Mindful Travel as a Nomad
Nomad Profile
Ibtissam is one of my favorite travel writers on Substack—after reading her posts, I instantly add another place to visit on my bucket list! Her publication In Transit highlights the art of slowing down. She views travel as renewal and shares intel on the world’s most atmospheric hotels.
9 Fun Facts
First Name: Ibtissam (it means “smile” in Arabic)
Age Range: 40s
Nationality: Moroccan-British
Nomadic Stance: Nomad in Spirit
Last Corporate Job: Program Manager
Current Job: Travel Writer & Itinerary Designer at RESET Journeys
Favorite Country: Italy
Next Stop: Italy
What do you like best about the nomadic life? Expansion
2 Questions
1) As a travel writer, you focus on “mindful travel.” What is this?
Mindful travel is about slowing down enough to truly be present in the places we visit. It’s choosing depth over speed, tasting the food slowly, learning a few words in the local language, noticing small cultural details, and connecting with people instead of rushing from one landmark to the next.
It’s travel that leaves us more grounded, inspired, and aware when we return home. For me, mindful travel is both an inner and outer journey: exploring new landscapes while staying connected to ourselves.
2) Your curated journeys are some of my favorite itineraries. What are the makings of a good trip to you?
A good trip balances simplicity, curiosity, and presence. I love blending iconic highlights with unexpected moments: coming across a family-run trattoria, a quiet sunrise walk, a conversation with a local.
A meaningful itinerary doesn’t need to be packed; it has room to breathe. It should give you time to feel the city’s rhythm, savour your meals, wander, get lost a little, and more importantly, find time to rest and not feel exhausted. 🦋
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Christened “Wander Woman” by National Geographic, Erin Michelson has traveled to 130+ countries & all 7 continents. She is a professional speaker and author of the Nomad Life™ series of curated trips and travel guides, including the #1-ranked Explore the World with Nomads.
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Thanks for the feature Erin. It was fun doing this 😊