Sun, Sand, and ... Sanity. 5 Tips for Traveling Well Together by Michele Poff, PhD

Tropical vacations are the stuff of daydreams—lush landscapes, warm breezes, vibrant sunsets. At the same time, traveling with someone adds a layer of complexity to that dream. Sharing paradise with another human means balancing your own needs with theirs and doing it gracefully. Here’s how to make your tropical adventure as peaceful and fulfilling as it is in your dreams.

1. Be Honest About Your Needs

First: tune in to yourself. Vacations aren’t a performance, or a test of loyalty to the itinerary you set weeks ago. You’re allowed to change your mind about how you want to spend your time. Maybe today you crave solitude instead of ziplining. Maybe you thought you’d want to hike but now you just want to hammock. Give yourself permission to shift. When you relax, like a vacation is supposed to do for you, burdens start to lift and you begin to see things differently. Honoring your needs—not seeing all the things—helps you get the most from your vacation. And makes you a better travel companion, too.

2. Be Patient with Your Travel Partner

The same way you need space and flexibility, your travel partner does too. They might wake up one day wanting to explore town solo, or decide that ziplining isn't their thing after all. Let it be okay. Vacations reveal how different our rhythms can be, and that’s part of the adventure. Practicing patience with each other’s needs will create a relaxed and supportive vibe that everyone will enjoy.

3. Connect Deeply with Yourself and Nature

You have brought yourself to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! This is a rare chance to deeply connect with nature and your own spirit. Kick off your shoes and walk barefoot on natural earth whenever you can, letting the earth recharge you. Feel the wind dance around you, blowing away old stresses you didn’t even realize you were carrying. And don’t miss the healing power of water. Find a river or get to the ocean and take a long, unhurried dip. Let the water cleanse your energy, washing away everything that no longer serves you.

Wind, water, earth, heat. Tune in. Connect.

4. Take Solo Long Walks

One of the simplest, most powerful things you can do on your trip is take solo walks. Not for exercise, not to get somewhere—just to be. Practice walking meditation by syncing your breath with your steps: inhale for two or three steps, exhale for three or four. No rush. Just 20 minutes a day will clear your mind, ground your body, and open your heart to all the beauty around you. This vacation is the perfect place to deepen your self-connection.

5. Practice Patience (Again)

Life moves at a different pace here. Things might take longer than you expect—whether it’s a meal, a boat ride, or a casual meeting time. Efficiency isn’t the top priority in the tropics, and that’s a good thing.Breathe. Slow down. Let the rhythm of the place teach you how to let go of urgency. After all, you’re on vacation—the whole point is to step out of your usual rush and savor the experience.

In the end, the best way to enjoy your tropical getaway is simple: honor yourself, honor others, and let the powerful nature here work its magic.

Michele is a writer and instructional designer passionate about science-based well-being. Her program, The Alignment Portal, combines targeted skill-building with live meditations from India to inculcate lasting positive change. Built for busy professionals and individuals alike, The Alignment Portal delivers fresh, practical solutions for soft skills, self-leadership, and personal development. Explore more at www.thealignmentportal.com. Michele lives in the vibrant Dominical area.