When jet-setting, Sarbina Hutton steers clear of crowded tourist hotspots. Instead, the celebrity travel agent prefers to slow down and intentionally immerse herself in the culture of her destination.
During her recent trip to Egypt, Hutton bypassed the usual tourist throngs of bazaars and souks. Instead, she allowed the sun to kiss her cheeks as she softly treaded through the sands of the Pharaohs. She fondly recalls her white and gold Jalabiya glistening and billowing out in a soft, graceful flow as the wind gently tousled her headscarf.
Once inside the historic Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo, she took a deep breath. She welcomed the peaceful interlude.
Avoiding Rushed Sightseeing For Mindful Exploration
According to Hutton, she finds peace and joy in sightseeing at her own pace. By intentionally planning her trip, the travel enthusiast found herself able to savor the energetic pulse of the pyramids and absorb their historical magnificence for as long as she wanted.
“I felt a special reverence as I approached the Pyramids and the Sphinx,” Hutton shares with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. “It prompted a calm moment for self-reflection in my exploration.”
Mastering Work-Life Balance And Productivity While Traveling
Hutton was privileged to stay at The St. Regis Almasa in the New Capital Cairo, which happens to be the former home of a president.
Although Hutton’s trip to Egypt was work-related, she was mindful to still find time to discover local culture, cuisine, celebrations, and communal experiences. While her clients, the Gumbo Family, explored Cairo during Ramadan, she worked remotely by the majestic beauty of the Nile.
The soft lapping of the Nile River was the score of her workday. As the waves furrowed a reflection of towering palms, the Wi-Fi was surprisingly steady as she tackled emails and took calls. She admits that it was hard not to lose herself gazing at the traditional feluccas with their broad sails, gently moving with the current, but she stayed focused on the tasks at hand.
“I play as hard as I work,” the entrepreneur reveals. “It gets hard to focus sometimes and the beauty around me can be distracting, but I have to focus and get work done quickly so I can go back to playing.”
Adding Travel To Your Soft Life
To Hutton, travel is a great way to lean into your soft life. To prevent unnecessary stress, Hutton advocates for planning ahead— even if you plan to travel locally.
“Traveling is a beautiful adventure! You owe it to yourself to get out there and explore,” the mother of four and now grandmother of four insists. “It’s ok to start locally and eventually go international. I encourage everyone to plan a day trip on a day off or a weekend getaway to a nearby city. The most important thing is to take a moment to plan a change of scenery and get away.”
Ways To Travel Abroad Without Stress (Or Breaking The Bank)
While chatting with Hutton about her experience, we asked her tips for minimizing stress during a trip. Below are her suggestions. Happy travels!
- ✨ Plan Early: The earlier the better. Book all travel accommodations in advance to catch the best deals and skip the last-minute rush.
- ✨ Travel Off-Peak: Try traveling off-peak. Off-peak leaves room to save money and enjoy destinations when they are quieter and less crowded.
- ✨ Pack Light: Opt for carry-on luggage to avoid checked baggage fees and lost items.
- ✨ Discover Free Activities: Find free or low-cost activities like museums, parks, walking tours, and cultural events to enjoy during your trip.
- ✨ Splurge Selectively: Find and plan a “splurge experience” to spend money on. These experiences can be a gourmet meal, spa day, or guided tour. This allows for an indulgent moment without going overboard or overspending.
