Make the Most of Your Travel Adventures with these Mindful Practices
This week we are joined by Ralph Velasco, an international tour organizer, professional travel photographer, and author of several books on mindful and intentional travel. Ralph has led over 120 trips around the world and learned a thing or two about making travel more meaningful along the way. Today, we’re sharing his best tips for slowing down, being present, and creating richer travel experiences.
Be Here Now
One of Ralph’s earliest lessons in mindful travel came when he was just 16, volunteering in Peru. Feeling homesick, he and his friends were reminded by a teacher to “be here now.”
Those three words stuck with him for life. In our tech-filled world, it’s so easy to rush through moments—or record them for later—without fully experiencing them. Ralph encourages travelers to put the camera down, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
Even setting a timer on your phone as a reminder to pause, look around, and be present can make a big difference. Practicing mindfulness can help you to truly take in your surroundings.
Slow Travel
Ralph admits that in his younger days, he wanted to see and do everything. Now, he prefers slower travel—lingering in cafés, chatting with locals, and truly getting to know a place rather than racing through a checklist.
Sometimes the most meaningful travel moments are the unexpected ones such as:
Wandering down quiet streets
Stumbling upon a local market
Enjoying a sunset without rushing to the next spot
The takeaway? Leave room in your itinerary for serendipity.
Journal Your Experiences
While photos are great, Ralph loves to journal as a way to capture memories. He even includes journaling prompts, affirmations, and gratitude pages in his travel activity books.
Whether it’s a few notes about funny moments, new words you’ve learned, or your top three highlights of the day, writing things down helps you remember the feelings—not just the sights.
And if journaling isn’t your thing, even taking a few minutes to meditate or sit quietly at the end of the day can bring you back to center.
Make Travel More Meaningful
Ralph’s message is clear: Slow down. Be present. Connect with the world around you.
Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it. So next time you’re tempted to snap a hundred photos or race through a list of attractions, take a minute to simply be there. You might just find it’s the moments of stillness that stay with you the longest.
Check out Ralph’s books!
3-in-1 Mindful Traveler Book Bundle
Ralph’s Info!