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The Ultimate Guide to Slow Travel so You Can Stop and Smell the Roses

An uncommon guide to slow travel including the life-changing benefits, tips on how to slow down, and helpful resources to guide you on your slow travel journey.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what’s important. That’s why more and more people are joining the slow travel movement as a way to unplug from the hustle and bustle and connect with the world around them. But what exactly is slow travel and what are its benefits?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the slow travel movement and how you can better immerse yourself in your next travel destination.

Slow Travel Guide

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What is Slow Travel?

Benefits of slow travel.

Slow Travel Tips and Tricks

Slow Travel Resources

Best slow travel books, best slow travel blogs, best slow travel magazines, best slow travel podcasts.

Slow travel is a philosophy of traveling that emphasizes taking the time to connect with local people, cultures, food, and music. It’s about immersing oneself in a destination, savoring your surroundings, and taking the time to really experience a place rather than rushing through it.

Slow tourism simply means finding the right travel pace for you and taking time to experience a place for longer periods of time whether it’s two weeks in a destination or two months. Applying the slow-movement philosophy to travel is gaining popularity as people seek more meaningful and sustainable ways to explore the world.

There are many benefits of slow travel, both for individuals and for society as a whole. When you take the time to slow down, enjoy the journey, and take the time to get to know the local community, you’re more likely to reap long-term benefits from your travel experience. Here are some of the benefits of slow travel and how you can become an expert slow traveler for your next vacation:

Improved mental and physical health : Slow travel allows you to schedule downtime into your itinerary, which can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Stronger connection to the destination : By traveling more slowly, you can form a deeper connection to the place you’re visiting and feel less rushed.

More opportunities for learning : Slow travel gives you more time to learn about the culture, language, and history of a destination.

Discover hidden gems : When you take your time exploring a destination, you’re more likely to stumble upon hidden gems that most tourists miss.

A cheaper form of travel : Slow travel can be a more affordable way to see the world because it allows you to stay in one place longer and avoid expensive transportation costs.

Promotes mindfulness and creativity : Slow travel has all of the benefits of slow living with a new destination to explore. Not only does this help promote mindfulness in your everyday life, but the new discoveries in a new destination can spark creativity in your work.

So if you’re looking for a more meaningful way to travel, consider becoming a slow traveler taking your time to truly experience all that your destination has to offer.

Tips & Tricks for Slow Traveling

1. plan to not plan..

Embrace spontaneity and allow yourself to be open to unexpected experiences. It is not about checking off a daily to-do list.

2. Liv e like a local.

Rent an apartment or stay in a homestay to fully experience the culture and give yourself more opportunities to mingle with local people and immerse yourself in local life.

3. Do your research.

Do your research ahead of time, but don’t over-plan your itinerary so you can truly embrace slow living. Ditching the box-ticking mentality of vacation planning will allow you to indulge in the slow movement and explore the local community at your own pace.

4. P lan for the off-season.

Travel during the off-season or shoulder season to avoid crowds and high prices.

5. Walk and wander.

Enjoy any relevant walking tours when you first arrive and wander on foot as much as you can to get a better sense of the destination and determine areas you wish to explore more.

6. Avoid Flights when possible.

If possible, choose public transport or driving over air travel to reduce your carbon footprint and see more of the scenery. When mapping out your next trip, be sure to include a few places that are within driving distance. Road trips are the best way to get a deeper understanding of the local landscape.

7. Join local communities.

Connect with locals by joining local communities and events or taking cooking classes or art classes. Taking a cooking class is also a great way for you to learn more about authentic local cuisine and immerse yourself in the slow food movement.

8. Cook authentic local cuisine.

Even if you don’t take a cooking class, shop at the local market for goods from local producers and try your hand at authentic recipes to bring the slow food experience into your travels. 

9. Reserve days for doing nothing.

To truly practice the art of slow living during your travels, allow yourself days without anything planned on your next trip and let the day unfold naturally.

10. Seek hidden gems.

Avoid tourist traps and instead, seek out hidden gems recommended by locals. Local residents will not only know the best things to do but they can make personal recommendations to ensure you get a more authentic experience.

11. Pack light.

Pack light and bring only what you need to avoid feeling weighed down by your belongings. Becoming a slow traveler means embracing less is more.

12. Bring your daily routine with you.

Bring a sense of your normal life and routine into your experience. This means ditching the checklist mentality of rushing to see it all that many travelers embrace on vacation.

13. Reflect on your experiences.

Most importantly, take time to reflect on your experiences and appreciate the present moment. Slow traveling is not just about traveling slowly, but being more mindful in your daily routine.

If you’re ready to slow down and travel in a more balanced way, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Read on for the best slow travel books, blogs, magazines, podcasts, and tour companies so you can bring these slow travel principles into your trip and live more mindfully while you travel.

Reading books about slow travel can provide numerous benefits for those who love to explore new places. These books can inspire readers to take a more leisurely approach to their travels, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the culture and customs of the places they visit.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next slow travel adventure, consider picking up one of these top 5 books on slow traveling that are highly rated by slow travelers in the community.

Slow Travel: A Movement

By Penny Watson

This book explores slow travel as a physical or philosophical endeavor, taking readers off the beaten track and through nature, and unveils meaningful and transformative journeys that will help you embrace the true beauty of slow traveling.

The book includes practical advice on places, activities, tours and experiences that will help readers get on the road and explore in a meaningful way. Whether you are looking for an immersive experience or just want to slow down and appreciate your surroundings, this book is sure to provide plenty of inspiration.

Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World

By Joseph Reaney

Ever dreamed of walking the Camino de Santiago, driving Route 66, or taking a luxury train through Europe ? Sometimes it really is all about the journey, rather than the destination.

This book provides over 200 journeys illustrated with inspiring photography and maps including practical information such as journey duration, difficulty, start and end point, and if there are options to take an organized tour. Whether you’re looking for an exotic getaway or an off-the-beaten-path experience, this book will inspire your next slow travel vacation.

The Idle Traveller: The Art Of Slow Travel

By Dean Kieran

This book is all about embracing the joy of slow travel, encouraging readers to take their time and savor every moment of their journey. It advocates for taking night trains, buses, or other forms of transportation that allow for a slower pace of travel.

It also encourages staycation holidaying and re-assessing why we travel and what travel has become. This book has a little bit of everything from zen-like teachings to reviews from readers who have experienced the art of slow travel firsthand.

The Rings of Saturn

By W.G. Sebald

This classic travelogue takes readers on a meandering journey through East Anglia in England, exploring history, culture, and personal reflection along the way. Ostensibly a record of a journey on foot through coastal East Anglia, the book is also an allusive study of England’s history and its relationship to the natural world.

Through his observations and reflections, Sebald reveals how the past has shaped the present and how our actions today will shape our future. The novel is filled with evocative imagery and thought-provoking insights into human nature, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in history or literature.

A Year in Provence

By Peter Mayle

While not strictly about slow travel, this charming memoir chronicles Mayle’s experiences living in rural France for a year, immersing himself in the culture and taking things at a leisurely pace. In this witty and warm-hearted account, Mayle tells what it is like to realize a long-cherished dream and actually move into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse in the remote country of the Lubéron.

One of the best ways to learn more about slow tourism is to stay up to date with slow travel blogs. For more inspiration to travel at a slower pace, check out these top 5 slow travel blogs.

Slow Travel Blog

This website offers tips and destination recommendations for those looking to travel at a more leisurely pace. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.

Travelinmad

This travel blog offers insights into the benefits of traveling slowly and how to do it effectively. You’ll find tips, ideas, and inspiration for your next trip. Travlinmad shares local food, culture, and traditional recipes from around the world. With a focus on slow travel, Travlinmad provides tips for exploring each destination in depth and discovering hidden gems that are often overlooked.

What If We Walked?

This unique blog focuses on hiking trails, city strolls, and other slow travel experiences. Founded by Luke & Nell, a couple slowly exploring the world on foot, What if we walked? offers readers the opportunity to join them on their journey through photos and blog posts. Whether you are looking for tips for your next visit or want to explore the most beautiful waterfalls in England, What if we walked? has something for everyone.

With its focus on the physical and mental health benefits of walking, What if we walked? is the perfect place to find inspiration for your next outdoor adventure. Follow along with the authors’ adventures and get inspired for your own journey.

The Broke Backpacker

The Broke Backpacker’s guide to slow travel offers practical advice on how to hack your travels to make them more meaningful and enjoyable. Learn how to ditch the tourist traps and embrace a slower, more authentic way of exploring the world.

The Broke Backpacker is the ultimate resource for budget travelers, offering tips and tricks for discovering the world on the cheap. From epic backpacking guides to in-depth gear reviews and hidden gems, The Broke Backpacker team is always on assignment to provide readers with valuable insights into budget travel.

Slow travel magazines offer a unique perspective on travel that encourages readers to take their time and immerse themselves in the local culture. These magazines provide a wealth of information about off-the-beaten-path destinations, sustainable travel practices, and ways to connect with locals. By reading slow travel magazines, travelers can gain deeper insight into the places they visit and make more meaningful connections with the people they meet along the way. Additionally, slow travel magazines often feature stunning photography and engaging stories that inspire readers to explore new destinations and embrace a slower pace of life.

To learn more about slow traveling, here are five magazines that can inspire and guide you on your journey:

Kinfolk Travel

This hardcover book from Kinfolk magazine is dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. It features articles on slow food, eco-friendly accommodations, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The magazine also explores places, foods, customs, people, and events with intriguing or unusual stories to tell. With its focus on sustainable and meaningful travel experiences, Kinfolk Travel is a must-read for anyone looking to connect with the world in a more profound way.

Wanderlust Magazine

While not exclusively focused on slow travel, Wanderlust Magazine encourages readers to take a more mindful approach to travel. It covers a wide range of topics, from adventure travel to cultural immersion.

This UK-based travel magazine offers a wealth of information on destinations, travel advice, and cultural experiences. With its stunning photography and engaging articles, this magazine will transport you to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world.

Mindful Travel Magazine

As its name suggests, this magazine promotes mindful and intentional travel. It features stories on sustainable tourism practices, wellness retreats, and eco-friendly accommodations.

Mindful Travel Magazine also covers the latest trends in meditation and wellness practices from around the world. Whether you’re looking for ways to connect with nature or learn about different cultures, Mindful Travel Magazine has something for everyone.

British Travel Journal Magazine

This magazine showcases the best of British travel destinations and experiences. While it doesn’t explicitly focus on slow travel, many of its articles highlight the beauty of taking your time to explore a destination.

It offers readers an array of inspirational destinations and travel ideas, making it the perfect companion for planning your next holiday in the UK. With three issues per year, British Travel Journal Magazine provides readers with a wealth of information on everything from hidden gems to must-see landmarks, all delivered in a visually stunning format.

Ultimate Travel Bucket List Magazine

This magazine is all about inspiring readers to dream big when it comes to travel. While it may seem counterintuitive for a bucket list publication to promote slow travel, many of its featured destinations lend themselves well to a more leisurely pace. The magazine offers inspiration and practical advice to help turn your travel dreams into reality. From wine tasting in France to exploring ancient ruins in Greece, Ultimate Travel Bucket List Magazine is your go-to source for all things travel-related.

Slow travel podcasts offer a wealth of benefits to listeners who are interested in exploring the world at a more leisurely pace. These podcasts provide insights into the benefits of slow travel, including the opportunity to connect with local cultures and communities, reduce one’s environmental impact, and foster a deeper sense of mindfulness and relaxation while on the road.

By listening to slow travel podcasts, travelers can gain valuable tips and advice on how to plan their trips in a way that aligns with these values, as well as learn about new destinations and experiences that they may not have considered before. Overall, slow travel podcasts are an excellent resource for anyone who wants to explore the world in a more meaningful and sustainable way.

The Zero to Travel Podcast

With over 10 million downloads and 600+ five-star reviews, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in slow travel. Host Jason Moore shares tips and stories from his own travels, as well as interviews with other travelers who have embraced the slow travel lifestyle.

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Hosted by Amanda Kendle, this podcast explores the deeper meanings behind our travels. From connecting with locals to confronting cultural differences, each episode offers insights into how travel can change us for the better. And of course, there are plenty of tips for slowing down and savoring each moment along the way.

Women Who Travel Podcast

In this podcast from Conde Nast Traveler, hosts Meredith Carey and Lale Arikoglu explore all aspects of travel through a feminist lens. While not exclusively focused on slow travel, many episodes touch on the benefits of taking your time and immersing yourself in local cultures.

Armchair Explorer Podcast

If you can’t hit the road right now but still want to indulge your wanderlust, check out this podcast from National Geographic. Each episode takes listeners on a virtual journey to a different corner of the world, with immersive soundscapes and expert commentary that will transport you to another place and time.

Best Slow Travel Tour Companies

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and immersive slow travel experience, but don’t know where to start, here are some of the best slow travel companies to consider.

Black Tomato

Offering slow travel vacations in top destinations, Black Tomato is a luxury travel company that’s great for those looking for unique and personalized experiences. Black Tomato plans slow travel vacations for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

With a focus on exceptional customer service and creating unique travel experiences, Black Tomato is a top choice for those seeking an extraordinary vacation.

Butterfield and Robinson

With the slogan “Slow Down to See the World,” Butterfield and Robinson is a luxury travel company that offers bespoke slow travel experiences all over the world. The company’s mission is to travel with integrity, have a positive impact, and gain a deep understanding of each and every destination.

With over 50 years of global trip planning expertise, Butterfield and Robinson designs, plans, and guides trips of a lifetime by bike, foot, or water. The company’s extended journeys offer multi-country itineraries that allow travelers to explore multiple destinations at their own pace.

Slow Tours Europe

Slow Tours Europe offers a huge range of tours in Europe for unique experiences that are both active and relaxing. Slow Travel Tours is another option for those looking for small group tours with a focus on cultural immersion, cooking and wine, photography, and more.

Slow travel is not just about the destination but also about exploring communities along the way, taking time to pause and appreciate the journey. Whether you’re a senior looking for a leisurely-paced tour or simply seeking a more mindful way to travel, Slow Tours Europe has something for everyone.

Remote Year

Remote Year is a great option for digital nomads looking to slow down their travels while still being able to work remotely. Remote Year offers the right balance of work and play so your next adventure never sacrifices your next career opportunity.

With options for 1-month, 4-months, or even a year-long programs, Remote Year provides housing, professional coworking spaces, and support for its participants. The program curates communities of interesting professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers from across the globe to travel together on retreats and trips. With over 80 destinations and 4,000+ members, Remote Year has become a favorite remote working community for many.

Surf Yoga Beer

Surf Yoga Beer is a group adventure travel company that creates fitness adventures worldwide, connecting people from all over the world through a mutual love for surf, yoga, and (you guessed it) beer.

This unique company offers an experience combining physical activity with socializing and relaxation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer or yogi, Surf Yoga Beer has something for everyone. With its focus on community and wellness, this company provides a fun and exciting way to explore new destinations while also improving your health and well-being.

Byway Travel

Byway Travel is a unique travel company that offers sustainable and flight-free holidays. They believe in slow travel, taking the scenic route to local stays and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Byway Travel provides personalized trips by train, boat, and bus in the UK and Europe. As a certified B Corp, they are committed to sustainability and reducing their impact on the environment.

The adventures are designed for those who want to explore the world without relying on flights, making it an excellent option for eco-conscious travelers looking for an alternative way to see the world.

Slow Travel Frequently Asked Questions

The slow travel movement is a philosophy of traveling that emphasizes connection to local people, cultures, food, and music. It’s about taking the time to immerse oneself in a place and truly experience it, rather than rushing through a checklist of tourist attractions. An example of slow travel could be spending a month living in a small village in Italy, getting to know the locals, learning the language, and exploring the surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace.

If you’re looking to slow down and fully immerse yourself in a destination, slow travel may be the perfect fit for you. Here are some practical tips on how to start your slow travel journey: 1. Do your research: Before you go, do some research on your destination. Look for local events, markets, and festivals that are happening during your stay. 2. Get inspired: Read books or watch movies set in your destination to get inspired and learn more about the culture. 3. Know thyself: Slow travel is all about taking it easy and enjoying the journey. Be honest with yourself about what kind of traveler you are and what kind of experience you want. 4. Pick an accommodation with character: Instead of staying in a chain hotel, opt for a unique accommodation option like a local bed and breakfast or an Airbnb. 5. Travel like a local: Take public transportation or walk instead of renting a car to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. 6. Give up some “purpose”: Leave gaps in your itinerary so that you can explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. 7. Eat local: Try new foods and dine at local restaurants to fully experience the flavors of your destination. 8. Spend more time in fewer places: Instead of trying to see everything, focus on one or two destinations and spend more time there to really get to know the area. 9. Challenge your boundaries: Step out of your comfort zone and try new things like hiking, kayaking, or taking a cooking class. 10. Embrace spontaneity: Allow yourself to have days without anything planned and ask locals for their recommendations or their favorite things to do and see in the area. Slow travel is all about taking it easy, embracing spontaneity, and fully immersing yourself in a destination. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to starting your own slow travel journey

If you’re tired of rushing from one tourist attraction to another and want to truly immerse yourself in a new culture, slow travel might be just what you need. Slow travel is all about taking your time, connecting with locals, and fully experiencing a destination. Here’s how you can embrace slow travel: 1. Stay in one place for longer: Instead of hopping from city to city, choose one destination and stay there for at least a week or two. This will give you the chance to really get to know the area and its people. 2. Travel by land: Slow travel often involves traveling by train, bus or car instead of flying. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows you to see more of the countryside and smaller towns. 3. Immerse yourself in local culture: Take part in local activities such as cooking classes or language lessons. Attend festivals and events that are important to the community. 4. Eat locally sourced food: Slow travel is closely linked to the slow food movement, so make sure you try regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 5. Disconnect from technology: Slow travel is all about being present in the moment, so put away your phone and take in your surroundings without distractions. By embracing slow travel, you’ll not only have a more authentic experience but also reduce your impact on the environment and support local communities.

