Have you ever stopped to think about what it is that makes traveling so enticing? When you visit a new place, you are more attentive to everything: the differences, the similarities, the positive, the negative. Over the past few weeks, I began to recognize that there is so much more that I could gain from traveling aside from elevated blood pressure. Travel is the perfect opportunity for me to practice being more mindful.

A large portion of mindful traveling comes simply from the novelty of the experience. While walking through Venice, I was observant of the gondolas meandering down the canals, the colorful cityscape, and the masks glittering in shop windows. This increased state of mindfulness is the main reason that I enjoy traveling so much. I am appreciative of the new sights, smells, sounds and sensations surrounding me.

After experiencing Carnevale di Venezia, I wanted to share some tips on how to travel in…