How to Have a Gratitude Vacation 

It’s the season for gratitude and travel. Why not be intentional with your travels this year and commit to having a gratitude vacation? Mindful reports that, “practicing gratitude magnifies positive feelings more than reduces negative feelings”. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a few tips on how you can create your own version of a gratitude vacation, no matter where you go.  

Keep a gratitude journal 

The first step in having a gratitude vacation is having a place to record all your gratitude in the form if a gratitude journal. When you’re traveling, you’re meeting new people and having new experiences. By jotting down your gratefulness for coming across these people and experiences, you will instantly feel thankful and happy. You can also use this journal to reflect on how these people and things impact you. For instance, if you ate a new food, how did that taste? If you did some thrill-seeking activity like white water rafting, how did you feel getting outside of your comfort zone? If you met someone who gave you a new perspective or was kind to you, how did that interaction impact your thoughts? 

Slow down 

Maybe in your daily life you live a bustling lifestyle in a big city; your schedule is packed to the brim with responsibilities and commitments. You might be juggling your career with your family with your health, and it’s tiring. But when you’re on a gratitude vacation, this is your time – for yourself. It’s your excuse to slow down. Perhaps you always rush through your lunch break, quickly eating your meals at your desk. Now is the time to enjoy your food, savor each bite, each sip, and really relish in the flavors of your meal. Or, you never have time to focus on your health. Take a local yoga class to find calm and serenity. This juxtaposition of a slowed down pace compared to your everyday go-getter energy will allow you to take things as they come and be more present.  

Get out of your comfort zone 

Getting out of your comfort zone fosters personal growth and an increase in self-confidence. You gain a greater understanding of your capabilities and can push yourself to go beyond them. Whether you choose to travel solo or to travel to a new destination, these choices will help you to learn more about yourself, and that in turn, will support your gratitude journey. If walking on Bourbon St. in New Orleans was always on your bucket list, and you finally do it, you will be grateful for the experience, no matter how that vacation turns out. There’s joy to be found in exploring the unknown, you just have to embrace it.  

Conclusion  

Whether you choose to keep a gratitude journal, slow down, or get out of your comfort zone, or do a combination of all three, you are now prepared to have a wonderful gratitude vacation. Surround yourself with loved ones and be open to meeting new people, too. Either way, carrying a more positive and intentional attitude into your travels will benefit you and your gratitude practice. Savor more of your gratefulness experiences by booking your stay with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts.