MINDFUL TOURISM

Traveling mindfully allows people to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry, and simultaneously provides opportunities for self-growth, enhanced well-being and enriched quality of life.

Traveling has always been a means of exploring the world, escaping comfort zones and meeting people from different regions and cultures. However, the way people approach tourism must take into account the cultural, environmental and economic consequences of travel to any vacation destination. Mindful tourism, or sustainable tourism encourages travelers to self-educate before traveling, calling for respect and awareness. Sustainable tourism has the capacity to catalyze genuine connections with others and places people encounter by leaving a positive impact. Even without malicious intentions, tourists often impede other cultures and traditions. To avoid this, it’s crucial to learn and adapt to other cultures, customs and traditions, particularly in interaction with locals.

It should also be necessary to consider the environmental impact of tourism which is so often overlooked by Western travelers. The commercialization of destinations in other countries is likely to foster a negative impact on local communities and people by raising the cost of living exponentially as foreign investors seek out beachfront real estate for new boardwalks, bars and hotels. As tourists, it is unlikely that we will be able to reverse these consequences alone, but collectively increasing self-awareness as consumers and visitors can help alleviate some of the havoc wreaked on the local communities of vacation hotspots around the world. This self-awareness comes in many forms including, but not limited to, being environmentally conscious of waste production and disposal, shopping from local vendors and small businesses to stimulate the economy of the working class and respecting locals by becoming conversational in their language and knowledgeable of their culture and customs.

Not only does mindful tourism positively impact communities around the world, but it can also create transformative experiences for tourists and travelers by expanding worldview and cultural consciousness. Traveling mindfully allows people to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry, and simultaneously provides opportunities for self-growth, enhanced well-being and enriched quality of life. In order to preserve a culture or destination’s history while traveling, one must be able to respectfully adapt to their surroundings. It can be difficult to understand new languages, cultures and customs while navigating new environments, but the exposure to unfamiliarity enriches cognitive ability by boosting creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. Traveling tests interpersonal skills and requires quick thinking as individuals adapt to new environments. These experiences invigorate the innate curiosity and desire for exploration. Though travel is often full of spontaneity, it should still be encouraged that tourists prepare for trips to new regions and places by researching the cultural and environmental implications of their presence. While traditional classroom learning has its merit, many find the hands-on experience of traveling the world to be absolutely invaluable. The immersion into new cultures offers meaningful, transformative experiences that profoundly impact an individual’s self-understanding and mental health. The mere anticipation of a trip provokes inspiration, and the experiences and lessons learned during travel are far more valuable than material possessions. Exploring new cultures and breaking from the daily routines of work or school, enables reflection of our own cultural principles and values, broadening our perspectives as tourists, Americans and individuals.

Looking to visit the vintage train car?

These pictures were taken at Bobcat Bonnie’s in Lansing, Michigan. The train car is a part of the restaurant; a perfect place to enjoy food with family and friends!

Style: Emily Seitz, Molly McGrath

Glam: Autumn Decker

Photo: Megan Basile

Words: Emily Seitz, Molly McGrath

Models: Jacie Rish

Spread Designer: Sophie Champion