How to Honor a Loved One While Traveling – 5 Simple Memorial Rituals

Jessica Seiders
Jun 17
6 min read

Traveling is such an exciting adventure, right?

New sights, new people, fresh experiences, life at its most vibrant. But sometimes, traveling can also stir up a wave of feelings, especially when you’re missing someone special.

Whether you’re grieving a loss or just want to carry the memory of a loved one with you on your journey, creating little memorial rituals can bring surprising comfort and meaning to your trip.

woman in silhouette by the bench and water reflecting

The best part? These rituals are simple, portable, and perfect for on-the-go travelers like you, especially if you’re exploring beautiful places like Guatemala.

Here are five easy memorial rituals that you can do anytime, anywhere to feel connected, grounded, and peaceful. Let’s dive in!

Why Bother Honoring Loved Ones While Traveling?

closeup of hand with maple leaf as a sign of grieving and holding on to simple rituals — Source

Before we get into the rituals, let’s chat about why this matters.

Traveling is a time of transition. You’re experiencing new places, new rhythms, and often, new emotions. If you’re carrying grief or just the quiet ache of missing someone, the distance can sometimes make those feelings feel even bigger.

At the same time, travel offers a unique chance to process emotions, create new memories, and find healing in the unfamiliar.

This is where rituals come in.

Rituals don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming. They’re simply intentional acts that help us honor what matters, remember who we love, and feel connected even when we’re far from home.

And Guatemala? It’s a country rich in remembrance traditions, like All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) and Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations, where families honor ancestors with altars, flowers, and colorful decorations.

antigua guatemala festival semana santa with volcano and huge procession

Plus, the breathtaking landscapes naturally invite moments of reflection. So, if you’re headed there, whether solo or with your travel girlfriends, you’re in the perfect spot to try these meaningful practices.

Ritual 1. Create a Portable Memory Box

First up: a memory box that fits right in your backpack or purse. Think of it as your personal shrine on the go.

What’s a memory box? It’s a small container, like a pouch, a tiny tin, or even a decorative box, where you keep meaningful items that remind you of your loved one.

Use photos, a handwritten note, a pressed flower, a little charm, or even a spritz of their favorite perfume. The key is to choose things that fit easily in your luggage and spark warm memories.

Why would this work? Having physical objects to hold or look at makes your connection feel real, even miles away from home. And you can pull it out anytime, whether it’s a quiet morning by Lake Atitlán in Panajachel or a breezy afternoon in Antigua’s colonial gardens.

How to Build Your Memory Box

Pick lightweight, flat items that won’t get damaged. Think small photos printed on cardstock, fabric swatches, or dried flowers.
Include a little journal or notebook to jot down memories or feelings when you open the box.
Add a mini candle or a stick of incense if you can travel with it safely and if it means something to you (just make sure your accommodation allows it).
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How to use it:

Take a few minutes each day or whenever you feel like it to open your box, reflect, and maybe write a few lines about your loved one or your day. This ritual helps you feel rooted, peaceful, and close to their memory, no matter where you are.

Ritual 2. Plant a Seed or Tree in Their Honor

This one’s for the nature lovers, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful ways to honor someone’s life.

Plants symbolize growth, renewal, and legacy. When you plant a seed or small tree, you’re creating something living that represents your loved one’s spirit continuing to grow, even far from home.

Now, how do you do this while traveling? Here’s the travel-friendly approach:

Bring a small packet of seeds with you (something lightweight like wildflowers or marigolds). Just make sure you’re allowed to bring them into the country if traveling overseas. Or, better yet, buy seeds locally where you are; many markets sell native flower or fruit seeds.
Find a suitable spot to plant, ask locals or your accommodation if there’s a community garden or safe outdoor space where it’s allowed. Avoid protected natural parks unless you get permission.

In Guatemala, you have so many inspiring places to do this. Picture planting your seed near the coffee plantations, or in a garden overlooking the volcanic mountains. Somewhere peaceful, where you can feel the energy of the land.

