Mindful Moments on Vacation: How to Make Time Slow Down (Even Just a Little)
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing… right?
But if we’re being honest, sometimes they feel more like a race—through airports, crowded attractions, family obligations, or just the pressure to "make the most" of every minute.
This summer, I went to Missoula, Montana to visit family. And instead of cramming every second with activity, I made a conscious effort to pause, breathe, and notice. It didn’t make the trip perfect (because, what is?), but it made it richer. More grounded. More mine.
I want to share how I used mindfulness to hold onto the good stuff and navigate the not-so-glamorous travel moments too. And how you can do the same—whether you're going across the globe, staying local, or even just carving out a day off at home.
Mindfulness in Motion: The Travel Part
Airports can be… overstimulating, to say the least.
But mindfulness helped me stay present.
I listened to the click-clack of rolling suitcases like it was a rhythm.
I watched planes land and let myself marvel like a kid again.
I stared out the plane window, getting lost in the shapes of the clouds.
I tuned into the steady hum of the plane engine like a guided meditation.
I stood by the luggage carousel and noticed the loop of movement, the clunk of bags landing.
I also savored the quiet moments—like when my son rested his head on my shoulder mid-flight. I let myself feel the weight of it, the comfort of that connection. Just a second, but it felt like a whole chapter.
Mindful Memory-Making: Nature Does the Heavy Lifting
Montana is stunning. But even in all that natural beauty, it’s easy to breeze past it if we’re caught in the “what’s next?”
Instead, I slowed down. Just enough.
I inhaled the sweet, almost vanilla scent of Ponderosa Pines while sipping coffee on the deck.
I felt the breeze in the trees, like the wind was exhaling.
I tiptoed across a freezing cold riverbed, focusing on each step, each slippery stone.
I let the cold water ground me, instead of rushing back to dry land.
When we use mindfulness, we anchor ourselves to now—and suddenly, the moment stretches just a bit longer.
Why it Matters: Memories are Important
We take vacations to rest, to explore, to reconnect. But we often come home with blurry memories and tired bodies.
Mindfulness helps us capture joy, decrease stress, and increase our capacity to savor what's real. Not the perfect Instagram photo—but the feeling of belonging, wonder, and calm.
Want to Practice Mindfulness On-the-Go?
If you’d like simple tools to take with you (on vacation or just into your day), check out my free guide:
5 Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness in 5 Minutes or Less
You don’t need hours or a retreat—just a moment. Right here. Right now.