Traditional tourism often involves rushing from one attraction to another without taking the time to truly experience a place. Slow travel inspires travelers to take their time, stay in one place for longer periods of time, and really get to know a destination. Slow travel allows travelers to experience life in a new place by engaging with locals, trying local cuisine, and exploring the natural environment. It also encourages travelers to be mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities.

Not necessarily. Slow travel can actually be more affordable because it often involves staying in one place for longer periods of time, which can be less expensive than constantly moving around.

Yes. Slow travel doesn’t mean skipping out on popular attractions altogether – it just means taking your time and really savoring each experience. When traveling slowly, you can still visit all the major attractions, but also have the opportunity to discover hidden gems. You can interact with locals and learn about their culture and customs in a way that would be impossible if you were rushing through your trip. Slow travel gives you the chance to really get to know a place and its people on a deeper level.

Choose a destination that interests you and has plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion and connection with locals. Slow travel is all about taking your time to explore a destination. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Here are some tips for finding the perfect slow travel destination: 1. Consider your budget Slow travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for destinations that offer affordable accommodation and activities, such as camping or hostels. 2. Think about what you want to experience Are you looking for a cultural experience? Or perhaps you’re more interested in outdoor activities? Consider what type of experiences you’re looking for when choosing a destination. 3. Research different destinations Read up on different destinations and find out what they have to offer in terms of attractions, activities, and culture. Make sure the destination you choose has enough activities and attractions to keep you occupied during your stay. 4. Ask around Talk to friends who have traveled before and get their advice on which destinations they would recommend for slow travel. They may even be able to provide helpful tips and tricks. 5. Don’t forget about safety Safety should always be a top priority when traveling, especially if you’re going solo or with a small group of people. Research the safety protocols of each destination before booking your trip and make sure that it’s suitable for your needs. No matter where you decide to go, slow travel is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture and take your time exploring all that it has to offer.

Some tips include staying in one place for longer periods of time, using public transportation instead of renting a car, and seeking out local experiences like cooking classes or guided tours.

Yes. Slow travel is often considered a form of sustainable tourism because it encourages travelers to take their time and reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation instead of driving or flying.

Absolutely. In fact, slow travel can be especially rewarding for families because it allows them to spend quality time together while experiencing new cultures and destinations. Slow travel is a great way for families with children to explore the world. It allows them to take their time and build a deeper connection with the places they visit, while avoiding the stress of tight schedules and set plans. With slow travel, families can take the scenic route, get off the beaten track, explore their own backyard, and enjoy meaningful overseas experiences. There are also many benefits for children, such as taking pressure off them and allowing them to be more creative in their exploration.

Some ways to connect with locals include staying in homestays or Airbnbs hosted by locals, attending cultural events or festivals, or simply striking up conversations with people you meet along the way. This allows you to get an authentic experience of the area and its people.

Slow travel is an excellent option for solo travelers looking to explore the world in a meaningful way. Slow travel encourages travelers to take their time and really get to know the places they visit, rather than just checking off a list of tourist attractions. It allows for more meaningful interactions with locals and a greater appreciation for the culture of the place you’re visiting. Solo travelers can benefit from slow travel by taking advantage of unique opportunities that may not be available when traveling with a group. For example, it’s easier to stay in one place for an extended period of time, allowing you to really get to know the area and its people. You can also take part in activities that require more flexibility or spontaneity, such as volunteering or taking unique day trips. Overall, slow travel is an ideal way for solo travelers to experience new cultures and make meaningful connections with locals while exploring the world at their own pace.

Slow travel is a growing movement that emphasizes taking your time to truly experience a destination, rather than rushing through it. Here are some reasons why slow travel might be the best way to explore the world: 1. Connection: Slow travel allows you to connect more deeply with the local people, culture, food, and music of a place. By taking your time and immersing yourself in the local community, you can connect with the destination on a deeper level. 2. Sustainability: Slow travel is often more sustainable than traditional tourism, as it involves staying in one place for longer periods of time and supporting local businesses. 3. Relaxation: Slow travel is all about taking it easy and enjoying the journey. By slowing down and savoring each moment, you can reduce stress and enjoy a more relaxing vacation. 4. Authenticity: When you rush through a destination, you often only see the tourist highlights. Slow travel allows you to discover hidden gems and experience a more authentic side of a place. So if you’re looking for a more meaningful way to explore the world, consider embracing slow travel on your next trip.

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Complete guide to slow travel: why and how to practice it

The slow travel movement is taking the world by storm. But what exactly is slow travel, what's so great about it, and how can you practice it on your next trip?

Rachael Let's Grow There

Sep 07, 2023

If you've ever experienced travel burnout and have returned home from a trip completely exhausted, you probably didn't travel slowly enough! Travelers are often so excited to explore a new destination that they forget to pace themselves along the way. But there's a great answer to that: slow travel.

When you only have a short time to dedicate to your trip, you might try and fill your itinerary chock-full of exciting experiences you'll always remember. However, this style of traveling almost always leads to burnout, besides other negative consequences: it tends to be more expensive, have more negative impacts on the environment and leaves less space for good surprises.

Slow travel is the key to traveling better, smarter, and more passionately.  Pacing yourself and giving yourself time to live like a local in the city or country you're visiting is vital if you want a truly immersive, deeply moving travel experience .

What is slow travel?

But what is slow travel exactly?  A few other names you may recognize from the slow travel movement are sustainable travel, mindful travel, and low-impact travel.

To travel slowly is to reject conventional tourism and be more open to experiences that are unique and immersive. 

Rather than squeezing in a million activities into your busy travel schedule, slow travel is about adopting a mindset that focuses on connection . It reminds us of why we travel and helps us offset the travel fatigue that happens at the end of an exhausting trip.

When did the slow travel movement start?

We can trace the origins of slow travel to a similar movement in Italy, in the 1980's. The slow food movement took shape in Italy in response to the rise of fast food. 

Local food artisans, farmers, and chefs rallied together to protest a new McDonald's that was to be built in Rome. They refused to embrace the rise of fast food and instead supported regional cuisine and traditional food preparation as a means to preserve their culture. 

After all, food plays a big role in every country and is something natives pride themselves on. Simply put, food brings people together, and that's something particularly important for Italians. 

This sparked the beginning of the slow movement , which not only celebrates locally-grown and produced food, but applies to other areas of our lives, including the way we travel . You've likely come across slow food and wine tours, slow wilderness retreats, and other similar immersive tours. They are catching on all over the world! 

What are the benefits of slow travel?

The benefits of slow travel are immense, and travelers are reaping those benefits more and more as they opt to support local businesses and slow travel. By doing so, travelers are taking part in more environmentally-friendly , sustainable experiences that have a positive impact on the world. 

If you're still not conviced, here are a few reasons to give slow travel a try:

1. More authentic cultural experiences

One of the main benefits of slow travel is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Unlike rushed trips that only allow for superficial interactions, slow travel lets you to truly connect with the people and way of life of your destination. 

When your travel schedule is less packed with tourist attractions you have more time to learn some of the local language, try the local cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. 

2. Less stress

As I've mentioned before, fast-paced travel itineraries can be exhausting , leaving little time to relax and truly enjoy the experience. Travelers often come back from their vacations feeling even more tired than before.

Slow travel allows you to set a more relaxed pace, reducing stress and anxiety . You can take the time to be spontaneous, relax, and appreciate the beauty of each moment. This approach results in a more enjoyable travel experience.

3. Enhanced well-being

Taking it a step further, slow travel can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. By traveling slower and choosing to engage in activities such as long walks, yoga, hiking, cycling or meditation, you'll probably feel great.

Additionally, if you take this chance to the reduce your screen time and connect with nature it can help you  reconnect with yourself .

4. Deeper connections

Talk to any slow traveler and they'll probably tell you that the best thing about most places they visit is the people they meet there. Sharing stories, meals, and experiences with others can be much more rewarding than simply ticking things off from a travel itinerary. 

When you slow down and spend extended periods in one place, you have the chance to build meaningful connections with both locals and fellow travelers. These relationships can lead to lasting friendships, or at least some really nice memories to cherish. 

5. Deeper understanding of the world

Exploring a destination slowly also allows you to gain a more profound understanding of its history, politics, and social dynamics . You can visit local museums, attend lectures, and engage in conversations with residents to gain insights that you might miss on a whirlwind trip. 

With more time, you're also more likely to have time to reflect on what you learn, and maybe journal about it, or do further research on issues that spike your interest. This deeper knowledge can lead to a greater appreciation for the world's diversity and complexity.

6. Lower budget

Slow travel can be a budget-conscious traveler's dream. By spending more time in each destination, you can often find more affordable accommodation options , such as vacation rentals or guesthouses, or even volunteer in exchange for a free stay.

Additionally, you can take advantage of local markets and shops for groceries, reducing dining expenses by cooking your meals. 

Furthermore, slow travel often involves fewer transportation costs since you're not constantly moving between cities or countries. You'll also have more time to walk around or use public transportation, thus avoiding the high cost of taxi rides.

This allows you to allocate your budget to meaningful experiences and activities, making your money go further.

7. Go beyond your comfort zone

One of the most transformative aspects of slow travel is its ability to push you out of your comfort zone with enough time to allow for a less stressful adaptation. Staying in a place for an extended period makes it easier for you to adapt to new environments, cultures, and customs. 

You might find yourself communicating in a foreign language , navigating unfamiliar public transportation systems, or trying activities you've never considered before. These challenges can lead to personal growth and increased self-confidence.

8. Bring more meaning to your travels

In a world where quick snapshots and fleeting visits dominate travel, slow travel stands out for its ability to add profound meaning to your journeys in many ways.

When you spend more time in a place, you can also engage in volunteer work or contribute to local community projects through platforms like Worldpackers .

This hands-on involvement, as well as having the time to adapt to local culture and research about how to be a more respectful traveler there, allows you to leave a positive impact on the places you visit.

Slow travel also encourages introspection, giving you the time to reflect on your experiences and their significance in your life, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

9. Reduced environmental impact

Slow travel often involves choosing more sustainable transportation options , such as trains or buses, over carbon-intensive flights. By taking your time and minimizing the distance covered in a single trip, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Additionally, you're more likely to support local businesses , which can contribute to the economic sustainability of the community you're visiting. If you're worried about traveling sustainably , slow travel is a great way to go.

You might also like to read:

• Exploring agriturismo Italy: a journey into rural life
• California Wilderness Areas: the most amazing places to visit
• What is cultural exchange and how to experience it?

How to embrace the slow travel mindset

There's no single way to practice slow travel, but there are some basic concepts that can direct your decisions from the travel planning to the trip itself. 

The slow travel mindset is one that will eventually help you learn how to choose experiences that immerse you as you explore the unknown. By slowing down, you are allowing those experiences to educate, inspire, and alter you. 

The first step is deciding that you want to live like a local instead of a tourist. Maintaining a balanced itinerary will give you the best of both worlds — a loose plan to see the sights that gives you room to pace yourself and make spontaneous decisions. 

Becoming a slow traveler is all about traveling with intention . Each decision is conscious and unscripted, opening the floodgates for unique and authentic experiences to fall right in your lap.

Instead of reaching for your phone to snap that Instagram-worthy photo, take a step back to understand the local customs and embrace cultural differences and the local community. Replace simply "seeing" the many different sights on your to-do list with "being" there instead. 

You'll connect much more easily to the world and the beautiful people in it this way, which will last longer than rushed sightseeing memories. Travel is one of the most rewarding, eye-opening, and challenging experiences available to us. That's why it's so important to not only see, but to discover and grow.

Slow travel encourages independence and values off-the-beaten-path experiences over touristy, heavily trafficked ones. When we are able to immerse in local culture and experience a country this way, we are gathering up meaningful, rich experiences as if they were precious treasures. Travel is more about your personal journey within a new area than it is about the destination itself.

When thinking of the slow travel experiences you'd like to have, quality matters over quantity. Don't race to get it all done, and know that it's okay to book another trip in the future if you decide you absolutely love it. Choose to wake up on some days without plans, allowing your path to be guided by the spirit of adventure.

How to put slow travel into practice

Before booking that fast-paced 10-day guided tour through Europe, strive to make time to plan an itinerary that lets you linger . Pick a destination and choose to be there longer, experiencing the local culture, cuisine, music, and way of life firsthand.

Let your experience with a new country be your own rather than have it regurgitated to you by a tour guide.

Follow your nose through a street lined with food trucks as you venture to try the local delicacies. Meander through an art museum with purpose as you analyze and appreciate the influential art that surrounds you. 

Forge real connections with the friendly locals and they just might lead you to a hidden gem within their city. Wander through a national park as you connect with nature . 

Try something adventurous every so often to invigorate your senses and make you feel alive. 

Having a slow travel mindset will help you thrive in an unfamiliar country and give you the courage to be more involved in the local lifestyle.

Another great example of slow travel is taking road trips! You get to set your own pace, let your hair down, and enjoy the ride. This is a great way to see the sights like a local would and go wherever you set your heart on. 

Cultural home stays are another unique way to get to know the local community . The families you get the opportunity to stay with will most likely prepare you a deliciously authentic, home-cooked meal, tell exciting stories about their family and culture, and give you some helpful insights on how to experience their city.

A practical guide to slow travel

In order to travel slowly , be sure to:

• Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous, interesting travel experiences to fit into your day. This will help you learn to step out of your comfort zone .
• Stay in your destination longer before moving on to a new area.
• See the famous spots if you want, but ask yourself if you're really interested in them, or just feel like you should see them.
• Try to  steer clear of tourist traps and find new ways to see a popular landmark whenever possible.
• Be flexible with your itinerary to avoid the stress of racing to each activity.
• Ask locals for travel recommendations . They have much better tips than any travel guide, and you never know what fun event you might be invited to!
• Try different methods of transportation . Rather than taking a crowded bus tour through the city, hop on a bike or scooter or take a free walking tour to see more at your own speed.
• Stay with locals . Booking your accommodation through Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and Worldpackers will be wildly cheaper and provide you with a better experience overall than if you were to stay at a boring, generic hotel. Meeting your host is sometimes one of the most beneficial parts of a trip!

Why you should slow travel with Worldpackers

Worldpackers  is a collaborative travel platform that connects travelers to hosts from all around the world who need a hand in all sorts of tasks. In exchange for a few hours of work, you'll get free accommodation and possibly other perks like meals and tours. 

However, it's about much more than simply saving money: the best part is connecting with the host and other volunteers while you live like a local and experience a much deeper cultural immersion than the average tourist. You'll also get the chance to develop your skills or find hidden talents.

Slow travel completely aligns with the platform's mission as it seeks to provide travelers with enriching experiences that benefit both parties involved. Worldpackers believes that this type of cultural immersion is what makes each corner of the world special and worth seeing. 

As you search through the wide array of Worldpackers work exchange , social impact , and eco programs , you'll notice that the time you'll spend helping your host each week is balanced out by all the extra time you'll have each day to explore that location more fully. 

You can volunteer in farm stays, eco villages, hostels, glamping sites, NGOs, home stays, permaculture projects, social projects, guest houses and even castles or boats , either near your home or on the other side of the world. 

Keep reading:

• Voluntourism: a slow and responsible way to travel the world
• Manifesto for a more conscientious and collective tourism

7 simple ways to become a mindful traveler

There are hosts that accept travelers for just a few days, but Worldpackers opportunities are the perfect work and travel experiences to sign up for if you're planning to stay in your destination of choice for a long period of time. Free accommodation and meals will cut down on daily living expenses and will help better fund your travels.

By exchanging your skills with the locals and living with them for an extended stay, you are actively joining their community and doing your part to impact their lives in a positive way. 

Worldpackers  travel stimulates inner growth , cultivates a love of learning and support, and fuels the traveler's desire to keep volunteering around the world.  

Ready to start enjoying all the benefits of slow travel? Browse through the Worldpackers website , set up your profile and start saving your favorite work exchange positions all around the world.

If you have any questions about slow travel or volunteering, ask us in the comments section!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

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An interesting and engaging article on a new topic is something that not everyone can do. I appreciate your article.

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Slow travel to discover true wanderlust. 

Slow travel is becoming more and more popular. We think it’s the future of travel. Our Ultimate Guide to Slow Travel is all about embracing this immersive travel trend. We’re not here to judge other ways of travelling. Heck, more people travelling is a good thing any way you can! But, if you’re curious about how to slow travel then our guide is just what you need.

Find the best activities for you on our map!

Trust us - travelling slowly is exactly what you need to do to fall in love with your next travel destination. We’re not about judging how people travel, only to show you that there’s another option! We’ve put together our Ultimate Guide to cut down all those myths about slow travel, tell you why we love it so much, and tell you how to slow travel to get you started!

Say bon voyage to the tourist crowds and join us on an in-depth journey. Keep reading to have all your questions answered, plus the best slow travel destinations recommendations and sustainable travel tips! Our ultimate guide is everything you need to begin your journey down the slow travel rabbit hole… 

The slow travel basics 

These are the questions we get all the time about slow travel; What is slow travel and how do I do it? The meaning of the word “slow travel” can seem obvious once you first see it, but we’re here to share all the info you need to really dig in and get your journey started. 

What is slow travel? 

Slow travel is a way of travelling that gets to the heart of why we love the journey. Go at your own pace to discover authentic experiences as you get off the beaten track and discover local gems. The slow traveler explores their dream destinations at their own pace, avoids the traps of mass tourism, and enjoys a rich travel experience. Keep reading to get all the info you need on the art of slow travel!

Where did slow travel come from? 

Slow travel is a branch of the slow movement. You’ve probably seen the slow fashion movement that pushes against mass production of clothes in fast fashion. Maybe our foodie friends know slow food restaurants, which focus on local and seasonal dishes for authentic experiences rather than mass produced meals. Slow travel originates from the “slow food movement”, which got its start in Italy as a protest against McDonald’s. 

Some define slow travel as public transport or taking months to explore one place. None of those definitions are exactly wrong, but they miss out on what makes slow travel so great. Whether you’re enjoying a 2 day city break or taking a road trip across Europe, any trip can become a slow travel trip as long as you stick to the intention and our top tips. 

Who goes slow traveling? 

You might have gone on a slow travel-like trip without even realising. Backpacking, camping, and hyper focused city trips all fall under the beautiful umbrella of slow travel. The slow travel movement is an accessible movement for all from students on a budget, luxury travellers, and retirees. No two slow travellers look alike! Slow travel has nothing to do with age or your income. It’s all about what experience you want out of traveling. 

Since you can really customise a slow travel trip and delve in deep to a local culture, we find that slow travel is the best option for many solo travellers and those interested in getting a full and authentic experience of their destination. 

Are slow travel and sustainable travel the same thing? 

Eco conscious travel or sustainable travel does have some overlap with slow travel. But they’re not exactly the same thing. By moving away from mass tourism and into more sustainable practices, slow travel is by its nature more eco-friendly than other trips. Unlike the usual sustainable travel tips though, slow travel has its own mentality. 

While sustainable travel focuses on the effect that trips have on the environment, slow travel looks more inward. All those busy trips, crowded places, and wanderlust social media posts can have a negative effect on our mental health. In slowing the pace and taking things one step at a time, slow travel is (in our opinion!) a better experience for all involved - you and the planet! 

Can slow travel be luxurious? 

You can absolutely make slow travel trips on a higher budget. We know there’s this myth that slow travel is all about backpacking and while that type of thing does fall under slow travel, that’s not all it's about. Taste local expensive food, stay at luxury Airbnbs, and discover the best of the local culture on a luxury budget that’s right for you. 

Our top 5 reasons to travel slowly! 

Now you know what slow travel is all about. But have we convinced you to plan your next trip in the slow travel way? We’ve got all the reasons why you should hop onto the slow travel movement right here to get you thinking. 

You support the local economy 

Hey, big spenders! There’s just something nice about going to your local market and actually meeting the sellers. Slow is that, but on an even bigger scale. Major travel companies do have a habit of pushing you to major tourist spots and always giving you popular itineraries. We’re not saying that’s a bad option if that’s what you want from your travels, but slow travel gives you a local and authentic option. 

By travelling slowly, you’ll probably be spending more time in one place. Dive in deep to the local scene to discover hidden gems, restaurants, and local events. You’ll be giving your hard-earned cash to smaller businesses and local artisans who need the money a fair bit more than your average top 100 travel company. 

Slow travel can keep your budget low

We all want to travel more often! Slow travel helps to keep your travel costs down by focusing on one place and its surrounding area. You don't need a bunch of flights or train tickets to get the most out of your journey. Of course, if you’ve got a higher budget there’s plenty of slow travel destinations, hotels, and things to do for you as well! 

Many digital nomads (those who work remotely while travelling) are often slow travellers. Taking a slower pace by spending more time in one area before moving onto your next destination keeps your transport costs much lower. And, of course, you get all the benefits of seeing the most of your next travel destination. 

Slow travel can help the environment

Slow travel trips can involve public transport or some other sustainable way of travelling. Public releases way less emissions than the average plane! Slow travel can be done via the plane too, so long as you take your time at the destination, search for hidden gems, and keep your focus on the local culture. 

You meet new people 

Yes, you will meet new people however you travel! But we’ve found the slow travel community to be super welcoming. As you join in on sustainable travel groups and hunt down the best local things to in your area, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who share the same mindset. You’re not just one in a crowd of tourists - you become an explorer ready to find the next gem. 

Of course, if you’re hunting down authentic experiences there’s nothing better than getting tips from locals. Mass tourism might bring in the money, but it can have backlash. But you’re actually here for an authentic trip, in our experience, locals are way more friendly once you express that especially in places where tourism has had some downsides. 

Remember why you love to travel 

Have you ever been stuck in the airport wishing you were back in bed? Have you ever arrived at a destination you thought was beautiful on social media, but you arrive and there’s just a queue of people taking photos? 

Slow travel gets to the core of why we fell in love with travelling in the first place.

Not to sound like a boomer, but when you travel just for travel's sake then it loses a lot of its magic. The local food that just melts in your mouth. Discovering the amazing places and hidden gems no one tells you about. Relax in the forest, up a mountain, or even in the Roman ruins inside a city park! Slow travel is about having a truly immersive travel experience. Escape your normal life and totally immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a new place, of a new culture.  

Whatever you love about travelling, slow travel will dial it up to 11 . So what are the types of slow travel journeys and where should you go? Here are our top recommendations! 

The types of slow travel journeys 

Slow travel is more of a mindset than a pigeon hole category, but there are some holiday types that fall naturally into this type of travel. Road trips, backpacking, cycling journeys, and camping, can all be types of slow travel trips. 

So long as you’re seeking out authentic experiences and taking your time, you can make any journey into a slow travel one. But here are some of our favourite easy slow travel trip types to give you some ideas. 

Road trips 

Hop in your car and drive wherever you want! Road trips are an easy way of getting the group together and getting around to your dream destinations. Take a road trip across Europe, America, and more. Driving might not seem sustainable at first glance, but it’s better than taking the plane to each stop! Make sure to stop along the way at the best local places! Along the road, you’re sure to find a hidden gem or two. 

Backpacking 

Nothing is slower and more beautiful than getting around on foot. Take your time climbing to the mountain top and enjoy the view! Is there anything more authentic than Mother Nature? Feel the rocky cliffs and rivers beneath your feet on a slow travel backpacking trip. You can go backpacking almost anywhere. Some countries, like Thailand and Sri Lanka, have seen a major increase in the number of backpackers paying them a visit. We actually recommend visiting a less popular country for backpacking to avoid crowds and have the least touristy experience possible. 

A solid choice for any traveller! Pitch up a tent and sleep under the stars surrounded by nature. Camping is a great choice as sites tend to be not far off great slow travel attractions. It’s good to take it slow sometimes and just enjoy your time with family and friends! Use your tent as a starting point on your adventure as you make your way to the national parks or nearby cities. We actually think camping is an underrated option, especially when there’s more options than you’d expect in the camping world.  

Campsites are one of the most sustainable places to stay on your holiday, but to really max out those slow travel points we’ve found Pitchup to be super handy to find campsites in Europe that use renewable energy . 

Get on your bike and get peddling! Why wait for your flight or get stuck in the crowd, when you can peddle past them all? Explore your next destination on wheels. You’ll cycle through national parks, to castles, ruins, and make your way through the cities. Some countries are a lot better for cycling trips than others, so keep reading to find the best slow travel destinations! 

Train Trips 

Follow the tracks across the country, across continents even! On the train, you can travel affordably and sustainably across country borders. You’ll be literally travelling more slowly and taking more time to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Europe is a super popular destination for train journeys. Check out our slow travel destinations below to get some ideas going… 

Our top slow travel destinations 

You can slow travel anywhere in the world. But at Live the World we absolutely love Europe for slow travel beginners. Here are our top slow travel destinations in Europe, plus the best things to do for each country. Take your pick! 

Netherlands 

Known for its windmills and tulips, the Netherlands is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. SUP your way across the canals of Amsterdam, hike the beaches of the less travelled but unique Frisian Islands, or even pick out plastic as you sail across the rivers. The Netherlands is the perfect destination for a cycling trip, a city day trip, and more. 

Amsterdam is the major tourist attraction, but other cities have great activities to offer too. Check out our map to find the best slow travel places to go! 

The heart of Europe! Belgium is an underrated destination full of hidden gems and gorgeous city trips. Belgium has some of the prettiest castles and nature reserves you’d never know if you didn’t see it for yourself. A perfect pick for a road trip through Europe and city breaks, Belgium is one of our top slow travel destinations. 

Follow our 2 day itinerary in Brussels for a slow travel experience in Belgium’s capital! 

Czech Republic 

Backpack in the Czech Republic to enjoy a central European location with gorgeous mountains on its border like Sněžka. Take a city break in Prague to uncover hidden gems in its castle, local markets, and so much more. Prague is the #1 stop in the Czech Republic, but there’s great places across the country too like the beautiful city of Czechy Krumlov. 

Our top tips on how to travel slowly 

After racking our brains and hunting down the top experts in the eco-travel field, we’ve got all the best slow travel tips just for you. From ditching the packed itineraries to bamboo cutlery, these are the top tips from experts. Read even more tips on how to travel sustainably here.

1. Buy local

This top tip came up no matter who we asked! So often, tourists will stroll by all the local and independent shops and gather at only the major centres. Of course, you’re helping out the locals this way. But you’re also keeping your carbon footprint low, by reducing all the miles goods have to travel when you shop locally. We’ve found some surprises at farmers markets, from gorgeous flowers in Prague to handmade wooden clogs in the Netherlands. Check out our map to find local trading posts! 

2. Do what you can, when you can

When you’re trying to do right by the environment and yourself, it’s easy to get a bit depressed about climate change. We spoke to Coren Munday, founder of bamboo cutlery company SeaForYourselfco , to get her perspective on slow travel. Coren, like so many of us travellers, was shocked by all the plastic she saw on the beach. When you’re in that situation, what can you do about it? Coren let us know that, in the true spirit of slow travel, it’s best to focus on the here and now. Do what you can! Whether that’s picking up some plastic bottles as you backpack, swapping to bamboo cutlery, or simply taking a bag with you when you travel so you don’t leave your rubbish  behind. Every little bit helps! 

3. Electric Detox 

OK, hear us out. We know how handy our gadgets can be when you’re in a whole new world. Our friends at IndieCampers let us know how important taking some time off can be, though. Take a break from your phone and social media! I actually tried this out on a recent trip to Nottingham. It was weird going without my laptop and phone most of the time, and sometimes I did have to use my phone just to get directions. If, like me, you’re not quite ready to go cold turkey then just turn off your notifications and enjoy a stress-free day without refreshing your email inbox! 

4. Give back

The mindset of slow travel doesn’t start and end with just one person. You can spread the mindset of slow travel by giving back as you go. We don’t just mean money, though supporting local artists and events does go a long way. We mean supporting the local culture and community. Whether that’s chatting to the locals in their language when you can, supporting local businesses, or volunteering on projects around the world, you can travel in a way that isn’t all take. Sometimes we need to give back too! 

5. Take it slow - literally 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Slow travel doesn’t just mean sticking to the train. But! We’d be lying if we didn’t include this top tip. After all, public transport is one of the best ways to get around depending on where you go. 

The main thing is not to rush about from place to place. If you’re in a rush, then you’re not enjoying the journey. You could be in the most beautiful place in the world, but if you’ve been jostled about by the tourist crowd, honked at in traffic, and need to go to the next activity in an hour, then it doesn’t seem that pretty. It’s important to take things at your own pace, so you can really enjoy your experiences. 

Everything you need to pack for a slow travel journey 

Alright, you’ve picked your destination and you basically now have a degree in slow travel. You’re ready to go. But what are the essentials to pack for a slow travel trip? Of course, having an umbrella, jacket, and spare bag for waste, are always needed. We’ve put together a list of the best things to bring! 

While you’re out exploring, you’re sure to find beautiful places and hidden gems. Get your phone camera or DSLR ready for your best shot. Slow travel is all about taking your time and enjoying the moment. What’s more slow travel than capturing the moment forever on film? The big thing to remember is the intention. If you get caught up just taking photos to show people later, then you’re not enjoying the trip anymore. Use your camera to help you remember what you love later - don’t make the camera the star of the trip. 

2. Portable phone charger

Sometimes you’ll be out hiking and your phone will run out of battery and, next thing you know, you’re following a random sign to the nearest village in the hopes of getting directions. Don’t be like me. Learn from all the mistakes of trekkers before you and bring along a portable phone charger to save yourself the stress. Perfect too for group campaign trips and city day trips. You’ll never regret bringing one of these guys along. 

3. Cross body bag

Nearly every traveller under the sun has one of these for a reason. Keep an eye on your most important belongings without lugging around a massive bag as you go. Crossbody bags are a great pick for day trips in the city and hikes too (easy access to snacks!). You can get ‘em second hand, but sometimes you just want to splash out and get something nice. For a more luxury budget with a slow fashion heart, check out STOW .

4. A notepad

Here’s a tip from me. When you’re in the pub, you’re not going to remember all the recommendations locals give you. And they give you plenty. Use the note app on your phone or go back to basics with pen and paper, to keep track of the ever growing list of things to do in the local area. You can also double up your notepad as a travelling journal. Look back on those memories years from now!

5. A map or guide

Having an actual map or guide is handy if you have poor connection. But we don’t just mean that. Use our map and guide to find things to do near you that are recommended by locals. Dive in deep on your slow travel trip and find activities to fit your interests, not just the “top ten essentials to do” that you’ll find on every blog list. Keep reading to find our top things to do wherever you go for the best slow travel trip ever!  ‍

The best things to do on a slow travel trip 

So, you banished your former ideas about travel and you’ve got our travel guide at the ready. But what do slow travelers do on their trips? We’re finishing up our ultimate guide to slow travel with some ideas to get your trip planning started. 

1. Take a hike 

Hiking is booming and for good reason! Slow things down by travelling on foot. You never know what you’ll find. We’ve seen hikes marked by artsy sculptures, a walking trail through a witchy village, or go for a classic woodland trail. Whatever flavour of hike you pick, you’ll be enjoying the local nature and taking a breath of fresh air. 

Where to hike

You can always find a good hike at the nearest national park, but we recommend using our map to find the best hikes and tips to make your trek the best one yet. You can find some good walks not too far from the city too!

2. Explore the markets 

We will keep on banging this drum. There’s no point going to a city just to explore the major shops. Sure, you’ll find some goodies there but you’re not really picking up the local vibe. Head on down to the local market to meet the artisans, the farmers, and so much more. Blend in with the local crowd!

3. Find hidden gems 

A slow travel trip is best when it includes a hidden place or two. Keep your eyes peeled for those places by asking the locals and checking out hidden gems on our map in Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and more to come soon! What we love about hidden gems is that they can be anything from a 19th century castle in the Netherlands to an alleyway covered in amazing street art.

4. Taste it!

Don’t forget to taste the local food and try out the beer and wine. Take a brewery tour, book a wine tasting, and discover local spots on our map! We’ve found amazing local food trucks, rooftop bars, and even little wineries across our favourite destinations. 

Where to eat 

While you’ll always find plenty of cafes and restaurants in the city centre, they’re usually not the most authentic. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re tourist traps! Wander out a little further to find the best options in the city. 

5. Go sailing! 

OK, this one depends where you are but if you’re near a lake or river then you can’t go wrong by renting a boat. Sail out onto the waters and feel that sea - or river! - breeze. Want to be even more active? You can always go canoeing or grab a SUP board. SUP is basically stand-up paddle boarding! We’ve even found SUP rentals in the canals of the Netherlands.

6. Bring your bike

Join the locals on the wheels. Slow down your travels by taking yourself from place to place. Sustainable, convenient, and a great thing to do, biking is one activity you have to add to your slow travel checklist. Cycle your way across nature reserves, past the cities, or even follow along a local ice skating route.

Our slow travel book recs

Need further reading? Want some more inspiration? We’re not here to give you homework, but you don’t have to take our word for it on how great slow travel is. Delve in deeper into the slow travel movement and community alongside these writers, backpackers, trekkers, and more. Discover new destinations and tips in their pages, then go out and explore for yourself! 

The Art of Slow Travel by Bhavana Gesota

Read the true story and personal experiences of passionate slow traveller Bhavana Gesota. When I was reading this book, I was amazed by how deeply Gesota experienced each place she visited. But this book doesn’t just focus on the places. The Art of Slow Travel is one of the best travel books you can read as it actually goes into the internal journey we go on when we travel. 

Slow Travel: A Movement by Penny Watson 

This is your basic introduction to slow travel. Best for inspiration rather than a how-to guide, this book might not have all the answers you need to understand slow travel but it will pull you in and leave you wanting more. Discover beautiful places, tips, and tour company recommendations. We recommend Watson’s books for beginners to slow travel! Thanks to its fairly recent publication in 2019 and iconic photos, this book always ranks highly and our booklist would not be complete without it. 

The Idle Traveller: The Art of Slow Travel by Dan Kieran

This book is essentially a longish essay on why you should slow travel. Reflect on why we should travel and if we have lost that purpose… Keiran’s book is best for those interested in the mindset of slow travel and the philosophy behind it. Some of the best parts of the book are Keiran’s adventures and anecdotes from his travels across the UK and Europe. More limited in location than The Art of Slow Travel by Bhavana Gesota, but still an interesting read.

Fancy embracing the slow travel way on your next trip? Check out our map for 100s of local, authentic activities that’ll perfectly fit a slower style. Find the best activities for you on our map! Psst! Try selecting Green Horizons and Local Trading Posts for some of our slow travel faves… If your chosen slow travel destination isn’t there yet, don’t worry, we’re working on it! Follow our socials to be the first to know when we launch a new destination. In the meantime, happy (slow) travelling!

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Slow Travel Guide: The Best Slow Travel Destinations

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 19, 2024 | Budget Travel , Travel Tips

By now, you have probably heard of the latest travel trend, slow traveling.

Many backpackers and budget travelers enjoy slow traveling – spending a month or two in each place before moving on. 

In the past few years, many travelers are now opting to travel to fewer destinations and stay in each one for longer.

So what exactly is slow traveling, how do you do it, and which countries should you do it in?

What Is Slow Travel?

