention keeps you from falling into a trap of “I-guess-we’re-doing-this” moments and turns your holiday into something that actually feeds your soul.
Choose a destination that matches your values:
Into sustainability? Look into eco-lodges or nature-based retreats. Want community connection? Skip chain hotels and book a homestay. If simplicity’s your thing, maybe find a quiet cabin by a lake or a hut in the mountains. I needed a bit of a twist to my backpacking trip. I could’ve booked cozy hotels with breakfast included, but opted to get the hostel experience to connect with like-minded intentional travellers—even in the intellectual city of Boston and the city that never sleeps, New York City. The point is: choose a place that feels aligned with your why.
Forget the checklist mentality:
You don’t have to “see everything.” It’s okay to skip the top ten attractions and spend an afternoon people-watching from a cozy café. Although I had a detailed itinerary for each city I visited, I planned to have at least one open day for spontaneity. So, I decided to book the Big Bus tours on these days to get lost in the moments of watching how different the culture of each city was from the other. The fewer things you cram into the day, the more space you have to actually enjoy them.
Unplug and Actually Be There
Here’s your reminder: the memories will be sweeter if you’re present while they’re happening. Take the photo if you must—but also take a moment to be in the scene.
Set some digital boundaries: Maybe it’s no phones at dinner. Maybe it’s choosing one hour a day for a digital detox. Whatever works, protect your time from mindless scrolling and work emails. You didn’t travel just to stay tethered to your inbox.
Engage all your senses: Notice the crunch of footsteps on gravel, the scent of street food smoke, the hum of conversation in another language. These sensory snapshots are way more vivid than anything you’ll capture on your phone.
Linger longer: If you find a spot that feels special, don’t rush. Stay a while. Read there, nap there, journal there. Let yourself be slow. That’s when the magic seeps in.
Connect with people: A conversation with your host, a chat with someone at the market, a spontaneous dinner with strangers-turned-friends. These are the stories you’ll tell when the trip’s over.
Journal, Soak, Reflect—Even Just a Little
Mindful travel isn’t about silence. It’s about creating a few intentional pockets of quiet to digest the experience while it’s happening.
Travel journal = instant clarity: Write down your highlights, random thoughts, funny moments, or what surprised you. It doesn’t have to be poetic. Even bullet points work. Just give your brain a place to land.
Mini quiet times for the win: Five minutes in the morning. Three deep breaths before dinner. A mindful moment during sunset. Tiny pauses are powerful, especially when you’re soaking in something new.
Gratitude check-ins: At the end of each day, ask: What felt good today? What made me smile? Noticing the joy adds depth to your experience. It also makes hiccups—like flight delays or cold showers—feel less dramatic.
Mindful Travel Is Just…Better
When you travel with intention, you come home with more than souvenirs. You return with peace, insights, memories that feel lived, not just seen.
So next time you plan a getaway—ask less about what’s popular and more about what you need. Choose slow over fast. Presence over performance. Meaning over movement.
Because the best trips don’t just change your view—they change your perspective.