21 Travel Rituals to Feel Refreshed and Ready for New Adventures

Ever landed in a new city feeling more drained than excited? The journey itself, with its long flights, time zone shifts, and logistical hurdles, can leave you in a mental and physical fog. But what if you could shake off that travel haze and step into your next adventure feeling refreshed, grounded, and fully present?

At bitsstylejourney luxury travel concierge, we believe that the best travel isn't just about where you go, but how you arrive. The key lies in creating personal rituals—small, intentional actions that help you transition from the stress of traveling to the joy of being there.

We asked 21 thought leaders, from CEOs to health coaches, about their go-to travel rituals. Their answers reveal a common truth: the most powerful resets aren't about grand gestures, but about simple, consistent habits.

Here's what they had to say.

The Power of the First Walk

A recurring theme among many experts is the immediate post-arrival walk. This simple act of putting one foot in front of the other helps ground you in a new place and clear your head.

Billy Rhyne, CEO of Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort, emphasizes a quick, solo walk. "That first walk clears the travel fog, gets my body moving, and helps me shift into 'explorer mode.' It's a simple habit, but it sets the tone for a more intentional and energized trip."

Eugene Leow Zhao Wei, Marketing Agency Singapore, agrees. "After arriving, I take a 20-minute walk outside, no phone, no agenda. That walk helps me shake off the airport haze, reset my internal clock, and mentally arrive."

For Maegan Damugo, Marketing Coordinator at Health Rising Direct Primary Care, this ritual is a triple threat. "By intentionally stepping into the local environment early and repeatedly, I find I am more energized and better able to enjoy the experiences that follow."

Even Arjan Post, Owner of Ostbacher Stern, starts his multi-step arrival ritual with a walk. "After a shower and fresh clothes, I head outside... It helps me get a first feel for the area and makes me settle in faster."

Mindful Disconnection & Digital Detox

For many, travel is an escape from the demands of daily life. These experts use technology as a tool to facilitate this transition.

Max Shak, Founder/CEO of Zapiy, shared a non-negotiable ritual: a 24-hour digital detox. "It gives my brain the space to breathe... It shifts me from reactive mode to curious mode... I feel genuinely present, which leads to better insights and deeper conversations."

Joe Hawtin, Owner of Marin County Visitor, lives by the mantra, "travel well begins at home." He takes a full day to unplug before a trip. "That quiet time cleared my mind and made me more aware of everything around me. It's kind of like giving your brain a soft reboot before you hit 'play' on the journey."

For Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO of  AIScreen, it's about setting the stage. "I also disconnect from work, which allows me to fully embrace the upcoming journey. This small ritual helps me leave behind any stress from my daily routine."

The Comforts of Home

Sometimes, the key to feeling refreshed is bringing a little piece of home with you. This can be an anchor that provides a sense of calm and familiarity in a new environment.

Rory Keel, Owner of Equipoise Coffee, roasts a small batch of coffee just for his travels. "Brewing it in a new place becomes a small anchor... Once I have had that first cup, I feel grounded enough to take in the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and rhythms of wherever I am."

Krit Khandelwal, Founder of Soothi, always brings a small stationery kit to create an analog travel journal. "It's an intentionally analog ritual that keeps me present in a world where we're constantly connected to devices. When I return home, I have a beautiful, tangible archive of the journey."

Kristina Bronitsky, Director of Consumer Marketing at RedAwning, finds her grounding in a simple cup of tea. "That pause, right at the start of a trip, allows me to transition from 'traveling' to actually being. It is a little drop in the bucket of acknowledging you are there."

Physical & Energetic Cleansing

Cleansing the body and mind after a journey is a powerful way to reset. Whether it's through a shower, movement, or an energetic ritual, these habits wash away travel fatigue and make space for new experiences.

Shailen Vandeyar, Cycling Coach & CEO of  Biking Bro, swears by a cold shower. "I breathe deep and relax, calming down the 'travel' headspace I'm in to feel more comfortable."

Lais Stephan, Space Clearing Expert at My Healing Sanctuary, goes a step further by energetically cleansing her hotel room before she even arrives. "It's about arriving into a space that supports rest, peace, and a sense of home, even if just for a night."

Stefanee Clontz, Director of Operations at Hydra+, focuses on a pre-trip physical boost. "IV hydration! Taking a long flight can leave you feeling dehydrated and lethargic before even beginning your vacation, so hydrating beforehand has been a game changer."

The algstudiostore wellness self-care gift set is the perfect way to incorporate physical and energetic cleansing into your own travel routine.

Rituals for Restful Nights

Feeling refreshed is often a direct result of getting good rest. These experts prioritize actions that lead to a clear mind and better sleep.

Leslie K. Harris, Marketing Director at Double Eagle Hotel & Casino, recommends a nightly planning session. "In order to rest while traveling, I prefer to write down all my plans... This helps me structure all my thoughts and ideas and go to bed with a clear head. Thanks to this, my sleep improves significantly."

Lucia Ferrario, a Life Coach and Meditation Teacher, The Munay Journey "I sit, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. I then like to visualize rays of light connecting my body to the earth beneath me... This simple act... washes away the fatigue of travel, opening me to the stories the place holds."

The Importance of Active & Intentional Movement

For some, the best way to reset is to move your body in a way that connects you to your surroundings.

Solveig Eitungjerde, a Certified Health Coach Livewellandexplore , adapts her movement to her location. "This not only keeps me active but also helps me experience a new location in a much more authentic way."

Cedric Mabuli, General Manager at Ngoma Bush Lodge, recommends a sunrise game drive. "This connection to nature helps you recharge and prepare for new adventures... It's about grounding yourself in the natural world."

Preparing for What's Ahead

Some of the most effective rituals happen before you even leave. The key is to create a seamless transition that sets you up for success.

Ryan Campbell, CEO of  Death to Dirt, finds peace of mind in preparation. "Laying out all my essentials a couple of days in advance... gives me time to double-check that I'm not missing anything, boosting my confidence as I head to the airport."

Eugene Mischenko, President of the E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association, believes in structured preparation. "By handing off operational details ahead of time, I create mental space to focus on the opportunities... By arriving prepared and unburdened by unfinished tasks, I start each trip with a clear head and a genuine curiosity."

Peter Wootton, eCommerce Manager at Olivia Croft, finds a long walk on arrival to be the key to shifting his focus. "It helps me feel connected to the rhythm of the destination - smelling the food, hearing the local language, noticing small details."

Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, starts his travel days with a simple coffee ritual. "It's a moment of pause during my travels that allows me to really appreciate where I am and what I'm about to experience."

As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all ritual. The key is to find what works for you and make it a consistent part of your journey. By incorporating a small, intentional action, you can transform your travel experience from a logistical hassle into a truly refreshing adventure.

What's a ritual you'll try on your next trip?