Most backpackers typically seek to visit as many destinations as possible on a trip. Therefore, they choose to spend a few days in each place, seeing only the highlights before moving on.

By traveling in this way, you can visit around ten or so spots on a one-month trip, swiftly getting through your bucket list.  

A slow traveler typically spends longer in a destination than a traditional backpacker.

Slowing down your trip in this way allows you to experience each place on a deeper level, learn more about the culture, and even get involved in the community.

A slow traveler who spends one month in a particular city will have a completely different experience than a backpacker who passes through for a weekend.

Slow traveling allows you to get a greater sense of life in other parts of the world. By spending a few weeks to a few months somewhere, you may feel more like you temporarily live there rather than on vacation.

The additional time allows you to explore more of the city and the surrounding areas. You are also likely to do more ‘local’ activities than just the tourist attractions. 

How To Slow Travel

Slow travel is ideal for anyone who wants to travel for longer. However, it can seem that a one-year trip would be much more of a financial investment than a one-month vacation.

Therefore, many travelers worry that they will run out of money if they travel slowly like this.

However, there are ways that you can slow travel around the world without spending more money than you would on a shorter backpacking trip.

Here are five tactics you can use to travel slowly on a budget. 

Visit Destinations During Low Season

We slow travel to break away from the traditional tourist mindset.

Therefore, to see a destination differently and save money, I recommend planning your trip so that you visit each destination in the low season, or at least towards the end of the high season. 

As you know, hotels, tour operators, and even restaurants raise their prices at the beginning of the high season in anticipation of flocks of tourists.

However, as the season draws to a close and the crowds leave, prices come back down. So, arriving at this point is a brilliant idea if you want to travel on a budget. 

Not only will you get better deals everywhere in the off-season, but you will also experience a much more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

Without the tourist crowds, it’s much easier to see a city for what it truly is and integrate yourself into the community. 

However, the low season can mean extremely high temperatures in some parts of the world. Or, like in many tropical countries, the low season corresponds to the rainy season.

Even so, tropical rainstorms are usually short and heavy and don’t last all day. Therefore, you will still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your time there. 

Spend (At Least) One Month In Each Place

I recommend staying in each place for one month. If you’re used to staying just a few days in each location, one month may seem very long.

But I promise you, it is not. Aside from slowing down and exploring at a leisurely pace, you can snap up great accommodation deals if you commit to staying for a month. 

You can usually get monthly discounts at hotels and Airbnbs. However, you might be able to rent a studio apartment for one month for even cheaper.

You’ll also be able to save money on car or scooter rentals. Usually, rental companies have better deals for long-term rentals.

Live Like A Local

To keep your day-to-day costs low, look at and copy how the locals live.

Although the western restaurants may feel familiar and comforting when you’re in a foreign land, the food in these restaurants is often 5 times the price of local eateries.

While it’s OK to treat yourself to home comforts once in a while, doing so daily will seriously dent your budget. 

Some local restaurants also aim more towards tourists than locals, so prices will be higher. An easy way to find a proper local restaurant is to look for where you see the most locals eating.

Unless you’re traveling in Asia or South America, where eating out is extremely cheap, you’ll probably want to cook your own meals too.

Visiting food markets and buying groceries is a brilliant way to experience local life and keep your daily spending under control simultaneously. 

PSSST. Want to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work?

Choose Land Travel Instead Of Flying

Traveling without any time restraints opens up the opportunity to travel via different (and cheaper) modes of transport.

Instead of flying, look into the possibilities of traveling between destinations via car, bus, or train.

Yes, the journeys will be much longer and less comfortable than taking a flight.

However, you could save a considerable amount of money. Plus, traveling by land allows you to see very rural parts of the country.

Volunteer In Exchange For Accommodation

One of the best ways to slow travel around the world on a budget is to volunteer in exchange for free accommodation and food.

For example, many hostels will let you stay for free if you spend a few hours each day cleaning the dorms and common areas.

While it’s not glamorous work by any means, the money it will save you could allow you to double the length of your trip!

Many other ‘ volunteer for accommodation ‘ options are available if you’re not a fan of the hostel environment. I recommend using a trusted platform like Worldpackers to find opportunities.

Worldpackers vet and verify all the ads posted so you can rest assured that the placements are legit and trustworthy. 

On Worldpackers, you can find community projects run by local organizations or NGOs. This is a fabulous way to get involved in the community and make a real difference during your time there.

Volunteering on these kinds of projects can bring real meaning and purpose to your trip, with the bonus of having free accommodation, meals, and other benefits. 

There are also work exchange placements in schools, where you will get to teach English to underprivileged children.

Or, if you want to get in touch with nature, you can volunteer on a farm, an eco-lodge, or a campsite.

Want to learn more? Read our Worldpackers review .

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Best Destinations For Slow Traveling On A Budget

Now, let’s talk about the best destinations for slow travelers.

United States

The great news is, if you’re based in the US, you don’t need to leave the country to travel.

The USA’s diverse states and landscapes make the country perfect for slow traveling.

What’s more, you can take scenic road trips from one destination to the next without having to splash out on any expensive flights. 

However, the downside of traveling in America is that it is generally more expensive than in other parts of the world. Even so, one way to significantly cut your costs is to volunteer for accommodation at each destination. 

Worldpackers has over 150 US volunteer programs on its platform, ranging from hostel work to homestays to farm work. Some unique opportunities you can get involved in in the USA include:

• Caring for abandoned and neglected horses in Reeds
• Working in a hostel bar in Lake Tahoe
• Volunteering on a yoga retreat in Hawaii
• Browse more opportunities here

South America

South America is a slow traveling paradise for those on a tight budget, dance lovers, and anyone looking to learn Spanish.

The continent is exceptionally cheap, both to travel around and for day-to-day expenses. Plus, South America is just as diverse as North America. 

Slow traveling in South America presents a wide range of potential opportunities.

For example, you can trek Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon, party in Rio de Janeiro, and learn to salsa in Cartagena.

With so much to do and see here, you’ll undoubtedly want to extend your stay. You will find many brilliant charity organizations working across the continent.

They are always keen to offer free accommodation and meals to anyone who helps them out. 

In fact, South America is one of the easiest parts of the world to find volunteering opportunities in.

For example, Worldpackers has over 1000 listings for volunteer placements in Brazil alone! You can:

• Learn about sustainable farming in Brazil, 
• Paint artwork in a hostel in Chile
• Help to build an Earthship inspired art studio in Argentina 
• Take care of the stray dogs in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Asia is an incredible place to slow travel. You can take your time to experience the unique way of life in each Asian country and give some much-needed help to the communities.

Asia is also full of beauty, and short backpacking trips often miss out on so much. By slow traveling, you can get off the beaten path more and discover some of the hidden gems of this vibrant continent. 

If you’re a native English speaker, you will find hundreds of volunteer opportunities to teach English to underprivileged kids in Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and many more countries.

There is also plenty of charity and community work that you can get involved in where you will actively see your help making a difference.

Some cool and meaningful volunteer placements you can find on Worldpackers include:

• Working with Autistic children in Ha Noi, Vietnam
• Teaching yoga in the Philippines
• Caring for stray animals on Thai island
• Volunteering in an orphanage in Nepal
• Browse opportunities here

Australia is one of the most loved backpacking destinations worldwide. The country offers so much natural beauty, tons of adventure, and plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

However, traveling around Australia and taking trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, and Uluru can quickly become costly. 

Many backpackers in Australia fall in love with a particular town or city and begin volunteering in hostels, enabling them to extend their stay.

It’s easy to find hostels that will let you volunteer in exchange for a bed in a dorm.

However, there are also other types of volunteering options available that offer a more authentic Aussie experience. 

For example, on Worldpackers , you will find opportunities to:

• Help on farms in Western Australia’s wine regions
• Care for llamas in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales
• Clean the campgrounds on the gorgeous South Stradbroke island

There are so many wonderful European countries worth visiting, all with their own unique heritage and charm.

There is so much to see, like the lush green English countryside, Portugal’s medieval cities, Italy’s beautiful wine regions , and the immense Swiss Alps.

Therefore, it is essential to travel slowly through Europe.

However, like the USA, Europe can be an expensive continent to travel around. Therefore, volunteering for accommodation is a helpful way to explore more places while controlling your expenditure. 

There are so many fun volunteer opportunities on offer in Europe. Many help the environment, too, such as rejuvenating a forest in Portugal.

Other unique European volunteer placements on Worldpackers include:

• Au pairing in France
• Leading pub crawls in Croatia
• Living and helping on a yacht in Montenegro
• Taking care of reindeer in Norway

Final Thoughts On Slow Travel

As the travel industry finds its feet again, many parts of the world choose to keep additional entry requirements in place.

Therefore, it’s the perfect time to travel slowly, spend longer at each destination, and volunteer for a good cause.

And to help you have the best slow travel experience, we’re giving you $10 off your next Worldpackers membership .

Want to learn more about volunteering abroad? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Hostel work
• Workaway vs Worldpackers
• Worldpackers promo code

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In an era where bucket lists dictate travel itineraries and tourists hop from one landmark to another, a contrasting philosophy emerges – Slow Travel. It's not just about reducing pace but immersing oneself in the experience, forming genuine connections, and embracing the nuances of the journey.

The Heart of Slow Travel At its core, slow travel is an invitation to become part of local life, weaving oneself into the fabric of a community, its culture, and its daily rhythms. It rejects the whirlwind trips that leave you exhausted, opting instead for a more profound connection.

Engaging in local festivities can be a mesmerizing experience, drawing one closer to the community's heart.

Living, Not Just Staying The essence of slow travel is to live in a place, not merely stay. Instead of fleeting hotel visits, slow travellers often opt for holiday rentals that range from quaint cottages in the UK to agriturismos in Italy. These accommodations, equipped with essential amenities, offer the comfort of a home, enabling travellers to cook, relax, and live like a local.

The beauty lies in the details: shopping for groceries, daily interactions at the local café, or even casual chats with neighbors. Such interactions weave a richer, more intimate tapestry of memories than any rushed sightseeing trip ever could.

Slow travel isn't confined to bustling towns. Tranquil rural settings or serene beaches offer their own unique charm.

Deep Dive Exploration True to its name, slow travel encourages a gradual exploration. Instead of ticking off tourist hotspots, travellers immerse themselves in the immediate surroundings. Initial explorations might be on foot, expanding to bike rides and eventually venturing further, perhaps by train or car.

By prioritizing conversations over checklists, slow travellers often uncover hidden gems, from local stories to lesser-known spots, that standard tourists might overlook.

Engaging in traditional practices can be an enriching experience, revealing layers of a culture.

Beyond Just Sightseeing A significant advantage of slow travel is the time and flexibility it allows. It opens doors to unique experiences, be it volunteering at a local school, learning a new skill, or engaging in wwoofing. The concept of "voluntourism" melds travel with volunteering, providing travellers a chance to offer their skills in aiding local communities, making the journey both fulfilling and transformative.

Destinations Embracing the Slow Travel Ethos Recognizing the profound impact and potential of slow travel, some destinations are curating experiences tailored to the slow traveller. Slow Islands, for instance, champion not just the ethos of slow travel but also the gourmet delights of slow food.

Conclusion Slow travel is more than a trend; it's a transformative experience. It beckons travellers to dive deeper, form authentic connections, and return not just with souvenirs but with enriched stories and lasting memories. As the world becomes increasingly hurried, slow travel stands as a testament to the age-old adage: "It's the journey, not the destination."

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What Does Slow Travel Mean? (And How To Do It)

The first time I traveled on my own, I was 19 and studying abroad in the Netherlands. Every weekend was a mad dash to see a different city in 48 hours, and to experience as much of each city as possible — no museum, cathedral, park, or touristy attraction left unturned. 😵‍💫

“That breakneck speed, while a great tool to check destinations off a list, was no way to truly experience a destination.”

Spring break was the maddest dash of all, encompassing four cities in nine days and about half as much sleep as I should’ve gotten. Barcelona to Rome to Florence to Venice, then back in time for an 8 a.m. class on Monday.

I was beyond lucky to have had that experience, learning how to travel on my own, how to figure out a new city’s public transportation, and how to manage my time and budget. But that rapid pace began to set the tone for future trips I’d plan. A week in France? Make it two nights in every city. Three days to travel the whole of Ireland? No problem. 

That breakneck speed, while a great tool to check destinations off a list, was no way to truly experience a destination . During the weekdays while abroad in the Netherlands, I absorbed characteristics of the culture: The 10 a.m. coffee break everyone seemed to take, the food folks would eat for lunch, the way no one drew their shades at night. But the quick trips were something different. Sure, I checked Prague off my list — but I couldn’t even tell you how to say “thank you” in Czech, which sort of makes you question what the purpose of travel is in the first place.

“‘Slow travel’ presents an alternative to the see-every-country ethos.”

“Slow travel” presents an alternative to the see-every-country ethos. It tells us to accept that we won’t experience the entire world in one lifetime, and presents more sustainable travel options. 

What is slow travel?

Like slow living , slow travel comes from the mother of all “slow” movements: Italian political activist Carlo Petrini’s International Slow Food movement, founded in 1989. 

“At its core, I think slow travel is about intentionality and connection,” says Gi Shieh , a slow travel content creator. “It’s about spending more time at a destination to immerse yourself fully in the beauty and uniqueness of the land and its people.”

“Simply put, traveling slowly means staying for longer in one place.”

Simply put, traveling slowly means staying for longer in one place. Say you have nine days to travel — instead of hopping to three different cities or countries, consider spending all nine days at one destination, really getting to know the area.

Slow travel might also look like choosing destinations more off the beaten path, avoiding over-toured spots. According to CNN, some of 2023’s worst destinations for overtourism included Amsterdam, Phuket, and Venice, but some less traveled, alternative destinations might include the Netherlands’ Utrecht, Thailand’s Chiang Mai, or Italy’s Tuscan countryside.

Take the opportunity to connect with local people at your destinations. Stay in smaller bed-and-breakfasts, dine in small, locally owned restaurants, and chat with shop owners. 

“In general, move around less — and when you move, move slower.”

And when choosing transportation methods, you’ll want to think about the most sustainable options. When possible, replace planes with trains; or car rides with bikes and walks. In general, move around less — and when you move, move slower. It might take a few more hours to get from point A to point B, and that’s kind of the well, point. You’ll understand the landscape of a country from your train window, or the way the wind smells while you’re riding a bike. 

“Slow travel also means taking the time to note all the little details that make a place beautiful,” says Shieh, who also runs a blog on slow travel and sustainable fashion. “Like, how the Mediterranean sun hits the laundry drying on a balcony in the south of Italy or the specific cadence of honks of Vietnamese motorbikes during rush hour in Hanoi.”

What are the benefits of slow travel?

Besides lowering the carbon footprint of your trip, traveling slowly gives you a more mindful connection to the place you’re visiting. You likely won’t remember the time spent waiting in line to enter a popular sightseeing destination, but you will hang onto the conversation with a friendly local or the way you felt after a long, leisurely lunch.

“Traveling slowly gives you a more mindful connection to the place you’re visiting.”

Less time spent on planes or tour buses zipping around to new spots means more time (and money) to spend at restaurants that cook with local ingredients or wandering a town and picking up a handmade trinket that catches your eye. And when you choose less heavily toured destinations, it takes pressure off of over-toured spots with thinly stretched resources, like Hawaii or Bali.

Tips on traveling more slowly

1. plan to take some extra time..

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, it’s hard to step away for an extended period of time,” says Shieh, noting that travel itself is a luxury. “It’s important to acknowledge that slow travel is a huge privilege,” she says. “I feel so lucky to be able to experience the world at a slower, more intentional pace, and not everybody has the opportunity to do so!”

“If you only have a short travel window of a few days, use it to explore destinations closer to home that don’t require a flight.”

Not everyone has two weeks or more to spend leisurely roaming a foreign country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still travel more slowly. Plan trips many months in advance and for as long as you feel comfortable — maybe a six-day trip becomes a nine-day one that you spend in just one place. And if you only have a short travel window of a few days, use it to explore destinations closer to home that don’t require a flight.

And while traveling, “don’t overpack your itinerary,” says Lauren Fremont, executive director of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley , a small wine region known for slow travel and sustainable practices. “Leave room for unexpected delights and meaningful connections. That’s where the magic happens.”

2. Do your research.

“Think about going beyond the pictures you’ll take for social media.” – Matilda Reuter Engle, proprietor of Middleburg Hospitality

With a little extra time and planning, slow travel becomes a lot more feasible. Do your research on destinations, rather than just heading out where you’ve seen others go. Think about what you want to learn and experience during a trip, says Matilda Reuter Engle, proprietor of Middleburg Hospitality , which is focused on preserving historical traditions via hospitality in Virginia Piedmont. “Think about going beyond the pictures you’ll take for social media,” she says. “Identify the lifestyles, history, and ancestral traditions that ignite your curiosity.” 

If you’ve planned for a bit more time, consider stacking destinations relatively close to each other to make your travel more sustainable. For example, instead of spending a week in a European country this year and a week in a different European country next year, try doing the entire two-week trip in one go.

3. Stay at B&Bs or small hotels.

Once you have your destination, look for small business accommodations. Bed-and-breakfasts are fantastic — usually independently run, they pretty much hand you the opportunity to engage with the owners and the local community.

Choose small hotels over larger ones, especially all-inclusives that tend to use resources like food and water inefficiently. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule — some hotels have fantastic sustainability practices, but finding those involves, again, lots of time and research.

“If you go the Airbnb route, consider renting a room in house rather than an entire place to yourself.”

If you go the Airbnb route, consider renting a room in house rather than an entire place to yourself. Your host should have a wealth of information about exploring the area like a local, and staying with residents helps minimize your impact on the area’s housing stock.

