My friends and I have a habit that we always do before traveling. From the South of France to Mexico, we are always on purpose. Whether you’re traveling for a week or just a weekend, setting your travel goals will help you lay the foundation and set expectations for what you’re about to experience. Having been traveling full-time for nearly three years, I practiced this from time to time. However, the more places I visited, the more I wanted to deepen the experience. Booking the tour on TripAdvisor didn’t work.
A goal can be anything from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a salsa class to going on a date abroad or eating out alone. If traveling is on your vision for 2024, here are some helpful tips to help you travel with more intention in the new year.
Write your own wanderlust manifesto
What is your vision statement for traveling the world? What type of traveler do you want to be? These are some questions that will help define your travel manifesto. Instead of aimlessly hopping from destination to destination, outline your travel goals, aspirations, and experiences you’re dreaming of. Whether you want to mingle with the locals, go on a culinary adventure, or immerse yourself in nature, let this personalized manifesto guide your journey.
Don’t be afraid to slow down
In 2024, you won’t have to treat travel like a never-ending checklist of destinations. It doesn’t matter if you visit 2 or 10 countries this year. Depending on your travel lifestyle, it’s essential to slow down and savor the moment by diving into the local culture, engaging with the community, and uncovering the destination’s hidden charms. Like fine wine, some experiences are best enjoyed when given time to breathe.
Disconnect and reconnect
I love documenting my travels, but not everyone gets to see every moment. Screens rule our world, so try not to intentionally scroll or post in real time while traveling. Use your travels as a time to truly honor the present moment, have face-to-face conversations, and captivate your senses with the beauty of your surroundings. Let the authenticity of your experience shine through without filters.
Blend adventure and purpose
Answering the question, “How can I mindfully accomplish the adventures on my bucket list?” will help you make intentional ethical adventure choices. Are you planning to see elephants in Thailand? Elephant riding is frowned upon, but there are ethical elephant sanctuaries that tourists can visit. Go on a trek that supports local conservation efforts, join a marine life conservation effort, or cycle through sustainable attractions. We blend thrill-seeking with mindful exploration, ensuring that the adrenaline rush has a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we visit.
Keep a diary and look back
Traveling with intention requires more than just sightseeing. You want a deeper connection to the places you explore. A diary allows travelers to set their intentions and reflect on them later. Beyond writing, a diary serves as a canvas for emotional landscapes and personal growth. A diary can be your companion on a mindful journey, taking you away from the surface and into the depths. After all, it is about the places visited and the transformative journey within them.
