Home   >   Feng Shui for living   >   Feng Shui for living: Travel Tips

Feng Shui for living: Travel Tips

By on June 27, 2023

One of the many joys of life comes from traveling – and some say the best part of it is arriving at home.

Let’s look at how to make all parts of your trip enjoyable and in the flow.

Preparing to leave

Of course, packing is everyone’s favourite activity. To make your trip as smooth as possible, you’ll want to take what you know you will need – it sounds obvious but often people don’t consider all of the things they require. Think about the kind of clothes you will need – business or pleasure – and the weather. (Don’t forget socks and undies!) Take layers and items that you can mix and match. Remember your personal grooming items, though if you are staying in hotels that provide quality brands, you might not need them. Be sure to pack whatever electronic adapters you need, as well as any adapters for countries with a different plug shape. 

That said, travel light. Even when I pack light, there are items that I never wear! As a good friend once told me, ‘take half the clothes and twice the money’.

As for the home you are leaving behind – if you are gone for more than a week, arrange to have your plants and pets taken care of. If you wish to leave the illusion that you are still home, lights on a timer system can help. Turn down the heat and make sure all the taps are off – and if you use the washroom immediately before leaving, be sure the tank refills properly and isn’t left running! Having friends check on your home daily or almost daily can also ensure that the energy in your home is activated. If you are gone for an extended period, you may want to have your home cleaned regularly – dust doesn’t go on vacation and it will raise your spirits to return to a clean home rather than one that requires cleaning.

While Traveling

There are a few Feng Shui items you can take with you to help transform the energy of the space you are visiting, whether it is a hotel or a friend’s home. 

A scarf or shawl to cover mirrors that are reflecting the bed – this will help you sleep much better. Have some tape that is strong enough to hold it up without leaving marks on the wall or furniture.

Tea lights are a great way to create atmosphere – bring a good supply, being mindful of placing them away from curtains and other flammable objects. And be certain to dispose of them once they’re burnt out.

A favourite picture or two can turn a standard hotel room into a far more personal space. I’m not suggesting you take a suitcase with your art collection, but a small item or two on an end table or dresser can make you feel more connected to the things that matter in your life.

A faceted crystal on string can be hung in the windows to turn sunlight into brilliant rainbows that bring colour and life to your room. (Bring your own pushpins and string.)

An object relating to the purpose of your trip can help you magnetize success. If you’re away on business, take an item that speaks to success in career, such as a picture or objet depicting a turtle, or a purple item to put in the wealth area of the room (back left corner).

Shopping

One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling can be shopping for souvenirs. It is important to remember that each item you purchase will require space – which means that unless you are living in a sparsely decorated home, you might need to put away some of your current items to make way for the new ones. You also need to keep track of how much space you have in your luggage – it’s no fun trying to squeeze everything into your suitcase, breaking items, and then getting to the airport and finding out that you have to pay a surcharge because your luggage is now over the allowed weight.

I suggest purchasing one key item that will remind you of your trip. It might be a piece of art for the wall, or an objet. The area of your home relating to the theme of Travel is located on the right hand side of the main entrance, and each room has its own Travel area on the right hand corner nearest the door to the room (if the door is on the extreme right of the room looking in, that area itself is the Travel area). Placing images and objects from your trips   in this area anchors the positive energy from your journeys to help you manifest more, though of course if your souvenirs fit thematically in another part of the room, they should go there.

The Return

Once you get home, take care of a few basics. Open the windows to get some fresh air in. Give the plants a fresh watering. Turn on some lights that will have been off for the entire trip to help clear stagnant energy that has built up.

And unpack your bags within 24 hours. If you’ve had a long trip, you might not unpack when you step in the door, but the more quickly you do, the more you will enable a smooth integration into your home life.

Bon voyage!

 

About Mark Ainley

Mark Ainley is a Contemporary Feng Shui Consultant and Emotional Stress Consultant living in Vancouver. A former 5-year resident of Tokyo, Mark consults with clients internationally to help them design living and work spaces in alignment with their goals. He also provides consulting in emotional stress management, as well as in the connection between facial structure and innate behavioural and communication patterns. He can be reached through his website: www.senseofspace.com and www.markainley.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *