whats a feel trip

A Feels Trip

An emotional train you'll want to get on, about feels trip.

“When someone is overcome with emotion or a special feeling that can’t necessarily be explained”

This is the rough definition of what the term “feels” is and what this blog is all about. It’s safe to say that everyone has at least been in this state of emotion at least once or many times in their lives and the triggers for this can range from many things. Whether it’s a sad song that makes you think or a movie that moves you to tears or makes you want to stand up and cheer, a commercial that sticks with you, I mean the list goes on. It doesn’t necessarily even have to be something you see on TV or anything digital. It can be a big moment in your life that makes you overcome with emotion. Like reuniting with that best friend you haven’t seen in forever and reminiscing about all the good times you guys had. It can be getting accepted into that dream college, grad school, or job. It can sad, happy, funny, or anything in between. I hope this blog encourages you to post, share, comment on anything that puts or has put you or anyone you know in the “feels.” Buckle up everyone, it’s time to take a Feels Trip.

Below are just some examples of scenes, moments, and pictures that have been known to have put over countless of people in the feels.

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The 10 inevitable emotions you experience on every trip

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on May 6, 2014 |

Brenna Holeman blogs at This Battered Suitcase

No matter what kind of trip you take, you often go through a myriad of emotions before, during and after your adventure.

Whether it’s a week-long beach holiday or a round-the-world trip, here are a few feelings you may experience. I’ve certainly experienced all of them; no matter how many times I travel, I inevitably go through these ten emotions.

1. Excitement

That little seed of wanderlust grew and grew until you decided to take the plunge and finally buy the airplane ticket. There’s no turning back now; your dates are set, and you eagerly await the arrival of the big day.

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2. Anticipation

Anticipation can be both a good thing and a bad thing. While you often find yourself daydreaming about all the great things that will happen to you while you’re away, you sometimes begin to feel the onset of nerves, too. Lying in bed at night, unable to sleep, you start to list all the things you need to do before your trip: find a good pair of hiking boots, get all your immunisations, exchange money, pack, and so much more.

And what about everything you’re leaving at home: work, family, friends, your flat? Will everything be okay? No matter how excited I am, I spend the night before every big trip fretting about all the little things I wouldn’t be able to remedy by then anyway. I don’t think I slept a wink in the week before I left on a year’s trip around Central and South America.

3. Amazement

You left all of those worries behind, because you just arrived at your destination. Maybe it’s a bustling city, maybe it’s a tranquil lake, maybe you’re about to get lost in the mountains for a few months.

Wherever you are, you are probably blown away by how incredible it is, whether it’s incredibly beautiful or incredibly different or incredibly overwhelming. You are taken aback by everything you see in front of you, and you can’t believe you’re finally here. I firmly believe that if I ever lose this sense of amazement, that if I ever become so jaded that a new place doesn’t take my breath away, that I should consider hanging up my backpack for good.

You chose this place for a reason. Something about it drew you here: the culture, the food, the architecture, the nature, the people. Maybe you’re seeing it for the first time, maybe for the tenth time; either way, it brings you immense happiness to be here.

You’re full of joy for having the opportunity to see this part of the world. You worked hard to be here, and you’re living each day to the fullest. For me, joy comes in speaking to new people and making new friends. If that’s done on a beautiful beach with a plate of fresh fruit in front of me, all the better.

5. Belonging

Maybe you’ve been here for a few days, maybe you’ve already stayed for a few months. You quickly found your groove in this place, though, discovered your favourite café, the best art museum, or the most serene spot to sit and think.

The guy at the local shop nods and waves when you pass by. Maybe you could live here. Maybe this sense of belonging could last forever. I always know I’ve reached this point when the vendors at the local market know what I’m going to order before I’ve even ordered it.

6. Frustration

Even the calmest traveller sometimes reaches her boiling point. Everything has been going smoothly, but one bad day can really play with your mind. You got mugged, or you got lost, or nobody would help you at the train station. It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re tired, hungry, sick, or lonely.

Sometimes, without meaning to, you take out your frustration on the place you’re in, whether it deserves it or not. I was once ready to blame Bangkok for my terrible mood, but it wasn’t the city at all; I had a lung infection, my room’s fan didn’t work, and my credit card had been frozen. I’ve since been back many times (with healthy lungs, air conditioning, and a working credit card) and I love it.

7. Acceptance

That bad day is behind you, and you fall in love again. Maybe it was a visit to a new restaurant that did it, or a smile from a stranger. Not every trip will go perfectly, of course, and you accept that whatever happened was probably not the fault of the country itself, but the acceptance that life, no matter where on the planet you’re living it, has its ups and downs.

I’ve had great days all of the world. I’ve also had terrible days all over the world. I’m human.

It seems like only yesterday that you were worried about starting your trip, and now you’re absolutely dreading going home. Whether you only had a few days or have been gone for years, it feels that your time abroad went far too quickly.

As nice as it will be to see your friends and family and sleep in your own bed, you just don’t want to leave. Without fail, at the end of every trip, I’ve always thought to myself, “But I just got here.”

You’re home now, and have unpacked. The souvenirs you bought on your trip are already sitting on your shelves, and you look at them every chance you get. Maybe you post an album on Facebook of the highlights of your time away. And even though you had an amazing time, you can’t help but feel the post-holiday blues.

All of that build-up led to one of the best times of your life, and now it’s over. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” they say, but right now all you’d rather do is be back in that museum with the groundbreaking art, or laughing with your travel friends over a few beers, or feeling your adrenaline soar as you climb the final steps of a hike. When I returned home after nearly two solid years of backpacking, it took me months to get over my post-travelling blues. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get over them.

10. Appreciation

Your initial sadness of being at home again has waned, and you are starting to think about your trip with a clearer mind. Obviously, you’d love to go back, but now you can fully appreciate how fortunate you are to have experienced that time abroad.

You share memories with your friends and laugh at all the amazing stories you accumulated. You look at your photos and get the biggest grin on your face. You reflect on how much the trip taught you and even how much it shaped who you are today. And then, you start to get another little seed of wanderlust, and you do it all again. Have I told you about my trip to Albania this summer yet?

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How to recognize a guilt trip & respond when it happens.

If someone has ever tried to make you feel bad about something without directly saying it, you may well have been a victim to guilt tripping. This behavior isn't uncommon, but if you don't know what to look for, you might not realize it's happening. Here's how to spot guilt trip signs, plus how to deal with it, according to experts.

What does "guilt trip" really mean?

Guilt tripping is a type of behavior that involves making someone feel guilty for something rather than directly expressing your displeasure. As therapist and relationship expert Ken Page, LCSW, explains to mbg, it's a form of manipulation designed to either make the person feel bad or to get them to do something you want by evoking guilt.

According to both Page and licensed marriage and family therapist  Shane Birkel, LMFT, guilt tripping is classic passive-aggressive behavior because it indicates an inability—or at least an unwillingness—to communicate in a healthy and constructive way.

This kind of behavior can be seen across all kinds of relationships, from romantic to parent-child relationships to friendships, and even in the workplace between bosses or co-workers.

Why it's not OK to guilt trip someone.

It's not a bad thing to express when you feel hurt or upset by someone else's behavior, Page notes, but when you start to become passive aggressive and manipulative about it, that's when it becomes a problem. "Guilt tripping is indirect and manipulative, [and] it works by making people feel bad about themselves," he says.

Birkel adds that guilt tripping also doesn't require the same vulnerability as directly sharing your hurt and how you're feeling. "It's shaming the other person, making comments that make the other person feel bad, sort of blaming and attacking—and so in that way, I don't think there's ever an appropriate or OK situation to guilt trip. It's always going to be a harsh way of treating the other person," he notes.

Open and vulnerable communication, such as saying, "Hey, I understand we all run late sometimes, but it makes me feel like you're not prioritizing our time together when you show up late," for example, would not be guilt tripping, Birkel adds.

Is guilt tripping a form of gaslighting?

Gaslighting and guilt tripping are not the same, though they have "large areas of overlap," according to Page. He notes that gaslighting is all about denying someone's reality to make them question themselves, which is a "deep form of manipulation."

Guilt tripping is more about making someone feel bad or guilty for their behavior. That said, dark personality types like narcissists and other toxic people will often use both of these manipulation tactics freely and without remorse, Page explains.

Common signs to look out for:

• Behavior and comments meant to make you feel guilty or bad
• Making you feel like you owe them something
• Refusal to say what's wrong but acting upset
• Expressing negative feelings about you in indirect ways
• Comments like "I must not mean that much to you," "I'm glad you could finally squeeze me into your busy schedule," or, "I do so much for you," etc.
• Talking about you as a bad person, partner, friend, etc.
• Withholding affection and/or attention as punishment
• Passive-aggressive behavior

The main things you want to look for when it comes to someone guilt tripping you are an inability to express negative feelings directly and behavior that makes you feel guilty. As Page explains, "When you feel that sharp pang of guilt, ask yourself, what is happening? Are you being made to feel that you are less of a good person, or were they actually bothered appropriately by something you did that you need to fix and correct?"

When you become aware of how guilt feels in your body and the thoughts it makes you think, that's the quickest way to identify guilt tripping behavior, he adds. And if you're noticing a trend that this person has a hard time expressing when you've done something that bothers them, that's a telltale sign too.

Reasons for guilt tripping.

There are plenty of reasons that people resort to guilt tripping, whether subconscious or very much conscious. A lot of the time, Page explains, it's simply the "easiest" option, compared to actually being vulnerable and stating your needs and feelings in a direct way.

Sometimes people want sympathy, sometimes they want to manipulate your behavior, and sometimes they may just be looking for attention. But the key is they're not willing to be outright about what they're wanting from the interaction.

According to Birkel, guilt tripping someone can also be "a twisted way of trying to get compassion." They're trying to make you feel bad about what you did because they want you to understand how it hurt them, he says.

"Often, when we feel that something is wrong but we don't feel that we have a right to ask for what we want, we use guilt tripping or other passive-aggressive behavior instead," Page explains. "In other words, our guilt around our own needs makes us guilt trip other people."

Birkel also notes this kind of behavior can stem from having this behavior modeled for you growing up, as well as not having your needs met as a child. "If someone grew up in a family where they weren't allowed to have a voice, or their wants and needs were shut down by a parent, they might start guilt tripping others because they never learned how to communicate directly," he explains.

How to respond to a guilt trip.

How you choose to respond when someone guilt trips you will depend on everything from your communication style to how much patience you have in the moment and how serious the situation is. In extreme cases, especially in situations where you're being unfairly blamed for something, you always have the option to set a boundary and walk away from the conversation.

With all that said, Page and Birkel both recommend extending compassion when you can. "Underneath the guilt tripping is a request, hidden in blaming, passive-aggressive behavior," Page explains. And as Birkel notes, that hidden request is often compassion and understanding.

For starters, there might be an apology you can and should make if you did actually hurt this person (intentionally or not). Birkel suggests starting there, and to emphasize that you understand why they're feeling the way they do. That can sound like "I understand why you're upset, and I apologize for X."

Then, once the apology is made earnestly and accepted, perhaps a couple of hours later, he says you can bring up that you didn't appreciate the way they approached the conversation, saying something like, "Again, I understand why you were upset, and I felt like you were trying to make to feel guilty, so I'm hoping you could communicate with me more directly about what's going on for you in the future."

Ultimately, Page says, it's important that you and the other person both get to speak your mind about how you're really feeling. In some cases, for instance, you might be letting somebody down and disappointing them, but that doesn't mean that you have anything to feel guilty for; you just might not be able to meet their expectations, he explains. "On the other hand, when you listen to what they want and need, if it feels valid, you might want to reconsider your actions," he adds.

It comes down to honest, open, and vulnerable communication, which is a skill that can take time to cultivate. But the good news is, the more you practice healthy communication , the easier it becomes over time.

The bottom line.

Guilt tripping can range from small, rare instances to extreme cases of manipulation. If things escalate to the point of emotional abuse , remove yourself from the situation as best you can. Otherwise, guilt tripping is a behavior (albeit a frustrating one) that can be worked on and improved with healthy communication and vulnerability.

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What makes you feel when you travel?

