Frank, that’s a great way to do it!

Yes, that’s it. Sometimes in the rush and “busyness” we aren’t able to see what is around us en route to enjoy the journey. And I find that the places that I hold dearest in my heart are those where we did have time to be present and reflect as we connect deeper with that place.

Carol, glad you enjoyed this piece and the tips. Yes, it is sometimes easy to forget how to be present in a place. That’s why little reminders are helpful to bring perspective again…and perhaps put down the device.

Hi Robert,
I couldn’t agree with you more that this doesn’t just apply to travel, but to life in general as we are always feeling the need to be connected and on. While I agree that this problem has been around forever, it seems to have become more difficult in the last years with all the shiny distractions that are around us.

Sounds like you’ve come up with a great way to stay present while on vacation. Meditation is something we are trying to do more of. We’ve also found that going running in a new place in the morning is another way to see a place as more of a local. Thanks for your comment.

To stop in a place , to reflect ourselves ,to embrace our surroundings, they will bring different feeling to our mind and soul .

Again I really appreciate your post . ^_^

When on vacation, I like to do simple things. I avoid the tourist destinations for the most part. I would rather sit in a cafe and watch people and experience life through the eyes of people in other cultures. I take time to meditate. Sit on a beach, close my eyes, listen to the noises, feel the wet sand, breathe in the many smells. Thank you for this post.

Its a great thing to do sometimes!. Especially if you are at some place else and no one knows you.

Árpád, great question here. I think one can find peace and be in the moment in a place that we know and are very familiar with for many years. But the urge to travel to a far away place and be present in travel is more about being in stimuli and an environment very different from what we know in order to learn something new. It’s healthy curiosity. When I think of the benefits of being present in travel is that the slowing down and observing allows you to connect with a new place and people, providing more room for learning and discovery.