The Secret to More Memorable Travels…

Ever feel like you rush through vacations without actually being there?

Maybe the time flies by too fast, or you get home realizing you didn’t do what you truly wanted.

Well, mindfulness can change that! And before you roll your eyes—don’t worry, I’m not talking about meditating on a mountaintop (unless that’s your thing). I simply mean being present in the moment.

If you’re sipping a glass of wine with a perfectly cooked steak—really taste it.
If you’re skinny-dipping with sea turtles (yep, did that in Hawaii!)—soak up every sensation.
If you’re at Bear Week dancing at a pool party—be there, not on your phone, not in your head, but fully enjoying the moment.

After decades of traveling—and curating incredible Bear Hug retreats, wine tours, and food tours—I believe travel should be savored, not rushed.

So here’s how you can bring a little mindfulness into your travels this year:

1. Mindful Eating: Savor Every Bite

Instead of mindlessly inhaling your meal, be intentional. Whether it’s fresh seafood in Lisbon, a dripping ice cream cone by the ocean, or a taco from a late-night food truck—slow down and truly enjoy it.

How?
✔ Put your phone away—keep it off the table (or at least resist scrolling while eating).
✔ Take a deep breath before your first bite—let yourself arrive in the moment.
✔ Engage your senses—notice the colors, textures, flavors, and even the sounds around you.
✔ Be grateful—think about the journey your food took to reach you, the people who prepared it, and the fact that you’re lucky enough to be enjoying it.
✔ Slow down—put your fork down between bites and check in: Are you actually tasting your food? Are you full yet? Can you eat just 10% slower?

It’s not about perfection—it’s about practice. Even if you do this for just a few seconds, celebrate yourself!

2. Mindful Exploration: Travel Your Way

Forget the pressure to see everything—travel isn’t a checklist. It’s about what you want to experience.

How?
✔ Ditch the “shoulds”—before your trip, ask yourself: Do I want to explore nature? Relax in cafés? See every landmark? There’s no right or wrong way to travel.
✔ Check in with yourself—what do you need in each moment? More adventure? More rest? Adjust accordingly.
✔ Slow your pace—if you’re coming from a high-speed city, give yourself time to unwind. When I land in Portugal from NYC, I always catch myself rushing—then I remember… no one else is. Time moves differently, and that’s a gift.

3. Be Present: Put the Phone Down & Soak It All In

We get it—phones are handy. But they also yank you out of the moment faster than you can say, Wait, let me take a photo!

How?
✔ Set a phone intention—maybe limit Instagram time so you’re not comparing vacations. Or avoid the news so your trip isn’t hijacked by world events.
✔ Try Airplane Mode while sightseeing—so you can take photos without getting sucked into emails or notifications.
✔ Engage your senses—take deep breaths and notice the air, the sounds, the tiny details. What does the weather feel like? What scents are in the air?
✔ Gently refocus—when your mind drifts to work or your to-do list (because it will), just take a breath and return to the present. Jot down any important thoughts in a notebook and let them go.

Mindfulness isn’t about being Zen (unless that’s what you want)—it’s about having more fun and making your travel experiences truly unforgettable.

And that’s exactly what I teach during our Bear Hug retreats. Because the best way to make your travels last? Be there for them.

Put these tips to practice during out next Bear Hug retreat or food tour!