Beyond the Selfie: How to Truly Savor Your Travel Moments

Some of our richest memories are made when we take a vacation. Leaving home, stepping out of our day-to-day routines and traveling to someplace new or faraway heightens our senses. Time seems to slow down, and we become more present -- more curious and alive.

A friend writes:

"Sometimes the most memorable moments happen totally unexpectedly. Earlier this summer, my husband and I were on the last leg of an adventure in Florence, Italy. After a late dinner with friends, we were walking along the Arno River, headed through the historical center of town to get to our small but elegant historic residence, adjacent to San Lorenzo. Tired and cautious on the cobblestones, I held onto David’s arm to make sure neither of us tripped.

"The moonlight cast a warm luminescence over the 15th-century stone buildings. Although other people were out enjoying the evening, there was a sense of quiet respect for this hauntingly beautiful city. The close to this evening was like a magical hug from another century. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Ever so grateful for a dear partner who loves the adventure of travel and on this evening, it felt like time travel. I will always remember feeling a little like a member of the Medici family, if only for a moment."

Going Somewhere New

When we travel – especially to a place we’ve never been before -- each day is packed with new experiences. Our senses are automatically heightened as our brains lay down more vividly detailed memories. And later, when we look back, it feels like that trip lasted ages — even if it was just a few days.

How to Really Capture the Moment

Instead of rushing from place to place and checking off the “ten most important things to see and do,” take some time to wander mindfully and truly engage with the scene around you.

See: Notice colors, shapes, and the play of light and shadow. Take mental pictures focusing on both grand landscapes and especially the small, meaningful details, like the cat in a shop window, the afternoon sun glinting off a glass of prosecco, the train ticket in your hand.

Hear: Listen to the symphony of everyday sounds around you, from conversations in new languages to the unique noises of the local environment – the sounds of a jazz trio in a café, the echoing of your own footsteps on a cobblestone street.

Smell: Smells are deeply tied to memory and are something you cannot physically take with you, making them precious. Take note of the smells of a linden tree, an open-air market, the seashore at night, an old library.

Taste: This goes without saying! Try the local dishes and wines and ales and coffees, flaky pastries, hearty soups – all the unique flavors of the region.

Touch: Interact with your surroundings by touching ancient stones or cool grass, feel the lush carpeting under your bare feet, dip your hand into a clear stream.

Take Only One Photo

Rather than frantically collecting proof of your trip -- snapshots, selfies, and videos for the feed -- what happens when you choose to take just one photo? Limiting yourself to a single image can deepen your connection to place, sharpen your memory, and shift your focus from documenting to truly living. Could you do it? If so, what would it be?

"The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body." -- Anthony Bourdain

Photos (from top): Elements.envato.com/RossHelen; Elements.envato.com/jkraft5; Elements.envato.com/ADDICTIVE_STOCK; Elements.envato.com/Lara-sh; Elements.envato.com/tan4ikk.

:-) Please Like and Share with friends who love to travel -- Thanks!