With time, my mind will become completely calm and clear
〜 Selfpause.com 〜
It was an email that came to me this last July from an Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. It happened to be 90-degrees in my hometown, so making reservations was not urgent for the Fall or Winter seasons.
Fall in New England is beautiful, with its leaf-peeping season, and winters just as magical with the charm of the snow on the ground. I was planning on driving from Boston to Vermont, New Hampshire, and then up to Maine.
The idea of traveling cozy came about throughout my travels, as I started to live more presently and organized. I had noticed a dramatic mindset improvement.
Looking deeper, I realized a connection between our mindset and our environments. Maybe it was the creative side of me, so I dug deeper. Asking myself:
1) Was the room organized or cluttered?
2) Were the colors in the rooms cheerful or loud to me?
3) Was the lighting warm or bright?
4) Did the ambiance of the room make me feel good?
I wanted to replicate the same healthy feeling I had at home into my travels. The same vibe but more elevated and special.
Does my environment make me want to stay or return?
Did it bring the outdoors - inside?
Did it remind me of happy times?
Did it shout to me COZY?
Did my surroundings match the mood I wanted?
Were people welcoming?
After living this way for a few years, I realized changing my interior/exterior environments affected my mood. Empowering me to want to do things solo, like traveling, eating, and meeting people. To get out and socialize more. I felt confident!
An idea hit me - why not travel hygge (hoo-gah)? Which means living cozy to the Danish (Danes). To be hygge is to bring into their lives fireplaces, reading nooks, calming lights, and candles. Along with gathering of family and friends.
Realizing I wanted to feel this way when I traveled. So I combined the two (traveling and living hygge). Winter months were no longer boring and drab, but special. I would add a few things in my luggage that were cozy, and the rest to look for places that were quaint and welcoming.
First, I researched small towns or villages located in colder climates. I would not suggest picking small towns in Hawaii or Arizona, where coziness is not a thing, but maybe you can go there another time when you need that Vitamin D boost in the winter months. Just as important.
Secondly, I tend to look for places with rustic or a seaside vibe. Maybe a good idea is to choose a few restaurants, bars, wineries, bakeries, or coffee shops where you can find comfy foods and drinks to warm you up. Along with these nine cozy additions to your next holiday:
#1 - Small towns/Villages
First, search for places that speak to you. Do you have a few favorite outdoor or indoor activities that you enjoy? Ones that would make the best memories, or stories to hand down.
What town speaks to you? Cute, cozy, or luxurious?
Try new places each year keeping things fun and interesting. How about staying in cabins, yurts, T.P.’s, or a cute trailer?
#2 - Bringing the Outside - In
My favorite thing is to bring the outside - in. Think branches, leaves, birds, and wildlife. Artwork lets you envision that you are outside, but you are inside. Well, I might have found a perfect solution for bringing the outside in on your next stay in A Tree House - Skamania Lodge. It has gorgeous clean, modern, rustic lines rich in neutral colors! A great way to relax and separate yourself from reality with nights around a fire pit.
#3 - A good night's sleep
How your space (accommodations) make you feel is everything. If you are spending your time and money on this trip, why not have a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed? The softest bed, bedding, and pillows are a must for the perfect night's sleep.
Don’t skimp on your mindset work!
Telling yourself you deserve this luxury once in a while. Who knows when you will get the chance to experience it again? I love visiting the beach during winter months to watch storms. This gem was highly recommended by a friend, at Stephanie Inn - Cannon Beach, OR.
#4 - Cozy up to fireplaces/bonfires/fire pits
To travel hygge, cozying up to a fireplace, stove, or firepit is un-mistakenly the best way to achieve it. Nothing speaks coziness like a fireplace. Even in a restaurant, lobby, or outside. Putting you almost in a trance and before you know it - relaxed.
Perfect after a long day of winter activities like skiing, boarding, snowshoeing, or hiking, where you will need to warm up those sore muscles.
I have researched dude - ranches lately for a rustic like stay in the winter, and up popped this gem in Montana - Lone Mountain Ranch. You will be able to check off your list a perfect winter vacation along the lines of rustic & luxury accommodations. Romantic lighting and warm tones in their interior give you a feeling of peace.
