Join the Sustainable Tourism Movement and learn to be a Mindful Traveler
Travel the world with Mindfulness, Compassion and Connection to a Sense of Place
What does sustainable tourism mean and why is it important? In contrast to Mass Tourism, Sustainable tourism is all about a style of travel that attempts to tread lightly on the places visited, respects the local people and culture and considers environmental and cultural impacts to a place. Unfortunately there are a lot of travelers out there who do NOT keep this in mind and many of the worlds destinations are being flooded with mass tourism, wreaking havoc on natural resources and the local way of life and traditions.
What does it mean to be a Mindful Traveler? When we focus our efforts on practicing sustainable tourism, it helps to bring in mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness is all about being present, really living in the moment and tuning in to what is in front of you, what you hear, feel, smell, taste and see. Perhaps listen more deeply to another when you are in a conversation, observe how a place or a life style is both different and/or the same as your own, connect to people and places in a way that fills us with joy and illuminates the realization that we are all in this together. Truly at the core of all things is the pursuit of happiness, right? Let your traveling experiences re-MIND you of this. This all may seem obvious but unfortunately, most people do not travel with these considerations in mind. But you can! When we travel mindfully it fosters a relationship to a place that perhaps will motivate us to care more about how we travel and our impacts.
Mindful Travel Ideas
1.) Be Mindful Ok, so maybe this seems obvious or you are wondering what in the heck I mean, exactly. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present, in the moment, paying close attention to what is happening hear and now. Check out this post I wrote about Daily Mindfulness Practices. What I mean is, simply take plenty of moments to just soak in your surroundings, allowing yourself to be in total awe and wonder of the experience you are having. This is a friendly reminder to take a break from and get off of your cell phone, stop taking pictures and selfies, or checking to see who has looked at your travel posts. Believe me, I am obsessed with taking pictures...it is kind of a problem that I am working on. So, unplug and be present, let the moment really fill your being. I know, so cheesy, but its the stuff of life right there in front of you!!
2.) Study the Language before You Go Take the time to learn the language. Of course I do not expect you to become fluent but go beyond just learning "hello" and "where is the bathroom". I have found that it makes a huge difference to really put some effort into studying the language before you go, to better understand the place you are visiting and the local culture. You will feel more connected to the people you converse with and they will be more likely to help you out. Or perhaps the interaction will just feel warmer if you show them you are really trying to take a stab at their language. I know it is a little scary and uncomfortable. Believe me, I have really butchered a beautiful language and I may have received a chuckle in response but I welcome the moment a local corrects me and it opens up a little window of opportunity to let them know I care to learn more about the people and places I am visiting. Also when you are making an effort to learn the language, tune in to the locals speaking around you. This also helps with mindfulness practice, to really be present and listen. You will surely stumble and it may feel uncomfortable some times, but that is OK.
We had such fun in Portugal, trying desperately to speak Portuguese and the locals we talked with seemed appreciative, particularly because most people do not even try. In fact, we got to talking to many locals just by attempting the language and we received many thanks for our efforts. We learned quickly that although Portuguese has some similarities to Spanish, DO NOT assume you can get away with just speaking Spanish, that's like a stab straight to the heart. The apps Duolingo and Babbel have been very helpful for getting the basics down when learning a new language. Easy and fun for kids to practice too.
3.) Tune in to the Landscape, the Plants and the Trees Notice trees and plants that grow around you when you are at home AND when you travel. Learning about the plants that grow around us can bring in this very fulfilling sense of connection to a place and I carry that with me wherever I travel. When we get the chance to ramble this globe and I recognize plants growing in a foreign land, that sense of belonging sets in. A connection that puts me at ease. Like I am not such a stranger in a strange land. Observe a plant growing in a foreign land that seems similar to one that grows in your home region. Or Perhaps notice how very different the landscape is from what you are used to. This act also fosters a sense of environmental stewardship. Take time to really observe the tiny intricate details of leaves and petals, a mindfulness practice and technique that can reduce stress and ease anxiety. Why not take pause, relax a moment and notice the details?
"Learning about the plants that grow around us can bring in this very fulfilling sense of connection to a place and I carry that with me wherever I travel."