Traveling can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety and homesickness. What we feel when we travel can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as our destination, our travel companions, and our mindset. Here are some of the most common emotions that people experience when they travel:

• Excitement One of the most common emotions associated with travel is excitement. Whether we’re embarking on a long-awaited trip or exploring a new destination, the prospect of discovering something new can be exhilarating. We may feel a rush of adrenaline as we pack our bags, board a plane, or set out on foot to explore a new city. This excitement can fuel our sense of adventure and keep us motivated to explore and discover new things.
• Curiosity Travel can also evoke a sense of curiosity, as we seek to learn more about the places we visit. We may be curious about the local culture, history, or cuisine, and seek out opportunities to experience these things firsthand. This curiosity can lead us to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, try new foods, and engage with locals in meaningful ways.
• Wonder Travel can inspire a sense of wonder and awe, as we encounter natural and man-made wonders that take our breath away. We may be awed by majestic mountains, sparkling oceans, or iconic landmarks. This sense of wonder can be incredibly fulfilling and help us appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around us.
• Nostalgia Sometimes travel can evoke feelings of nostalgia, as we remember past experiences or long for the familiarity of home. We may miss our loved ones, our favorite foods, or the comfort of our own bed. These feelings of nostalgia can be bittersweet, but they can also remind us of what we value most in life.
• Amazement Travel can also leave us feeling amazed, as we witness sights and experiences that are beyond our wildest dreams. We may see exotic animals in their natural habitat, witness incredible feats of architecture or engineering, or be moved by the kindness of strangers. These moments of amazement can be incredibly inspiring and stay with us long after we return home.
• Connection Travel can also evoke a sense of connection, as we meet new people and forge meaningful relationships. We may bond with fellow travelers over shared experiences, or connect with locals who show us kindness and hospitality. These connections can be incredibly rewarding and enrich our lives in unexpected ways.
• Appreciation Finally, travel can inspire feelings of appreciation and gratitude. As we explore new places and meet new people, we may come to appreciate the things that we often take for granted in our daily lives. We may be grateful for our health, our home, and the people we love. These feelings of appreciation can help us to cultivate a more positive outlook on life and inspire us to make the most of each day.

What we feel when we travel can vary greatly depending on our destination, our mindset, and our experiences. We may feel excitement, curiosity, wonder, nostalgia, amazement, connection, appreciation, or a combination of these emotions. Regardless of how we feel, travel has the power to enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives in countless ways. So, if you’re planning your next travel adventure, be open to the emotions that come with it and allow yourself to fully experience all that travel has to offer.

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The Psychology of Why You Feel Empty Traveling (and How to Change It)

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Have you ever been on a long travel vacation having the time of your life and in the flick of a switch feel home-sick and ready to leave? It turns out, you’re not alone.

Whether we are traveling alone sipping a latte in Paris, France or with some friends on the beach touching our toes to the turquoise waters of Thailand, we have all felt this unexplained and slow moving feeling of crumminess.

What makes it so strange is that we’re happy and having fun but… something is just off. After traveling abroad and speaking to hundreds of others who have experienced these exact feelings, I’ve come to call this phenomenon “the mid-trip crisis.”

Why do we feel “the mid-trip crisis?”

A mid-trip crisis arises because the fundamental design of travel does not support a sense of belonging or a sense of purpose, which studies have shown are the two most impactful factors when measuring a meaningful life.

In the book, The Power of Meaning  by University of Pennsylvania Professor Emily Smith, evidence is shown that people who rate their lives with the most satisfaction are people with intense feelings of belonging and purpose: two things that are fundamentally missing in 95% of travel excursions.

Why Does Traveling Lack Belonging and Purpose?

As Smith describes belonging she says; “we need to feel understood, recognized and affirmed, ” and really, we just need to feel heard, by someone.

It’s no secret that traveling can be isolating.

A stereotypical getaway lasts one or two weeks and is jam packed with activities even up until the last hour. Not only does our vacation turn from relaxing to stressful but the transient nature of our vacation gives us no sense of belonging.

We stay in new places and make friendships that last for no more than a dinner or a day until we off to our next, pre-planned activity. Traveling like this guarantees our vacation to be full of surface level relationships, which subconsciously starts to eat at us.

Worse off, we likely can’t keep in touch with anyone back home be it timezone or data troubles. So there we are. Living the life on our travels until day five our brain is like, “Hey bud I want to talk to someone.”

Why hostels don’t fulfill our desire for belonging

The absence of belonging within travel isn’t anything new. This is why hostels exist, this why group travel programs exist, this is why people travel with friends. These alternatives help a lot. But, there are still fundamental flaws to all of these approaches that leave us wanting something else.

Smith’s findings cite that the greatest driver of belonging for humans is when we experience ‘close relationships. ’ Supported by world-class psychologist Roy Baumeister, Smith explains that close relationships are fulfilled through consistent and non-negative interactions.

This is where hostels just do not deliver.

In a hostel, nine out of ten people we meet will be gone in five days giving no hope for consistent intimacy. While hostels are a great place to have some connection, our mind desires consistency and something deeper.

Travel programs are one of the best alternatives but not ideal for many people. Traveling in a group will help fulfill our sense of belonging through close relationships, it makes traveling extremely limited. The fundamental flaw with traveling in groups is it generally contradicts one of the greatest desires of the modern day traveler: to wander.

The definition of wander is “to walk or move in a casual or aimless way.” There is nothing about having your itinerary pre-planned for the next four weeks that fulfills a person’s desire to “wander.”

This is also why traveling with a significant other is called the marriage test … because it’s really freakin’ hard when you both want to aimlessly wander, but in different directions.

In travel, we want the freedom to wander alone, but we also need to experience close relationships to make it past day five.

What do we do?

Let’s first investigate the lack of purpose in traveling, then we’ll tackle solutions for both.

Lacking a sense of purpose while traveling won’t be a surprise to many people, either. While the loss of belonging may be mitigated by sacrificing freedom to travel in a group or staying in a hostel, finding a sense of purpose is much more difficult.

Americans know travel lacks a sense of purpose. This is why we have a travel deficiency . A week in the islands without time spent on our career? Sounds terrifying and purposeless, so we don’t do it.

The problem begins because traveling, at its core, is just an extended weekend. Yes, even if you’re ‘growing your mind’ in southeast Asia. While travel is more socially accepted, it’s basically the same as watching television.

When broken down, travel is just a long period without any sort of work and lots of time spent as the most egregious of consumers. At the end of the day, we are in a tensionless state where all of our time and effort is spent being selfish.

I don’t say selfish in a bad way. But travel and consumption are usually about our fun, our needs, and our wants. And deep down we crave impact and service.

As Smith describes, when others count on us, we feel purposeful. Smith cites research that shows when people begin engaging in lifestyles where no one is counting on us, be it family, co-workers or strangers, our quality of life starts to drop. 

And this is exactly what happens when we travel. We consume and slowly, just as with belonging, our subconscious mind starts to say, “Hey, dude, I am over these temples here in Asia.”

Belonging & Purpose together

As discussed earlier, studies show belonging and purpose are the most influential factors when measuring quality of life. And ironically, when we go on vacation in pursuit of living a life of high quality, we lose those things.

It takes a few days or whole week but our mind picks up on the absence of these things and that’s when the mid-trip crisis will hit and suddenly you start thinking, “okay… I am ready to go home.”

How Do We Solve the Mid-Trip Crisis?

First off, I am not hating on travel. Traveling, or just taking vacation days is well-documented to be beneficial and pretty necessary to a healthy life .

But here’s the thing. The type of travel I just described above is incredibly lopsided and it is massively weighted towards self-indulgence and consumption. Which is also fine.

One of the studies Smith cites in her work actually shows that self-indulgence is critical to enjoying a life of the highest quality. However, they also found people who invest strictly into self-indulgence rated themselves as really happy… for about five days, then their quality of life dropped to the lowest of anyone in the study.

Consider this when we think about “the mid-trip crisis.” When we travel and 90% of our energy is spent self-indulging, life is great, but then after a week or so we start to feel really crappy.

So what’s missing?

In this cited study, the people who ended up having the highest quality of life were those who had both self-indulgence and some sort of purpose in their day.

If you’ve ever heard the term “work hard, play hard,” you now have evidence to support your claim.

Applying this to traveling means: have a ton of fun and do something you care about.

Let’s see what that actually looks like in practice. Below, we have put together a few sample ideas on how you can weave both purpose and belonging into your trip.

Solutions to “the Mid-Trip Crisis”

To solve the issue of the mid-trip crisis and to ensure your travels are infinitely awesome, a few things need to happen. 

First, make sure your trip allows for consistent time for building relationships (belonging). Second, make sure you schedule time for one or two activities that feel purposeful and third, have lots of fun.

As long as you deliver on these three things, you will have an unbeatable travel experience every time, whether it is two weeks or six months.

Having lots of fun while traveling isn’t hard, so I won’t really cover that. Let’s focus on belonging and purpose.

Below, I have accumulated some solutions to both purpose and belonging. Mix and match some of the ideas. Some of them can work together. Each solution delivers on purpose or belonging in a different way, it is your choice on how you want to approach this.

The Solutions:

When traveling in a group, have a defined experience planned:

Traveling in a group helps create a sense of belonging with consistent interaction. However, we lose our sense of freedom. It is shown that a lot of happiness and life satisfaction is based on our expectation of experiences. If you are traveling in a group, book a defined and controlled experience like a safari. This clearly places the expectation for traveling wandering isn’t going to happen.

Do your normal morning routine:

Having our normal morning run, breakfast or reading gives us a sense of normalcy that enables a sense of productivity and purpose for the entire day.

Work remote:

Working remote is a good way to support purpose and maybe belonging. A remote job is going to have limited interaction with coworkers, being in a new country and talking TPS Sheets with Sharon from accounting isn’t going to drive a sense of belonging. However, if you work for a company who lets you work remote for an infinite runway, this can help as you immerse into your travel locations and make friends with locals.

Volunteering is a special type of travel. It can be done on a long-term basis or short-term basis. Volunteering is going to be done in a group so a sense of belonging will arise. Putting in the elbow-grease towards a cause will also support a sense of purpose. And your volunteering doesn’t have to be something altruistic. Volunteer at a winery, restaurant or bar. Putting in hours on anything will help.

Travel for five days only:

Traveling for a shorter amount of time doesn’t really solve a sense of belonging or purpose, but completely avoids needing one. 5-day travel allows you to self-indulge like crazy and come back home before your body realizes it was missing either of the two. 

Travel for six months in 2-3 locations:

Conversely to the above solution, by traveling for long periods of time, we are able to fulfill both belonging and purpose. Traveling long-periods of time helps us feel a sense of belonging as we are able to make friends with locals. Delivering on purpose here is very doable as you will have to adopt some sort of a normal life. Having a routine, picking up a side job, volunteering or working remote will help you feel productive, impactful and purposeful.

The mid-trip crisis won’t apply to everyone. But for a lot of us, it’s a thing and hopefully today these writings are able to supply you with an understanding of why, giving you the power to create travel that fits your needs.

The solutions above are samples and suggestions, there are probably infinite ways to create the travel you want and the travel you need.

Get creative. We’d love to hear what you came up with.

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8 emotions you will feel during your first travelling experience

Whether this is your first travelling experience, or you are an experienced traveller, here are 8 emotions you'll relate to!

03 October 2018

Travelling can be a truly life-changing experience and also provides you with the opportunity of exploring different cultures and environments that you might otherwise be oblivious to. There is no denying that before, during and after your travels you will experience a lot of different emotions, here are some that you might feel during your first travelling experience (and maybe all of the other ones afterwards – after all, you might catch the travel bug!).

 1.       Excitement

You’ve been researching your trip and have started to book flights and accommodation. Eek, this is the beginning of your journey!

 2.       Nervousness

 3.       Lingering doubt

 4.       A sense of accomplishment

 5.       Boredom

 6.       Self-confidence

 7.       Love

 8.       Sheer dedication to travelling

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5 Ways to Get Excited About Travel Again

By Courtney Humes

Do you love to travel? Are you starting to feel like it will be in your future again?

Whether it’s a hot all-inclusive destination with all of the sun, drinks, and samba music you can handle, or more of an off-the-beaten-path road trip style you prefer, if it means being away, you’d likely take either.

On the other hand, is the idea of travel still making you feel hesitant and nervous? Thinking about all of the restrictions, unknowns, extra measures, and precautions needed to even just to get on the plane, or worse, return home.

It begs the question, is it really time to start planning your next trip ?

I say yes. Studies have shown that even having a trip to look forward to can help reduce stress and increase the excitement for life.

The thought of the warm sun, ocean waves, and exploration of a new place create positive images in your head, resulting in happy emotions. I think we all need this right about now.

But how can we get back that true excitement for travel? Here are five ways to get excited about travel again:

1. Create a Top 5 Destinations Bucket List

How often have you said, “I would love to go there” or “That place sounds amazing,” then daydream about actually doing it?

If you’re like me, the list of places to visit grows bigger and bigger almost every day. As I work with people to plan their trips, read articles about gorgeous and unique destinations, scroll through Instagram, or watch the National Geographic Travel channel, I add another destination to my bucket list.

Get excited about travel again by writing down the top 5 destinations you would love to visit. By doing so, you are one step closer to making it a reality and taking the next steps to research and plan the trip.

2. Write Down Your Travel Stories

Travel creates and provides so many amazing life experiences, stories, and special memories. Some experiences and memories are shared with others, while some are strictly your own. Either way, write them down. 

