While it sounds easy in theory, travelling mindfully can be tricky to accomplish in practice. This is especially true when you add the potential stress of work and family life to everything else.

The end goal is to be able to travel quietly and watchfully, but how exactly can this be done?

Carry on reading to learn the 5 Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me about Travelling Mindfully.

5 Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Travelling Mindfully.

Sometimes, as a traveller, it can be tempting to stick to familiar routes and avoid new experiences. But we believe in letting your curiosity guide you and —in other words, asking too many questions, visiting as many places as you can, and exploring uncharted territory with enthusiasm.

So let’s get straight into the 5 Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me about Travelling Mindfully.

1. Travel Curious

You’ll be happy that you did. Our curiosity often guides us to learn about new places or things and expands our worlds through joyful discovery. When you give into your curious self, you’ll also find that you become fully immersed in your experience, finding yourself totally focused on the present moment and all it offers.

2. Be aware of your impact

What could be more satisfying than knowing you’ve made the most of your trip to somewhere new and exciting? The people you’ve met, the food you’ve tried, and the places you’ve visited have all contributed to an experience that will last a lifetime.

But what if I told you there was a way to make your trip even better? All it takes is a little bit of mindfulness.

When you’re travelling, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of everything around you – but do you ever stop and think about your impact on the environment? If not, maybe now’s the time!

The world is changing, and so are travellers. We want to take away as many positive memories from our travels as possible, so why not leave a positive impact on our surroundings, too? Recycling when we can, supporting local businesses and using public transport. We can all help reduce our carbon footprint while exploring new places.

3. Try Something New

When you travel, it isn’t just about the sights and sounds that are new to you—it’s about branching out.

We’re not just talking about going to a new place or trying new food (although both things are amazing!). We mean getting out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences. Be open to the world and its wonders, even if they aren’t what you expected.

Maybe this means learning a couple of words in another language or tasting something considered bizarre by your local standards. Perhaps it means learning a folk dance native to where you’re visiting, or maybe it means embracing your surroundings differently from how you might embrace them back home.

4. Disconnect from your devices.

As tempting as it may be to keep your mobile phone on or your laptop open, make sure you don’t let your devices distract you from what’s happening in the present moment. The digital world can be demanding, and it can take you away from the beautiful reality right in front of you. In fact, screen time is increasing, and on average, people check their mobile more than 58 times a day.

It can be hard to feel the present moment and enjoy your surroundings when you have an electronic device constantly demanding your attention.

But also remember to check in with a friend or family member who may be worried about you and let them know that you’re ok if you’re travelling alone.

5. Practice Gratitude

Practising gratitude can make you feel better about your situation and your life. It has a way of making something out of nothing and will add a level of appreciation and mindfulness to your trips.

When you have the privilege to see the world, it’s important to remind yourself that you are getting a lifetime opportunity. Be grateful that travel is something people from all over the world dream about. Still, not many have the chance to experience it.

Be sure to acknowledge this and make the most of it by closely observing each encounter and being thankful for the adventure in itself. This tip for practising mindfulness is often underestimated. Still, it has the ability to enhance your life experiences as a whole.

Ultimately, travelling mindfully is a chance for us to become more aware of the challenges we face daily in our everyday lives. The beautiful things surrounding us and the joy we might otherwise miss. Once you’ve found some success with it, try implementing just one of these mindfulness techniques as you navigate through your next trip – and then see how long it takes you to readjust to life at home.