The beauty doesn’t end there. You can take photos over time and keep a little growth journal, watching the plant flourish as a living tribute. It’s a tender way to turn your grief into hope, growth, and life.

Ritual 3. Write and Release a Letter or Message

Sometimes, words are the best way to process emotions. Writing a letter to your loved one, whether you say things left unsaid or just share your thoughts, can be incredibly healing.

Here’s the travel-friendly twist that you can adopt. Carry a small journal or a pack of paper with you. Write letters whenever the mood strikes. Then, choose a meaningful way to “release” your message. Here are a few ideas:

Float it on water: Guatemala’s many lakes and rivers (like the stunning Lake Atitlán) are perfect for gently sending your letter off in a biodegradable paper lantern or on a flower boat.
Burn it safely: If you’re somewhere it’s allowed, burning your letter in a small, controlled fire can be a symbolic way to let go and honor the past.
Leave it behind: If you’re visiting a church, shrine, or sacred site, leaving the letter in a respectful spot can feel powerful.

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Pro Tip:

Always use eco-friendly materials (biodegradable paper, natural inks) to protect the environment, and check local rules before lighting fires or releasing anything in nature.

This ritual can also be a beautiful group activity if you’re traveling with friends, sharing your letters aloud, or simply creating a collective moment of release and remembrance can also be incredibly freeing.

In Guatemala, there can be specific ceremonies to help with cleansing, relaxation, and healing.

Ritual 4. Wear or Carry a Meaningful Token

This ritual is all about keeping a little piece of your loved one close in the simplest way, through a wearable or portable token.

Maybe it’s a necklace, bracelet, or scarf that once belonged to them. Or, if you want something fresh and local, Guatemala’s markets offer amazing handmade crafts, from woven bracelets to colorful necklaces you can wear every day.

Here’s why this is so powerful. Wearing or carrying something meaningful creates a subtle, continuous connection to your loved one throughout your travels. It’s a quiet way to carry their spirit with you, whether you’re wandering the streets of Antigua or hiking near Pacaya Volcano.

Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with locals and fellow travelers. Sharing the story behind your token can spark conversations and create new connections rooted in remembrance and culture.

Ritual 5. Create a Daily Moment of Silence or Meditation

Travel days can get hectic, no doubt. But carving out even a few minutes for mindful reflection or meditation can be incredibly grounding, especially when you want to honor a loved one.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Just find a quiet spot, maybe a lovely viewpoint at sunrise, a calm beach, or a quiet area in your accommodation. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and dedicate a moment of silence or a few mindful breaths to your loved one.

If meditation feels new to you, there are tons of free apps with guided meditations designed for beginners. You can even write a short intention before you start, like, “I honor you today” or “Thank you for your love.”

This daily meditation ritual is about creating space for connection, peace, and self-care, something every traveler, especially those processing grief, deserves.

a woman by the lake meditating in the pristine waters — Source

Creating Space to Remember Means Allowing Yourself to Grow

Honoring a loved one while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.

These five simple rituals: the memory box, planting seeds, writing and releasing letters, wearing meaningful tokens, and daily meditation, are all about creating comfort, connection, and purpose wherever you may be.

So next time you pack your bags, why not bring a little of your loved one with you, through these meaningful rituals. Let your journey be about more than just places, but also about love and remembrance.

Ready to Honor Your Journey and Your Loved Ones?

If you’re dreaming of traveling with a supportive, inspiring group of women and experiencing Guatemala’s magic firsthand, come join us at Traveling Women Official.

Our group trips are designed for women like you who want meaningful travel, sisterhood, and a chance to grow and heal — not just through sights, but through heart and soul.

women smiling together with volcano and a market in the background and a quote next to it

Explore Guatemala’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions while honoring your own unique journey. Together, we’ll create memories, rituals, and friendships that last long after the trip ends.

Visit our group trip page to learn more and start your unforgettable Guatemalan adventure!