4. Find ways to connect with the culture.

Along with accommodations that prioritize sustainability, Fremont looks for “experiences that showcase the region’s unique history, food, and traditions,” she says. “It’s about seeking authenticity and supporting businesses that share our ethos.”

“Maybe you join a fishing crew for the day and get to eat your catch, or your do a cheese tasting at the farm where it’s made.”

Read up on tours and activities that immerse you in the local culture — maybe you join a fishing crew for the day and get to eat your catch, or you do a cheese tasting right at the farm where it’s made, or you take a cycling tour from town to town.

“Go with the intention of honoring diverse ways of life, and stepping away from the fast-paced, technological world so many of us reside in on a daily basis,” says Engle. And if language is a barrier, Shieh offers that Facebook events and expat forums can be particularly helpful.

5. Ease yourself into it.

“Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to change your travel habits right off the bat,” says Shieh. If your travel history has looked anything like mine, that pedal-to-the-metal mindset won’t change overnight. 

“If your travel history has looked anything like mine, that pedal-to-the-metal mindset won’t change overnight.”

Maybe you start by bringing more intentionality into your domestic trips. If you’re traveling for a wedding, consider spending the week before or after exploring the area. Perhaps next year you spend a week somewhere you would’ve typically spent a few days, or you replace one or two flights with train rides. And then take it from there.

“We have an entire lifetime to travel.” – Gi Shieh, a slow travel content creator

“We often feel this pressure to see it all while we’re young,” says Shieh, “but actually we have an entire lifetime to travel.” Something that helped me feel better about doing and seeing less while traveling? No matter how fast you travel, you’ll never see, let alone experience, the entire world.

“By spacing your travels out over the course of a few years or even a few decades, it removes some of the pressure and allows you to fully settle into the experience that is happening right now,” says Shieh.

Make peace with not seeing the whole green earth, and it will allow you to make deeper connections in the places you do. 😌

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram !

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The power of slow traveling

Table of contents

The beauty of slow traveling

What is meant by slow travel?

More on traveling sustainably during your trip.

Exploring Panama by bike

Where does slow travel come from?

Nothing better than local food!

Benefits of Slow Travel – Why is slow traveling important?

You prevent exhaustion.

Time to calm down

You have a deeper travel experience

Central American bus rides are always fun

It helps to get connected

Slow traveling helps to save money

Strolling through Vietnamese markets

You leave your comfort zone with slow traveling

Have you ever done a boat trip that left you on a tiny island?

You support local businesses

Shopping where the locals go

Slow traveling treats the environment with care

Who is slow travel for?

On the way to the local bus in Costa Rica

How do I start slow traveling?

Take more time at one destination.

Take some time for yourself

Our wonderful Guesthouse Casa Papaki in Ometepe ( Nicaragua )

Immerse yourself into the local way of living

Be mindful of transportation.

Isn’t the bike one of the loveliest modes of transport?

Stay flexible with your travel plans

Sunset drinks in Utila

Avoid touristy places

More about reducing waste during your trip.

Copan Ruinas in Honduras

Travel off-season & off the beaten track

Alone at the beach in Paros

Be open to new experiences

Hiking around Lake Como (probably not the first thing you’d think of at this chic Lake, right?)

Examples of slow travel

• Road trips – Let the road be your destination and take you to places you wouldn’t have imagined before. Stop wherever you feel like, no matter if it’s a cute roadside café, a hidden campsite, or an unknown waterfall of which you’ve just read the sign.
• Traveling by local means of transport – Look out for the slow coach or regional train that takes you through totally untouristy villages and landscapes. And why not get off in a cute town you’ve never heard of before to check out their farmers market or to have a looong lunch break?
• Homestays – Why is it that so many people crave fancy hotels? Some of my best travel memories are from times that I’ve stayed with locals. This usually leads to unforeseen highlights such as a rustic family dinner with garden-grown veggies, homemade ice cream, a private traditional cooking class, or lots of cuddle time with their dogs.
• Long strolls – Instead of just hopping in between sights, put away your phone and map apps and just follow your nose. Take whatever alley looks cute and allow yourself to get lost. I’ve found the cutest corners in London this way, even after I had visited the city almost ten times. Walking tours with locals are also a great experience!
• Bike tours – How about skipping the tourist bus and either renting bikes and exploring by yourself or booking a bike tour? You’ll see the place from a completely different angle!
• Farm stays – Staying right where the local food grows is the best way to try a country’s real taste. Here you can also learn about traditional production methods, original recipes, and enjoy fresh food “zero km” or “farm to fork”. This could be a vineyard in Tuscany , a rural farm in the Alps, or a small lodge right next to a rice field in Vietnam.
• Sailing trips – Why always stay at a hotel? You can also stay on a sailing boat to explore different parts of a Mediterranean island or take the unique 5-day sailing adventure from Panama to Colombia. This is for sure a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
• Cooking with locals – You’ve never truly experienced a culture if you haven’t tried the local food. And even better, if you’ve cooked them. So book a local cooking class, and you can even take the taste home with you and cook for your family and friends. That’s better than any souvenir!
• Volunteering – Yep, volunteering is probably the best way to not only get to know the locals and their culture, but to also support the disadvantaged. So help out in a local organization, support building projects, or try wwoofing (working on organic farms).
• Freighter travel – You may have never heard of it, and it’s only an option for those who have a lot of time and are willing to refrain from any comfort and civilization. But freighter travel is a way to inexpensively travel around the world without airplanes or commercial cruise ships.

Volunteering in Guatemala

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17 comments.

Great read. I need to do some slow travel because I tend to do too much and sometimes come back from leave even more exhausted.

Hey Mayi, thanks for your feedback! Yes, that’s exactly what slow travel can prevent :) Try it out next time and see how you feel after leave.

I used to try to cram as much into my trips as possible, but that had to stop after I started traveling full-time. I think it just isn’t possible to do any other type of travel for an extended period of time! And honestly, I love slow travel so much more! I feel like I’m actually getting the most out of my travel experiences this way :) Awesome post, thanks for sharing this!

Hi Natalie, thanks for sharing your positive experiences with slow traveling! Especially when traveling full-time, there’s definitely no other way!

These are all brilliant ideas for slow travel…I noticed on our last trip we stayed in one area more and travelled around and our next is planned along the same way…when we travel in Europe, once we get their its trains and buses…I love this article thank you

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Jeanine! I especially love that you travel around Europe mostly in trains and buses. I also love this kind of transport. You just see so much more!

This is so brilliant to read: I’m a slow traveller myself more now than a decade or so ago as well as putting sustainability at the forefront of my travels. So so important and I also do many social responsibility projects when abroad. A wonderful post articulated beautifully.

That’s awesome! I love that you support responsibility projects when you’re traveling! This is so important not only in terms of slow traveling but also in traveling more sustainably. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the topic.

Lovely post! It was inspiring to read it. Slow travel is far more meaningful than we imagine it is.

Thanks for your feedback. So true! I think it will shape the future of the travel industry.

Wish I could slow travel more often but I can’t leave my dog for that long :(

The magic about slow travel is that you don’t have to travel for weeks or months. It’s a mindset that you can follow even during a long weekend or other short trip. The most important part is not traveling longer, but spending more time in one place instead of rushing through a destination. And I’m sure your dog would also love more relaxed time instead of transportation time :)

Lovely article Jill. There is so much more joy in slow travel and taking time to really soak up a destination. Great advice.

Thanks for your lovely words. You’re correct in everything you say! Happy travels :)

Lovely article. Slow travel has definitely changed my view of how to holiday, or see a place. A huge slow travel convert here. Planning some sailing trips this year and can’t wait!

Sailing trips sound like an amazing way of slow travel. I’d love to try it one day! So happy to hear that you’ve also fallen in love with slow traveling!

This article beautifully encapsulates the essence of slow travel, emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment and immersing oneself in the journey. The author’s insights truly resonate, reminding us to embrace the journey as much as the destination. WildKamp is an excellent resource for those seeking to enhance their slow travel experiences by connecting with nature at campsites across the globe.

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What is Slow Travel? | A Guide To Sustainable and Mindful Tourism

How well can you truly understand a place in just two days packaged deals, mass tourism, and swift travel may allow us to hop between multiple locations in a short span, but we barely get to connect and experience a place. slow travel challenges this notion, advocating for a mindful and immersive approach to sustainable tourism. here's an insight into how it works..

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2 days, one night. Next destination. 3 days, 2 nights… next aeroplane. After a two-week vacation, we had the opportunity to explore five different countries. While this rapid exploration allows us to experience diverse places, it comes with social and environmental consequences. Global tourism contributes to 8% of greenhouse gas emissions , with one significant factor being the rising number of flights and various modes of transportation that take us to numerous destinations in short periods. As many people rush to a single place, we also contribute to overcrowding. Additionally, it is hard to connect with a place, its community, and its essence in just a couple of days. Recognising these challenges, slow tourism is revolutionising how we approach travel and offers a solution to create meaningful experiences. Through this approach, the journey is as important as the destination.  

WHAT IS SLOW TRAVEL

Slow travel is not bound by a rigid definition or specific durations for staying in a place. Broadly, it embraces the idea of setting our own pace and travelling comfortably. The essence lies in moving away from the stress of trying to cover all the highlights of a destination within a short timeframe, only to rush to the next spot. In contrast, slow tourism advocates for visiting fewer places, prolonging our stay, and truly getting to know the essence of each location. It promotes a more authentic and meaningful travel experience, fostering a genuine appreciation for the intricacies and nuances of the places we explore.

TRANSPORTATION

The more unnecessary transportation we can avoid, the better. When travelling to multiple locations, planes often provide the fastest mode of transportation. However, if we can opt for trains or greener modes of transportation that’s better. Although these alternatives might take longer, with strategic trip planning we can space out travel time, alleviating the pressure to reach a destination urgently. By those means, cruise lines are generally off the list.

  When exploring a destination, organised tours often whisk us through as many points of interest as possible in a single day. This is a suitable option when time is of the essence. Nonetheless, in the context of slow travel, where time is more flexible, we have the freedom to opt for a more effortless pace. Walking or choosing eco-friendly, non-motorised transportation like bikes becomes an option. While this may mean visiting fewer spots, the absence of pressure to rush to the next location allows us to fully immerse ourselves in each place.

Naturally, if a particular location resonates with us, we can choose to spend the entire day there. Conversely, if it doesn't capture our interest, we can continue walking or cycling to the next destination. Furthermore, if we find a place that we genuinely love, where we feel comfortable, relaxed, or simply captivated by its beauty, there's always the option to return the next day.

© Dino Reichmuth via Unsplash

© Toms Rits via Unsplash

  SLOW TRAVEL IS ABOUT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

By this point, some may be wondering: What do we do for an extended period in one place? Slow tourism encourages us to engage in activities we genuinely enjoy or experiment with new ones. Particularly, it focuses on experiences rather than simply ticking off a checklist of must-see places in a country.

BECOMING A LOCAL

Slow travel extends beyond supporting the local community; it involves understanding and actively participating in it. If you're unsure where to begin, immerse yourself in cultural gatherings—attend local festivals, events, and community activities to gain a deeper understanding of the community. Explore the local art and music scene to appreciate the cultural creativity.

  Simply stroll through the neighbourhood, taking in the details. If a place captivates your curiosity, pause, and invest the time to explore and understand it. Often, these moments lead to discovering hidden gems like restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes. Embrace everyday life by exploring local markets and points of interest, providing a glimpse into the unique essence of your destination.

Taking the time to learn local phrases and words can open doors to meaningful interactions. As you journey through different points of interest, engage in conversations with residents to forge connections and gain insights into the community.

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

Slow travel is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our bond with nature. This method allows us to spend more time exploring hiking trails, visiting natural reserves, and camping in peaceful surroundings. It's the ideal time for adventurous spirits to try kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling, or paddle boarding. On the contrary, ff a slower pace is preferred, birdwatching, relaxing by the beach or lakeside, strolling through botanical gardens, or stargazing are all excellent possibilities. Certainly, a photography expedition is a fascinating option for photography enthusiasts. The idea is to participate in activities we enjoy while also stepping outside of our comfort zone and attempting activities that develop a meaningful connection with the place.

Moreover, for a truly mindful travel experience, consider embracing the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku , which means taking in the atmosphere of the forest . Also known as Forest Bathing, this concept encourages us to immerse ourselves in the environment to reap the therapeutic benefits of nature. Instead of emphasising physical exercise, the idea is to concentrate on the sensory experience and engage all our senses in nature—simply being present in the moment. Evidently, various studies demonstrate the physiological and psychological benefits of the practice. The practice can help decrease stress by lowering cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. Also, it enhances feelings of happiness, and creativity, which contribute to a healthier immune system.

© Pietro de Grandi via Unsplash

© Nick Night via Unsplash

USEFUL APPS FOR SLOW TRAVEL

Various apps can help us when engaging in slow tourism. First, Spotted By Locals offers city guides to experience cities like a local and discover hidden gems. Currently operating in 82 cities, the app offers insider tips, personalised recommendations, and up-to-date articles. Through Spotted By Locals, we can avoid overcrowding and discover places only locals know about. Definitely, it is a great tool to connect with the community, taste authentic food and contribute to the local economy.

Meanwhile, Geoguida is a navigation app tailored for slow travel. The travel app is designed to enhance walking, hiking, and cycling experiences by guiding travellers efficiently at a leisurely pace. It provides points of interest, attractions, routes, and valuable information about the local area. The app helps us get to know the area better while also promoting sustainable and responsible travel practices.

  For nature enthusiasts, we suggest using Plant Net —an app that enables us to identify plants through smartphone pictures. This citizen science project is designed to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of plant biodiversity. Developing a deeper connection involves understanding the local flora and their roles in the environment. If we are already captivated by nature, we can completely submerge ourselves in the natural world by slowly learning the intricacies of the flora surrounding us. Additionally, actively contributing to the project is possible by sharing personal plant observations.

BEST BOOKS FOR SLOW TRAVEL

If we are new to the concept, a great place to start is by reading “Slow Travel: A Movement” , by Penny Watson. The journalist and award-winning travel writer draws from experiences to encourage us to embrace slow tourism and build meaningful connections. The insider tips, and company and location recommendations put us to a good start for our next journey. Additionally, the philosophical approach of the book delves into understanding deeper concepts like cultural immersion and environmental sustainability.

For travel inspiration, we suggest "Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World" by DK Eyewitness. Featuring 200 once-in-a-lifetime experiences worldwide, from Antarctica to Zambia, the book is richly illustrated and recommends exploring by foot, bike, car, rail, or water. Emphasising the beauty of the journey itself, the book encourages relishing the travel experience rather than solely fixating on reaching the next destination.  

Furthermore, a great book to enhance our understanding of mindful experiences is “The Art of Slow Travel” by writer and slow traveller Bhavana Gesota. For the author, the path is as important as the destination. Gesota writes from personal experiences to showcase how deeply we can connect and experience each place we visit. The passionate writing engulfs the reader showing us that when we travel, we can also go through an internal transformative journey if we are mindful, slow travellers. It is all about savouring each location and experience at our own pace.

ONE FINAL TIP

Take a breather. It's perfectly fine to take a day off, or even two. Slow travel frees us from the need to hurry and experience everything in a rush. Engaging in mindful relaxation can significantly enhance our appreciation for the next adventure. Constant exploration and discovery can be draining. Often, when we find ourselves exhausted during travel, we push through simply because "we're already here, and we need to visit." However, fatigue can diminish how much we enjoy a destination.

Taking the time to rest is essential; after all, we're not machines. Seek out a peaceful spot, spend a day at the beach, or treat yourself to a visit to a local spa. Indulge in activities that bring relaxation. When we plan for slow travel, we afford ourselves ample time for stress-free enjoyment and the chance to rejuvenate before embarking on the next adventure. Remember, seeing the same place with fresh eyes and a rested mind can provide an entirely different, and more enjoyable, experience.

+  Highlight Image:

  © David Marcu via Unsplash

Francesco Witt

Luxiders Magazine

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An Easy Slow Travel Guide to Mastering the Art of Experiencing More

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Sustainable Travel | 2

Curious about slow travel and wondering how to do it? This detailed slow travel guide features tips and ideas to help you revolutionise the way you travel. 

Itineraries longer than our arms, endless tickets to book, queues at attractions, and underlying stress simmering below the surface… we’ve all been there. 

Holidays are supposed to be a relaxing break from our busy lives but more often than not we return home needing a holiday FROM our holiday. 

But what if you could experience more without running yourself ragged? What if you could travel in a way that benefits you and the place you’re visiting? What if you could be a sustainable traveller but still feed your wanderlust? 

The answer is slow travel. 

This comprehensive slow travel guide tells you how to experience more while doing less on holiday. 

What is slow travel?

To put it simply, slow tourism is a form of travel which involves ditching planes for overland transport such as trains, walking, cycling, or boating. 

On a deeper level, slow travel is a mindset focused on human connections and authentic experiences rather than viewing travel as a commodity. 

Slow travellers take their time to experience a destination instead of just passing through it. They seek real, first-hand connections with the people who live there rather than encounters designed for the tourist’s benefit at popular attractions. 

The aim of slow travel is to see MORE by doing LESS. This might seem counterintuitive but it’s the quality of the experiences that matter, not the quantity.

For example, rather than cramming all of Italy into a two-week itinerary, you spend a week or two getting to know Tuscany. 

Slow travel is sustainable travel. It gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path, contribute to the local economy, and enjoy the journey rather than focusing only on the destination. 

It benefits you too. You feel more rested and fulfilled, and with a deeper understanding of the place you’ve visited.   

What are the origins of slow travel?

Slow travel has its roots in the slow food movement which ignited in Italy during the 1980s to fight against McDonald’s opening near Rome’s Spanish Steps. 

The fast food chain represented all that was wrong with the way life was speeding up alongside people’s dwindling interest in the food they were eating. 

