Spring has brought a gush of new energy and everywhere I look people are planning their summer holidays. I myself am headed to Dubrovnik in Croatia for a weekend! 

It has been a long time since I traveled for fun, and as I was thinking of all the things I want to do, I also started to think about what mindful travel would look like, in this post-pandemic (am I allowed to say this?) world.

So I decided to share a few of the things that I am going to try this holiday and hope to encourage you to do the same

Support local businesses.

You know I was going to say this, right? I am not only talking about local craftspeople, but also small, local, family-run businesses. Sustainably managed tourism can be a valuable economic boost to local communities. And after the pandemic, I truly feel that this is one of the best ways to support local, responsibly run businesses.

Slow down with your To Do Lists

If you are anything like me, you have been trained to make the MOST OUT OF A HOLIDAY. I mean, that’s how my parents and I traveled. I don’t come from a wealthy family, so when we saved enough to go on a holiday we were committed to make every penny count.

However, as I have gotten older, I have also started to see value in the small, idle moments during holidays. Watching my parents share holiday updates with their friends at the end of every holiday. Or an afternoon nap with my husband as the sun hits our holiday destination hardest. 

I am making an active choice to give more time for such idle moments and not be running from one destination to the next!

Take pictures respectfully

This is something I definitely have learned while living in Finland. It’s been a slow realisation that not everyone wants to be in my Instagram photos. Also, you want to actively reflect on what message you are promoting through your images. Every picture speaks a thousand words. So be mindful.

Look deeper for cultural experiences.

Whether you are headed to India or Italy, each country has a lot of cultural heritage to offer. Authentic cultural exchange is hugely valuable, but you also want to make sure you are not falling in the many tourist traps. So my tip - talk to a local while you are having your morning coffee, ask for their recommendations and if possible, hang out for a few hours with them. I know for many of you, this must sound terrifying, but don’t we travel to expand our beings?

Practice Gratitude

This might be a surprise but not everyone in this world has the privilege to travel. You are the lucky one who have been blessed with this opportunity. So I say might as well celebrate it :)

Write the moments of joy, of gratitude that you experience during your holiday! It would make a beautiful read when you are back home, I promise!

Image Credit_

1. Unsplash

2. Karoliina Ahmavuori

3. Willhelm Öhman
 
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Comment below your top tip to travel mindfully.