Whether you want to keep them to yourself or share them with loved ones, documenting the sights, sounds, feelings, and meanings behind your travels is a great way to ensure they are never forgotten.

Even if the trip took place years ago, it is not too late to write them down now and relive the experience.

3. Read Your Old Travel Journals 

Journaling during your travels is an amazing way to capture each day of your journey and special moments while they’re fresh in your mind. Finding that journal 15 years later and reading through it is even better!

If you took the time to create travel journals in the past, I encourage you to find and read them. I came across my travel journal while looking for some old pictures.

Reading through my words as a young adult travelling through Europe, Canada, and Australia pulled at my heartstrings. It brought me back to the emotions I felt at the time.

If travel journaling is not something you normally do, I suggest you start. Taking even 5 minutes each morning or evening while you’re away to write can create meaningful moments of reflection later in life. 

4. Take a Course, Learn a New Skill or Language

Ready to take your travel experiences to the next level? Now is the time to learn new skills that will enhance your trips and vacations later on.  

Learn how to fly a drone to take spectacular photos; discover how to edit those pictures to make them pop; take a travel writing course, or learn to scuba dive. The possibilities and opportunities are endless and can open up new doors and activities when you travel.

You can also learn a new language. Picture yourself in Paris, ordering a cafe and macaron,  en francais . What about relaxing in a vineyard in Italy, a big glass of red wine in hand, whispering sweet nothings in Italian to Enrico (the handsome waiter).

With today’s technology and phones always in the palm of our hands, now is easier than ever to learn a new language. With apps like Babble and Duolingo, learning can be easy and fun and take you one step closer to wine with Enrico.

5. Research Ways to Support Local Communities 

The pandemic, as well as environmental catastrophes over the past few years, has taken a financial toll on many countries, especially those in which tourism is the main source of income.

As travel starts to open again, it is important to remember that local communities and less fortunate countries need our help and support.

That support can come in various ways, such as visiting during non-peak season, supporting local producers, markets, and farms, contributing to non-profit organizations and local groups, and using local tour operators and suppliers who use sustainable practices in their operations.

No matter how you spend your time getting comfortable and excited to travel again, just know you will!

Then, start planning your next trip (like a reading retreat !), download that vacation countdown app back on your phone, and dream about the sand in your toes and destinations to explore.

Courtney Humes is Global Talent Manager at  G Adventures , mother of four, and lover of hiking, yoga, photography, and all things nature.

Courtney’s goal is to motivate and inspire others who may be overworked and overstressed to find wellness, healing, and purpose through travel. 

Connect with Courtney on  Instagram .

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• Rest and Relaxation

You’re Vacationing All Wrong. Here’s How to Have a Truly Restful Break

T ravel can do wonders for your well-being. “Experiencing awe, going to novel places, engaging your creative mind, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends are all things that we know can increase well-being and even reduce stress,” says Stephanie Preston, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan.

But those perks aren’t a given. As anyone who’s dealt with intrusive work emails or an overly ambitious itinerary can attest, it’s possible to arrive back home from a trip feeling more stressed than you were before you left. 

Keeping certain tips in mind as you plan and set out will help you better reap the benefits of travel.

Take a few short trips instead of one long one

Because the positive effects of traveling fade about a month after you return home—and because the planning process can make you happier than the trip itself—traveling more often could be key to improving mental health, says Laurence Chan, instructor of medical psychology at Columbia University. That means taking a few smaller trips may be better than taking one big trip, he says.

It may also be easier to fit into a busy life. “If someone is taking a longer vacation, there could also be a logistical limitation to disconnecting, and someone could be more likely to engage in work spillover tasks—like attending a ‘can’t-miss’ meeting or conference call,” he says. 

Temporarily delete or mute apps 

It’s hard, but put your phone away as much as possible—and consider deleting your work email app or social media apps while you’re gone. One 2016 study linked spending less time on one’s phone to a more relaxing vacation. 

“I think social media in general is hard to disconnect from,” says Dr. Paul Nestadt, a psychiatrist and director of the Johns Hopkins Anxiety Disorders Clinic. “It can be anxiety-provoking to keep doomscrolling.” He adds that some of his patients actually feel more anxiety from disconnecting entirely, so be mindful of your personality and what suits you best. 

If you’re particularly addicted to your phone, Preston recommends choosing a vacation destination that has limited internet access, such as a camping spot in the mountains. 

Have a loose plan

If you’re aiming for a relaxing getaway, you shouldn’t overschedule yourself. But don’t underschedule yourself either, says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora. 

“There can be the impulse to figure it out when you’re there,” she says. But faced with an empty agenda,  “we end up defaulting to checking our phones.” 

Vazquez says a good rule of thumb is to plan a half-day’s worth of activities every day. Consider also preparing a list of restaurants you’d like to try in advance so you don’t succumb to stressfully surfing Yelp from your hotel room.  

Put down your camera

While it might be tempting to take photos throughout your trip, consider occasionally leaving your camera or phone in your bag and simply enjoying the present moment. “I think it has become almost an impulse to experience your own trip through your social sharing rather than to just experience it on the ground,” Vazquez says.

Instead of snapping photos for Instagram, work on savoring your scenic hike, relaxing boat ride, or joy-filled family dinner. “No matter which activities you engage in, I think it’s important to do them fully,” Chan says. “If you’re going to be walking, just walk. If you’re going to be exploring the sites, just take them in.”

It might seem like a counterintuitive way to tamp down stress, but try to do extra work before you leave for your trip, Nestadt says. If you don’t, you risk feeling even more overwhelmed when you return home. “That can kind of delete or overwrite the beneficial effects you would’ve had from the trip,” he says. 

Cut your trip a day short

Even though you might dream of spending 10 days sunbathing and swimming in Hawaii, nine would be better if it means you have a day of rest and recovery between your vacation and returning to work or school. 

“If part of the reason you’re taking the vacation is because you need a break, then building a buffer [day] in really allows the recuperation that you’re able to achieve on vacation to last,” Nestadt says. An extra day at home is especially helpful if your trip involves jet lag, Preston adds.

Go for a hike or swim

One study found that when people exercise on vacation—regardless of whether they do at home—they had improved sleep, heart rates, and well-being. Although a run on the hotel gym’s treadmill is good, it’s even better to break a sweat in nature, as exercising outdoors can lower anxiety and stress.

Choose a sun-drenched spot

Regular exposure to sunlight has countless benefits for physical and mental health. It can improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, release mood-boosting serotonin, increase vitamin D stores, and lower blood pressure. One study found that people experienced more health benefits from their vacation when they were in a sunny locale rather than an overcast one. If you’re torn between Seattle and San Diego for your next jaunt, for example, you might feel happier and more relaxed if you choose the latter. 

Consider your travel companions

You might think traveling with anyone will be fun—a vacation is a vacation, right? Wrong. One study found that who we travel with greatly impacts how much we enjoy our trip. (Out of traveling alone or with someone’s friends, partner, relatives, or colleagues, people enjoyed traveling with their colleagues the least.) 

One reason: You might want to rise and shine for a morning hike, for instance, whereas your brother-in-law might want to sleep in and zone out at the beach. “There can be a lot of interpersonal conflict over how you manage the schedule and the priorities,” Preston says. 

To truly recharge, think very carefully about how well your vacation desires will mesh with those of your travel companions. 

Tap your friends for advice

Googling the best restaurants in Mexico City could lead you down a three-hour rabbit hole of research. Instead, consider asking for food recommendations only from your friend who went there a few months ago. “Crowdsource advice from friends who have been places, and they’ll tell you the restaurants to go to or the hikes that were spectacular, and that can save a lot of time,” Preston says. 

Pack with compression cubes

Packing is personal, Vazquez says. Some people carefully plan their outfits, while others toss a hodgepodge of items into their suitcase and figure it out later. Regardless of your style, she recommends using compression packing cubes to condense your items and serve as portable drawers, keeping you organized while you’re away. “I cannot overemphasize what a game changer these were for me when I found them,” she says. They’re particularly useful for people traveling with kids, as you can pack each family member’s items in a different compression bag. 

Eliminate layovers if you can

You might not be able to avoid layovers if you’re traveling somewhere far away, or if your budget doesn’t allow for a nonstop flight. But it’s ideal to take direct flights and streamline travel if you can. Flight connections can be stressful, especially if you’re traveling internationally, have a short layover time, or if one leg of your flight is delayed. 

If you’re spending significant time getting to and from your destination, you might not return feeling like you had a truly restful trip, Vazquez says. “You might have even added to your anxiety by making a large portion of your time away dedicated to complicated travel arrangements,” she says.

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35 Travel Essentials for Any Length of Trip

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There’s something about traveling that is equal parts excitement and stress, especially when it comes time for you to bust out your suitcase and prepare to pack. What comes along with you can vary tremendously depending on the length of your trip and the occasion. Thankfully, the Cut Shop team has traveled far and wide, and has picked up a few tips, tricks, and essentials for packing well. Regardless of whether it’s a quick weekend escapade or a whole month abroad, here are the 39 best travel essentials worth taking along, listed according to the length of time spent away from home.

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➼ For Overnight Trips ➼ Weekend Trips and Excursions ➼ Anywhere From Five Days to a Week and a Half ➼ Two Weeks or Longer ➼ A Month or More

. For Overnight Trips

Whether you’re only traveling ten minutes away for a staycation or venturing to a nearby city for a day, overnight trips can be just as challenging to pack for as longer ones. Our best tip is try to be strategic about stowing all the necessities in a larger tote ba g.

Keep all your chargers and cords organized and untangled in one place. This little case makes sure you can actually find what you are looking for, especially in the depths of a big bucket-shaped bag.

The Nap Dress is comfortable enough for any road trip or train ride or even to sleep in. You really can’t go wrong — it’s like wearing your pajamas but still looking totally presentable. We particularly like the wrinkle-resistant navy dress for easy wear on the road.

This three-pack of pouches might be one of The Cut Shop ream’s favorite purchases. Perfect for everyday use, the pouches are great for housing everything from makeup to dirty clothes to receipts. We always have one in our bags, no matter if we’re leaving the house for a night, an hour, or a whole week.

Perfect for event-specific travel, this tote doubles as a garment bag, protecting those special-occasion outfits. It has just enough space to also pack a pair of shoes you do not want to commute in.

One of the best tinted moisturizers out there, this option from Saie offers hydration and some SPF and will give you light coverage with a dewy glow. When you can’t bring your entire medicine cabinet, this is a great option that combines a bunch of products in a multistep routine.

Because hydration is always important, especially when you’re traveling.

Just because you’re not doing your skin-care routine in your bathroom at home doesn’t mean your skin should suffer. This ice rollers will fit perfectly in your toiletry bag and come in handy first thing in the morning.

Sometimes on those quick trips, we push washing our hair an extra day (or three) so we can leave all our heat tools at home. With some dry shampoo and a cute hair claw , no one has to know.

. Weekend Trips and Excursions

Whether you are heading out of town for a wedding, trying to get away for a little R&R, or traveling for work, when it comes to packing a weekender or a smaller suitcase, organization is key.

There are so many options out there for weekender bags, but this water-repellent tote from Béis ticks all our boxes including the trolley pass-through pocket to attach to your suitcase and save your shoulders. This one is just over $100.

Most of the time, travel is associated with flying, but whether by choice or not, sometimes the trip involves hours of car time. A phone mount changes the game on a long road trip and is definitely safer.

For those longer flights where you are in a confined space and not moving around as much (looking at you, window-seat fliers), compression socks can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet.

Weekend trips can sometimes mean a jam-packed itinerary, so when you want to sleep, you want to snooze uninterrupted. Enter Loop, a reusable silicone earplug that allows you to get the ultimate fit (it comes in four sizes) so you can get in that power nap.

Forgetting your sunglasses on vacation, especially when headed somewhere sunny, is a rookie mistake, which is why this pair from Le Specs is perfect to just keep in your weekend bag so you are never without.. They’re stylish, sturdy, and under $70 , in case you end up losing or breaking them.

Normally, travel containers are not the most stylish or multifunctional. But these Cadence capsules are both of those things. Unlike traditional travel containers, these can be used for anything from storing pills and skincare products to necklaces and hand cream. Plus, you can design your own set to include different labels and colors

You can never go wrong with a classic button-up . It’s a must-have for any trip, especially a weekend one when space is limited. Wear it on its own, with a dress or pants, or as a bathing suit cover-up.

The Tower28 spray is our skin-care savior , and if you’re looking to pack minimally for weekend trips, this needs to be in the toiletry bag. Perfect for sensitive skin, it’s multifunctional, and a spritz delivers a refreshing dose of hydration and soothes stressed-out skin.

Not only do books take up valuable real estate in a carry-on, they add a bit of weight too. A Kindle is so low profile and light that we do not even think twice about tossing it in our bag. It also saves us time doing the math on how many books we should be bringing on a trip because our next read is just a Wi-Fi connection away.

