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Ah yes. Vacation. Where to go? What to do? Is it getting on a plane and flying somewhere far from home? Is it going to amusement parks? Is it going on an adventure?

Or is it intentional?

“Vacation should be a time to relax,” said Dr. David Ludden, professor of psychology and psychology department chair at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). “Intentional comes from mindfulness, to be aware of your mental state and not respond to stimulus.”

The idea behind an intentional vacation is centered around one aspect.

“It’s about experiences that stay with you and shape you,” he said. “It’s about travelling with purpose and then immersing yourself in your surroundings.”

Examples of that, said Ludden, include embracing what’s around you, like the scenery.

“What helps you relax? Is it being in a cabin in the mountains? Sitting on the beach? Watching the city skyline?” said Ludden.

Intentional vacations mean no checklists.

“It’s not about making a list and then checking things off while you’re on vacation,” added Ludden. “Don’t make it all about squeezing in as much as possible. That’s the basis for the common joke that you need a vacation from your vacation.”

An intentional vacation is an opportunity to get away from work, school and life’s obligations.

“This is the time to relax and recharge your batteries, so to speak,” said Ludden. “Planning an intentional vacation means asking yourself why. What do you want to gain from this experience? You want to set clear goals.”

The benefits of time away from daily life are many.

“Vacations are the time to reduce your stress and focus on your well-being,” said Ludden. “It’s also the opportunity to reconnect with your family or friends without the distractions and demands of daily life.”

By taking an intentional vacation, the idea, said Ludden, is to expand your horizons.

“You grow from experiencing things,” he said. “Like learning about a culture, including traditions, the food and music. It can be about yourself if your intention is to simply relax. Overall, it’s not about collecting souvenirs.”