When we pay more attention to what is growing around us, we care more about a place. Did you know that plenty of studies have shown that spending time noticing and being present around plants and nature can calm anxiety and improve our mental health, even help us heal more quickly when we are sick or sad? Quite simply, paying attention to plant life makes us happy!!
4.) Travel with your Kids Many people I talk with feel really overwhelmed with the idea of traveling with their kids, but here is a news flash: the world is full of kids, people in other countries have kids too, and yes kids are generally the same everywhere, full of energy, bringing us joy, reminding us to play and be silly and yes, frustrating the dickens out of us!
In fact, we have found that we connect more with locals when our kids are with us! Our kids can sometimes be a beautiful way to break through that language barrier. Allow your kids to kick a soccer ball around a meadow or a plaza with some local kiddos, or help and encourage your kids to practice the language when they order food or say Good morning! Check out this post about Tips for Making Travel with Kids Fun!
"here is a news flash: the world is full of kids, people in other countries have kids too, and yes kids are generally the same everywhere, full of energy, bringing us joy, reminding us to play and be silly and yes, frustrating the dickens out of us! "
5.) Eat Mindfully I am hoping that you are already willing to try new foods, sample new flavors and experience the joy of eating when you travel outside of your home town. Let us take it a step further and practice the art of Mindful Eating! It is actually a thing!! Check out this book on the topic. So, the deal is, while you are eating try to take pause and give all your attention to the food you are eating. Gaze at it lovingly, all of the colors, textures, smells, then when you take that bite, chew slowly and enjoy it fully. I know this sounds like a bit much but I tell you what, food tastes even better when you practice Mindful Eating....AND, you get full more quickly when you do it this way. Give it a try...
6.) Use Public Transportation I do realize that often times renting a car is necessary, especially if you want to get off the well worn path BUT whenever possible, see if you can get away with NOT renting a car, not only reducing your carbon footprint but getting the chance to be more present in your surroundings. This way you will not have to focus so much energy on navigating your way around in an unfamiliar place and you get to participate a bit more in the everyday life of a place, sitting next to a local on their daily commute.
7.) Get Away from Major Tourist Sites Yes, of course there are gonna be major iconic landmarks that you will want to see, or entire cities you have always dreamed of visiting but you will get so much more out of a travel experience if you get away from the other tourists. Not only does the mass tourism trample all over the land and local traditions of a place, motivated mainly by funding the tourist industry but spending time in ONLY major tourist sites means you are not really getting at the heart of a place. You are doing what other tourists do, not what a local does. Be sure to spend a portion of your trip exploring unknown places, secret off the beaten path villages, cafes, hikes. This will grant you more opportunities to connect with the heart and soul of the country you are visiting AND will lighten some of the load on the overly visited sites.
8.) Look for Ways to Lend a Hand Whether you hold the door open for someone or volunteer to participate in a beach clean up. Step out of your comfort zone and jump at the chance to help out. You can check in with local schools to see if they welcome school supply donations, you could sign up to do a tree planting or simply pick up trash you see along a trail. I remember my husband and I had such a memorable trip in Belize riding on a public bus when it broke down. We pitched into to help locals carry buckets of produce and we got the chance to chat it up with a few farmers, making there way. It felt good to help out and connect! A simple google search of "volunteer opportunities" in the cities and towns you visit can give you a starting point if you have an extra day to lend a hand in a given community, or structure an entire vacation around volunteering. Doing this with your kids is an excellent way to make the experience more memorable and educational for everyone, both visitors and locals alike. Helping out in ways big and small, connects us all, spreading that very important message of kindness and compassion.
Be a Mindful, Sustainable and Kind Traveler
At My Peaceful Wild we strive to share our adventures in a way that encourages others to go out into the world and participate in a style of travel that is mindful and connects to a place with kindness and compassion. Of course many have a "bucket list" of travel destinations, myself included. It is a big beautiful world after all! Along with going places to see beautiful landscapes, cities, architecture, let's work together to spread a message of hope, kindness, environmental stewardship, supporting and celebrating local communities and cultures. Let's get out there and experience a place as a citizen of the earth on a mission to connect, be present and help out when we can. What does it mean to be an Oregonian, a Hawaiian, an Italian, a Mexican or a Kenyan? The world is so full of beauty, mystery, language, food, traditions, history, joy and sorrow. As you get out there and experience it, do it mindfully and with compassion. Now go!