If you’re skipping the carry-on, this is an easy way to organize your beauty routine now that you’ve condensed it into teeny bottles and containers. The recycled faux -leather bag zips closed and features enough compartments to keep everything neat and organized.

. Anywhere From Five Days to a Week and a Half

A full-fledged trip that still limits you to a carry-on may be the most difficult to pack for. Europe,Cabo, our parents’ house, it’s all about making the most of the room you have, even if you can’t help but pack all your sunglasses , expensive skin care, and cute outfits.

This cashmere cardigan is amazing on its own or as a layering piece in case you get chilly en route or in your hotel room. When you’re packing a carry-on, the more pieces you have that you can wear multiple different ways, the better.

Sometimes you just can’t decide which sunglasses to bring, especially if you are going somewhere extra-sunny. This protective case from Dagne Dover allows you to bring three pairs in a very compact and convenient case that is easy to hang up when you get to your final destination.

There is a reason you can’t travel without seeing one of these suitcases. It fits in the overhead bin of most major U.S. airlines and allows travelers enough room to store all their belongings while remaining light, sturdy, and sleek. Plus, it comes in seven attractive colors and has a USB external battery for those extra-long travel days. It is an essential for the majority of trips you will probably take.

We love using packing cubes when we need to keep a duffel bag from becoming total chaos or for just staying organized when we’re traveling somewhere where we will be doing a wide range of activities that require very different wardrobe options. These packing cubes from Calpak are cute and will help bring some order to a carry-on.

Whether you are in the window seat and do not want to disturb your neighbors to wash your hands or need to do a quick clean after pumping gas on a road trip, having some sort of hand sanitizer while traveling is a good idea. This one from Aesop obviously smells amazing.

. Two Weeks or Longer

It’s time to check your bags. Fill your carry-on with the essentials and save the rest for your suitcase. Opt for two-in-one products, space-saving containers, and clothes you can dress up or down. Pro tip: Don’t forget to invest in a luggage tracker to make sure your suitcase arrives when you do.

Wearing trousers on a plane not only saves room in your suitcase but also makes you feel more put-together on the go. These comfy but tailored pants from Uniqlo can be worn casually or dressed up, making them the perfect pair to travel in for long periods.

A two-in-one product that is perfect for face and lips is a godsend on the road, and this Merit lightly tinted balm is highly rated. It is the perfect product to throw in your bag for when you want to do a real quick touch-up, no matter where you are. Not to mention it’s one of our senior shopping editor’s favorite cream blushes .

The pinnacle of traveling well comes down to one word: Rimowa. The cases are classic, luxurious, and durable, though definitely a splurge. If you’re traveling for long stretches of time, and often, they can be worth the price point.

Pets under 20 pounds are allowed to fly in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and this stylish option from Wild One opens into a bed so your pet can relax at the gate before you both board.

Most fragrances do not come in a three-ounce bottle, and it can be quite a risk to send a glass bottle in your checked bag, so it might be safer to opt for something like this. Even when you are not traveling, these little cases are convenient to throw in a bag so that you always can carry around your favorite scent.

. A Month or More

We’re way past suggesting hand cream and new luggage because, at this point, you’re practically moving to your destination. These are the things that upgrade you from a casual traveler to a pro and will make your longer flights and longer stays more comfortable

Carrying an extra six pounds might seem a bit excessive, but if you’re on a long flight and you’re staying over a month in your new destination, you might as well be as cozy and comfortable as possible. This travel0size weighted blanket from Bearaby comes in its own duffel bag, so it can easily be your personal item or be checked in with no problem.

Want to be able to still do full glam while you’re away? This rechargeable and slim travel vanity mirror will help your makeup look flawless no matter your lighting situation.

You may have seen this on your TikTok FYP. It allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones (hello, AirPod Maxes ) to airplane screens, so you can watch your favorite comfort movie or episode of Sex and the City without worrying about bringing a corded pair or needing to purchase those cheap plane headphones in the air.

Like a weighted blanket for your eyes, this eye mask is sleep enhancing (perfect for long flights and jumping through timezones) and made from super soft silk.

Chances you’ll come back from vacation with more clothes than you went there with are high, so consider packing this foldable nylon tote to hold all your overstock.

Travel with ease knowing that your necklaces won’t get tangled and all your earrings are safe and sound in one place.

This pill case also came from our TikTok FYP and is small enough to fit in any purse, but has enough storage to hold all your medicine, vitamins, and supplements.

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Editor’s Picks

What To Expect On A Psilocybin Mushroom Trip

Elena Schmidt holds a journalism degree and is a freelance writer and content strategist in Austin, Texas. She has found her passion in subjects that drive self-actualization, including plant medicine, yoga, and meditation.

Disclaimer: Psilocybin mushrooms are potentially illegal substances, and we do not encourage or condone the use of this substance where it is against the law. However, we accept that illegal drug use occurs, and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this guide is designed to ensure the safety of those who decide to use the substance. We do not encourage using this drug outside of a legal or traditional context. For this reason, if you’re interested in legally consuming psilocybin, you may join our trusted partner Synthesis for legal psilocybin retreats in Amsterdam . 

This article has been medically reviewed by Katrina Oliveros, MSN-ED, BSN

Maria Katrina is a trauma-informed Wellness Educator and Psychedelic Harm Reduction Consultant. Beyond nursing, she supports health & wellness teams through medical aid, psychedelic harm reduction, and integration services.

Describing the nature and content of a psilocybin mushroom (or any psychedelic) experience can be notoriously challenging. Not only are they extremely subjective, they’re also highly personal. As a result, you’re often left with overall feelings and sets of specific observations , more than you are a clear sense of exactly what happened.

Psychedelic researcher and microdosing pioneer James Fadiman refers to a quote by William James, an American psychologist, to qualify this phenomenon: “Our normal waking consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special type of consciousness. Whilst all about it, parted from it by the flimsiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different.”

This guide will attempt to familiarize you with this as it pertains to the nature of a psilocybin mushroom trip.

Read our guide to growing your own mushrooms.

There’s a reason psychedelic trips are referred to as “journeys” or “trips.” They’re expansive. And for this reason, it’s important to be ready for anything. Give yourself permission to go with the flow — to surrender to an experience that  could include confusion, anxiety, discomfort, hysterical laughing fits, awe, and any number of profound insights.

The truth is, no amount of mental preparation can compare to the actual experience. It’s one thing to convince yourself you’re ready for anything before tripping, but it’s another thing entirely to be in it.

From a deeply peaceful sense of oneness with something much bigger than yourself, to an inexplicable, yet certain feeling that the setting sun will bring sinister spirits into the world, these are all potential components of a psychedelic journey. And, they’re all beautiful. Seriously. There is intense profundity in this particular sort of contrast.

Recognizing, and accepting, that anything can happen over the course of a psilocybin mushroom trip will make you feel more comfortable as you begin to feel the effects of the compound. An open, calm mindset will help you remember — if things become uncomfortable — that the whole experience is temporary, typically between four and six hours. Your sense of helplessness will subside.

By acknowledging the transience of your trip, you’ll be more prepared to handle the darkness, and the light.

Safely Dosing

Accurately dosing psilocybin mushrooms is key to having an safe and effective mushroom experience.

Watch the video below to explore the different dosage levels for the safe use of psilocybin mushrooms, including a microdose, mini-dose, museum dose, moderate dose, and macrodose.

People and Places

In the words of James Fadiman , “much about our reactions to any stimulus depends on the actual context and the way we perceive it.” Another way to put this, set and setting matter.

Psychonautic pioneer and co-founder and arbiter of the Harvard Psilocybin Project , Timothy Leary, defined set  as the mental state a person brings to a psychedelic experience. That is, thoughts, feelings, mood, and desires. Setting  he described as the physical and social environment in which a psychedelic experience takes place.

People and places can have a large impact on your journey. When preparing for a psychedelic mushroom trip, it’s important to treat yourself, and your environment with care. Set yourself up so that if you do wander into a challenging state of consciousness, you’ll be surrounded by people and things (trees, blankets, whatever you think you may need) that are comforting.

One way to do this is to go out into nature. Find a quiet, open, natural space that is secluded from strangers and authority or security figures. Then, surround yourself with good people, or a good person. Someone you know and trust. Tripping alone for the first time can be very challenging, and potentially frightening. The safest way to approach this is to be with someone who has had experience tripping before, and who chooses to stay sober to support those who are tripping if need be.

You can learn more about setting up a safe and comfortable environment for your trip here .

Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave recalls the value of this sort of support:

Once, I was tripping in the backseat of a car with my friends. Some trivial thought freaked me out and sent me into a deep existential crisis. I don’t remember what, but I was stuck in a spiral of worry, and I couldn’t get myself out. I stopped my giggling and babbling and said something about not knowing anymore. Then I grew quiet and withdrawn. My good friend in the front seat turned around to me and casually said, “Hey, it’s fine.You’re here to have fun.” That simple sentence calmed me down, and from there my whole trip turned around. I thought I was facing some impossible struggle, but my friend straightened me out with just a few words. 

Find a comforting place, and be with people you trust and feel comfortable around.

After your preparations, all you have to do is ingest the mushrooms. This can be done by eating them directly, by brewing them in a tea , or by baking them into chocolate or some kind of pastry. Everybody responds to the taste differently; they’re very chewy, and quite earthy.

Depending on the amount of food in your stomach and method of consumption, you may start to feel nauseated around 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. Your hands may get clammy. This is largely due to your body’s response to the chemicals in the mushrooms; to ingesting a powerful and novel substance.

A strange, and common phenomenon as the mushrooms begin to take hold, is an anxiety about whether or not the trip is occurring. People often make comments about not quite feeling it yet, about “kind of” noticing some effects, but still downplaying them.

This can lead you astray. As mentioned earlier, relaxation and surrender are important approaches to any sort of psychedelic experience, and micromanaging your psilocybin trip won’t help you get there.

Your best bet is to eat the mushrooms, sit back, and allow them to do their work.

After the queasiness and discomfort subsides, you will begin to notice the onset of effects. Since changes in thought are more subtle and difficult to observe, you’ll probably realize you’re tripping by just looking around.

Colors will be more vibrant, they may even seem to glow. You’ll notice surfaces glittering and an increased richness in texture of (all) things. You may find yourself smiling uncontrollably, or feeling especially giggly.

And then, suddenly… you will be tripping.

Away we go!

Sometimes, a mushroom trip will feel like a whirlwind. One in which you’ll just have to hold on tight and go along for the ride. Other times, you will have a lot more control. You’ll feel like you can navigate through a totally new mindset.

If you have a trip like this, it’s a good time to explore yourself or turn inwards. Consider examining your personal problems, relationships, goals, ideas, beliefs, and fears.

Your sense of time and space perception will be warped. The d istortion manifests itself in beautiful ways — like staring at a flower for twenty minutes without even noticing how much time has elapsed.

However, if you’re experiencing distress, thirty seconds of thought may feel like a deep, anxious struggle that goes on for a half hour. Take a deep breath. Exercise your power of thought here. Give your attention to something else. There’s no point in keeping yourself in a state of discomfort.

Remember your reasons for embarking on your trip.

It’s nobody’s place but your own to say what you should or should not do during a trip. You are about to experience a complete change in your thinking and perception of the world.

Everything else is up to you.

The Comedown

Honestly, calling it a “comedown” is a bit misleading. The tail end of a psilocybin trip is often gentle and comforting, like dipping into a pool of warm water.

Contrary to the deep regret and discomfort that usually follows a long night of hard, substance-fueled partying, the comedown of a psilocybin mushroom trip tends to be mellow, introspective, and life-affirming.

In Paul’s words:

To me, going on a psilocybin mushroom trip feels like losing my mind. I forget a lot of things that I usually take for granted— simple things, basic concepts. Once, I forgot the concept of gender during a trip. Another time I forgot the concept of purchasing. I once forgot so much that I figured the only thing I knew how to do was give a smile. So, for the next hour or so, I just smiled at everyone until they returned one.

Coming back from a place so far removed from “normal” thinking can be therapeutic. For one, there’s the relief and appreciation of getting all your thoughts back. You start to find the right words for things; you start to recognize more complicated concepts. It’s very exciting.

On top of that, you may begin to notice how imaginary our lives are. During the trip, you’ll be put on a plane of raw existence. You’ll be stripped of that little voice in the back of your head, the one that’s endlessly analyzing and ascribing meaning to everything.

Then, when you come back, you’re likely to notice that that voice is not real. You’ll begin to see how those judgments and fears are artificial and entirely contrived, which can be enormously freeing.

Psilocybin mushrooms will help you feel, think, and perceive new things .

Whatever insights you may have encountered on your trip, keep them in mind over the next few days, write them down.

