DOWN TO EARTH

There are vacations that include glamorous cities with fancy cafes. Then there’s travel that totally reorients the way you approach life, in the most refreshing way.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

There are vacations that include glamorous cities with fancy cafes. Then there’s travel that totally reorients the way you approach life, in the most refreshing way.

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These are the trips that involve immersing yourself in nature, experiencing a sort of bond-with-the-earth moment, and getting out – far out – of your head. “Taking the time to truly appreciate a powerful natural phenomenon, such as a cascading waterfall, helps you break free of stale thinking, and fosters a new level of awareness,” explains Chloe Carmichael, a psychologist in the US. The key is to really dive into your destination. “Fully absorbing the natural place is what helps change your perspective,” she says. Go ahead and book that outback vacay, pronto.

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ROOM WITH A VIEW

What’s the first thing you do when you walk into a hotel room? If you’re like many people, you make a beeline for the window. With good reason: A view of nature can actually improve your vacation, says Ann Sloan Devlin, a professor of psychology at Connecticut College in the US, and an expert in environmental psychology. A breathtaking vista keeps your sense of adventure, excitement and escapism going even while you kick up your heels at your hotel. “Nature is inherently fascinating to look at and restorative,” she says. And a glittering city skyline can energise you, motivating you to get out and explore. Look out and be inspired!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
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Travel in style

Cute, lightweight and functional? Check, check and check! We love how the Kipling Travelling Collection ($59-$455) comes in bright, eyepleasing hues, and is made of the brand’s signature crinkled nylon material that’s durable and water-resistant. The suitcases also come with 360-degree wheel rotation to smoothly navigate road bumps and rough terrain.