Presence Over Presents

A Holiday Invitation to Travel Together

Every year around this time—when inboxes fill with sales, shipping deadlines loom, and our brains quietly tally what still needs to be bought—I find myself craving something much simpler.

Not fewer gifts.

More presence.

Presence around a table. Presence on a trail. Presence in a bike kit, sharing a toast after a summit. Presence in conversations that wander, legs that are a little tired, and laughter that comes easier because no one is rushing anywhere.

As a guide and trip curator, I see this truth play out again and again: the moments people remember most from travel are rarely the big-ticket items. They’re the shared coffees, the inside jokes by day three, the way time stretches when you move through a place together.

What presence actually looks like

Presence doesn’t mean grand gestures. It looks like:

• Riding side by side on a quiet road, conversations ebbing and flowing naturally

• Sitting at a long table after a day outside, still in bike shoes or hiking boots

• Learning the rhythm of a place—and of each other—without distraction

• Letting someone else handle the logistics so you can simply be there

It’s the luxury of attention. And it’s the thing we rarely give ourselves at home.

Why I design trips this way

Every Vitality Active Travel journey is built around this idea: shared experience over spectacle.

Yes, the settings are beautiful. But what matters more is the way people show up when phones are tucked away, schedules are simplified, and the day’s biggest decision is whether to linger a little longer over lunch.

That’s why our trips stay small. That is why the motto is Immerse,Traverse, Transform. That’s why there’s time built in for recovery, wandering, and unplanned joy. And that’s why people often arrive as strangers—and leave as something closer to a community.

If you’re thinking about a different kind of gift this year

If you’re feeling pulled toward experiences instead of things, here are a few ways to turn presence into something tangible:

🚴‍♀️ Katy Trail Cycling (USA)

A relaxed, joyful ride through Missouri—perfect for reconnecting, laughing often, and easing into adventure without stress.

This trip is designed for cyclists who want less elevation and more flow: long, scenic stretches of smooth, packed gravel where you can settle into an easy rhythm, ride side by side, and actually talk while you pedal. Ideal for riders who love being on a bike but aren’t chasing climbs—just fresh air, friendly towns, and the simple pleasure of moving through the heart of the USA.

🚵‍♀️ Slovenia Cycling Adventure

Emerald rivers, alpine roads, and storybook villages—Slovenia is a place that invites you to slow down and savor, together.

This trip offers two cycling options, depending on the kind of adventure you’re craving:

• A more relaxed route focused on scenic riding, culture, and café stops

• A more challenging option for riders who enjoy sustained climbs and longer days in the saddle

Both options share stunning landscapes, thoughtful pacing, and small-group feel.

🏔️ Dolomites Hiking

Jagged limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and the kind of scenery that makes conversation pause mid-sentence.

This hiking tour is for anyone who loves being on foot in the mountains—whether that means steady climbs, panoramic views, or lingering lunches at high-altitude rifugios. Days move through charming villages and dramatic landscapes, with routes chosen for both beauty and enjoyment. A true shared awe experience, designed for hikers who value connection, comfort, and unforgettable terrain.

These aren’t just trips. They’re chapters you get to live with people you care about.

A gentle holiday invitation

If this season is already full, let this simply be a bookmark. A reminder that when the wrapping paper is recycled and the decorations come down, what lasts is how we spent our time—and with whom.

And if you’re ready to give (or receive) something different this year, I’d love to help you turn presence into a plan.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and time well spent—

Laura

Founder & Guide, Vitality Active Travel