The Art of Travel – Nicholas Wilton – Ep 152

You have to get lost to find yourself—it’s how we grow. The intersection of art-making and travel is fascinating. I’m exploring how these experiences cultivate a sense of presence and inspire creativity. Let’s embrace the mindset of travel over vacation and the artistry involved in exploring new destinations.

Cultivating presence, both in new environments and creative endeavors, unlocks uncharted territories of inspiration and self-discovery. In this episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I’m offering insights and practical tips to harness travel as a powerful tool for artistic and personal growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, there’s something here for you. Listen in for a blend of art, discovery, and thoughtful travel tips.

Listen if you are interested in…

• Choose destinations based on the feelings you want to inspire [04:45]
• Stay longer and truly experience amazing places [08:58]
• Travel broadens perspectives and allows you to explore your identity [10:56]
• Pre-plan carefully before you travel to make the journey smoother [16:10]
• Invest in inexpensive home monitoring for peace of mind [18:52]
• Don’t overpack; buy essentials locally instead [22:36]
• Travel light but keep luggage with you always [23:55]
• Useful apps for the phone and the laptop [30:00]
• Advice on essential art supplies to bring with you [34:26]

An Immersive Travel Experience

A new place stirs a sense of presence—an embodied mindfulness that parallels the art-making process. Just as we lose ourselves in the flow of creating art, travel immerses us in the present moment, enriching our sensory experiences and sparking inspiration.

Adopt a travel mindset over a vacation attitude, focusing on meaningful experiences rather than mere relaxation. Travel is an opportunity to grow and evolve rather than escape. It’s about intentionally choosing destinations that resonate emotionally, just as artists seek subjects that evoke deep connections.

Engaging deeply with new surroundings is an essential aspect of transforming travel into art. When you embrace spontaneity and take time to wander off the beaten path, converse with locals, and explore on foot, your experiences will offer the richest inspiration.

I love slow travel and advocate for enjoying fewer, more immersive experiences rather than trying to tick off a hurried checklist of tourist spots. Immersive travel stimulates the artist within, nurturing deeper awareness and reflection.

Pre-Travel Preparations for a Smooth Journey

Traveling as an artist requires thorough preparation, ensuring comfort and freedom to create. Here are a few of my favorite key pre-travel tips that will allow you to fully enjoy your travels. Pre-travel planning tasks like canceling unnecessary services and setting up home monitoring systems like Ring cameras give you peace of mind to fully embrace the experience.

I also recommend you digitally scan important documents—passport, driver’s license, credit cards—and back up crucial data on remote drives so you don’t panic if anything goes wrong. Another thing I do to make my journey more comfortable and less stressful is to take advantage of services like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for smooth airport transitions.

My travel packing strategy includes the following:

• Traveling Light: Opt for a European-sized roller bag and adaptable carry-on. Avoid checking bags to minimize delays and loss risk.
• Must-Haves for Creativity: Include essential art supplies like sketchbooks, brushes, watercolors, and a small acrylic paint selection. These tools enable spontaneous bursts of creativity.
• Organized Essentials: Use a checklist for systematic packing.

Holistic Approach to Travel

Travel and everyday life are not separate experiences but should be intertwined. This mindset shift means maintaining the same wellness practices on the road that you value at home. This includes your mindfulness routines, such as meditation or journaling, to help keep you grounded and mentally clear regardless of where you are.

Travel offers a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness—use your travels to cultivate awareness and presence, akin to art-making. Engage fully in your surroundings, appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of your environment, and document your experiences through photography or journaling. This practice enriches your travel experience and fosters mental and emotional well-being.

Resources & People Mentioned

• To download the Art of Travel PDF, click here: https://pages.art2life.com/misc/traveling-artist-checklist/
• TSA Precheck
• Global Entry
• Airport Priority Pass
• Apple Pay
• AirTag
• WhatsApp
• Booking.com
• Amazon Kindle
• Ring Camera

Connect with Nicholas Wilton and Art2Life

Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF here

• Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog here
• Follow Nicholas Wilton’s Art on Instagram
• Follow Art2Life on Instagram
• Subscribe on Youtube

Subscribe to Art2Life on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts