Travelling consciously through Asia

Avoid getting caught up in the bustle of Asia’s vibrant towns and cities and practise the art of conscious travel on your journey. In a world with limited holiday time and fast-paced itineraries to match, it can be easy to fill our travels with experiences and sights.

But wouldn’t it be better to truly experience each stop in a mindful and conscious way? Not just to increase your appreciation for the regions, but to make your travels more environmentally and ethically conscious, too.

In this blog post, we invite you to take the slow lane to truly appreciate the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures to savour every step, rather than rushing between destinations.

The art of travelling slowly

Travelling around Asia doesn’t need to involve tight schedules and cramming events. But travelling slowly is a true art form; it isn’t easy to approach travel intentionally and mindfully when there is so much to see and do! We must continually remind ourselves to slow down and make connections along the way.

Force yourself to slow down by spending longer at each destination, walking and cycling more, and taking trains and buses instead of airplanes. If you know you will find it difficult to stay in the slow lane, consider ways to regularly direct yourself back on track, perhaps by asking a friend to nudge you now and then, by journaling, or even setting reminders on your phone.

Integrate full days with no plans into your itinerary, giving you the freedom to roam the streets and linger in cafes, explore hidden alleys and galleries, and interact with local people. If you happen to strike a connection with a new place or person, give yourself the time to deepen it, rather than dashing off to make your next memory.

Heading off the beaten track is always a memorable experience and, if you do it often enough, will surely introduce you to some hidden gems that you wouldn’t have encountered if you based your trip around ‘Top things to do’ internet searches.

Embracing Asian culture

One of Asia’s greatest draws is the many rich and diverse cultures that span the continent. From feeling tiny in vibrant, skyscraping Tokyo, to feeling at one with nature in the vast, untouched landscapes of less-travelled Indonesian islands – Asia offers sensory experiences of every possible variety.

It is a tapestry of ancient traditions, modern dynamism, and natural beauty, and there is much to explore. From the balance of Yin and Yan in Chinese traditions to the Buddhist mindful teachings in Nepal, ancient philosophies are embedded in modern life throughout Asia.

Take the time to explore a region’s deep history by visiting temples and museums and speaking with local people along the way. Seek out cultural experiences at your destination, like the traditional tea ceremonies in Japan or colourful festivals in India, and take the time to immerse yourself in these moments, which will stay with you forever.

Taking a mindful approach

There is no better place to practise mindfulness than the very home of Buddhism. Mindful travel can be integrated into your journey in a great variety of ways, from undertaking a 10-day silent meditation retreat at a Vipassana centre to immersing yourself in the sensory experience of Holi festival in India or taking the time to express yourself artistically through calligraphy or silk painting in China.

Spending time in nature can also be at the heart of a mindful journey through Asia, whether that involves surfing in the nature-rich Philippines or trekking in the Himalayas.

Let’s not forget the practice of mindful eating! Asia is a treasure trove of culinary delights. No matter which region you visit, you are guaranteed a feast of the senses when it comes to exploring local tastes.

Take part in cookery classes led by local people to truly appreciate the region’s flavours and cultural significance of the ingredients.

Take the time to enjoy different foods along your journey and savour each mouth-ful, noting the smells and textures as well as the tastes for a truly mindful eating experience.

The environmental benefits of travelling slowly

Sustainability and mindfulness are deeply intertwined, and in some areas, like Shintu regions of Japan, embracing Asian culture might well involve a deeper consideration for the natural world. Wherever you wander, travelling slowly and consciously involves keeping the environment in mind.

It is far better for our planet to spend more time at each destination and walk or cycle around rather than using fuel-guzzling transport options and dashing around with speed as a priority. Taking travel slowly means thinking more about your actions, avoiding unsustainable attractions (like riding on elephants or taking part in any experience that creates waste), and looking for eco-friendly alternatives.

It means staying at local accommodation providers, rather than giving your money to large, internationally owned hotels. And it means connecting with local cultures and treating local people and places with respect.

Savoring the journey

Remember that time is your most precious commodity; it should be spent thoughtfully. Rather than see it all, decide on the destinations you are likely to get the most from and try to savour your journey through Asia. Taking the slow lane isn’t just better for the environment and local cultures, it makes for a better travel experience.

By travelling slowly and consciously, you will benefit from the connections that can only be made by immersing yourself in the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes. You will find joy in unplanned discoveries and feel more fulfilled through mindful exploration.