Check out these trips for Travel Planning Ideas and Travel Tips
Connect with Your Family on a Trip to Maui
Connect with Your Family on a Trip to Oregon
Connect with Your Family on a Trip to Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa
Connect with Your Family on a Trip to Italy
Plan a Family Adventure to Switzerland
10 Tips for Making Travel with Kids FUN!!
Get Inspired with this List of Outdoor Adventure Gear
Practice Self-Care and Plan A Solo Retreat
Mindful Journeys: Travel to Maui
What is the Spirit of Aloha?
family-vacation-to-maui
Family Vacation in Maui, soaking up the beauty, culture and tranquility this peaceful place has to offer
Mindfully Maui
Step off the plane, feel the warm air, smell the sweet fragrance of this gorgeous place and feel your body relax, almost instantly. You have arrived in Maui and the spirit of Aloha sinks in quickly, if you are open to it. The crew at My Peaceful Wild finds it easy to travel mindfully in this magical place. You could spend a day doing nothing but watching palm trees sway in the breeze, listening to waves breaking, spotting turtles and geckos. Even our squirrelly kids were mesmerized by this place, often doing nothing but gazing out at the sea. Being here truly is a peaceful experience.
We are big fans of getting off the well worn path and away from the ultra touristy scenes and high rise resorts. Depending on where you go there are certainly quieter places and authentic experiences to be had. This trip includes an array of quiet spots and popular activities too, but always looking for moments to be fully immersed and soaking in all that this island has to offer.
Family-vacation-to-maui
Family Vacation to Maui
Upcountry Maui
We began our trip in Upcountry Maui,a peaceful and lush part of the island up in the hills above the beaches near the town Paia. We chose the charming Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast. We were just outside the village of Makawao which is best described as a little Hawaiian western town, complete with saloon like store fronts. For us The Banyan Tree was a dream. Occasionally, we splurge on higher end lodging but mostly we like to stay in smaller, less extravagant accommodations that get us closer to soaking in the culture of a place and its everyday people. The grounds of the Banyan were gorgeous and perfect for the kids to frolic and explore. There is a giant Banyan tree on the property with an idyllic but simple wooden swing that took the kids soaring up into the branches. Being a lover of plants myself, I spent a lot of time hanging around this enormous tree, gazing up at in wonder, sitting among its massive trunk, observing the universe of creatures that called this tree home.
banyan-tree-bed-and-breakfast-resort
Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast Resort in Makawao, Maui
Each day our routine was the same: we awoke with a lovely breakfast, wandered the grounds with coffee in hand then packed up a picnic and made the 15 minute drive down to Baldwin/Baby beach. This beach frequented by local families, is not too crowded and allows one to see how the locals do it. Perfect for long walks, we spotted turtles or as the Hawaiian call them Honu, every day, often times sharing the calm waters along with us. There are also big waves here, and it was amazing to watch a fellow grab his SUP, head out to the open sea, plowing right through the crashing waves. If you walk about 15 minutes along the beach to the other end, you come to a calm section called Baby beach, which is sheltered by a reef wall, creating a lagoon perfect for families. Best to visit this beach in the morning before the trade winds pick up. After a swim and a walk we would come back to the Banyan Tree for an afternoon of swimming in the pool. Lunches and dinners were spent in one of the nearby villages of Makawao, Haiku, or Paia, often followed by a round of geocaching, exploring hidden spots and finding spectacular views of the landscape. If you are unfamiliar with Geocaching, it is an app for your phone that helps you find hidden capsules any where in the world and it is something we do as a family every time we travel. Check out this post on tips for making travel with kids fun. In addition to the quieter upcountry towns, Paia is great fun to explore, albeit more action packed and touristy. Along with restaurants and shops you will find a very special local health food store, Mana Foods , for your picnicking and dining in needs, not to mention some amazing fresh fruit.