The mushrooms themselves won’t automatically change your life, but if you treat the trip as an educative experience, if you don’t disregard it as just silly fun, you will find that your life will be positively affected .

The trip may become a catalyst for a host of positive changes that were simply waiting in the wings .

Note: As with most aspects of pharmacology, how you respond to psilocybin as an individual depends on your genetics, neurobiology, age, weight, and numerous other factors. Halugen’s psychedelic pre-screening platform  offers a comprehensive solution to identify inter-individual variations to psychedelic drug effects, highlight short- and long-term genetic risk profiles as well as categorize personal and familial risk.  See this article on risks for more information .

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Wow I really agreed with what was said. Just wondering if anyone else has felt like walking around on a mushroom trip was similar to astral projection. It was so hard at times to get around physically, mentally it was the most amazing thing ever! My body was slightly hello like and I really had to concentrate to move it correctly. Thanks again for your experience.

I love being a hippie, now I know drugs can be a good thing in life like love drugs and even benefit you in your life. I really agree with you too and this amazing just stupendous article.

Been wanting to try shrooms for quite some time now but never knew where to get them. I have the chance to do them this upcoming weekend and reading this article was much needed. Thanks for your insight, it was extremely helpful in preparing me for the experience.

I like to mix LDS, Nushrooms, eNscaline and Balcohol all at the same time. The trip lasted for days and was unbelievable. I wennt to places I’ve never ebeen or seen. Hiighly recommened.

“I went to places I’ve never been or seen ..”.

Went there yes, but key question…Did you come back?

I say this from a perspective of someone who still sees visual disturbances 40 years down the road. It’s why I stopped taking alleged psychedelics all those years ago.

Mixing all that stuff is a big even if everything were perfectly chemically pure and as labelled. Substances perported to be one thing often are or contain other shit and taking more than one at a time seems to me to increase the chances you are taking something whose ingredients are unknown.

Not highly redommended ( by me).

That’s why it’s wise to buy a testing kit. They are very affordable and reliable. Psychedelics aren’t for everybody, but there are those of us who function just fine within society that partake in regular trips. I’ve tripped close to 100 times throughout my 37 years and the only after effects I’ve had are trails on everything. I see trails on everything and have since I was 18. Not really that much of a problem. It doesn’t interfere with my life, but this is just from my own experiences. Every one reacts differently and every trip for myself anyways has always been different. Haven’t tried psilocybin but regularly use LSD which I do test every time.

Brad Ayers, I’m a fellow reader of this article here, I’d like to speak with you if and when you have some time!

Bro are you okay

How do you figure how many grams for a 1st trip…at 325 lbs…how many grams should i take?

Also…how long does a trip last??

Where can I order? I loved this article and I live in Maryland. Can I legally have them shipped to me? I’m a first timer so how does this work?

Due to the fact that psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal in many countries, unfortunately, acquiring them is not as easy as ordering them online. We do have an article on how to grow your own mushrooms through legally-purchased spores that you might like to read here . You can also read more about the legality of psilocybin mushrooms on our page here .

We wish you best of luck on your journey! Let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll do my best to help out.

– Britt at The Third Wave

Great write-up. I plan on taking shrooms for the first time soon. What I’m hoping for is a proper “ego-death” experience. Would love for you guys to write an article on that subject.

Did you have it yet?

I once had an ego death experience and let me tell you nothing can prepare you for this….its terrifying…i mean really.dose used was 3.5g dried cubensis.if you are sensitive to drug in general i would start with a low dose.i saw my friend lying on the floor for 4 full hour with 1g dried.tripping so much could not even open his eye…anyway if you want to experience this maybe you wont like magic mushroom anymore.

Wow that pretty much sums it all up.having done this on many occassion the one thing ive realized is that each trip is just that…a Unique, terrifying, fun, and insane experience.there is no single definition to it. It is unique in its own way. Like mother earth intended.

Spot on! Awesome to read

That was pretty solid & on point in comparison to my own experience. Thanks for this. I would love to hear more research on findings.

I had my first trip yesterday and as soon as it came on I just saw the wall moving back and forth and changing colors. Later I walk into the bathroom and the wood grain on the wall is morphing in and out. Later on in the trip I walk in the living room were my mom is and she is watching tv and it is a some kind of drug commercial and it is going thro the side effect list and the sound starts looping and it kinda sounds like Russian or something it kinda freaked me out but other than that it was an amazing trip.

I did shrooms for the first time a couple weeks ago and I love, love, love this explanation. I would love to hear more!

I was on shrooms once. And I burned down a School. Don’t do drugs folks.

i think that post is false i honestly dont think that is possible or will ever happen from shrooms

If you burned a school you are just as ass, mushrooms or no mushrooms. They don’t make you do that.

Ahahhah thats a good explanation ,i did golden teachers once ,it was one of the best experience i ever had

The Pyro tendencies is locked in the dark corners of your mind where your fear comes from you don’t need mushrooms need counseling and anger management

This is a great article, everyone should read this concise and down-to-earth message about an out-of-this-world ride.

plan b messes with your hormones, unfortunately

Tiffany, I think you need to use your own brain to figure out things like that.

I recently had a very bad experience. Don’t get me wrong the trip was amazing but it was not worth the price. I had taken plan b earlier in the day and later decided to trip so I made some shroomaid only using about an 8th. I have tripped 3 times prior and had felt like I knew what I was doing. But the whole time after consumption was not very good. I think that there should a warning on here to help out woman and prevent them from combining plan b with shrooms because my body overdosed on serotonin, if my boyfriend wasn’t a CNA I could have died.

Can you go more in depth about an “inexplicable yet sure feeling that the sun setting will bring sinister spirits into the world”

Not speaking for Paul, but from personal experience when under the effects of mushrooms lighting changes can have profound effects on your mood or direction of the trip. Almost every time I have tripped outside I have been able to perceive even minute fluctuations in light, such as a thin cloud passing over the sun. This change in lighting usually corresponds to a change in my thought patterns, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will always think sinister spirits are coming with nightfall. I think he was throwing out a possible example of what could occur in your mind state with something as ordinarily trivial as the setting sun.

I HAVE HAD MANY DOZENS OF EXPERIENCES WITH SHROOMS, AND NEVER HAD A “BAD TRIP” PER SE, BUT UNDOUBTEDLY SOME WERE “WAY MO’ BETTA” THAN OTHERS. THE ABSOLUTE BEST TRIPS HAVE BEEN WITH A GIRLFRIEND OR MY WIFE, DEFINITE PRE-AGREED UPON PLANS FOR SEXUAL EXPLORATIONS WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS, JUST CALM & CLEAR COMMUNICATIONS. WOWEE! WOWEE! WOWEEEEEEE!!! IS THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE THOSE TRIPS. TRY IT AND SEE IF WHAT I’M SAYING ISNT THE TRUTH…YOU CAN THANK ME LATER..

ive been veen using the internet for over 20 years, and this is the first time ive ever bothered to leave a comment….but intentional or otherwise…i love the combo of your username and comment

20 years of lurking! but you are right, the combo is quite fun !

I did psychedelics, (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote) for the first time in 1968. I probably did psychedelics close to two hundred trips, the very last time being psilocybin a couple times in the mid-eighties. Well now that I’m a senior citizen a have a friend that has started growing some shrooms and I can’t wait to try some. FYI, I don’t drink, and had to quit smoking pot several years ago because of Afib, I can’t find any info about psilocybin and Afib, but at this stage of my life I’d love to do psychedelics one more time……………..

I enjoyed many experience in college such as the ones you listed, Scott. I had many “conservative” years following that in the Navy, then I had aortic valve surgery which scares me to do anything that may harm my health.

I have always wanted to try a mushroom high, now I have access to a farm and have seen a few cubensis mushrooms around the pastures. Point being I’m not sure if this trip would be risky considering my past heart surgery. I’m in great shape with no real issues to speak of, but just a bit shy of any potential health risks.

The Third Wave has written an article addressing psychedelics and heart risk

From the little we know, due to limited research available, psychedelics activate the 5-HT2B receptor. Other drugs that activate that specific receptor (ex; weight loss drug called fenfluramine) have lead to the development of heart diseases. It is speculated that LSD and MDMA affect the 5-HT2B receptor more strongly than psilocybin, however, due to limited scientific evidence, this information must be taken with a grain of salt.

As always, it is best to consult with a medical professional to see how taking anything that activates the 5-HT2B receptor will interact with your existing condition.

I hope you find this information helpful and please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions!

I am going to need aortic operation. I am 62 and hope to put it off until I reach 65 and can draw from my 401k. I average 27 miles/week walking and hiking in hilly woods. I am a mushroom club member. Have seen a few magic mushrooms growing in the environmentally sustainable parking lot in town. I am looking forward to there reappearance this year.

Well said, i think everybody should read this.

Not my reaction at all…I tried a relatively small dose and spent the first 90 minutes or so throwing up even though my stomach was quite empty…after that I drifted in and out of a somewhat calm but dizzy mental state where I felt something was talking to me and almost taunting me that it was “testing” me to see if I was ready for a stronger experience…it was quite scary

very good article – I went to Amsterdam yday to try and it was without doubt the craziest thing thats ever happened to me. Wish I bloody read this before trying them so I could comprehend what the fuck was going on.

I never experienced fear on mushrooms, only good feelings, love, playfulness plus I see a backgound of comedy and ridiculosuness in everything. Even when having deep visual hallucinations and color storms (which I find distracting), I’m still waiting for a bad trip. I never forget things either, I have the subjective feeling that I can think very clearly. I guess everyone is different.

I have gone shrooming several times and each time was a positive experience. I’m a senior citizen (70) and have a demon I want to excise from my soul. You see I suffer from rage, on the outside I appear calm, cool and collected; inside, I’m on a slow burn about everything. What I want to do is set the stage for positive afformations to change my character from negative to positive. I believe such a transformation is possible, doesn’t anyone have any recommendations, cautions or suggestions to assist me on my trip?

Robert, transformation is definitely possible. Psilocybin gives us the ability to heal ourselves. Take the mushrooms in a safe space. Settle in with eyeshades, put relaxing music in your headphones, and follow the path that your mind provides. Be prepared to face the demon and pay attention to the images you see. If it feels weird or scary, keep going, push through the bad stuff and it will become easier. Later, when you come down, talk it through, write it all down, and consider what your mind was telling you.

I recently took shrooms in Joshua Tree, inside of a tipi. I got stuck in this mind loop that we never actually die and just relive the same life over and over again. I couldn’t let it go and needed my brother to understand this fact. He couldn’t, so I walked in to the mountains moses style expecting to talk to god and have my beard turn white. I now have a renewed curiosity in God.

Thanks for this article, and thanks to those who shared their experiences. I am going to embark on my first psilocybin journey in the very near future. I look forward to the experience!

I live in NYC. I want to have a guided trip with psilocybin. I would like to contact a compitant and experienced person to be with me when I trip. Does anyone have a person to recommend? Thank you.

Hello, due to the legal status of psilocybin in the US we cannot provide you with that information.

There are many retreats around the world that allow people to experiment with psilocybin in safe, legal, controlled environments. Paul Austin has recently started a psilocybin retreat in Amsterdam called Synthesis .

The Third Wave published an article with a list of countries in which psilocybin is legal:

https://thethirdwave.co/legality-psilocybin-mushrooms/

Well if you live near Canada then you can order through Origin Mushrooms which is a Canadian mushroom dispensary that sells Psilocybin Mushrooms, magic mushrooms & other kinds of mushrooms online.

Thank you so much! I am in a play and my character accidentally eats “magic mushrooms” and I wanted to know how it felt like so that I could accurately play the role better. This is a great article, it is very informative and it is well written.

I’ve done shrooms about five times now, and even though I find myself taking about the same dose each time, each trip has varying intensities. My first trip was extremely mental; with barley any hallucinations, and this was about a month and a half ago. My last trip, which was two days ago was my best trip yet: moderate hallucation with wall warping, colorful aztec like patterns, and this weird static like movement and color to everything that I wasn’t focused on. for example, me and my best friend who was also tripping walked into the woods and while I was looking at him, the trees around him were moving in a static like manor with small dashes of color thrown in. Mentally, I felt childlike, giggly and happy with a sudden understanding for the unhealthy behavior patterns in my life. I felt intense love for the nature around me, and the people in my life. This trip helped me to realize how important it is to give love to the people that you incounter, because love is beautiful and everyone deserves it, so why aren’t you the one spreading it. That’s like one of the hundred lessons that I learned on this trip.

I have first tried mushrooms a year ago. For me, it was one of my best trips in my life – have tried ketamine ( meet God twice, was transcending ) and ectasy.

As a mind-expanding drug, I saw a lot of things on shrooms: spirits, aliens, and a sense that everything is connected by same conscience – everybody is God, but on different levels….

