One of my favorite things about traveling, especially abroad, is being disconnected.

For the most part you just don’t have use of your phone because it’s in airplane mode and only works around wifi.

And this past trip to France ended up being a real break from technology, social media and all things in between.

I would still post to Instagram every other day or so. But I wouldn’t scroll through insensately after as I’ve been known to do.

I would take a peek at my email every few days to make sure there were no fires I had to put out, and I sent my mom a message a few times.

Michael and I are both sort of workaholics. We just really get sucked into what we do. But it was a great chance to do something else. And to just be forced to do something else.

We went on a lot of walks, either through the country or through the city, depending on where were were staying that day.

We would make meals together and sit outside to eat them.

We would start our day by waking up and having a cup of coffee together.

We went on bike rides, hikes, and spent hours curled up around a fireplace with a few friends that came to visit having those conversations that leave you inspired and invigorated for life.

We would sit down and read. We even went on a tour in Avignon!

And now that we’re home we both have really tried to bring a few things back with us.

We went rock climbing the other day, we both have books we’re reading (or in my case five).

We’ve been making more of an effort to hang out with friends and family. I went and saw my sister and nephew the day after I got back, the next week we went up to his sister’s for Halloween, and a few days later I went to hang out with two of my friends.

And I’m looking forward to getting together with family now that the holidays are coming up.

I always like to take vacations as a chance to reset as well as recharge. Take the time to analyze the aspects from your trip that you want to take with you into everyday life.

What are some of the changes you’ve made because of a trip?