Most working Americans do not use their allotted vacation days. This means that many of us are overworked, overstressed, and under-nourished when it comes to our personal lives. This is the thing: we work so that we can take care of ourselves and our families, but we neglect to mindfully take time off because we are programmed to work, work, work, work, work. Not only is that the chorus of a Rihanna song, but it has become an anthem for how we live.
Traveling is an important part of cultivating oneself and is necessary. We need time to explore something new and partake in different surroundings, scenery, and cultures. If you do not travel at least once a quarter, my friend, it is time to change that.
I do my fair share of travel for both business and personal, and I make sure to take at least one trip each quarter that is for leisure only. It is a priority for me, and it is pretty much non-negotiable.
We work hard, we hustle, we burn the midnight oil, and it is time that we vacation with intention. This means that not only are we getting away from it all, but we are getting in much needed self-care and restoration for our mind, body, and soul. Intentional travel means we have a purpose for going to our destination alongside goals that we want to accomplish, so that it is not just a trip or vacation, but an experience as well.
In order to get the most out of your intentions when traveling, I am sharing my Free Travel Journal that you can print out in order to write down your thoughts, feelings, and memories daily while on vacay.
I use this travel journal as a way to make sure that I manifest my intentions while I am away. For instance, I recently went on a Self-Care Girls Trip to San Diego for a three-day jaunt with a friend. The purpose of this trip was to relax and bond while clearing my mind so that I could prepare for the summer and the goals I have for the next few months. My intention was to create a vacation that was focused on de-stressing and pouring into myself.
Here are a few ways that you can be intentional while you travel:
Travel Goals
Write down your goals for the trip. Do you want to unplug and be off the grid for maximum effectiveness? Or is the trip for you to cross something off your bucket list? Do you want to do something you’ve never done before like go zip-lining or get a tattoo? Being purposeful can help you accomplish your travel goals.
Travel Partner
When traveling, you need to be with someone who is aligned with your intentions while you travel. This can help you be accountable to the intentions you’ve set for the trip.
Blackout
To keep you in the moment, try to utilize Blackout Times during your trip where you are offline and not plugged in to the Internet or social media. You can always share special moments via photos and status updates at a later time or date.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to center yourself daily to make sure that you are mindful during your vacation. You can meditate in the morning before you start your day or at night before you go to the bed. Focus on the memories you are making on your trip and the good vibes and synergy you are creating.
My Free Travel Journal can help you jot down memories while you travel as well as give you an area to channel your thoughts. Take it with you on your next trip, and let it help you be more intentional with your travel.
So—when is your next vacation? How can you make your trip more intentional?
