The countdown is on—vacation season is right around the corner! Whether you’re heading to the beach, taking a city break, or just chilling at home, one thing’s for sure: you deserve to actually enjoy it. But how many times have you been on vacation, only to realise you spent half the time worrying about work, checking your phone, or planning for what's next?
Here’s how to stay present and soak in every moment of your vacation.
1. Ditch the Phone (Or at Least Try to)
We all know it’s hard to go full digital detox, but cutting back on screen time can do wonders for being in the moment. You don’t have to turn your phone off completely, but try setting limits. Maybe check your phone only in the morning and evening, or keep it in your bag when you're out exploring.
Tip: Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” so you won’t be distracted by endless notifications. Your social media updates can wait!
2. Stop Planning and Start Enjoying
It’s tempting to cram a bunch of activities into your vacation, but sometimes less is more. Sure, have a rough plan, but leave space for spontaneity. You’ll be more relaxed and open to enjoying things as they come.
Go with the flow a little. That surprise café you stumbled upon or the unexpected sunset swim? These moments are what make vacations magical.
3. Focus on Your Senses
A simple way to stay present is to tap into your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, or feel in the moment? Pay attention to the ocean waves, the laughter around you, the smell of good food, or the warm breeze on your skin.
By focusing on the sensory details, you'll find yourself more connected to what’s happening right now instead of mentally drifting off to what’s waiting for you back home.
4. Be in the Moment, Not Just the Photos
We all love a good vacation pic, but try not to spend the entire trip capturing it through a camera lens. Take a few shots, then put the phone away and really see what’s in front of you. Memories live better in your head than in your Instagram grid!
And hey, the best moments aren’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes, the magic happens when you're just soaking in the experience.
5. Slow Down, You’re on Vacation!
Vacations aren’t a race to see how much you can squeeze into a few days. Give yourself permission to slow down, even if it means skipping out on an activity or two. Sleep in, enjoy long breakfasts, and just be. After all, you’re here to relax!
6. Practice Gratitude
One of the easiest ways to stay mindful is by practising a little gratitude. Take a moment each day to appreciate where you are and what you’re doing. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the laughter of friends, or the peaceful moment you’re having on your own. Recognizing these little things helps you stay grounded in the moment.
7. Disconnect from Work (For Real)
If you're lucky enough to be on vacation, try to actually take the vacation. Turn off your work email, silence Slack, and give yourself a real break from the daily grind. If you absolutely have to check in with work, set specific times so it doesn't creep into your entire trip.
Final Thoughts
Vacations are all about resetting, recharging, and—most importantly—being present. You don’t want to look back and realise you were on autopilot the whole time. So this time around, let’s make a promise to ourselves: no matter where we go, we’re going to be there and fully enjoy it.
The world can wait; your vacation can’t!