On Intentional Travel
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love to travel. Whether it’s an itinerary-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, I believe travel can be the ultimate reset. It stimulates the brain, it changes our perspective, and it invites us to find ourselves in places we didn’t know existed. Not only that, it brings us closer to those with whom we’re traveling. It’s the ultimate shared experience.
For today’s edition of The Mindful Edit, I’m delighted to share a conversation I had with Malaika Hollis, Director of Media Development & Public Relations at Alliance Connection, a global travel and hospitality marketing and communications agency. There’s a change happening in the travel industry around personal wellness and well-being. Instead of simply asking, “Where do I want to go,” people are asking “What do I need right now,” and “How do I want to feel?”
Maybe you’re seeking rest... Connecting with your new spouse after your wedding... Looking for an opportunity to be fully present... Broadening your worldview by experiencing a different culture... Hoping to reconnect with yourself.
As you head into warmer days and plan your travel for the months ahead, I encourage you to listen to this episode to learn how travel can support your mental, physical, and social well-being.
Hit reply and tell me where you’re headed. Bonus points if you add how it supports your well-being this season!
Be well,
Annette Furio
Founder, Season Journals
Listen to the Mindful Edit Podcast
S1E8: Travel For Your Well-being: Intentional, Restorative Travel with Malaika Hollis is now available on:
Write It
Journal Prompts
- How do I want to feel during and/or after my trip?
- What do I want my trip to provide for me? What is it that I need right now?
- What places might support these feelings and needs?
- Am I seeking solo travel, 1:1 travel, or group travel?
- What type of pacing am I looking for on this trip?
Say It
Affirmations
I give myself permission to slow down and embrace a more intentional pace.
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I choose travel that supports how I want to feel.
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I am open to meaningful connection wherever life may take me.
Try It
Action Items
While planning your next trip (or even your next weekend), use one of the ideas below to guide your decision-making.
1. Start with a feeling, then build the plan
Choose 1–2 feelings (like rested or connected) and make your plans around them.
2. Leave intentional space
Block off at least a half day on your trip with nothing planned — no reservations, no agenda — just time to follow your energy.
3. Create a “slow start” ritual
On at least one morning of your trip, don’t reach for your phone. Start slow. Sit, journal, or just notice your surroundings before the day begins.
4. Plan one connection-focused moment
This could be a deeper conversation with your partner, a shared meal without phones, or joining a group experience where you can meet new people.
5. Try one new mindful experience
Try something you might not normally do at home, like a meditation class, nature walk, or cultural ritual, and reflect on how it made you feel.
6. Document how you feel, not just what you do
In addition to taking photos, write down a few moments where you felt most present, calm, or connected.
7. Bring one habit home
Choose one small practice from your trip (morning journaling, slower mornings, time offline) and continue it for one week after you return.
Explore It
Resources & Links
The Quiet Rebrand of Wellness Travel: How is wellness tourism changing in 2026? (Article) — Alliance Connection
The Post-Pinterest Honeymoon: What Romance Travel Looks Like In 2026 (Article) — Alliance Connection
Wellness Tourism Initiative Trends for 2026 (Article)
— Global Wellness Institute
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