Officially founded in 1989 in Piedmont by Carlo Petrini, Slow Food International sought to rekindle the appreciation for the small, local producers, chefs, artisans, and farmers that make Italy’s food so renowned. 

The same principles behind the slow food movement form the basis of slow travel too. Just like slow fashion and slow living in general. 

Who is slow travel for?

First, let’s bust some misconceptions. Slow travel is not just for retirees or digital nomads with buckets of time and money to travel. 

Slow travel suits everyone young and old from budget backpackers to luxury travellers as well as families, couples, and groups. There are no restrictions!

Travelling slowly isn’t about the amount of time you have, it’s about what you DO with that time. Your five-day trip can still count as slow travel. 

The only requirements to slow travel are being open, going with the flow, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. I’ll share more about how to do this later. 

The benefits of slow travel 

Here are some top reasons why the slow travel movement is so important. 

You experience local culture 

Slow travel invites you to interact with the local community away from the tourist attractions. 

You can get to know the local culture by taking part in a traditional activity or event, learning the language or finding the best restaurant that tourists don’t know about. 

You get to see what it’s like to live there and meet people with fascinating stories to tell. 

Plus, getting an authentic cultural understanding helps bust prejudices or misconceptions about a place. Read my guide to taking ethical travel photos to find out more. 

It benefits the local economy 

The longer you stay in a place, the more money you will spend on shopping, days out, and buying souvenirs from local businesses etc. 

In other words, your hard-earned cash goes directly into the local economy rather than the pockets of large international companies – otherwise known as tourism leakage. 

A sustainable way to travel 

Slow tourism is more sustainable because your positive contributions to the local area outweigh the negatives. 

You support local businesses, go off the beaten path, use public transport, avoid tourist hotspots, and travel at a slower pace rather than rushing around. 

It lowers your carbon footprint

The faster you travel (flights, driving etc) the bigger your carbon footprint. The slower you go (hiking, cycling or staying put in a place for longer), the lower your impact. 

That’s not to say you can’t fly at all as a slow traveller. You should just make sure to use lower-impact transport when you’re there. 

Slow travel relies most on public transport which requires less fuel and has fewer carbon emissions than planes. 

For example: 

• A return flight from London to Amsterdam is 136kg per passenger
• A return train journey from London to Amsterdam is 27.2kg per passenger

A note on cars: driving isn’t always more carbon-efficient than flying. Your carbon footprint varies depending on the number of passengers, the car’s model, and what it runs on. 

Slow travel saves money 

Since you’re spending longer in places, it’s easier to budget. You don’t have to pay for expensive plane tickets or tourist attractions. 

Instead, you live more like a local by eating at cheaper restaurants, cooking at your accommodation, and using public transport. 

You see more 

Slow travel asks ‘what do you want to experience?’ rather than ‘where do you want to go?’ By spending longer in a region or place, you start to really see it. 

Perhaps you’ll have a chance to see market day or experience a local custom? Maybe you’ll find a new favourite coffee shop or discover something that’s not on your original itinerary!

Travel shouldn’t be about following a cookie-cutter itinerary of the next person. It’s an experience uniquely tailored to you. Giving yourself the time to experience a place makes it unique to YOU. 

You meet more people 

It’s a given that if you’re going to spend longer in a place, you’re going to meet more people – and that’s exactly what travelling should be about! 

It reduces overtourism 

Slow travel reduces the impact of overtourism because it’s less about chasing the thrill of a ‘must-see’ and more about authentic experiences. 

As a slow traveller, you’re not following the well-worn tourist trail to the top attractions. Instead, you stay in fewer places, avoid expensive tourist hotspots, and go off the beaten path. 

This alleviates the pressures of overtourism in busy places and gives money to overlooked areas. 

You feel less like a tourist 

When you travel at a slower pace, you see what the destination is like from a local’s point of view. 

You might become more familiar with the culture and infrastructure (like how the public transport system works) or learn some of the language. 

In other words, you feel more connected to the place and its people!

It’s better for you

Our daily lives are hectic enough without making our holidays busy too. Slow travel allows you to enjoy your trip rather than cramming as much as you can into your itinerary. 

Trust me, you’ll feel much more refreshed when you arrive home from your slow travel holiday. 

This is what travel is all about!

Slow travel reminds you why you love to travel in the first place. It takes you further than what you read online or see on social media for an immersive experience that’s unique to you.  

Ecotourism and slow travel 

Ecotourism and the slow travel experience go hand in hand because they both benefit small off-the-beaten-path communities in an eco-friendly way. 

Like ecotourism, slow tourism helps to develop our cultural awareness and understanding of nature in the places we travel. 

Many experiences rooted in ecotourism are already examples of slow travel. Read my list of ecotourism activities to see the connection. 

The best ways to travel slowly 

These are some of the best slow travel activities: 

Backpacking 

Typically associated with twenty-year-olds travelling on a budget (most likely in Southeast Asia), backpacking is an easy way to travel slowly too. 

You move slowly from one place to the next using public transport as it’s often the cheapest way to travel. 

Perhaps you’ll stay in a hostel for a few weeks at a time, maybe working for six months and travelling for the next six? There’s no rush. 

Housesitting 

What if you could get all your accommodation for free when you travel? Housesitters take care of a homeowner’s property and pets while they’re away in exchange for free accommodation. 

You do basic cleaning, water house plants, feed the pets, and collect any mail for the agreed-upon length of time. It’s a great way to get to know the area and live like a local. 

Always go through a proper website like Trusted Housesitters for your safety. 

Remote working 

It’s never been easier to work from anywhere and adopt the digital nomad lifestyle. Remote working gives you the chance to settle down and experience the place for longer. You live there rather than travel through it. 

While being a digital nomad in itself is legal, digital nomads tend to travel on tourist visas which is a legal grey area. You’re not supposed to work on a tourist visa. 

However, an increasing number of countries are launching their own digital nomad or remote working visas.  

A note on renting: If you decide to stay in an Airbnb, try to avoid areas that have housing issues. Many communities are being priced out of their homes or can’t find anywhere to move because of holiday rentals. 

Cycling holidays

Cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to travel since carbon emissions are reduced to a minimum.

It allows you to slow down and take in your surroundings. Plus, it’s great exercise, gives you lots of fresh air, and a digital detox!

Make sure you’re comfortable on a bike and you’re physically able to handle the long days of cycling. That doesn’t mean you have to be a fitness fanatic though. You can go at your own pace and watch your stamina grow each day. 

Create your own cycling itinerary or find guided and self-guided tours at Skedaddle, Much Better Adventures, and H+I Adventures. 

Train travel 

Many new train routes and sleeper trains are cropping up, making it easy to travel around mainland Europe without flying. 

Travelling by train invites you to enjoy the journey. There are few luggage restrictions, no extra waiting around at airports, and you can sit back and watch the changing geography unfurl outside your window. 

Trains in Europe are affordable and if you opt for a sleeper, it saves you the cost of a hotel room for the night. These trains are modern and comfortable too with sleeping arrangements to suit your budget. 

See the Man in Seat 61 for train route itineraries in meticulous detail. I hope to take the train from London to Italy one day!

Homestays 

Where better to live like a local than with a local? During a homestay, you stay with a local family in their home as their guest. 

Homestays give you the opportunity to stay in places that might not have hotels or other tourists. It’s also a great way to try home-cooked dishes, get travel tips, and support the local economy. 

Stay safe by booking your homestay through a legitimate platform. Homestay is an obvious one. Another good option is Workaway if you want to combine a homestay with volunteering or a working holiday. 

Multi-day hikes 

Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with the place you’re travelling through. Plus, it’s easy to build a hiking itinerary to suit your interests. 

You can hike through the countryside, passing through small towns and villages as you go. Stay in hotels or go camping, incorporate the history of the local area or make the focus food and wine.

A hiking trip can be as long or as short as you like. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles and ensure you’re physically up to the challenge you’ve given yourself. 

Slow travel tours

Intrepid Travel runs guided small group tours all over the world and each one is led by a local guide, focuses on local experiences, and incorporates homestays throughout. 

If you prefer the self-guided approach, Byway Travel creates bespoke itineraries without a single flight involved. 

Original Travel uses local concierges to help you get an authentic experience of the place you’re visiting. For more tour ideas, read my guide to the best sustainable travel companies.

Off the beaten path 

Going off the beaten path is a key part of slow travel. This means avoiding the well-worn tourist trails and opting for lesser-known places that appreciate your custom more. 

It’s not about visiting places that are unsafe. You’re choosing regions that tourists don’t know about.   

Think of alternative destinations to the most popular places. For example: 

• Riomaggiore instead of Cinque Terre in Italy 
• Foelgandros instead of Santorini in Greece
• Choquequirao instead of Machu Picchu in Peru 
• Doubtful Sound instead of Milford Sound in New Zealand
• Lombok instead of Bali in Indonesia 

You get the idea!

Farm-to-table experiences

Farm-to-table experiences mean getting to know where your food comes from in the local area. Absolutely no food air miles and no fast food! 

So what does a farm-to-table experience look like? How about seeing how halloumi is made in a Cypriot village before eating it at the restaurant around the corner? 

Or perhaps doing a wine trail tour in the Central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island? The possibilities are endless (and utterly delicious!). 

Easy slow travel tips 

Here are some quick tips to help you master the art of slow travel: 

Leave gaps in your itinerary 

Don’t try to plan every moment of your trip. Allow yourself to go with the flow and see where it takes you. 

Have a few must-dos in place but be flexible in case you want to move things around. Leaving gaps in your itinerary will allow you to stay curious about the place you’re visiting. 

Pay attention to how you’re feeling too. Don’t fancy doing that walking tour? Don’t! It’s your trip. 

Choose alternative ways to travel 

If you’re travelling closer to home, look at alternatives to flights. We’re more connected than ever and it has never been easier to get the train rather than fly. 

Similarly, when you’re travelling, use public transport rather than flying to multiple places.

Look for authentic experiences 

The best way to see below the surface of a destination is to ask the locals for recommendations. Start with the local Visitor Centre or ask the reception staff at your hotel. 

Avoid big tourist attractions which will only have you fighting through crowds just to get a photo. Most of the time, they just aren’t worth the hassle. 

Slow travel destinations and holidays

Any country in the world can be a slow travel destination!

Here’s a quick list of some of the easiest countries to slow travel in, and some trip ideas to get you started. 

New Zealand 

New Zealand is a beginner-friendly destination for backpackers. It was the first destination I visited as a solo traveller.

I spent over three months travelling from the top of the North Island to the southern point of the South Island. 

Slow travel ideas: Backpacking! New Zealand has an easy-to-navigate backpacking culture. You can find cool hostels, flexible backpacking tours, and amazing scenery.  

Australia 

Australia is so vast that slow travel is the only way to do it any amount of justice. You can spend from six months up to one or two years here and still not see it all. 

Australia’s landscape differs throughout the country so you’ll always encounter something new. The lively travel culture makes it a no-brainer for many backpackers.

Slow travel ideas: Australia has an abundance of epic road trips like Coral Coast to Broome in the west. Hop in a campervan and feel the freedom of the open road. 

Another vast country with so much to see, there’s a reason why so many Americans rarely venture outside of it. You can find every type of landscape here from deserts to mountains. It’s a land of contrast. 

Slow travel ideas: USA is well-known for its national parks such as Yellowstone and Rocky Mountains National Park. If you’re a nature lover, why not pick one to explore either by road or on foot?

Canada 

Canada offers plenty of opportunities to embrace slow travel and get off the beaten track. 

Sample the quiet fishing village life in Newfoundland where the seasons are part and parcel of life. Or get deep into nature at a remote retreat surrounded by rainforest. There’s so much to see and do.

Slow travel ideas: Road-tripping is an amazing experience in Canada but if you don’t drive, you can enjoy a 1200-mile train journey through Western Canada for just over $100. 

Mainland Europe 

Mainland Europe provides ample opportunities for slow travel as it’s so diverse and interconnected. 

Interrail is a fantastic way to get around and you can find a pass that suits your budget and timeframe. 

Notable countries include: 

Portugal 

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Western Europe. It’s also easy to get around with FlixBus (I did this when I spent three weeks in Portugal during the summer!). 

Slow travel ideas: Make Lisbon your base and explore the Algarve or wine-producing Alentejo region. Or why not make the most of Portugal’s new digital nomad visa and work in a sunny beach town? 

France 

France is well suited to that slower pace of holiday – and it’s so easy to get there by train from the UK. Get outside Paris and find picturesque French towns nestled within a beautiful and diverse countryside. 

France has plenty of road trips you can do but more eco-friendly options include the high-speed TGV train or cycling holidays. 

Slow travel ideas: France is known for its cycling (Tour de France!). 

Why not cycle the Garden of France aka the Loire Valley? The 800km cycling route takes you through a UNESCO World Heritage Site with castles and wineries to look out for. 

Italy 

Where better to enjoy slow travel than in the birthplace of the slow food movement? Head out of the cities and discover a slower-paced life in the regions of Piedmont, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Or explore Italy by train in search of ‘La Dolce Vita.’

Slow travel ideas: Walking holidays mixed with wine-tasting and cooking classes are popular. 

Or why not go wilder still with a multi-day hiking adventure in the Italian Dolomites? You could also create an Italy by train itinerary – something I’m keen to do myself too!

United Kingdom

The UK has plenty of slow travel opportunities (despite trains being expensive). Enjoy walking routes, such as the Hadrian’s Wall Path, the Cotswolds Way, and the Snowdonia Way. 

Wales is also a great place for cycling holidays, and you can camp or road trip your way around Scotland and Northern Ireland. The possibilities are endless!

Slow travel ideas: Why not explore Britain’s waterways by narrowboat? You can hire a boat with a skipper or learn the ropes yourself.  

Spain is one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe, but you can still find a slower pace of travel off the beaten path. 

The Balearic islands of Mallorca and Menorca are quieter than some of their party-hub neighbours. Here, you can find pretty fishing towns and incredible seafood. 

Alternatively, Northern Spain is less touristy (if you avoid Barcelona), the scenery is breathtaking, and the food and wine are exceptional. 

Slow travel ideas: Northern Spain’s Feve trains run on a trio of railways that are often hidden from railway maps. 

Running on 1000mm narrow-gauge lines, they connect Bilbao in the Basque Country to Ferrol Galicia with more than 100 stops along the way. 

Slovenia is the first country in the world to be declared a Green Destination. Its capital Ljubljana is one of the few cities in Europe with a car-free centre. 

Public transport is easy to use and accessible both inside and outside of the cities so slow travel is a no-brainer!

Slow travel ideas: Slovenia’s tourism board has put together an exciting new cycling route which is perfect for foodies and nature lovers. 

The Green Gourmet Route passes boutique sustainable wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants. It takes about two weeks to complete and it can be guided or self-guided. 

Slow travel FAQs

Does a cruise count as a slow travel holiday?

While you’re technically travelling overland, cruising doesn’t count as slow travel. Cruises contribute to overtourism as they unleash thousands of passengers on a port at a given time. 

Passengers rarely spend longer than a few days at the port so they don’t have a chance to support the local economy or get to know the culture. 

A passenger on a cruise ship emits about two times more CO2 than someone who flies and stays in a hotel! 

Boat travel tip: look for smaller expedition ships like Hurtigruten or container ships instead of enormous passenger cruise liners.

Does flying count as slow travel?

The further away you want to travel, the more time you need. An endless amount of time to travel isn’t a luxury that most can afford. 

While flying isn’t technically viewed as slow travel, you can still embrace its core principles when you reach your destination. 

As a slow traveller, you don’t have to give up flying altogether as long as your intention is to fly less while experiencing more. 

Does slow travel require lots of time and money?

No, anyone can enjoy slow travel. They don’t have to be retired, rich, or digital nomads. 

This guide should give you plenty of slow travel inspiration whether your trip is a weekend or several months!

Can families travel slowly? 

Yes! Slow travel is an enriching experience for children . Plus, spending longer in a place is much less stressful than attempting to cram as much as you can into an itinerary. 

How do you prepare for your slow travel trip?

Ditch your rigorous itinerary but don’t forgo research! I recommend reading up on your destination so you know what you’ve got yourself into. 

More tips include: 

• Learn about the customs and traditions 
• Learn a little bit of the language like ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘hello’ 
• Wise up on exploitation so you know what to avoid 
• Pick a few activities you would like to do but leave time for wandering

Slow travel guide final thoughts 

I hope this slow travel guide has helped you see the benefits of a gentle travel pace.

When it boils down to it, slow travel holds many of the core reasons why we travel – for meaningful connections, new adventures, and memories that last a lifetime. 

What’s not to like? 

If you have any questions about how to slow travel or would like to discuss the topic further, my inbox is always open.

Looking for more sustainable travel tips? These articles can help!

• What Is Sustainable Travel and How to Do It?
• 10 Amazing Ecotourism Activities To Do Around The World
• 15 Best Ethical Animal Experiences Around the World
• No-Fly Holidays: London to Barcelona by Bus (Review)
• What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important?

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

Good to know that slow travel is catching up with travellers. It is a good way to experience more without getting tired. Moreover, slow travel is good for reducing the carbon footprint.

You’re right, it’s an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling!

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Hello, I’m Francesca

My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable.

Little Lost Travel is your complete guide to nature-based and sustainable travel. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more!

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Last Updated on 13/10/2023

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How to Enjoy Slow Travel

Written by daisy valdes, travel tips | adventure travel | outdoor travel | rv lifestyle | travel.

Ever wanted to make the most out of vacation? Slow travel is about exploring new places and immersing yourself in the local cultures. Discover the benefits of traveling slowly and tips on how you can enjoy it! 

Have you ever noticed how fast-paced your travels can be? It’s like racing to see everything, but you end up actually seeing nothing.

