In Conversation | Professor Shivani Arora Khanna on her book Mindful Miles.

In her book Mindful Miles, Professor Shivani Arora Khanna reflects on journeys through sacred paths, small villages, and living cultures—where travel becomes less about visiting places and more about learning how to walk gently within them. We sat down with her to talk about the experiences, realizations, and deeper purpose behind the book.

In your preface, you describe travel as “a way of listening.” When did you first realize that travel could be more than movement, that it could be mindfulness in motion?

I first felt travel could be more than movement on a trip to Australia. Walking along the coast and through its quiet forests, I wasn’t just seeing the landscapes—I was really listening to them, noticing the birds, the wind, even my own footsteps. That’s when it clicked: travel can be mindfulness in motion, a way to connect deeply with both the world and ourselves.

You emphasize that conscious travel transforms “consumption into communion.” What shifts in mindset are most essential for travelers to make this transition?

The shift from consumption to communion begins with awareness. Travelers need to move from seeing a destination as something to “take” from—photos, souvenirs, experiences—to something to engage with respectfully and thoughtfully. It means slowing down, listening, observing, and asking: How can I experience this place without leaving a negative mark? How can I connect with its people, culture, and environment authentically? Simple practices—choosing local guides, minimizing waste, supporting community-led initiatives—become ways of turning travel into a dialogue rather than just a checklist. Ultimately, it’s about cultivating curiosity, humility, and care, so every journey becomes a shared experience rather than mere consumption.

The book speaks powerfully about environmental awareness. How can individual travelers realistically reduce their ecological footprint without feeling overwhelmed?

The key is to focus on small, consistent actions rather than trying to “save the planet” in one trip. Simple choices—like carrying a reusable water bottle, saying no to single-use plastics, supporting eco-friendly accommodations, or choosing public transport over taxis—add up. It’s also about slowing down: spending more time in fewer places reduces travel-related emissions and allows for deeper connections.

Your chapter on slow travel challenges the culture of speed and checklists. What does “traveling soulfully” look like in practical terms?

Traveling soulfully is really about prioritizing presence over pace. Practically, it meansspending more time in a single place—walking through neighborhoods, chatting with locals, observing daily life—rather than rushing to tick off sights. It’s about listening, tasting, and noticing: savoring a meal, sitting by a river, or simply watching a sunset without reaching for the next photo op.

You explore the idea of decolonizing the traveler’s mindset. Why is this conversation important in today’s global tourism landscape?

Decolonizing the traveler’s mindset means respecting the people, culture, and history of the places we visit, instead of treating them like just attractions. Today, it’s important because tourism can easily erase local voices if we aren’t careful. Being mindful, listening, and supporting communities in their own way makes travel fairer, more meaningful, and more responsible.

The concept of “inner ethics of exploration” runs throughout the book. How can travelers examine their intentions before embarking on a journey?

Examining your intentions starts with asking yourself why you’re traveling. Are you seeking connection, learning, and understanding, or just consumption and selfies? Reflecting on this helps shape choices—where to go, how to behave, and how to engage with people and places.

You advocate for regenerative tourism, going beyond sustainability. How can destinations and industry leaders implement this philosophy meaningfully?

Regenerative tourism means giving back, not just doing less harm. Destinations and leaders can support local communities, protect nature, and create experiences that benefit both people and the environment. When tourism restores and renews, it becomes a positive force.

Equity and privilege are addressed with honesty in your writing. How can travelers use their privilege responsibly while engaging with local communities?

Travelers can use their privilege responsibly by being aware of the power dynamics at play. This means listening more than speaking, supporting local businesses and initiatives, and avoiding imposing their own values or expectations. Thoughtful engagement—where travelers respect local culture, contribute positively, and step back when needed—turns privilege into an opportunity for meaningful connection rather than exploitation.

As an academic and educator in tourism and hospitality, how do you bridge theory and lived travel experience in your teaching?

I bridge theory and lived experience by encouraging students to connect classroom concepts with real-world travel. For example, when we discuss sustainable tourism, I have students reflect on trips they’ve taken—or even local outings—to observe environmental, cultural, and ethical impacts firsthand. This makes abstract ideas tangible and helps them see how mindful choices shape real experiences.

If readers were to adopt just one principle from Mindful Miles, what would you hope it would be and why?

If readers take away one thing from Mindful Miles, it’s to travel mindfully—being present and aware of people, places, and the environment. Even small acts of care and attention can turn any trip into a meaningful, positive experience. his simple shift transforms every journey from mere sightseeing into meaningful connection, helping travelers tread lightly, learn deeply, and travel with care.