Mindful travel 101: how to be more present during your next holiday

It’s no surprise that many us are seeking more meaningful connections – especially when it comes to travel and what we hope to gain from that specific holiday experience.

Trend reports indicate that group travel is becoming increasingly popular, with solo travellers capitalising on the opportunity to share itineraries with like-minded adventurers. 

There’s also the desire to fully ‘drop into’ a destination. A recent Hilton Trends Report found that 27% of adults said they want to be more present and reduce screen use during vacations, while 17% actively seek trips that force them to unplug completely, such as tech-free retreats.  

As part of our partnership with travel specialists Intrepid Travel, we spoke to two experts about how to embrace a more connected wanderlust experience, alongside some of the best Intrepid itineraries to help you fulfil these more mindful travel goals, sans distraction. 

“The best and most rewarding experiences tend to involve digging into your destination and getting your hands a bit dirty – metaphorically speaking,” says travel writer Kirsten Henton.

“It could be attending a local music festival, going wine tasting on a family-owned vineyard, taking a surfing, yoga or cookery class; maybe just perusing produce in the market and watching the world go by with a freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice.” 

“I love finding local hikes wherever I’m travelling,” says wellness practitioner Jordan Mae Antoinette. “Choose a trail that matches your energy that day – I usually go for the easy ones – and treat yourself to some time exploring the landscape around you. 

“It’s such a refreshing way to weave movement into your trip while also connecting more deeply with the place you’re visiting. And if you go with friends, it always turns into a fun little adventure.”

Intrepid Experience Suggestion: Iceland Discovery
Spend the evening in Iceland’s highest inhabited settlement, where snow often lingers year-round. Take a walk to the tiny farm church, built in 1949 by farmer Jón Aðalsteinn Stefánsson in memory of his wife, then settle in for a night surrounded by mountains.

“When travelling I like to give myself a window in the morning to check messages or emails, and then once I’ve landed somewhere I switch my phone to airplane mode – then just ‘be’ for a while,” says Antoinette. “It helps me be fully present instead of half-scrolling through notifications.”

“I’ll bring a book to dive into or if I’m not in the mood to read, I just chill and take in what’s happening around me – the people, the sounds, the atmosphere. It’s such a simple way to remind yourself you’re actually there and not just passing through.”

“Skip doomscrolling and embrace the opportunity to go a wee bit old skool,” Henton adds. “That could be putting down your phone and picking up a camera or binoculars, swapping the tablet for a deck of cards or, personal favourite, Travel Scrabble. You can even ditch the Kindle for a paperback. 

“Whether you’re roaming in the wilderness or just relaxing by the pool, your eyes – and nervous system – will thank you for the break and you might just spy something you’d otherwise have missed.”

Intrepid Experience Suggestion: Premium Tanzania
Take a break from safari and dive into the world of Tanzanian coffee. With your local guide, walk through a plantation and learn how beans go from seed to roast to cup. Try your hand at roasting and grinding, then sip your fresh brew with a new appreciation for the process behind it. 

“When travelling I always try to carve out a little time to move mindfully, even if it’s just rolling out my mat – or simply laying on the ground if I don’t have one with me,” says Antoinette. 

“There’s something so grounding about pausing for a few gentle stretches, noticing how my body feels and taking a few deep belly breaths to reset my nervous system if I’m feeling overstimulated. 

“If I’m near the beach or soft grass, it feels even more nourishing to connect with the elements around me – the warmth of the sun, the texture of the earth, the sound of the waves. And if I’m near the sea, I love going for a slow, mindful swim. There’s something about floating, breathing and moving with the water that just resets everything.”

“Holidays mean different things to different people, and the first step is to choose the right type of escape for you,” says Henton. “There is no wrong answer. But few things jolt you into the moment like a splash of water from a paddle, finding your footing on a breezy clifftop path or early morning sun warming your stretching muscles. 

“Whatever being active looks like to you, taking part in an activity that requires immersion, even concentration, is a sure-fire way to hit the double whammy of exercise endorphins and an appreciation of your surroundings.”

Intrepid Experience Suggestion – Inca Trail Express
Many travellers head straight to Machu Picchu in Peru, but few take the time to explore the Sacred Valley. Stop for lunch with the Huilloc community here, where you’ll hear stories of daily life, learn a few words in Quechua and join them in a welcome dance. You’ll also visit AMA, a social enterprise cafe that creates job opportunities for single mothers. Grab a snack and meet the women behind the project.

“For some, completely solo travel can be a bit daunting and, frankly, boring as memorable experiences are often best when shared,” says Henton.

“If you want the benefits of being alone but not lonely, and to be with like-minded people interested in doing the same activities but from whom you can also retreat, why not book a small group trip, with the likes of Intrepid, which are led by local experts? Choose your provider carefully and you will also contribute towards the sustainability of a local community, which means everybody wins.” 

“Travelling with a group can push you to try things you didn’t know you’d love,” Antoinette concludes. “I rocked up solo to a group kayak tour in Portugal and ended up sharing a kayak with the guide – I learned so much about the area’s history and even made a few new friends along the way.”

Intrepid Experience Suggestion: Best of Turkey
Spend a day in the seaside town of Kas and get to know your group in the best way possible – aboard a traditional gulet. Cruise above ancient sunken cities, lounge on deck and dive straight into the sea. Lunch is served on board, with views of the coast all around. 

Taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been visiting new places and old friends, and creating countless, unforgettable moments for over 30 years. As one of the world’s largest travel B Corps, its aim is to be the best tour company for the world, through responsible travel that respects people and places. Intrepid Travel is also the Which? Recommended Provider for Escorted Tours, December 2024.