It changes the way I look at existence, death, life…

Never had a bad trip on shrooms – only with K: first time was a little scared, but now I can have control and can jump out

Mushrooms show me that this existence is just one of infinite existences

I’ve always wanted to try that out. Although, as crazy as it sounds, Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in the Philippines. A lot of my friends had done it and they all said it was good. Although the trip may vary on the way you carry yourself. I’m not entirely convinced that it would give you a bad experience if you’re too “wary” about what’s going to happen. I believe it’s on the way you treat the experience that you are going to have. I’m not sure. Like I said, I have never done it yet.

A lot of people that I know, though they really exerted a lot of effort to hunt (not grow) shrooms, are people who basically think taking drugs is cool and not for something spiritual nor for expanding the knowledge about them. I do need a good person that could handle me should I have a bad trip.

Thanks for sharing this, by the way. Really learned a lot. I think if my experimentation will be successful, if I can successfully grow my own shrooms, I’ll be happy to get back here and share my experience. Wish me luck. Thanks.

Just tripped on more mushrooms than I ever have before, probably about an eighth, and it was the most amazing experience. I was utterly consumed by the universe. My body was pretty much incapacitated, my mouth agape, and my pupils were the size of olives.

Totally agree with the realization that this world is imaginary. Literally all that matters is love. All there is, is love. God is love. I felt this unity with God. I felt like Adam in the Garden, the first human created in God’s likeness, only to be cast out.

I had a newfound appreciation for my body, my hands, my arms, my head, the wonder of it all. My eyes were open to the vastness of the universe, as my soul expanded out into the universe, intertwining with everything else, all the energy.

It’s an ancient state, a primal state. I honestly felt like I died and was reborn as I came back into my body. Realizing my soul has done this countless times. Its overwhelming but actually really comforting.

Music was a huge part of it. Listened to Bob Marley on the come up, Beatles during the peak (the Love album, highly recommend), some personal favorites and then Glass Animals on the come down. Music really speaks to the soul while you’re in that state. But I’m thinking next time I might go out into the woods with no music next time I take this much (or more), and see what that experience is like, if I’m able to navigate thought a little more.

Okay rant over, just needed to get my experience out there.

I recently found some psilocybin cubensis and mexicana growing in the field next to my parents house. I must say, this explanation is great, don’t forget though that mushrooms seem to be some sort of entity that can guide you through your mind in very great ways. The last time I had some I felt like the presence of a wise old man, who made me laugh at the absurdities of life. Now I have the spores, and am working on inoculating the cow pastures all around the ranch.

The worst part for me was the first hour and a half after consuming the mushrooms, mainly when I was vomiting, I’d close my eyes for a few seconds and I’d see razer wire moving past my eyes and felt like the were tearing at my skin but once I got past that the next 5 hours were great once the trip started really taking off, I found myself staring at the wall; watching the door bend around. Usually when the trip was starting to go down hill and the anxiety would kick up I’d just turn on a song I really enjoyed and that would boost my mood. I also really enjoyed just sitting in my front yard and just looking at nature dance around me and enjoy the absence on sadness and negative feeling at embrace the happy and satisfying feelings that came with the trip.

I am hoping to try mushrooms soon. The impetus to try comes from learning that the magic shrooms can reset the part of the brain that is depressed. I’ve suffered from depression my whole life. If what I’ve read is true, then this might be a way to distance myself from my antidepressant meds. I have trepidation since I don’t know what to expect. This article helped a lot. I will put some effort into finding a considerate babysitter. How long does the trip last? Afterwards, can I expect my head to be cloudy for a while (like after smoking weed)? If so, how long would it take for the cloudiness to go away? Thanks

Thank you. This rings of sage advice and about as clear a picture of the diversity of profound experience that might be encountered as can be painted. As a child of the 60s I’ve had a couple psychedelic experiences, a couple very beautiful and helpful in long lasting ways. I think a key is to consider why it’s called a trip in the first place. You wouldn’t travel far without planning, without rest, and without counting the cost. If you respect the substance enough to go slow and plan, you may get a desperately needed attitude in life that will set you on the path you somehow forgot you were always meant to be on.

Hello Im 41 divorced lady and live in london would love to meet up with like minded people in amsterdam this summer and have some mushrooms and be out in nature. I have never tried before but taking charge over my weight and fasting also meditating i have felt really close to the creator and also i would like to make more friends.

Enjoyed reading what to expect, thanks thirdwave! My own lone shroom trip was nearly 40 years ago but I remember it almost like yesterday. I was in the 11th grade living in California and had purchased the shrooms the same day (dried). We had ‘The Hill’ where our designated smoking section was as well as for other alternative activities ie, eating shrooms in my case. It was near the end of the school day and my second to last period was a study period (for lack of a better word) and I remember being hungry and I absentmindedly ate all the shrooms I purchased only realizing it as I was finishing the last little bit. I remember that that worried me a bit, but not much as 16/17 year olds have many other things on their minds plus my very last period was PE (physical Ed) and we were slated to play tennis that day. …well, it such a great trip, I found myself smiling and being very amused by many things. I was not capable of playing tennis per se, or rather got distracted at the “tracers” the tennis ball made after being struck by my racket. Couple that with some major audio-hallucinatory effects of the ball being hit and it was just so awesome. I recall later after school walking around with non-tripping friends and seeing dancing pink/purple elephants that were the coolest thing and if anything only felt bad the others couldn’t see what I was seeing! As to the “s’s”, (set, setting etc), I probably would have planned it differently, but it turned out just fine not having done so or be worried about it. I should point out too, that you might think a teenager with all of (their) troubles and insecurities and combined in my case of a recent and terrible family breakup with divorce etc would not be the right mind set, but it did not hamper nor effect me in any way. I want to do it again, but the instructions on how to cultivate the shrooms seems very tedious.

Okay so I have been doing a lot of research on what a shrooms trip would be like. I have not done them before but I am thinking about doing them with my friends this weekend. My friends have only done shrooms once and say it was one of the best things they have ever done! But, I just want to know what I would see and think. My friends said they all saw the same things, some alien heads in the walls of the room they were in, glowing red eyes and lots of great colors. The only thing I am worried about is seeing morbid things, like demons or something. I don’t even know if it is a good thing to do since I am only 15… any advice would help, thanks!

Thank you for contributing! I think it’s wise of you to be cautious when considering trying a psychedelic for the first time. Although we believe that these substances can be used for healing and personal growth, they should also be treated with great respect.

I would suggest that you take a look at our article called “Set and Setting for LSD” here . It focuses on LSD as the substance; however, you can apply the guidelines here to any psychedelic experience. If you are going to choose to have an experience like this, it’s important that you are in a positive frame of mind, understand that you may encounter challenges during your trip, and ensure that you are with people you trust in a comfortable environment.

I hope this helps! Best of luck on your journey.

thanks, really nice article!

This is so fun to read about! Unfortunately I learned at an early stage in life I can’t participate in experiences like this. I have a very active brain and have a horrible time letting go of control of mental or physical functions. We’re talking anxiety. I do however enjoy reading and fantasizing through others experiences.

Just did shroomz for the first time, with my fiance and a good friend, who have done them before. I was extremely disappointed. They experienced things this article said to expect. I got none of it. All I got was a headache, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, pins and needles feeling in my knees, legs, arms, hands, feeling of overall weakness and like I couldn’t quite catch my breath (even though I was breathing just fine). We went to a quiet, secluded, nature area near my house….I hated it. The noise was excruciating (wind, rustle of leaves, birds, water (river nearby) ), as was the sunlight. It was better when we went back to our place and turned off the lights, radio, tv. But even then, I was just felt weak, had a headache, a pressure in my ears. And, I just felt like crying. I was so happy and excited to try them, and then I felt nothing for over an hour while they were tripping, having “profound” conversation, but also being happy and giggling. Then I was excited when I started to feel a little of pins and needles, but then that got to be more, and the sensitivity to sound/light. I didn’t visually experience any difference in perception…at all. Never experienced a mind trip like they were. My “trip” lasted about 2 hours while theirs lasted about 6. Is this normal for a first time? It’s not that it was THAT bad, bit it sure wasn’t a happy, giggly, mind altering experience at all. It was just not what I expected from what I had read and heard to expect

You need a much larger dose. Search for ‘ Terence Mckenna heroic dose 5 grams’.. .. In youtube and online for it. Follow that and you’ll be better than fine 🙂 . Also step up to the plate with Ayahuasca if yoy want to ascend to the infinite Heavens. The bible is totally useless compared to Ayahuasca. After 10 Ayahuasca ceremonies after partying with infinite Angels in infinite Heavens and in Nature, you’re going to laugh your butt off with all the stupid things humans believe. And how all churches and all pastors in churches are total liars.

i took cubes (1.5g) for the first time and i had an amazing experience until i smoked too soon on it. half an hour after i smoked weed, i got out of the car and decided to go for a walk but i was unable to..? i don’t know if it was the bright sunny sky or the weed but it was so hard to function. as i got out of the car, all i could see was bright swirls that made me unable to see and i had a high body euphoria to where it felt like my whole body was twitching(?) so i was unable to walk properly and i ended up falling to the floor. once i sat down and breathed i was able to function again but a couple minutes after i stood back up, everything came back to me to where i wasn’t able to walk or see clearly. it ruined my trip and gave me confused thoughts of how to act and what to think. why was my body and vision like this? it was a really scary moment but i will try it again without smoking on it

I hope someone can help clarify. I recently did mushroom tea with 3.5gms. I did this for the sole purpose of grieving my husband whom I lost to Sarcoidosis on Feb 11, 2019. Yes the visuals were amazing and life changing and my “shaman” was as professional as they come, cool and composed as well. The trip lasted six hours but the last three hours, I was actually in tormenting physical pain! My lower extremities and joints hurt like a SoB and then I realized that it felt like someone was ripping my insides out through my anus. I have had anal sex many times and most of them have been the same experience of someone ripping me inside out (apparently not many gay men know how to make love)! Jokes apart, the same feeling of being ripped out came back. It felt good and bad! It was a known feeling of sexual intimacy so it was calming but the pain was unbearable. I looked over my shoulders to see if someone was penetrating me but there was no one there. Can someone pleas explain why I had excruciating body pain and this specific feeling of getting f@&$*d?

Many many years ago I credit Cubensis with a dramatic life pivot I made in early adulthood. I was in a lot of trouble with the law …small time stuff like DWI and possession that was all self -inflicted negative behavior. Anti-social behavior patterns were well established and consequences were piling up (family and legal). I felt very depressed and ashamed about the hole I had dug for myself. I’ll spare the tripalogue but the dose was heroic and during I had an overarching feeling of worth and renewal. Redemption was surely possible!!!! These revelations came: “The path I was on wasn’t my fate if I didn’t want it to be and that it’s up to me and I can change if I want to change….and I want to change! Also, stop beating yourself up.” These ideas were profound and I felt it in my heart and it stuck with me. I instantly seized on an interest in Computers & Tech and immersed myself in reading, studying and seeking mentors who guided me professionally and I ended up with a great career in tech I loved – working for some large Fortune 100 names you would recognize. Later, through 12 step teachings I look back and can describe the experience as a ‘Spiritual Experience’ or a ‘moment of clarity’. The Psychic change in my case; was like a burning bush experience, and I feel was only made possible with the Mushrooms and I’ve never had that same type of life altering experience since. I had a secular upbringing with no religious affiliation to draw upon to frame what happened back then as something supernatural, so I just refer to it as my pep talk with God. 😀

Thank you for sharing on the basic how-to in consuming mushrooms and spreading awareness! I hope that this magical plant would not be abused and misused. Everything, if used properly and moderately proves to be beneficial.

I enjoyed reading your article and hope to read more materials like this in the future!

Hello guys I have a question. Are you able to walk and move things while you are on a heroic dose of Golden Teacher ? Can you do things that can endanger you ? (like throwing yourself out of the window or something)

Yes, it’s possible. Its best to have a sitter and/or be in a very familiar/safe place (think toddler-proof / sleepwalker safe) for a more than recreational dose.

