Mindful Travel

Guidance for mindful cultural interactions while traveling

We all have our reasons for travel. Whether you are looking for transformation, introspection, or greater understanding of culture, religion, history, food, or the arts, one thing is clear: Travel is an opportunity to learn. Whether you’re journeying to your local corner store or a faraway country, you will likely encounter people, cultures, and customs that are different from your own.

The Indiana University Alumni Association (IUAA) and IU Travels wish to provide an inclusive, enriching, and educational travel experience to all our travelers as well as the people with whom we encounter while traveling. This guide will help you develop your cultural competence and engage more mindful cultural interactions while on your IU Travels tour. Honing one’s cultural competence will also help foster a safe, inclusive environment on your journey.

Never hesitate to go far away, beyond all seas, all frontiers, all countries, all beliefs.

Amin Maalouf, author

5 phases of travel

This guide is based on a widely accepted theory of travel planning that you likely consciously or unconsciously follow as you explore your next travel opportunity. The theory divides the travel process into five distinct phases.

  1. Dreaming and inspiration: This phase is often fueled by stories, information, and media sources that showcase the potential of a destination, motivating you to engage in discovery.
  2. Research and planning: You begin to engage with information regarding a destination and answer questions such as, “What are the must-experience attractions?” You compare travel providers and destinations and read testimonials and reviews.
  3. Decision-making and booking: You choose the destination, travel providers, and airlines and deposit money. Read more about this process in the Mindful Preparation for Travel section.
  4. Experiencing and enjoying: Your travels begin! You experience and enjoy all the hard work you put into the first three phases. The Mindful Traveling section will assist you in this phase.
  5. Sharing and reflecting: Once you return you will reflect upon your experiences, often sharing them with family and friends. The Post-Travel Mindfulness section will aid you with this important final phase.

Continue your mindful journey

Next: Preparation

Travel is not really about leaving our homes but leaving our habits.

Pico Iyer, author