Mindful Travel: 6 ways to make your holiday more fulfilling

As global restrictions eased, travel came back in-style. Whether it is a city-break, or a reclusive retreat, travellers sought diverse experiences. Post-covid, people have become more conscious of their consumption patterns around the world. Several have turned to being mindful in their everyday lives, from what they wear to what they consume, it is only fair that travel was the next to follow. We spoke to travellers, industry folks, and a mindfulness expert who weigh in on the trend and share tips on being more mindful.

Mudit Subodh first travelled solo to the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh in 2018. Although overwhelming, his journey inspired him to pursue trips to Amsterdam, Barcelona, and several European hotspots. "While travel with family and friends has been fun, solo travel is something which opened up a whole new world for me. These experiences not only helped me evolve as a person, but also made me realise the difference between a tourist and a traveller, also a responsible traveller - at that," shares the 33-year-old.

When asked about his travelling style, he tells us, "I realised that I prefer slow travelling rather than rushing to a place to soak everything in. While visiting a new place - I like to try the local eateries, recommended bars for drinks and try a few experiences which are specific to the city, and country."

What entails being a responsible tourist is being conscious about your carbon footprint, as per Subodh. "While travelling is all fun, I make it a point to be mindful while doing it. If you visit Himachal or Goa, you will find that people end up trashing a lot of places - both remote as well as popular ones. This not only disturbs the ecosystem but also ruins the beauty of these places. Hence it's about time that we realise everyone of us as an individual has to be mindful of these things to make a difference," explains the Bangalore-resident.

Little actions can go a long way, he lists a few things that you can do, "Respect the local culture and people of the places you are visiting, remember that you are a visitor and a guest and it's their home. Treat them how you would want to be treated at home. Always carry a refillable water bottle with you. This way you won't end up buying plastic bottles which are a nuisance to the ecosystem everywhere. Buy stuff from the local shops rather than supermarkets in smaller towns which will help them sustain their livelihood."

The shift to mindful travel
"In a post-pandemic world, people have begun adopting a state of mindfulness when it comes to travelling, immersing themselves in the present moment and being aware of the world around them. Staying home for a long period of time has made people realise the importance of being outdoors, and consciously spending time amidst nature," explains Geetika Arora Bhojak, founder, The Mindful Foundation.

She goes on to add, "Previously, travel was considered a type of luxury where people could flaunt the places they had seen, but now it's seen more as an opportunity to gravitate towards having unique experiences. People now view travel as a medium of personal growth and reflection, rather than simply a vacation from work. Not only do they focus on creating cherished moments, but also on being present rather than trying to visit or completing as many activities as possible. The emphasis has now moved on to rejuvenation and relaxation, which boost mental clarity."

"There is a stark difference in the way people are travelling these days, opting for mindful luxury and seeking immersive experiences. I feel travel today, is more about the reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation than simply a leisure activity, something they want to delve themselves into," observes Abhinav Trivedi, general manager of The Kumaon, a luxury retreat tucked away in Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand.

"Mindful travel, eco-stays, nature-based living are all on the top of many travellers' lists. With the rise of meditation apps and these growing trends, people now want to experience more in person experiences that are in locations that are conducive for the same", agrees Adnan Vahanvaty, Airbnb host of the reclusive Heal Farm in Kuriya Gaon, Uttarakhand.

Speaking of what travellers seek while opting to stay at the property, Trivedi shares, "Our guests like to indulge in the local food, know more about the culture and the people of the place, and experience the best of nature. The guests are constantly choosing value in their travels with long duration stays over something that keeps them on the go."

The Heal Farm started as a sharing space, a place where one can explore their own creativity and find space for themselves. "The people that visit the Heal Farm are those looking for an experience that is relaxing and refreshing and those that want to take in the space rather than just those wanting a roof over their head. People who enjoy contemplation, meditation and nature find Heal Farm to be very conducive to their needs. To facilitate this in the current day we offer a gentle schedule for yoga, sound healing, artistic workshops all supported around a well thought out meal schedule that is prepared using wholesome organic ingredients grown here," explains Vahanvaty.

"This shift in attitude has also led to the rise of curated travel experiences, where people actively seek unique experiences focusing on holistic well-being and activities that broaden the mind. These can often be destinations that are beautiful, offer magical experiences and meaningful encounters, helping the traveller build a connection with the location," concludes Bhojak.

How can you be more mindful while travelling
Remember, what makes the trip special is not only the destination but how we feel at the destination by living and experiencing truly in the moment. The mindfulness expert shares actionable tips to help you to travel mindfully:

-The most important first step for a mindful vacation is to know your purpose, whether it is to relax, sightsee, eat good food, or all of the above.

-Switch on "out of office", log out of social media and leave your phone in your room.

-Be present with the experience. Designate a set time for pictures when visiting a sight. Even when you do take pictures, don't edit and upload and track the likes. Try to use your mind as the camera and capture the moments with it.

-Slowing down is a big piece of being more mindful as a traveller. Ask yourself: How can I hold this experience with awareness as opposed to with a jaded attitude?

-Eating is one of travel's truest pleasures, so try not to rush through meals on the road; instead, take time to savour the flavours and observe the locals sitting around you.

-Breathe even (and especially) when things go wrong, and don't get worked up over what you cannot control. Have awareness of your physical reactions: is your jaw clenched or shoulders tense? Take a deep breath to relax.

Also Read: Travellers share expert tips on how to pack and prep for your next vacation