I had the best time on mushrooms. I did it twice in my life, back in my mid 20’s and I lol every time I look back on it. First time I was at the drive in movies watching lethal weapon 3 and my boyfriend and I had eaten about 6 pm and at about 705…it started hitting me. We were happy to begin with and then we went inside the food area, omg…OMG!!!! I felt like I had just walked into a space ship filled with aliens serving me sodas and popcorn….I couldn’t stop laughing at everyone who worked there…they were not humans, they were different shades of bright colors especially blues and purples. I couldn’t stop from smiling and my face felt like a hard happy mask that was smiling nonstop….my teeth were literally dry from all the smiling….and I went into hysterics because the person who gave me the popcorn gave me funny looks and I threw popcorn at them laughing. Then I went into the bathroom stall, sat down and watched the walls breathing and I yelled out loud to my boyfriend to come inside the ladies bathroom to see this awesome stall I was in…..he said no and said come out let’s go and all I heard was the adults in the Charlie Brown cartoons sort of response and I sat there for another 5 minutes just staring at the bathroom walls going in and out and oblivious to anything else…ok made it back to the car laughing out loud all the way. Got in and Mel Gibson was bright purple and Danny Glover was blue and the movie went on for hours and hours…..we laughed and I ate my buttered popcorn, but not really….yep I was eating it but missing my mouth so I had popcorn sticking to my entire face and chewing away like I was eating it. My boyfriend almost peed his pants because I was clueless to the about 50 pieces of popcorn all over my hair and face. I couldn’t sit still so I got out popcorn and all and decided to walk around, big mistake. I saw the neon drive in lights and stood underneath the sign and was like WOW, HOW COOL IS THIS SIGN….so my bf took me back in the car and finally the movie ended like 4 hours it seemed, and I put the radio on and started singing loudly….but my words came out all jumbled….but I thought my singing was amazing….I think I had a much better response than my BFF did because he was high but he wasn’t nearly as high as I was or maybe he controlled it more because he was driving ( yeah I know this was 1992, and no we shouldn’t have been driving…), well we started driving back but yep, we were lost….we wound up at the beach because we thought we were driving home but we weren’t, everything was completely opposite….and I got caught up a local waterbed store and it’s bright pink neon signs again….well we hit the beach and of course it’s like after midnight and no ones there oh but I saw tons of people there, like it was a busy day at the beach in my mind but it was all in the dark, like tons of white spirit type of people, it was weird….and I was saying hi to them all….we left and finally got to my house. I felt myself coming down which felt very relaxing and I was still in the bathroom in my house trying to hold onto some wall breathing but it was going away and I went to sleep…..best time ever….

Thank you so much for sharing this story! I feel like I went on that journey with you and I laughed so hard. Mushrooms can bring about such a wide array of emotions. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that you had good experiences both times!

– Britt @ Third Wave

Does anybody know anything about this? I recently took a guided psilocybin journey and found for the first I’d say about 2 hours, I was freezing cold. I had a down vest, polar fleece jacket and was inside a down sleeping bag. This happened to me on the first journey I did on same substance three years ago. Does anybody know why this reaction might be?

I tried shrooms for the first time this past weekend in Joshua Tree. I have to say i felt all sorts of funnies. I laughed so hard at nothing. Or if one of my girlfriends laugh we all laughed. And i felt light. Time passed so slow. It felt like forever. The stars looked clearer. The trees dancing for me. But it didn’t scare me. It was cute.

We also had our tarot cards read. This is where the emotions kicking in. My cards said I struggled with myself, i have resentment and i have to face that in order to find love. Then after my reading was over i pondered about what it could be… a light bulb popped in my head (literally) it was my dad! I struggle with that. Oh did i cry, i let it all out. I felt so much lighter once I said it. I felt a release from my soul. I do love my dad very much, its just complicated.

How many grams did you take, and do you know the strain?

First and foremost, make sure you have that friend or babysitter. Second drink water to stay hydrated and orange juice. I haven’t read that on any posts yet. This post is to help prepare for the not so fun part of tripping.

I have done a few doses over the past month and I have probably experienced each stage. The worst, is the loop or repeat of something. The second is the feeling like, this is death, or I have brain damage and I’m never going to go back to my reality. Remind yourself, this is temporary, I’m okay, I’m supposed to let go. Sometimes you can try to control the way the trip goes and sometimes you simply cannot.

I had one part where I felt like I was in a different dimension. When I closed my eyes, I felt like I was in this world of black and it was like I was just seeing brain signals bouncing back and forth, at other times it was just a neverending maze of colour. Try to keep your eyes open if you can.

Another is when you kind of look at your own existence. Your home will feel familiar but foreign at the same time. The rooms in your home can give off different emotions or vibes.

Listen to up beat familiar music that makes you happy. If you feel like the trip is too much, find something to focus on, like a video game or a movie, or drawing . You might want to just try to sleep it off if it becomes too intense. You will not succeed. Dont try to fight it. Breath. Make sure you have a nice heavy blanket or warm clothing. I get super cold to the point that I was shivering.

Write yourself a note that you took shrooms, you will be okay, you are trying to have fun and its temporary. This helped me a lot in those scary parts.

If you have the self disconnect. Remind yourself of the things you are proud of like having a job/career, having a home to live in, not being hungry, think of things you appreciate and care about.

If you’re at home when you trip, clean your house first. Trust me.

Make sure you eat something prior to tripping, have candy, fruit, nuts, crackers ready for you in case you have cravings. But again, drink fluids. Dont recommend alcohol or weed.

No one can ever fully prepare you for the experience. Try to relax, let go and remember why you decided to have the experience. I’m not going to lie, I found it to be very challenging to get through. But I had a great sitter to remind me that its temporary, to offer to have lights on, off, get me water, juice. Check up on me and talked to me in a very calm manner. When I was in a state of complete confusion, they offered things for me to do to try to keep me from being scared.

Here is why I am deeply skeptical about western approaches to “medicine” (or yoga or meditation etc.) It boils down to the question, “How can you be ‘one with the universe’ and ‘none with the rest of humanity’?” People, mostly white people, who do or have done any of the above practices never seem to develop empathy for other consciousnesses, at least, never enough to actually sacrifice anything they have to try and help others. Almost nobody I have met or read about feels compelled to try and reduce the suffering and misery of other humans. Is living with discrimination (racial, for example) unreal? Is working as indentured farm labour in India or as an Amazon warehouse employee unreal? If it is unreal, why I don’t I see any of you giving up the privileges you have of this unreal life and taking on the misery of the lives of others? If you don’t take on racial injustice, police brutality, misogyny, ableism, climate chaos etc., what are the “truly important” hard questions you do take on? Thank you.

Yeah the come up anxiety is almost always there for me.. Ive found larger doses and lemontek with fine ground plant material reduces this.. I believe it makes the transition much faster and also prolly stronger so your fight for normal consciousness is shorter and more uphill so you surrender quicker.. tho if you do fight it may be worse but shorter. Also I had a trip where in a pitchblack garage I was able to use ecolocation from a cricket hiding under a coffee table on the other side of the room to safely traverse the obstacles locate the sound source and use my phone to see the cricket.. at the time the sound was unknown to me.. but in normal consciousness I would have been able to easily identify it. Interesting that ability must lie dormant in us somewhere.

Camped at a treehouse in Big Sur. Phenomenal experience the trees, the ocean, the animals everything was connected. My wife and I overdid it just a little bit, laughed uncontrollably for a while, deep introspective experience. We trip about four times a year. The benefits have been amazing for her. For the first time in her life, she literally stops to smell the roses. Look at the flowers watch the clouds talk to the trees. It’s been tremendous for her mental health.

The journey typically begins within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion, with effects peaking around 2 to 3 hours in. The overall duration of a psilocybin trip can vary, lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, and metabolism contribute to the variability in onset and duration.

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Places in West Virginia that feel like somewhere else

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — You don’t have to leave West Virginia to get a completely unique experience.

Earlier this year, Nexstar’s West Virginia stations released a list of places that are in West Virginia, but don’t feel like it . Here are a few more places you can go to feel like you’re in a completely different place without even leaving the state.

Ice Mountain

Located in Hampshire County, Ice Mountain is an anomaly that stays cool all year round, even in the middle of summer. Ice forms in the talus at the bottom of the mountain, and then cold air comes out of vents when the weather heats up, allowing plants that normally grow up near the Arctic Circle to survive there. The National Natural Landmark is open to guided tours by appointment.

Huntington Arch

The Veterans Memorial Arch in Huntington’s Memorial Park will give you the feel of being in Europe. The arch is a smaller replica of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. The Veterans Memorial Arch was built in the 1920s as a memorial for Cabell County residents who died while fighting in World War I. According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia , many West Virginia soldiers who fought in WWI are buried in France, which might account for the French-inspired memorial.

The original Arc de Triomphe was built in the early 1800s to honor those who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It also marked the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War, according to Paris’ tourism website .

On Oct. 2, 2023, the newest  Gold Star Families Monument  was unveiled near the Memorial Arch on what would have been the 100th birthday of WWII Medal of Honor Recipient, the late Woody Williams. The installation of the Gold Star Families Monument in that location was one of his final wishes before his passing in June 2022.

North Wheeling Historic District

Wheeling was West Virginia’s original state capital and is one of the oldest cities in the state , founded in 1769. The architecture in the city really does take you back in time. The North Wheeling Historic District along Chapline Street has among the highest concentration of Victorian revival-style buildings in the country. There are also Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles among the 134 structures in the 2.5-block area known as “Old Town.” The neighborhood is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Blennerhassett Island

Located in the Ohio River , Blennerhassett Island is in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It was the home of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett in the 1800s. The island is now a West Virginia State Park that is only accessible by boat. Being on an island in landlocked West Virginia already feels like another world, but it also feels like a step back in time. A replica of the Palladian mansion built by Harman Blennerhassett is open for tours from people dressed in period-appropriate attire, and horse-drawn carriage rides are available because there are no cars on the island.

For those who are interested in the paranormal, a few “Mansion by Candlelight” tours are available every October where you might see one of the ghosts that people have reported seeing on the island .

Imagine you have been driving on two-lane roads in West Virginia’s remote mountains and you come across a 2.34-acre white disk almost 500 feet above the ground—the Green Bank Telescope. The Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County is so uniquely West Virginian that it feels like a whole other world. The Green Bank Telescope is a trailblazer of radio astronomy that has been operating for more than 60 years, making discoveries in everything from aliens to black holes . Another anomaly is that the entire town is the National Radio Quiet Zone, meaning that there is no cellphone service and no Wi-Fi —it truly does feel like a trip back in time.

Mystery Hole

Self-declared “the best kept secret in WEST VIRGINIA or maybe in the whole U.S.A.,” Mystery Hole is a tourist attraction in Ansted that claims to defy the laws of gravity. The “hole” is a particular spot that some claim doesn’t obey the laws of gravity; “your sense of balance is entirely upset,” the Mystery Hole website says. Some say that balls roll uphill and a person can sit in a chair balanced on a strip of wood on a wall, but many of the “wonders” are very secret and can only be discovered if you visit in person. Mystery Hole is usually only on weekends during the summer season.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Pensioner has last laugh after 40ft broadband pole erected at end of his driveway

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A homeowner embroiled in a ‘David vs Goliath’ battle with a broadband supplier has emerged victorious after they agreed to remove a 40ft pole erected at the end of his drive without consultation.

Philip Waller, 65, went ‘ballistic’ after arriving home to find that Connexin had installed the pole just 16 feet (5m) from his living room bay windows.

The grandad-of-ten, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, then spent the next few weeks gathering dozens of complaint letters from neighbours and airing his grievances with the local council.

And though he was originally rebuffed by the company, Barnsley Council later confirmed it had been put up without ‘due process’ and ordered its removal.

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Relieved Philip, who had feared his £300,000 bungalow would be left ‘worthless’ if the pole stayed up, said: ‘It is a bit of a ‘David and Goliath’ situation.

‘We’ve only won because what they’ve done is illegal, but if I had not objected, it would be there forever.

‘The big issue I have is these companies think they can steamroll over people.

‘The next government needs to reveal their position on giving companies carte blanche to put the poles up wherever they want.’

Philip, a company director, said he had left his three-bedroom home to do some shopping on May 30.

And his wife then received a knock at the door from some workman, who said they had come to fit ‘something to read water smart metres’.

But just ten minutes later, she found to her horror they were putting up a towering pole just six inches (2.5cm) from the driveway entrance.

Philip, who arrived home to see the pylon up, said: ‘I sort of went ballistic, as one does.

‘We had no prior warning, but apparently the company is not obliged to give 28 days’ notice any more because the pole is covered by fibre optic roll-out regulations.

‘It’s roughly 12m high, it’s literally about six inches from my driveway, and it’s a car’s width – about 5m max – from the window.’

Philip said he was particularly concerned about how the pole would affect the price of his property.

He added: ‘I was mainly worried about the depreciation of the house.

‘If the pole was left in front of the bungalow, it would be worthless. I definitely wouldn’t buy it.

‘I have got a house in Burgundy, France. In a similar situation, the pole would be burned down by now.’

Philip immediately started speaking to neighbours about the incident and wrote to Connexin to voice his anger at what they had done.

But in written correspondence, the firm claimed it had the right to put up the pylon as it had obtained the correct permission from the local council.

A representative had informed Philip: ‘Unfortunately, it has been decided by the Planning Team that this pole will remain in its [sic] current position.

‘When sending a proposed pole location to the councils [sic] Highways and Planning Department, we do always have a few metres flexibility due to the chance that utilities may be discovered on the day of the install, which makes the planned location unsuitable.