I’ll admit I was one of those travelers racing through cities, trying to see everything in a week. My travel plans looked like a marathon, and I was constantly stressed trying to plan the next best thing. In this rush, I realized I missed exploring the culture and locations that made the area unique.

Which is why I started to embrace slow travel.

Slow travel—also known as “meaningful travel,” “low impact,” and “sustainable travel”—offers a laid-back approach that values quality over quantity. By living more sustainably and being conscious of how you travel, you can improve your mental well-being and foster a sense of community, all while deeply exploring the world.

What's in This Article:

Tips for Enjoying Slow Travel

Slow travel is not about how many cities you can visit in a week but how deeply you can connect with the area and enjoy yourself.

It’s about enjoying your vacation to the fullest instead of chasing surface-level experiences.

So how can you slow travel and enjoy it?

Learn to Stay Longer in Fewer Places

When you learn to stay longer in fewer places, it starts to feel more like a home rather than a location to be crossed off on a list. So why not have more homes in every country?

Instead of staying one or two days in an area before moving on, consider spending 7 to 10 days there so you can explore everything there is to see and do!

Especially if you are a digital nomad , you can work virtually from anywhere. So you can rent out an entire apartment for a month as you explore new cities and destinations.

As you stay longer in fewer places, you can explore more and connect with the locals, all while making unforgettable memories.

Opt for Overland Travel

When traveling to places less than a day away, instead of flying, you can opt for overland transportation options such as taking a train or bus ride.

My favorite way of overland travel is by car, van, and RV , especially if you’re taking a road trip across the country. Imagine you’re taking a road trip through the mountains, and you see an elk eating on the side of the road! That is such an incredible sight you could not have seen if you were traveling fast by plane.

Elk on the side of the road during a road trip across North Carolina. Photo by Daisy Valdes

By opting for overland transportation, you can also take an amazing train ride across the Rocky Mountains . Where you can enjoy the beautiful countryside landscapes, experience unforgettable excursions, and even have a relaxing spa day before or after your train ride.

That sounds way more enjoyable than dealing with the stress of airport security and the anxiety that comes with flying.

So despite how you travel, try to opt into overland transportation so that you can enjoy yourself more and reduce your carbon emissions, all while traveling in style.

Plan Less, Explore More

While having a plan is great, you can easily get frustrated or upset when things don’t go as planned. Instead, embrace spontaneity and give yourself unplanned room to discover new adventures.

This is personally how I make the most out of my vacations. I plan the basics, such as transportation, accommodations, and a couple of main activities, but the rest of the trip is free to explore new activities based on local recommendations or adventures.

This is precisely what I did when I booked an adventure based on a local’s recommendation to go horseback riding through the Andorran mountains. I loved this activity, and it was such a fun and spontaneous experience!

Spontaneity can lead to the best experiences, such as horseback riding through the mountains of Andorra. Photo by Daisy Valdes

So, instead of scheduling your day with jam-packed activities, allow yourself the freedom to explore the area. You may even become more spontaneous as you decide to visit new places, take part in new adventures, and grow into a more confident traveler.

Connect with the Community

The best thing about traveling slowly is developing deep and meaningful connections with people.

When you’re not rushing across cities, you can invest time in exploring the local area. You can learn about the local language, people, traditions, and dance rhythms.

When I traveled to Kenya, I made it a point to learn a new Swahili phrase every day. I also took dancing lessons with the Maasai Tribe to learn their famous and traditional dance, Aumdu. This enhanced my experience while in Africa and bonded me with the locals as we had a mutual understanding and respect for one another. Plus, I learned awesome dance moves that I got to bring back home with me.

Daisy Valdes dancing with the Maasai tribe in Kenya. Photo by Daisy Valdes

So, as you travel slowly, you can enjoy the experience of connecting with the local communities and making new memories that will last a lifetime.

The Benefits of Slow Travel

As you begin the art of slow travel, you will discover many benefits.

You Can Explore More

You might assume by traveling slowly, you see less compared to traveling to multiple cities in one day. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. By staying in one area longer, you cut out the dead time spent in transit, and you can enjoy your vacation more!

Slow travel allows you to explore more and still work on the road. Photo by Matthias Zeitler via Pixabay

Slow travel is perfect for those who want to explore more and gain a deeper connection with the area’s culture.

It is especially ideal for digital nomads, as you can explore an area more while focusing on your work. Plus, traveling slowly increases your work productivity and improves your work-life balance since you’re not worried about rushing to the next destination.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact

The best part about traveling slowly is that you inherently travel more sustainably . The sustainable side of slow travel emphasizes the reduction of carbon emissions, support for local economies, and prevention of over-tourism.

For example, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact by staying longer in fewer places and choosing overland transportation. Plus, by choosing more environmentally friendly activities, you can explore the untouched areas of a country while experiencing its full beauty.

During one of my first vacations after I started practicing slow travel, I met up with a group of people and went mountain biking through the breathtaking mountains of Andorra. I could explore the local area, meet new friends, and participate in a fun, environmentally friendly activity!

Mountain biking in Andorra. Photo by Daisy Valdes

By traveling slowly, you can explore the world and positively impact both the environment and the communities you visit.

Slow Travel Improves Your Mental Well-being

The stress that comes with traveling is often a hidden topic that most people don’t talk about. Especially the anxiety that comes with rushing to the next location and never thoroughly enjoying the present moment.

But when you give yourself the luxury of time, you naturally feel more calm. This is true when you travel slowly.

So instead of rushing to do all the activities in a city in one day, try spending an entire week in an area so you can truly enjoy all that a place has to offer.

Not only will you naturally lower your stress and anxiety levels, but you will allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in the culture and live in the present moment at every place you travel.

It Reduces Your Financial Burdens

Traveling slowly is an excellent way for you to save money. When you don’t hop from place to place, you can spend less on high transportation costs and fees. Plus, if you stay longer in one spot, you can enjoy various “long-term stay” discounts on your hotel accommodations.

Also, when you’re not always on the go, you have more time to discover fun, low-cost activities in the area. Slow travel allows you to enjoy more while spending less, whether it’s a local park, a budget-friendly meal, or a free event.

Starting Your Slow Travel Journey

So, next time you plan a trip, ask yourself: Do you want to check places off a list, or do you want to truly experience it?

By choosing to travel slowly, you can truly experience a place, its culture, and its people. It’s not just about saving money or reducing stress; it’s about enriching your soul and travel experience.

Give slow travel a try, and let your journeys leave lasting imprints on your heart. We invite you to explore  Wander With Wonder for more ideas on road trips and living the RV lifestyle .

Slow Travel FAQs

What is slow travel.

Slow travel is about connecting with those you meet and discovering the people, the culture, the food, and other aspects of daily life.

Why is Slow Travel the Best Way to Travel?

Slow travel encourages more eco-friendly experiences. You don’t try to go to as many different places; you choose public transportation and road trips over airline travel; you support the local economy.

What Makes Slow Travel Special?

Slow travel embraces the local communities you encounter. It fosters a connection with people rather than attempting to check something off your bucket list. It is about embracing the moment and digging deep to discover the heart of a destination.

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What is Slow Travel? And How to Do It

27. Oct. 2021

Is it just us, or is travel, and the desire to travel, everywhere? Travel has become a ubiquitous part of life for so many people, particularly now that technology has made it seem much more accessible. Take a look online. Instagram is full of travel-focused accounts showcasing the world’s most beautiful places. YouTube gives adrenaline-junkies a perfect platform to share their adventures. Airbnb provides stunning, photo-ready accommodations accessible at every price point. One study even showed that people were more likely to travel somewhere if they thought it would result in an increase in their social media following and engagement .

Seeing travel as a way to keep up with trends and become more popular online can actually stop you from experiencing the true benefits of getting out of your own bubble. The people who are leaving behind slow travel in favor of quick trips to stunning and inspiring places rack up more “likes”, so it can feel like we’re missing out if our own experiences don’t stack up against theirs.

Talk about FOMO.

If you find yourself making an extensive list of the places around the world that you want to check off of your bucket list, it may be time to take a step back and think about the reason behind your desire to travel. What do you want out of your travels? A fast and furious tour seeing ‘everything there is to see’, changing locations every 2-3 days? Or do you want to feel like a local, spending leisurely days strolling off the beaten path? If you’re craving a more authentic experience, one that leaves you with a feeling that you truly got to know the places, people and cultures that you’ve encountered on your travels it could be time to s l o w down. Learn more about this lifestyle by reading our guide on how to become a digital nomad .

Join a community of like-valued professionals on a work and travel program

What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is an approach to travel that emphasizes connection: to local people, cultures, food and music. It relies on the idea that a trip is meant to educate and have an emotional impact, in the present moment and for the future, while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment.

Heard of the slow food movement ? It originated in Italy in 1986 and aimed to preserve regional cuisine, local farming and traditional cooking methods through education of tourists and local residents. People were realizing that increased tourism was changing the way that people were eating, bringing larger, chain-based restaurants to major cities and taking away profits from family-owned establishments. The slow food movement worked to draw business back to traditional restaurants by touting the benefits of using regionally-sourced ingredients and stimulating local economies.

Different industry, same concept. Where travel is considered, a “slow” mindset urges tourists to take a step back from their to-do lists and Instagram-worthy photo ops and simply embrace what the local community has to offer. Instead of making sure you hit the “hot spots” outlined in a travel guide, focus on things that locals do everyday, things that excite them and give them joy. The impact that these connections have on you will last a lot longer than the memories that you have of racing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction.

This is not just a way to travel, it’s a mindset. It’s the outlook that the quality of your experience is more important than the quantity of your experiences when you travel.

You can wake up without plans for the day, unsure of the adventures that await you, but with the knowledge that what you’ll experience will mean so much more than a post to social media could convey.

Many travelers like to use the phrase “there’s always another trip” to convey that it’s impossible to see or do everything within a city in a short amount of time. It’s okay to save some of the sights for another visit. Instead of racing to do it all, indulge in experience-based activities.

When you visit a museum, give yourself enough time to fully immerse yourself in its artworks. Ponder the meaning behind a painting, or imagine the artist’s thoughts as he or she sculpted an object from clay or stone. Lose yourself in the meaning behind the duality of identity in Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits. Absorb and analyze the cultural impact of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist works. Remember: you don’t need to visit every wing or exhibit - you can always come back.

What other impactful local activities could you only experience if you were traveling slowly? Imagine learning how to create handmade beads from a local artisan, heading out with a resident fishing crew to reel in the day’s catch or getting to know the proper intricacies of drinking mate from a born-and-raised Argentinian.

You want to find something on this trip that leaves a fingerprint on your soul. Whether it be an evening spent wandering through a local park, a day pondering artistic intention in a museum or an afternoon white water rafting in the mountains, Whether it be an evening spent wandering through a local park, a day pondering artistic intention in a museum in Paris, an afternoon white water rafting in the mountains or going on a day trip from Mexico City , you’ll search for an adventure that will make you feel something.

Benefits of Slow Travel

Slow travel has many benefits for the traveler and the community that they’re visiting. In a way, it’s a return to the reasons that people had traveled in the past, for a cultural experience or a chance to lose themselves in a new place without the need to document every moment. Here are a few  reasons you should consider travelling slowly:

Prevent “tourist burnout”

Have you ever left a trip more tired than when you arrived? That’s a little thing that travelers call “tourist burnout”. Trying to see or experience as many things as possible within a short period of time can be exhausting, and actually leave you with a negative view of your time on the road as a whole.

Ditch your typical frenetic mentality and slip into the pace of the local culture. Instead of thinking of your trip as a list of as a checklist, reframe it as an opportunity for growth, education and development . That to-do list that you created doesn’t need to be fully completed in order for your travels to have been successful. You can always head back to that destination later to see what you missed!

Traveling slowly can be a more inexpensive option than a typical tourist jaunt. Chain hotels and big-name restaurants tend to be  pricier, and they don’t offer the type of charm or experience that a local spot would. Beyond the places that you’ll visit during the day, you can save money on the space where you’ll lay your head at night. Seeking out local Airbnb options or even homestay opportunities could be the key to a connected, life-changing experience on your next trip. If you have a kitchen in your accommodations, bonus! You won’t have to eat out quite so often (though you may be tempted to with all of that amazing cuisine), and you can find regional ingredients with which to make a culturally-relevant meal with your own two hands.

Make connections

We’re going to let you in on a secret: you won’t meet anyone who has the ability to change your life if your head is stuck inside of a tourist guide. Look up and look around. Learn a bit of the local language before you arrive so that you can engage in brief conversation with shop owners. A short conversation with a man working at a bakery could turn into an opportunity to learn how to make your own bread and, later, a traditional meal with his family where you can make even more connections. You never know what could happen when you take the time to slow down and get to know the people in the city that you’re traveling in.

Break out of your comfort zone

This way of travelling isn’t always simple, planned or easy. It requires a certain level of confidence that things will work out, or that you will be able to figure them out along the way. There will be moments during your experience that scare you, but these are the moments that can teach you a lesson that you could carry with you for the rest of your life. You may need to overcome language barriers and differences in cultural customs. These experiences will make you a more knowledgeable traveler and give you global perspective. Unlike a tourist experience, where translated tours abound and Yelp  directs you to a place where you’d most likely enjoy the food, a more authentic experience could end up with you tasting a scorpion for the first time in China. You’ll also leave little to no negative impact on the local community because you won’t be working with exploitative tour operators. That’s what will make it one of your best trips ever.

How to Slow Travel

All it takes is a shift in perspective and mindset to get started. Here are a few tips for turning your next trip into a more authentic experience:

Live like a local

Talk to the people that you meet when you arrive at your destination and find out their favorite places to eat, relax, and learn. They know this city better than you do, so take their advice and run with it. That little hole-in-the-wall cantina might have the best guacamole that you’ve ever had.

Don’t try to see everything on your list or, better yet, don’t make a list at all

Leave a few things up to chance  for once. When every minute is planned to a tee, you don’t leave room for surprise or happenstance. When you wake up on the first day of your travels, surrender to whatever the world has in store for you and live without fear of missing out.

Get ready to grow

Traveling is not the time to seek out the ordinary. Embrace the feelings of discomfort and use your trip  as a chance to grow and learn more about how people around the world. Haggle in a local market. Say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that you never would in your normal life. Arrange a homestay where you’ll have to socialize with locals around the kitchen table on a daily basis. Whatever you do, don’t hold yourself back because of worry or discomfort.

Bring it on home

Finally, the idea of slow travel doesn’t have to just apply to ‘other’ places. Once you have  grasped this mentality, implement it in a place that you are familiar with, perhaps even your hometown. Have you been too caught up in everyday tasks and responsibilities to notice the little things? Do you frequent new, hip restaurants or do you try out places that have been around for generations? Is it a priority for you to make new connections within this city, or are you content with the relationships that you already have?

Think of yourself as a tourist within your own city. This could be your chance to make your hometown feel new again, and create an emotional connection to this place that has felt too stagnant or comfortable for so long.

It may not be for everyone or all types of trips (we don’t  blame you if you want to climb Machu Picchu or take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower), but it is achievable. It doesn’t take any extra effort or resources to do, just a change of mindset and an openness to its possibilities.

With that subtle switch, travel again takes on a meaning. It can create memories that are more lasting than fleeting in an instantaneous world absorbed with the FOMO-inducing landscape of social media. As you consider your next travel experience, think about what you could take away from it if you implemented a slow travel mindset and remember, “there’s always another trip”.

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The ultimate guide to Slow Travel

Not sure what Slow Travelling is or want to learn more about this weird and wonderful new way to travel? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you all the expert tips.

Whether you’re a Slow Living aficionado or you’re just learning the ropes, Slow Travel is a great new way to experience the world. Though this new trend is just beginning to take off, Slow Living has been around a while, it’s just taking the world a little time to catch up. But fear not, because we’ve got all the information you could need to get to grips with this social and cultural movement, and begin travelling at a slightly slower pace. The old saying, take the time to stop and smell the roses, is just about as fine a point as could be put on it. It’s more than just an ethos though, it’s a way of living, and a way of approaching new experiences. So, in the spirit of this article, take a load off, sit back, get comfortable, and prepare to soak this article in a relaxed and timely manner. See you on the other side!

Psssst  - Are you still looking for some new gear for your next outdoor adventure? Make sure to check out our new  outdoor jackets  and  outdoor pants .

Table of contents

What is slow travel?

Slow travel isn’t complicated. It’s, by definition, taking the road less travelled. It’s about embracing individual experience versus culture-led holidays and trends. Slow traveling is to soak in everything that both a place and the road leading there have to offer. It’s about taking the time to reflect and engage with the now, not rushing, not taking for granted, and not doing anything unless you want to. There are a lot of weird and wacky definitions for slow travel out there, so we want to make this as accessible and simple as it can be.

It's coming into vogue as people begin to rebuke tourist culture, but it’s not a black and white thing. This for om travel is all about you, and about moulding a travel experience to your way of enjoying, instead of acquiescing to society’s (and social media’s) expectations of it. But that doesn’t mean you have to go off the beaten track or visit places that few people have ever been. So let’s dispel some myths, and take this slow. Consider this your ultimate, ultimately accessible, guide to slow travel.

Who is slow travelling for?

It’s for everyone. You don’t need to have any special belief system or lifestyle to embrace it either partially or entirely. While some might lead you to believe that it’s something you need to throw yourself into, a way of being that must be fastened to your life in an unflinching way, we take a more relaxed approach, because we realise that not everyone can throw off the modern shackles of responsibility and hit the road without a care in the world!

Most of us still need to work, still have responsibilities, and still need to do about a million things tomorrow. But that doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy slowing down once in a while to travel like this. It’s a different experience from normal life, and we’re going to show you what you can do to cultivate that experience. But first, we need to dig into the Slow Movement as a whole, as travel is just one facet of a much larger cultural shift.