Kula, Maui
Protea-flower-at-the-Alii-Lavander-Farm
Protea Flower at the Ali'i Kula Lavander Farm
We also explored the area of Kula, up on the slopes of the Haleakala dormant volcano. One our favorite experiences was a visit to the Ali'i Lavender Farm. This gorgeous sanctuary practices sustainable farming methods, has a very special garden to explore, including a scavenger hunt for kids, and has stunning views of the entire island. We treasured our lavender honey purchased in the gift shop. Hands down, the tastiest honey I have ever experienced. Thank you honey bees of Upcountry Maui!!
Around Lahaina
Lahaina has a lot going on, plenty of beach side shops and restaurants and an enormous Banyan tree at its center in the middle of a plaza. The kids really enjoyed hanging around this area and hiding among the tangle of roots and branches of the tree, which formed little nooks to play among. There is a little harbor here and one day we decided to go for the submarine tour on the Atlantis Submarine! We boarded a small boat which took us out to the submarine just outside the Harbor. The Atlantis took us 100 feet down to see all kinds of marine life, plus a visit to a sunken ship. Twas a major highlight for the kiddos.
Napili Honokowai
the-kuleana-resort
The beautiful grounds of the Kuleana Resort on Maui
Our next stop was the condo we rented at The Kuleana Condominiums in the Napili Honokowai area. We had our own balcony with views of the ocean and plenty of room in this spacious two bedroom rental. The grounds were covered in beautiful gardens, complete with self-service sea front BBQ stations for grilling up tasty dinners while you watch the turtles swim by. Kind of amazing. There was a really nice community vibe and we quickly befriended other condo dwellers poolside. Down a gorgeous little rocky path was a rocky outcrop that had a small ladder to climb down into the sea below. A group of resident turtles were present in this mini bay formed by the rocks. We came out to visit them every single day. They were always hanging around this spot. I remember coming out to them on our last morning to say goodbye and feeling so sad to leave this magical little place. To spend time in the presence of these giant gentle beings was an incredible experience. I was also able to jump into the water here but it was a little sketchy with the rocks and waves sloshing about. Only for skilled swimmers.
beautiful-plants-of-maui
Beautiful Plants of Maui at the Kuleana Resort
The Kuleana had its own small sandy beach to hang out on too. I spent many days wandering the grounds, peering into the center of intricate flower forms, I didn't know the names of. My daughter was constantly content to sit and watch crabs or geckos as they scurried about and I think my son could have sat with the turtles all day, mesmerized by their graceful movements, swaying about among the waves. The entire experience was very peaceful.
Kuleana-Resort-on-Maui
Kuleana Resort on Maui
Did I say the entire experience was peaceful? Social media and travel blogs tend to be full of perfect dream-like and inspiring imagery. While we did indeed have a whole lot of fun, let's be honest now folks...life isn't always perfect, even in Hawaii. I thought I would share the above image of this gorgeous sunset obstructed by my bickering children. For just this moment, I put my mediation skills aside for a deep breathe and to snap a photo of a little slice of REAL life. You are welcome.
Bickering-children
My bickering children in front of this beautiful view. Life is not always perfect, even in Hawaii.
Booking.com(function(d, sc, u) {var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type = 'text/javascript';s.async = true;s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');
Plan-a-trip-to-maui
Plan a trip to Maui, experience the spirit of Aloha and the tranquility that this beautiful island has to offer
Exploring Maui with Kids
Nakalele Blow Hole
Nakalele-blowhole
Exploring the incredible sites of Hawaii on a Maui Family Vacation
Make the drive to Wailuku to hike down to the Nakalele Blow hole. Traveling to the northeastern tip of Maui is a gorgeous journey and a fun day trip. Hike carefully down the trail to see water explode out of this hole in the rocks by the sea. Stop for shaved ice on the way and look for the homemade soda stand at one of the vista pullouts. Also some fun geocahing to do around here. As, always and goes with out saying, be very careful when hiking around the craggy rocks and do not get too close to the blowhole, as the powerful blast of water travels far and wide, soaking everything in sight. making the surroundings quite slippery.
