Five Mindful Travel Tips
Travel can be tough on the mind and the body. Before COVID-19 (B.C.), I traveled quite a lot, usually by plane and sometimes by car. During that time I developed strategies to take some of the stress out of traveling.
As the world begins to slowly open up again, I’ve struggled to remember how I traveled before. Packing, which had become a quick-and-easy routine, now seems more like a mind-bending activity full of potential pitfalls.
But after a few mishaps on the road and in the air, I’m starting to remember the mindful steps that I’ve been practicing for years that inject more calm into the travel process. Here are some of the steps that have helped me.
Tip 1: Don’t treat every trip the same.
A two-week family vacation that includes a dance competition, amusement parks and the beach was a way different planning experience then my first work conference in a year. And my packing strategies were night-and-day different, but both injected some healthy habits to reduce stress.
While I took three bags on the driving vacation, I managed to fit three days of conference clothing, a laptop and toiletries into a small backpack.
This considerably eased the stress of the plane ride, as all of my belongings fit under my seat and I wasn’t stressing about overhead bin space in our 100% packed plane. So I suggest you ask yourself these questions to start:
> Am I driving or flying?
> Am I traveling alone, with an adult, or with children?
> How much do I want to carry?
> How much stuff do I want to be mentally responsible for (and is it really worth taking)?
> What do I usually miss about home when I’m traveling, and what could I do to lessen those feelings?
Tip 2: Recognize what brings you comfort.
One of the biggest stressors for me when I travel is staying hydrated. I hate buying those plastic water bottles in the airport, and they never give you enough water on the plane. So I take my own empty water bottle. It’s great not just for the flight or car ride, it also helps remind me to drink more in my hotel room or around conference halls, where water can be harder to source.
I also like to bring individual packets of hot sauce and tea. I know, weird, right? But these little comforts—controlling the spice level of my food, enjoying a cup of a tea I like—are peaceful self-care techniques for me.
I also usually take a small art kit so I can enjoy some peaceful art meditation at the end of the day. (What’s in my travel art kit? I’ll share more on that in another blog.)
Tip 3: Be aware of what weighs you down.
Sometimes it’s all too much—literally. I’ve returned home from countless trips with a sore neck and shoulders from an overloaded backpack or duffle. Alternately, my super chic red briefcase on wheels (nicknamed Ruby by my coworkers) can be a pain trying to fit under the airplane seat in front of me, and it makes a horrible clatter when it’s rolling on cobblestones, creating a level of mental stress. So consider the value proposition—how much mental weight are you carrying by physically taking more?
Tip 4: Accept you will forget something—and don’t stress it.
Even if you did manage to pack everything you need, chances are something will happen and you’ll need to buy something. For example, on my last trip I lost a beloved diamond earring somewhere in the process of pulling my mask on and off in my travels. It was seriously stressing me out. I was frustrated at myself for the loss and anxious that my new piercing would grow in before I got home and put a new earring in it. It added considerable extra stress to my day.
When I stopped and really thought about it, the solution was easy. The hotel I was staying at had a little boutique. I bought a new pair of earrings and let it go. Yes, it was disappointing. But I didn’t let it ruin the rest of my trip.
Tip 5: Assess your apps.
In 2016, I began using the Headspace app, and in the years since this app has gained many robust features. This meditation app is great for mindfulness, meditation and sleep. Other apps I like: Calm and Insight Timer.
Exercise on the road can be problematic, but there’s an app for that too. For HIIT workouts, try Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App. For a quick boost, I like Seven, one of the seven-minute workout series. Another favorite is Yoga Download. If you’re in a place with sketchy WiFi, you can download your favorite workouts and play them without good Internet. And the length and intensity vary, so you can hone in on favorite instructors, themes or styles.
So what did I miss? Share your go-to mindfulness travel tips below!