‘Due to this, the pole has been installed within the approved area for the pole… We would be unable to relocate the pole, we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.’

But Philip kept fighting his corner and got in touch with Barnsley councillor James Higginbottom, the cabinet spokesperson for Environment and Highways.

And his inquiries revealed that Connexin did not have the right to erect the pole.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has now ordered it to be removed within two weeks – and it is expected to be moved around 500ft (150m) to a grassy patch of land.

Mr Higginbottom said: ‘I completely understand Mr Waller’s frustration and I have been supporting him in this matter.

‘I am pleased to confirm that due process was not followed when this pole was erected and notice has been served to order its removal.

‘No-one objects to necessary infrastructure being built but this needs to be done properly and in a manner that doesn’t cause unnecessary nuisance to local residents.’

Philip advised other homeowners who found broadband poles in front of their properties to raise objections and not to give up.

He said about dealing with the communications companies who are responsible for them: “Don’t believe the words that they tell you.

‘Contact your local council and find out if they do have a licence to put up the pole.’

A Connexin spokesperson told Metro: ‘The telecoms pole, which is part of an Internet of Things network to enable the collection of data from smart meters across the community, was placed on Dove Road, Wombwell, in error.

‘After a review of the permit applications and feedback from Barnsley Council, we have requested relocation of the pole to a new and more suitable location. We expect this to be completed in the next week.

‘We have apologised to the resident who was affected by our mistake. We’d like to thank Councillor Higginbottom and the Network Coordination team at Barnsley Council for helping to get this issue resolved quickly and effectively.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Are We Really Feeling What We Think We're Feeling?

Anxiety about feelings can mask what we actually feel..

Posted June 19, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• What Is Anxiety?
• Find a therapist to overcome anxiety
• A primary emotion is how a situation actually makes us feel.
• A secondary emotion is a reaction to a primary emotion because the primary feeling is uncomfortable.
• It’s crucial that anxiety is addressed for us to properly address our experience.
• There are a number of strategies for addressing anxiety about feelings.

When we have feelings, we often think of them simply as emotions we’re having: I feel angry so I’m angry. I feel anxious so I must be anxious. However, what we feel is sometimes not that simple—the feelings we have can either be primary or secondary, and that difference is important.

A primary emotion is how a situation actually makes us feel, someone says something unkind and we feel hurt or sad. A secondary emotion is a feeling we have as a reaction to a primary emotion because the primary feeling is uncomfortable. For example, commonly when people feel hurt they aren’t aware of feeling hurt because the secondary emotion of anger kicks in quickly, so they feel angry. This is because feeling hurt is vulnerable, and vulnerability can often feel scary or unsafe because of the situation or because of past history. Instead of staying with the feeling of hurt, the secondary emotion of anger will kick in. The upside of feeling anger instead is feeling more powerful and safe. The downside is that the original feelings, the hurt, often don’t end up getting addressed.

Another common secondary emotion is anxiety . Of course, we can feel anxiety as primary–we are nervous about an upcoming event or fearful of something dangerous. But often it’s secondary–we feel angry, sad, hurt, embarrassed, jealous , or disappointed but those feelings are too uncomfortable, too vulnerable, or too difficult to express so we feel anxious instead. Again, theoretically the anxiety protects us from more complicated or painful feelings, but it does distance us from the true emotion evoked by the situation.

Secondary emotions are, at their root, a reflection of having anxiety about feeling feelings. We have this anxiety about our emotions because we were in situations where it is, or was, unsafe to feel them. However, this anxiety must be addressed; to know what we are actually feeling, we must address the anxiety about feelings.

Some ways to reduce anxiety about feelings are:

• Talk to someone. Connecting with a therapist, a support group, friends, or family about how we’re feeling can help us to identify the primary feelings as well as reduce shame and increase comfort with those feelings and our self-esteem .
• Learning to be assertive . Learning techniques for being more assertive and practicing them can help reduce anxiety associated with fear around vulnerable emotions.
• Keep a journal. Journaling can help us get to the primary emotions and to process our feelings. We can then return to them later when we are feeling calmer and more centered.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Techniques such as transcendental meditation , breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and yoga can help us to relax, release stress, and allow our feelings to feel more natural to us.
• Exercise. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, or bike riding can help us relax and reduce anxiety. Dietary adjustments may also reduce anxiety, such as increasing fruits and vegetables and decreasing caffeine and sugar.
• Get enough sleep. Getting quality sleep or rest can help us feel less stressed and give us a fresh outlook on the situation.
• Spend time in nature. Research shows that spending time in nature promotes feelings of well-being and gratitude , which in turn reduces anxiety.
• Challenge your thoughts. When you feel anger or anxiety, allow yourself to doubt those feelings and wonder if other feelings may be more vulnerable or complex.

Secondary emotions, such as anxiety and anger, often are more comfortable than the primary emotions a situation evokes in us and are a reflection of our discomfort with those primary emotions. While jumping to secondary feelings is understandable, it can cloud our ability to identify what we are feeling. Lessening our anxiety about our feelings can help us to feel more and more comfortable with them and allow us to then respond optimally to ourselves and others, which is ultimately what we need.

Samantha Stein , Psy.D., is a psychologist in private practice in San Francisco. She works with couples and individuals, specializing in intimacy, sexuality, and self-realization.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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I Sailed on the Longest Luxury River Cruise in the World — Here's What It Was Like

A cultural ritual in Varanasi, 15 days in Bangladesh, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities were among the trip's highlights.

The Operator

The itinerary.

Courtesy of Exotic Heritage Group

The Ganges is to India what the Nile is to Egypt and what the Euphrates is to Mesopotamia: It's the beating heart of the destination's cultural and economic life. Flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges nurtured the Hindu holy city of Varanasi for thousands of years. It was on these banks that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata.

Where the river flows through land, it shelters some of the most endangered aquatic fauna in the world, and where it meets the sea, it spawns one of the largest mangrove forests on Earth. And yet, never has a luxury river cruise sailed the Ganges — at least not one that compared to world-class river itineraries in other parts of the world.

This changed last year, when India's Antara Luxury River Cruises launched an epic itinerary down the Ganges and its sister river, the Brahmaputra. Covering nearly 2,000 miles in 51 days, it is the longest river cruise in the world.

Here's what it's like.

Kolkata-based Antara Luxury River Cruises operates the tour, a subsidiary of the Exotic Heritage Group , which has been involved in luxury travel in India for the last 30 years.

Raj Singh, an Indian wildlife expert and luxury travel pioneer, is among the trip promoters of this journey, as is Andrea Massari , a Singapore-based cruise expert who has previously managed luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar with Ayravata Cruises and the Mekong River in Vietnam with Pandaw Cruises. An architect by training, Massari oversees the technology of the cruise ships. A third director is Annapurna Garimella , an art historian, designer, author, and doctor of philosophy from Columbia University, who oversees the design elements of the cruise.

The group owns four luxury cruise vessels deployed on shorter luxury cruises until now.

The cruise begins at the holy city of Varanasi in central India. While here, guests witness Ganga Aarti, an awe-inspiring ritual performed at sundown each day on the banks of the Ganges. In this tradition, a cohort of priests offer ritual prayers in honor of the river, which is worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. 

With flickering flames of multi-tiered brass lamps dancing against the night sky, the deep, harmonic thrum of conch shells piercing the air, and the chant of soul-stirring mantras floating over the water, the Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding performance of a living tradition that has continued unbroken for thousands of years. Once departed from Varanasi, the cruise journeys downstream and to more than 50 remarkable destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural parks, and historical metropolises. Kaziranga National Park is among these special places, home to more than two-thirds of the surviving population of the endangered one-horned rhino, as well as Majuli — the largest river island in the world.  

mlharing/Getty Images

Other major stops along the route include Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment and one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists all over the world; Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, once the capital of the British Raj in India and home of Nobel laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata is also the epicenter of the global jute industry, accounting for the bulk of its production and export.

Murshidabad and Sualkuchi — two cities famous worldwide for their mulberry silk textiles — are also significant itinerary stops. Guests get to see the art of sericulture (silk production) up close and the craft of weaving some of the finest silk textiles on earth.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling city of crafts, culture, and beautiful Islamic architecture. The cruise spends 15 days in Bangladesh before reentering India. 

MD MARUF HASSAN/Getty Images

In the Sundarbans — the largest mangrove forests on earth and home of the endangered Bengal tiger — guests are privy to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mangroves, comprised of trees that grow in saline water, typically where rivers meet the sea, are biodiversity hotspots and act as huge carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. It is an ecological wonder to behold firsthand.

The cruise ends at Dibrugarh, a city in the northeastern Assam region of India known for its eponymous Assam tea. Famous for its sprawling tea estates, Dibrugarh produces so much high-quality tea that it is known as the Tea City of India.

All this is in addition to the remarkable views guests can expect while onboard the boat, with the geography and the landscape changing as you sail. Animal spotting is undoubtedly likely, as the Ganges is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, otters, at least 15 species of freshwater turtles, and three varieties of crocodile, including the critically endangered gharial , found only in the Ganges.

The MS Ganga Vilas is a luxury vessel done in Art Deco style. At more than 200 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide, it is a vessel made for small, intimate journeys rather than big, boisterous tours.

There are 18 luxury suites here, and they spread across three decks with a capacity to host 36 guests in total. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling French windows for optimal views. For an even more expansive perspective, guests can head to the sundeck to sunbathe, participate in a yoga session, or just relax.  You might spot river dolphins leaping out of the water if you're lucky. 

The restaurant onboard seats up to 40 guests and serves Indian and Continental fare. There’s also a spa and a gym available. The vessel is also home to a reverse-osmosis water plant, which provides fresh and safe drinking water. Its hospital-grade silencers ensure a noise-free cruise experience for guests and the river’s fragile fauna. 

To further ensure that the vessel causes the least stress on the river’s ecosystem, the operator uses sea vessel-grade oil-water separators to ensure that the oil is separated from the water in the vessel’s discharge. Premium sewage treatment plants ensure that no contamination of the river water occurs from the waste generated on the ship. No plastic is used on board; water is served in aluminum water bottles, which guests can take as souvenirs. 

Tickets for the 51-day cruise start at $16,500 and can be booked here .

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Milwaukee is expected to see record-breaking heat today and tomorrow

Crank up your air conditioning and perhaps schedule a trip to the beach.

Milwaukee is likely to see record-breaking high temperatures this afternoon and temps in the 90s through at least Wednesday. This will almost certainly be the hottest week of 2024 so far, said local National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Sheppard.

Here's what to know about the sizzling forecast and how to protect yourself and your family from the intense heat.

How hot is it in Milwaukee this week?

Today will likely be the warmest day this week, Sheppard said. Milwaukee is expected to see a high of 94 degrees Monday around 4 or 5 p.m. with a heat index in the high 90s or even 100 due to moderate-high humidity. Temperatures could be even hotter further from Lake Michigan.

Today's forecasted temperature ties Milwaukee's June 17 record of 94 degrees set in 1994. "Today, there is potential in Milwaukee to break the record ... if things exceed expectations," Sheppard said.

Tomorrow could also see record-breaking heat. Milwaukee is forecasted to see a high of 92 degrees on Tuesday, again around 4 or 5 p.m., with a heat index in at least the mid-90s. Milwaukee's June 18 record high of 96 degrees was set in 1995, and Sheppard said it is "probable" that record could be broken.

Wednesday is also expected to see a high of 92 degrees in the afternoon. We're unlikely to break Milwaukee's June 19 record of 99 degrees set in 1953, Sheppard said.

Due to a potential cold front moving through Milwaukee Wednesday night and northeasterly winds off Lake Michigan, Sheppard said it's "uncertain" whether Milwaukee will see the same extreme heat Thursday as earlier in the week. Currently, Milwaukee is forecasted to see temperatures in the low 80s on Thursday while areas further southeast, including Janesville, are expected to continue seeing highs in the 90s.

Why is it so hot in Milwaukee this week?

There is currently a "really strong ridge" in the jetstream, pushing cool air significantly further north of Milwaukee and allowing warm, moist air from the south to build into the region, Sheppard explained.

The ridge is expected to break down Thursday or Friday and drift east, cooling down Wisconsin and heating up the northeastern United States.

Will it storm in Milwaukee this week?

There is a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday afternoons. The storms could produce brief, heavy downpours and gusty winds in isolated areas.

Storms are more likely Wednesday afternoon and evening in Milwaukee as a cold front moves into the region.

Hot weather safety tips

Hot weather can cause heat-related illness and even death. The Milwaukee Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these hot weather safety tips:

• Slow down and limit physical activity.
• Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries.
• Don't leave kids or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
• Take cool baths or showers. Use wet towels on your skin to cool down.
• Don't rely on fans as primary cooling devices. 
• Drink plenty of water. 
• Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can increase heat effects.

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings.