Traveling is exciting, we know you agree with us. The hectic planning, the thrilling journey and the satisfaction when you reach the destination… and then, before even exploring it, you find yourself thinking about what’s next. The next stop, next activity to do, next time you’re going back to the place you are right now!
This means only one thing: you’re not enjoying the moment. It’s a very common situation, but this doesn’t mean you can’t change it. Find out how you can get the best out of your trips with these suggestions about how to be present when you travel!
Be mindful
Maybe you’ve already heard about mindfulness but, in case you haven’t, just know that it’s the state you achieve by focusing your awareness on the here-and-now. Mindfulness is probably the most powerful tool that can help you be present – when you travel and in everyday life.
But how can you get to that level of consciousness? Start easy: use your five senses. Whenever you reach a new destination or undertake a specific activity, stop for a few minutes, breathe slowly and pay attention to…
The sounds you hear
The smells in the air
The feeling on your skin and body
The colors, shapes and details you see
The taste in your mouth
Don’t think about anything else: just be present in the moment thanks to your senses. Do it as often as you can and you’ll start noticing things that you’ve never noticed before.
Stay focused
The second tip is about making yourself stay focused. If you’re trying to practice mindfulness and your mind wanders, or if you’ve reached a destination and you find yourself thinking about the next step – whenever you notice that you wish to be present but you’re not, you need to bring your focus back.
There are different ways to do that:
You can have a mantra to repeat to yourself in those moments. Something like “I am your name, it’s the time of the day and I’m in the destination!”, or even just “I am in the destination!” repeated over and over again.
You can have a reminder to be present – an engraved bracelet or ring, a small stone in your pocket or even a tattoo! Whenever you see it or touch it, it will take you back to the present moment.
Do what feels right
Are you a planner? Then plan your travel. Are you a person who prefers to go with the flow? Then do it. Are you an adventure seeker who can’t sit still? Then embark on any experience that inspires you.
Just listen to yourself and do what feels right to you. If you need to slow down and be still for a while during your journey, do it. There’s no need to go everywhere and do everything because someone else says that.
If you follow your real desires, it will be much easier for you to be present when you travel!
One last tip before you go: put down your phone and camera if you really want to stay in the moment. Of course you can take a few shots, but remember: the real memories are those you build within yourself.
Now that you know how to be present during your travels, we can’t say anything but: enjoy your next journey!