#5 - Soft lighting
Danes have a lot of history with lighting. "Danes select lamps carefully and place them strategically to create soothing pools of light. It is an art form, a science, and an industry.” Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge mentioned. Profitable throughout the years the Danish have sold lamps and lighting to go hand-in-hand with living happy.
#6 - Candles
Let us talk candles. "There is no faster way to get to hygge than to light a few candles or, as they are called in Danish levende lys, or living lights.” Meik Wiking mentions in the book The Little Book of Hygge - Danish Secrets To Happy Living
I know you might think packing a candle is weird, but I have found it calming after a long day of travel or activities. Try it, placing one by the bed, tub, or on a porch or veranda. I found a few ideas for you, Travel Candles for your next trip.
Reading or doing creative projects are great by by candlelight. How about playing your favorite board game or building a puzzle while watching flickers of flames?
#7 - Pack warm & comfy clothing
Bring your favorite cozy sweaters, socks, coats, hats, and gloves. Be sure to pack your cutest boots, of course keeping safety in mind to staying dry and warm. No one wants to be miserable in the cold.
Check out this adorable cute shop in Juneau, AK, the Shoefly Alaska I found it on one of my trips. They stock unique clothing and the cutest shoes and boots for the Fall and Winter months. Ladies, you may thank me later!
Pack your softest loungewear for the days and nights you plan to stay inside. If you are anything like me, vacations are for taking a few days to recharge. Relax!
#8 - Socializing w/ locals or visitors
I love getting to know the locals during my travels, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the places history, traditions, and celebrations that they have throughout the year.
Hint: Even if you are traveling solo, I have found people love talking about their town or city. So don't be shy!
“ Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing ”
〜 Camille Pissarro 〜
Living a hygge or lagom lifestyle doesn't always mean staying solo, and not talking to people. It means quite the opposite with visiting often with family, friends, and meeting people regularly. It is a good thing to feel accepted and loved.
During your travels find the locals' favorite brewery, winery, or rustic restaurant. My favorite places I have found throughout the years have been unexpected, where I had to be motivated, open minded, allowing myself to open up and meet new people.
I have found the most charming coffee shops one was a Starbucks on the east coast where its’ home was an old historical building. It was so quaint with small doors and steps that came down from the street. A stove was snapped dab in the middle of the room where people huddled around it. I stayed all day writing and sipping my coffee there.
Another, was in Sitka, AK, a coffee shop that lives behind a bookstore, which has in the morning some yummy fresh baked goods, The locals and fishermen alike socialize before their day starts at the The Backdoor Café
Another time I accidentally stepped into a cozy establishment was McSorley's Old Ale House on St. Paddy’s Day.
#9 - Sauna/steam room/spa
Lastly, we all need a bit of pampering, so why not make reservations before you go on your trip? A massage, facial, pedicure, or manicure!
Remember to find:
Relaxing environments
Spending a little time solo helps build confidence
Locals have stories
Recharging is essential
Listen to your gut about your environment
My hygge memory: A memory where I traveled to Whistler, B.C. Some of my friends and I stayed right in the heart of the village. The village was so quaint and rustic, with the best skiing, wide runs, and luxurious gondola I had ever been on so far. I was in awe as I looked down at the village's beauty.
In the evening we enjoyed some amazing cuisine by the fire and played a game of Texas Train at the bar. I remember whispering and pinching myself, "I cannot believe I am here, in such a perfect setting, with great people, enjoying this cozy fireplace. I am dreaming, right?"
Thanks to my memory, now I listen to what my atmosphere tells me, in hopes that I get those warm and peaceful feelings again. I can’t get enough of living - hygge (coziness). I try replicating it as much as I can, but everywhere I go is a little different.
So next time it is 90 - degrees outside, be prepared there is not much time tell you are enjoying those orange, red, and yellow leaves, again. Book it! Take that initiative and reserve that Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. Search for that next perfect hygge experience to peacefully enjoy fireplaces, candles, and cozying up.
Make your next vacation HYGGE!
Love 〜 Jaci
Leaf Peeping - Canva
