The Danish concept of hygge has taken the world by storm in the past year. Some people have found its meaning in cozy socks and candlelight, but for others it is a faraway philosophy revealing the secrets to a happy life. One thing is for sure – hygge has made us think of ways to improve our well-being and turn every moment into a celebration for the soul.

Things you should know about hygge:

• It is one of the central characteristics of Danish culture.

• It is pronounced “hoogha”.

• It translates roughly “coziness”.

• It is a psychological state of contentment.

• The essential facets of the hygge lifestyle are: coziness, a pleasant atmosphere, spending quality time with the people around you and connecting with nature.

• It was shortlisted in the Oxford 2016 word of the year competition.

5 ways you can apply hygge to traveling

1. Get comfy on the road.

Traveling is not just about the destination; equally important are the journeys along the way. You can turn the road itself into a hygge experience by choosing the means of transport you find most comfortable to take you where you need to go. Grab some nice coffee, get cozy, put your headphones on and listen to your favorite music while enjoying the view out the window.

2. Spend time outdoors.

Connecting with nature is one of the key components of hygge, and a big part of Danish culture in general. To embrace the hygge philosophy on your travels, make sure you explore the nature surrounding you. That could involve cycling, walking, surfing or simply sitting and observing.

3. Enjoy the little things.

One important element of the hygge lifestyle is thinking about everyday activities as if they are special celebrations. This works especially well if you are exploring an unknown place. On your next trip, pay attention to the food you eat, the atmosphere of the cafes you visit, the beautiful gardens you stroll through and every other detail that piques your interest throughout the day. If all those things make you happy already, you might be practicing hygge without even realizing it.

4. Come together.

Another element of hygge is finding happiness through socializing, and there is nothing more hygge than traveling with friends or family – the perfect chance to create memories and strengthen the bond between you.

However, traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t find togetherness on the road. With more and more apps like Rent a Local Friend, Couchsurfing, Showaround and Global Greeters, it is easier than ever to make friends wherever you go. That connection, according to the Danes, is one of the ingredients of a happy life, both on the road and off it.

5. Take it slow.

Travel, like many things in life, is about quality over quantity. Traveling slowly allows you to form a stronger connection with the places you visit, which in turn creates that hygge vibe of relaxation and coziness.

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