In 2022 I started a tradition. I would save up and go away to Ghana for a month long reset. I used this time to do a few things.. one of those things being absolutely nothing, learn something new and spend time in prayer. During my last trip I decided on a whim to visit Kenya. It’s always been high on my list and I had never been to East Africa so when my dollars were making sense I booked my trip! I didn’t know what to expect as far as the culture and food but I’d met some beautiful Kenyans so I was pretty optimistic.

Typically when I plan a trip for myself or clients my priority is first and foremost to curate an authentic experience. For me that means limiting chain resorts, or chain hotels. I don’t have anything against chain resorts in foreign countries… Except that with their mass produced food offerings and somewhat detached way to experience a country to me it defeats the purpose of leaving your home country. I’m fully prepared to argue with you on this… but hear me out…. When visiting a country why not experience the fullness of that country, the local people, support local businesses and learn about local customs and food and see how people live. Planning this way can actually be much more affordable and in general a much better experience. Not to mention it’s giving more mindfulness and consciousness to travel planning which considers more than just yourself effects in that place that you are just visiting….

To me, that means approaching every trip with an awareness. An awareness that goes beyond my personal comfort or convenience. I consider how my travel choices impact the local economy, community, and environment. I carefully consider the accommodations and ownership, what my dollars are supporting and how I can support local business owners, local restaurants, artisans, makers, drivers, etc. This is especially important in my work with AfroVybe Travel, where our focus is on destinations in developing countries. We aim to create experiences that are respectful, beneficial, and rooted in cultural appreciation rather than exploitation.

mINDFUL TRAVEL TIPS

MINDFUL TRAVEL TIPS

Support local people—eat their food, buy their crafts, hear their stories. Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about honoring the people who call those places home. Your choices can uplift their livelihoods.

Travel slower so you can feel more. Rushing through destinations often means missing the magic. Take your time. Let the place unfold—moment by moment, street by street.

Do your homework—respect begins before you arrive. Learn a few cultural customs or local phrases. When you show up informed and respectful, you’re already building bridges.

Be present. Put the phone down and look around. The world is more beautiful through your own eyes than through a screen. Savor the sights, the sounds, the air—this moment won’t come again.

Connect deeply, not just quickly—talk, listen, learn. It’s not about collecting people like souvenirs. It’s about creating real connections. Ask questions. Be curious. Listen with your heart.

Take care of the places you visit. Leave them better, not burdened.

Be mindful of your impact. Whether it’s picking up after yourself or choosing eco-conscious stays, small actions add up to lasting respect.

Let the journey change you—reflect as you go.

Don’t just look outward—look inward too. Write, sit in silence, process what you’re feeling. Travel can transform you if you let it.

Chase soul over selfies. Go for meaning, not just the highlight reel.

It’s okay not to get the perfect photo. What matters more is how a place made you feel, how it opened your heart, how it left a mark.

Let wonder lead. The detour might be the real destination.

Stay open to surprises. Plans may shift, and that’s okay—sometimes the most beautiful parts of travel are the ones you never expected.