Exploring Kapalua
Take a family hike at the old Kapalua Village Golf Course
One day we took a family hike through the former Kapalua Village Golf Course, which was a super magical experience. You are actually hiking along old golf cart paths but the tropical forest has grown up and around the paths filling in the greens. It is a fascinating perspective to see how nature takes hold of abandoned spaces, reclaiming what was once so manicured and restoring it to wildness. The concrete paths make for very family friendly, easy walking and afford spectacular view of the sea beyond.
As the vegetation grows quite thick and tall in some sections, way-finding can be a little tricky but know that walking down hill will take you back towards the start and moving uphill takes you further away.
Snorkeling Trip
We had plenty of fun snorkeling, swimming boogie boarding and Stand Up Paddle boarding at nearby beaches, Napili Bay being our favorite, but one day we booked an incredible snorkel trip through Pride of Maui Snorkeling Tours. This was a really fun experience with a professional crew that took us out to sea to find the best spots for snorkeling and provided everything we needed for a safe and amazing adventure. Additionally, the boat was equipped with a slide to splash straight into the ocean! And lastly, after an adventure in the open waters, the crew cooked us up a fantastic BBQ feast to enjoy afterwards. I highly recommend Pride of Maui.
Sea-Turtle-Honu
With respect and plenty of distance, the kids observe this peaceful sea turtle
Connect to Place
Traveling is of course about seeing pretty places and partaking in new experiences. For us connecting to a place, its people, it's land is just as important and a nice way to be a mindful traveler. Taking time to get to know the culture, how is it different or the same as where you come from, can create a rich and memorable adventure.
In Maui, a good start would be to understand the spirit of Aloha. While a "Aloha" is certainly a greeting, it is so much more than that. It is a way of being and connecting and it also means love, kindness and compassion. Native Hawaiian's take great pride in their ancestry and their heritage, so be sensitive to that, learn a few Hawaiian words and explore the deeper meaning of their connection to the land and sea.
Along with getting to know a places people and culture, another way to connect is to pay attention to the landscape, what grows there, how is it different or the same as where you come from. Perhaps learn a few of the native plants and their uses if significant. One native flower you may connect to is the Hibiscus, known in Hawaiian as pua mao hau hele, which is actually the state flower of Hawaii. Plumeria is another important flower in Hawaii, used to make the iconic lei, however is not native but has naturalized in the islands after being brought over in the 1860s. The Al'i Lavender farm discussed earlier, was a lovely place to not only take in plants and flowers but also afforded jaw dropping vistas, giving one a nice sense of the islands geography.
Lastly, another way to really soak in a new culture and place is to seek out ways to help. Even the little moments count. Simple kindnesses and opportunities to pitch in make a difference and help nurture a more global community. If you are interested in more structured volunteer opportunities around Maui, check out this link from Maui Information Guide.
I know that I only scratched the surface of really getting to know the heart of Maui but I look forward to learning more my next trip. Such an incredible place, with a soothing tropical landscape and an easy going vibe, Maui invites you to experience the spirit of Aloha. Until next time Maui...
Be A Mindful Traveler
What does it mean to be a mindful traveler? The practice of mindfulness is all about being present, really living in the moment and soaking in what is in front of you. Perhaps listening deeply to another in a conversation, observing how a place or a life style is both different and/or the same as your own, connecting to people and places in a way that fills us with joy and illuminates the realization that we are all in this together. Truly at the core of all things is the pursuit of happiness. Check out this post about Daily Mindfulness Practice.
At My Peaceful Wild we strive to share our adventures in a way that encourages others to go out into the world and participate in a style of travel that is mindful and connects to a place with kindness and compassion. Of course many have a "bucket list" of travel destinations, myself included. It is a big beautiful world after all! Along with going places to see beautiful landscapes, cities, architecture, let's work together to spread a message of hope, kindness, environmental stewardship, supporting and celebrating local communities and cultures. Let's get out there and experience a place as a citizen of the earth on a mission to connect to a sense of place. What does it mean to be an Oregonian, a Hawaiian, an Italian, a Mexican or a Kenyan? The world is so full of beauty, mystery, language, food, traditions, history, joy and sorrow. As you get out there and experience it, do it mindfully and with compassion. Now go!