What is Tranquil Travel?

What is this thing we call “Tranquil Travel”?

It is an intentional stepping away from the chaos of daily life, the tyranny of our little sphere. It’s a stepping away to gain a new perspective. To see the forest through the trees. It’s a stepping away to revive, to gain new strength and vision. Whether through walks in the mountains, the discovery of a new city or historical site, or stolen moments like this one at a roadside hotel.

The home responsibilities that pull at me, stealing my attention from that which matters, are miles away now. Our upturned COVID-19 lives, and the tough decisions that come with it, can be tabled for this moment. Here, it’s just me, my suitcase, and a happily sleeping family back in the hotel room.

The nature of the vacation journey puts me back into mind of the life journey. Is it mapped out well? Have I wandered off course? Which fork to take in the road ahead? What about this road block that is COVID-19? Am I everything I am called to be? Are my kids on a good path? And who is that man sleeping next to me, often a passing ship in the night? Oh yes, he’s my beloved! Hello, again!

Tranquil Travel is not just tourism. It is a recalibration.

Tranquil Travel is not just tourism. It is a recalibration. A revival of the heart. A strengthening of the relationships that matter the most.

Don’t bring the chaos with you on an over-scheduled trip. Whittle it down. Say “no” to F.O.M.O. (Fear of missing out) and “yes” to J.O.M.O. (Joy of missing out).

I remind myself of this as our family looks ahead to visiting three national parks in two weeks - let’s see how much of a hypocrite I am, shall we?