Traveling is an amazing experience—exploring new places, cultures, food, wine, architecture. I could go on and on. However, amidst the excitement, it’s easy to forget to include moments that bring peace, grounding and wellbeing. Spending a few minutes every day to weave in self-care activities can be the difference between coming home invigorated or coming home spent. Make the most of your travel adventures by focusing on your wellbeing. Find a few ways to stay grounded and connected to your true self.
Maintain Sanity in the Midst of Adventure
If your trip involves jam-packed itineraries, exploring every nook of a new city, or getting started with the rising of the sun, it might be time to rethink things. While a full calendar may be thrilling and leave you feeling like you’re getting the most out of every moment, in reality it may leave you exhausted, regretting that you didn’t have any downtime to relish your new surroundings. Infuse your days with moments of relaxation to give yourself a chance to recharge and fully process the amazing experiences you’re having.
- Find a quiet corner is a busy market, sit and observe.
- Start the day with a stroll along the beach or the boulevard.
- Enjoy a cup of local coffee in a quiet cafe – observe, journal and be present.
Quality Over Quantity
The key to truly immersing yourself in a new destination lies in the quality of your experiences, not the quantity. By incorporating mini moments of wellbeing, you create opportunities for deeper connections with the paces you visit. Build in time for spontaneity and flexibility, allowing yourself to deviate from the day’s plan to follow your intuition’s lead. Often, the most cherished memories are born from the unplanned moments and the people you meet along the way. Some ideas to consider:
- Sit in a park and observe. Watch people, enjoy the interactions, breath. Be present and take it all in.
- Visit an art gallery or museum without looking at the clock. Use this time to gain a better understanding of the local culture and history.
- Sit at a cafe and strike up a conversation with locals. Find out what they like to do on a free afternoon…and then go do it.
Hold on to a Touch of Routine
Yes, you’re on vacation and many of the day-to-day rules fly out the window. That’s part of the fun, right? Yes! But, in order to come home refreshed and rejuvenated, I have found that maintaining some semblance of my wellness routine goes a long way. Not only do I feel better when I get home, but I acclimate faster and recoup my energy. I also enjoy my vacation that much more. Sure, I let go of the rules around eating and drinking for the most part, but I do focus on three key areas: exercise, wellbeing and sleep. Here are easy ways to keep these important routines alive:
- Practice yoga at the start or end of your day. I love Boho Beautiful, which offers all types of yoga from 15 min to an hour long. Consider adding 10 minutes of meditation and/or journaling for even deeper grounding. Insight Timer, Calm and Headspace are all great apps to keep you on track.
- Go for a run, stroll along the beach or do a 20 min toning routine (I bring my bands everywhere!). Working out makes you feel good, so don’t forgo exercise on vacation. There are so many apps that make this incredibly easy—Alo Moves, Peloton, and Level Up with Laurie are some of my favorites.
- Get a good night sleep. After hours of walking around a city or swimming in the ocean, sleep comes easily and I try to take advantage of it so I can wake up rested and enjoy my days.
The Power of Presence
The end of a vacation doesn’t necessarily mark the end of an experience. Ideally, you come home with more than souvenirs—feeling refreshed and energized is the sign of a great adventure.
Incorporating moments of wellness throughout your travels enables you to maintain a semblance of routine and more mindfulness, making the transition back to your daily life smoother. And, memories of the self-care moments can serve as a positive reminder of the incredible experiences you had, encouraging you to weave the essence of your travels into your everyday life.
Not only do moments of wellness keep you sane amidst the chaos of travel, but they also help you connect deeply with the places you visit. So, the next time you embark on a journey, remember that taking care of YOU enhances every aspect of your travel.
