Where to find places for nature-forward immersion while on vacation.

Where to find nature-forward places while on vacation — Topics in this article

1. Mystic tested and approved
2. How to learn where to go
3. Hints for first-time destinations
4. Things to look for in rural nature-forward locations
5. Where to find places on an urban nature-forward vacation
6. Let me help you plan & practice in real-time.

How do you learn where to go?

But then, you might ask, “where can I find places to experience a nature-forward immersion while on vacation?” From succulent gardens at an airport in the Southeastern US to the tree-lined streets of Brooklyn, nature is everywhere.

Based on a lifetime of travel planning, I suggest you follow these initial steps when seeking the “where” for nature-forward immersion while on vacation:

1. Look at your journey as a whole unit. Think of the dates, the locations, and the people who are part of the trip. Write these three components down on a piece of paper, making a large circle around all of them. This helps you see the big picture of the vacation. You’re planning and advocating for everything in this circle.
2. Now, fill the blank areas inside the circle with green and blue patches. This is a space to envision nature-forward immersion. 
3. Organize a calendar in or around the circle listing each day you’ll be away. Next to the day, indicate the general option or preference for nature immersion: land, water meets land, water, or air. Air is literally in the air or can also be a viewpoint with broad views.

You’re not locked into these initial notes, but it helps visualize the most likely experiences. For example, if you’re in the desert, it will likely be land-based immersion. But, maybe one day is a rafting adventure: water meets land.  

If you’re visiting a new destination for your nature-forward vacation, these are some helpful first steps:

• Search your destination on a mapping service like Google Maps. Look for green patches in cities and public lands in rural areas. Scour bodies of water for shoreline access points — like parks or piers. Few these days go unmapped, so you have most options right before you. This is also how I find hidden hotels in the Pacific Northwest that are unavailable on the typical booking platforms. 
• Blogs, like Kessi World, can be an excellent source of inspiration and information because many, like me, are passionate about their selected topic. Try to narrow in on their credibility — were they just passing through, or is there a deeper understanding of the topic?
• Airbnb Experiences provide local wisdom that can be helpful. For example, I offer my guided nature-forward immersions. Type “nature immersion (destination)” and see what comes up. Where are experiences offered? If you decide to book something, you can work with the host to customize a bit — ask for a place to have a 30-minute nature-forward immersion along the way. 
• Visitor and tourism bureaus can be a great source of initial information. Be sure it’s the official site by typing “visitor and tourism (destination).” Usually, the search engine will bring the official organization to the top. However, remember they want you to spend money and must be unbiased between their members, which are all hotels, restaurants, and operators. Stick to the facts about excellent nature locations.
• Some helpful search words to find places for nature-forward immersion include boardwalks, interpretive trails, repurposed railroads, wildlife refuges, protected marine areas, lighthouse grounds, storm watching, and riverwalks.
• Avoid anything from Trip Advisor, Expedia, Viator, and the like. They exist on a search page to coerce you into buying something. While that is not categorically bad, get your bearings first. This said, sometimes it can be helpful information to see where the tours are going. Usually, there are particular natural features along the way.
• If you’re already on the road, go to a bookstore and visit the “local section” for literature created by the community of the community. Photo books, in particular, often highlight hidden nature-forward places.  

I look for locations with these features when finding rural places for nature-forward immersion while on vacation:

• Water is powerful because you are always aware of nature’s flow. Boat rides while on vacation can be an excellent way to ground in nature — it’s most effective if that’s a focus of the experience.  
• Beaches, where water meets land, are always powerful places to ground in nature. The most accessible areas are usually parks. If you want to sit and look at the water, try to find a place that embodies “water meeting land,” preferably away from distractions.
• Trees, especially ancient varieties, carry unique wisdom that helps you quickly find grounding. Dense forests are beautiful places to enjoy a nature-forward immersion. Suppose you’re in the Pacific Northwest or planning to visit. In that case, I write about several locations ideal for forest bathing in the woods.
• Walking, hiking, or biking rural trails are great nature-forward immersion options while on vacation. Begin with intention, land acknowledgment, and quiet down (no technology or talking) for the first hour. 
• Viewpoints emulate the notion of air while remaining firmly planted on the ground. A birdseye view is beneficial if you’re seeking inspiration or needing to look at something from a different perspective. Remember, for a nature-forward immersion to be most effective, spend 30 minutes or more in stillness.