The slow travel movement

The slow movement has its roots in the 80s, when an Italian activist riled against the presence of McDonald’s in Rome. The introduction of fast food was a sign of the times, where everyone and everything was speeding up, and life was becoming an all-out race — only no one seemed to know what the finish line looked like.

In 1999, a guy called Geir Berthelsen created The World Institute of Slowness which was a collective of minds trying to embrace the ability and the desire to slow down. To stop and smell the roses, really. In 2004, Carl Honore publishes a book entitled In Praise Of Slowness: Challenging The Cult Of Speed, and a movement is born, precipitating this cultural tilt, where people begin to approach a quality over quantity approach to life.

Interestingly, and this is something that’s not noted anywhere, the slow movement is a mirror image of the Futurist movement, which also began in Italy. A social and artistic movement, Futurism was born in the early 20th century, and was a total embrace of speed, dynamism, technology, youth, violence, and everything that went with it. It was a thirst for big business, internal combustion engines, vicious science and progress. A casting off of the drudgery of pre-industrial era slowness.

But where there is push, there is always pull. Newton wasn’t wrong about that. So, a hundred years later, here we are, in the midst of an anti-futurist movement. The Slow Movement. But what exactly does the slow movement promote? Well, naturally, it pretty much rebukes what the Futurist Movement stood for. It promotes walking over driving, nature over industry, and time over money. It has its influence over everything including food, urbanisation, travel, fashion, business.

You already know fast food, so now meet slow food. From taking your time at the store to select and find the best ingredients, to preparing them with care and attention. From cooking them slowly and tenderly, to plating with attention to detail. It’s not chew, chew, swallow, it’s savouring the smell, the taste, the texture. It’s languishing in every bite before moving to the next one. It’s about what’s happening in the current moment, and grounding yourself there, rather than using it as a stepping stone to what’s next.

Cities which meet the slow city criteria favour humans, not cars, they embrace carbon neutrality and the seamlessness of nature and construction. In fashion, it’s creating clothes that are timeless, durable, built to last. Ones which can be enjoyed forever. In business, it’s about helping people and providing services that are meaningful right now. That people can wring joy and value from, not business that creates churn and pipeline.

It’s all this, and more. And while it likely cannot be embraced in totality, I think we could all use a little of this every now and then. Ultimately, and this is how I always summarise it, Slow Living is taking (and often making) time to actually enjoy the things that you find fulfilling. It turns out, it's not that complicated.

Embracing the slow ethos

How does one become part of this movement, then? It’s as much understanding as it is action. And while we can throw around metaphors and metaphysical verbiage all day long, we’d rather tell you how it can affect your life, and what sort of changes you can make to move a little slower, without, you know, derailing everything.

If it begins when you wake up, moving slow might be allowing yourself to wake up without the use of an alarm clock, when you’re ready. Then, it could be lying in bed, reflecting on your dreams, grounding yourself in the moment and thinking about the day ahead. It could be doing your morning stretches, hand-grinding your coffee, making a nice breakfast, listening to birdsong as you drink it. But if you don’t have time to make your mornings look like that, then that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of this movement.

The biggest part of slow living for me comes is food. I spend a long time in the supermarket selecting the right vegetables, finding the right ingredients, thinking about recipes and how I’ll prepare that food. That brings me joy. It fulfils me, so I take my time. Slowness is a personal thing. It’s about you, and it’s about taking what time you can, when you can, to pause for thought and breath, and really soak in a little bit of something that makes you happy.

Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Your slowness comes in whatever form feeds you most, food or otherwise.

Why should you try it?

Slow travel, like every other part of slow living is about the experience of the journey. In order to do it, you need to come away from what you know travelling to be — usually getting somewhere as fast as possible, cramming as much into a space of time as you can, and then rushing home in time to get back to work.

Slow travelling is about maximising your enjoyment of each moment, rather than planning it all out, or letting it be planned for you. There exists a culture around this form of travel that leans towards integration, acceptance, and learning. Most advocates will warn away from tourist traps, and say that there is more joy to be had exploring the authentic parts of the world that belong to those who live there. That it is about embracing other cultures, their food, their music, their way of life, but not just embracing it, but instead, taking the time to appreciate, and more importantly, understand it.

This will appeal to some, and not to others. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a more traditional vacation, but neither do you have to live in that black and white world. You can delve into aspects of slow traveling from anywhere, whether you’re on holiday on the other side of the planet, or in your home town. Just simply slow down, look around, and see where your eyes, your ears, or even your nose, takes you.

Top tips on how to slow travel like a pro

As it’s such an individual experience, we can’t really tell you exactly how to do it. But we can tell you our experiences of it, and what we like best about slow travelling, as well as how we try to embody its ethoses along the way. It begins, as usual, with the planning stages — pretty much the best part of any trip, except for the actual trip, of course!

When you’re planning a regular vacation, you’ll probably be looking at somewhere you can relax — maybe sit on a beach, or lounge around the pool … or maybe you’re looking more for an adventure holiday. Skiing, snowboarding, watersports, mountain biking. But, whatever way you’re going, one thing’s probably for sure, and that is that you’re going to want to get there as fast as possible. And this is where slow travel takes its first big deviation from the tourism-led vacation planning process we’re all familiar with.

Slow travel, as you can imagine, doesn’t concern itself with the time taken to get somewhere, and nor does it concern itself with the destination, either. This form of travl operates on a wavelength that asks ‘what do you want to experience?’ and not ‘where do you want to go?’

Let’s take a look at some examples of how a trip might vary if you’re slow-travelling. Southern Spain is famed for its beaches, its weather, its hotels, its food, its clear water … and it has major airports, too. You can fly into Murcia or Malaga from many places across Europe and get a bus transfer right to your hotel. But what are you experiencing going from your home to your car, to the airport, to another airport, on a bus, to a hotel, down a touristy Mainstreet where you’ll eat pizza and pasta and Chinese food, to the crowded beach, and then back again all in reverse?

If you wanted to slow travel, you might drive instead of fly. And you’ll want to keep off the motorways. You’ll want to look at where you want to end up, and choose a route that’ll take you on a tour of the world. Coming from the UK, you can take a train to Calais, or a ferry to Bilbao, and on that journey, get to know some people. This is the first step — opening yourself up to others, and sharing your experience, and theirs. Learning about them and where they’re from, be it in your own back yard or another country.

Once you land in Bilbao, you’ll want to stay a while, explore some of the city. Maybe check out the museums, the galleries, but more than that, just walk the streets, feel the city, experience the place. Soak it in. Your trip will inevitably lead you south, but do you want to take the AP-68 super-motorway all the way? No. This isn’t about fast, it’s about slow. It’s about going with the flow of things. So it’s worth not even planning that far ahead. Just drive a little, see where it takes you. If you end up in the right place, great. If you don’t, even better.

If you feel like meandering around a village for the day, do it. Speak to the locals, check out the architecture, revel in the feel of everyday, authentic life. If you want to go hiking, do that, too. Listen to the cicadas. Look down over the countryside. There are no rules, this is the thing. You can do whatever you want, so long as you’re embracing the organic experience, and not trying to force some idea of a vacation.

It’s scary, sure. It’s unnatural. The world is a big, intimidating place. But it’s filled with humans, and most of them are kind. We’re not saying put yourself in danger, but we are saying that slow travel is about taking in the world as it is, and experiencing new things, especially when it comes to local culture — be it food, social convention, music, or anything else. We can’t give you a definitive guide, because there isn’t one. But as you slow down, giving everything a chance, not worrying about schedules or itineraries, you’ll begin to understand what slow travel is all about. And who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with it.

Slow tourism: a changing world

It’s not just travellers themselves who are adapting to the idea of slow tourism. Many companies and holiday operators, as well as hotels and other accommodation providers, are also embracing the idea of slow tourism. When the principles of enjoying and experiencing local cuisine and culture, sustainability, and naturalism begin to push to the forefront of the minds of travellers, it's not surprising that the hospitality industry follows suit.

How the tourism industry is adapting to this new way of traveling

We’re beginning to see companies specifically advocating for slow tourism, and offering trips geared towards slow travel, springing up all over the place. These curated guide-book-cum-trip-planners offer an array of different and unique experiences, and help you to discover destinations outside of the normal ‘touristy’ spots. They can plan the entire trip for you, sometimes curating it to your tastes, but more often, tailoring it to the local experience. You’ll get to stay in interesting places, meet interesting people, and do things you never would even be able to if you booked with a regular holiday provider.

As well as this new slew of companies popping up, hotels are also adapting, making a push to focus more on local aspects of their communities, rather than simply acquiescing to western holiday culture. You may see more local dishes made with locally sourced ingredients come to menus, more emphasis on local trips and experiences around the hotels, and plenty of other things that help visitors to feel immersed in what that country or place has to offer.

The best slow travel destinations in the world

The world is a big, beautiful place, which is why it’s such a shame we rush through it as we do. But we’ve put together a list of some places that are probably pretty close to home for you that you can visit that’ll help inspire you to take some extra time, slow town, and really soak in what they have to offer.

Best destinations in the UK

While the list of best slow travel destinations is exhaustive, we thought we’d put together some favourites for you here to help give you some inspiration. From south to north, from east to west, here are some great ideas to help stoke your slow travel spirits.

North Wales

North Wales is a stunning part of the world, home to the Snowdonia National Park. As well as world-class hiking, though, there exists a rich history here. While less than 10% of the population speak Welsh across the country, many people still speak it here as a first language, making it a fantastic place to go to experience a local culture unlike your own, but right on your doorstep.

The Lake District

If it’s serenity and nature you’re looking for, then the Lake District has it in spades. And with a fantastic food culture and amazing historical sites to explore, there are few places to visit that are better suited to just meandering around and taking in the world at your fingertips. Camp or stay at a lake-side cabin, the choice is yours.

Cornwall is a truly magical place. Relaxed and bathed in sunshine, the rolling green hills, expansive white beaches, and miles and miles of nature reserves, forest trails, and rocky coves to explore all make Cornwall a brilliant place to travel around. And that’s not even mentioning that it’s the seafood capital of the UK!

The Cotswolds are the epitome of a relaxed atmosphere. Sleepy little picture-book villages dot this beautiful, classically pastoral landscape. And with thousands of acres of pristine woodland filled with chirping birds and other rare wildlife, there’s no better place to get back to nature than here.

The Scottish Isles

If you really want to get off the beaten track and back to a wilder version of the world, then the Scottish Isles are definitely the place to go. Cold, windy, wet, and utterly serene, the Isles are home to few people, and plenty of space. You can walk all day and not see another soul. Sounds like paradise to us.

Best destinations in Europe

Europe is massive, and we could go on for hours listing our favourite slow-travel destinations, but we won’t. Instead, we’ve rounded up our top five places to go if you’re planning a European adventure this coming season. But, hopefully, they’ll just get you excited to get on the road and see what else is on offer!

Bayern/Bavaria

Bayern/Bavaria is the German state that borders both Austria and Czechia. This historically important region was once known as the kingdom of Bohemia, and is filled with stunning castles and mountainside towns, as well as some of the most picturesque scenery you’ve ever seen. Come here at your own risk, you may never want to leave!

Menorca/Majorca

The Balearic Islands, specifically Menorca and Majorca are seafood capitals of the Mediterranean, and are much more relaxed than some of their partying cousins. Expect plenty of jagged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, crystal clear waters, and the friendliest people you’ve ever met. Truly a treat in every respect, whether you’re on foot or in the car, these islands are perfect for slow travel.

Northern Spain

Northern Spain is home to some fantastic natural landscapes, and is much less tourist-led than the southern part of the country. Everything feels more authentic and less developed here, and the food and wine speak for themselves. You can easily get lost here on one of the hundred winding mountain roads, and we thoroughly recommend doing so.

Greek Islands

The Greek Islands — and not the tourist ones — are some of the best places to visit if you want to slow travel. The white mountainside villages are sleepy and peaceful, and the food is world-class. The people are extremely kind and generous, too, so for us, there are few places better to meander around with an empty stomach than the Greek islands!

Sicily/Southern Italy

With thousands of years of history, one of the best food cultures in the world, and a true passion for their home, Southern Italy and Sicily, and its denizens, make this a great place to head for if you’re interested in slow travel. Eat and relax in a country built around those two principles! What could be better?

Best destinations in North America

If you’re across the Atlantic already or heading that way, you may think that fast-paced America isn’t suited to slow travel. And sure, you won’t find NYC or LA on this list, but there are some wonderful places to visit if slowing down is something you’re looking to do.

New England

New England in fall is possibly one of the most breathtaking experiences on earth. Wind your way along the roads of New England through a sea of yellow and red, drinking in the damp air, driving through miles of countryside. Explore on foot or by road, there’s so much to experience in this postcard-ready corner of the US.

They call it Big Sky Country for a reason. This expansive part of the US is easy to fall in love with and offers everything from towering, snow-capped mountains to endless prairies. Sit and take it all in, it’ll be sure to take your breath away. Things move a little slower here, and it’s easy to see why.

Southern Utah has some of the most spectacular rock formations and landscapes in the world, and taking the time to explore some of them is well worth doing. Utah may not top anyone’s holiday-destination list, but we really do recommend heading out this way and discovering some of its magic for yourself.

With California to the south, Oregon is often overlooked. But the sprawling boreal forests in the north of the Golden State continue here, with the landscape getting more rugged and wild. The coastline is perfect to explore, too. In fact, there’s no part of this state that isn’t perfect to just park up and drink in the tranquillity of nature.

You might think of New Orleans and Mardi Gras when you think of Louisiana, and sure you are right about that. But this state has a rich history and culture of its own, and getting to experience it is a very special experience. These people carry on tradition with pride in their hearts, and they’re always so happy to share it with anyone who’s interested in learning about it.

FAQ Section

What is the difference between slow travel and traditional travel?  

Slow travel focuses on immersing yourself in the destination, engaging with local cultures, and having unique experiences. Traditional travel often involves rushing from one tourist hotspot to another, following pre-planned itineraries.

How can I start slow traveling?  

Begin by choosing a destination that resonates with your interests and allow yourself ample time to enjoy the local culture and surroundings. Opt for local accommodations, explore local food, and engage with the community to create a more immersive experience.

Can I slow travel while having a limited vacation time?  

Yes, even with limited time, you can embrace aspects of slow travel. It's all about prioritizing quality over quantity and adjusting your mindset to focus on enjoying the experiences, rather than rushing through them.

Wrapping up

Remember this — slow travel is about connection and reflection. It’s about escaping the hustle, the bustle, the pressure, and the stress of modern, regimented life. So don’t think too much about it. Just pick somewhere you think is interesting, near or far, and go with an open mind. Don't spent too much time planning, don’t worry, just go. Speak to people, learn about their culture, eat their food, listen to their music, their stories, their history. Stop when you want to, stay as long as you want, and let your spirit of curiosity guide you. Slow travel is about you. So do what you want. Sometimes good things take time, so please, stop watching that damn clock, okay?

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| The Art of Aliveness for All

What is Slow Travel? (+ 3 Slow Travel Myths)

By Kyle Kowalski · 14 Comments

If you Google “slow travel,” you may be surprised by the lack of compelling information and resources you find. Unlike slow living, the slow movement , or slow food, slow travel doesn’t seem to be something as widely adopted or even discussed yet.

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding human experiences — opening your mind and worldview to new places, connecting with new people, and immersing yourself in local cultures. It can be meaningful, memorable, rejuvenating, and energizing.

Or, it can be the opposite. Slow travel ensures that you not only get the most benefit, but the local people and world around you do too. And, you won’t come back and need a “vacation from your vacation.”

So, what is it?

What is Slow Travel?

Maybe you’ve heard it described as mindful travel, sustainable tourism, or low-impact traveling. To me, slow travel is simply taking the principles of slow living and applying them to travel.

Slow travel is for you if you want a balanced itinerary where you can pace yourself and eliminate the stress of rushing around. It’s intentional and immersive — allowing you to go deeper on the things that matter most to you while traveling. It’s conscious and connected — connected with yourself, those around you, and the world.

Here were the best slow travel definitions I came across during my research:

Slow travel is a mindset that rejects traditional ideas of tourism and encourages you to soak in your environments and keep yourself open to new experiences. — The Art of Slow Travel¹ Slow travel is about the journey, not just the destination. Being excited about where you’re going, but being just as excited by how you get there, the people you meet, the sights you see and the experiences you have along the way. About slowing down to acknowledge that the journey you’re on allows, for the briefest moment, the chance to peer into someone else’s life and to share that moment in time with them. — The Travel Word² There’s an awful lot of clutter in modern life, and the only logical antidote to clutter is simplicity. Slow travel excels at simplicity. Freed from the pressure of ‘seeing everything’, you can actually relax a bit and enjoy your holiday. There’s a better chance you’ll meet local people, see a few sights off the traditional tourist path and get an appreciation for a different way of life (which some would argue is the whole point of travel in the first place). — Intrepid Travel³

3 Slow Travel Myths to Bust Before Your Next Trip

These slow travel myths are similar to slow living myths in general.

Myth #1: Slow travel has a minimum duration of one week.  You don’t have to spend a certain amount of time in a place in order for it to qualify as slow travel. I’ve read a bunch of articles that state you must travel for a minimum of a week in order for it to be slow travel. But, slow travel is a mindset and approach that can be applied to any length of travel — even an afternoon outing in your hometown. If anything, slow traveling on your shorter trips is good practice for when you take a longer trip.

Myth #2: Slow travel means physically traveling as slowly as possible.  It’s about traveling at the right speed. Pacing instead of rushing. Finding the right balance between too fast and too slow.

Myth #3: Slow travel is anti-technology.  There’s a big difference between digital minimalism and being opposed to all technology. Digital minimalism simply advocates for technology to be used as a tool (instead of technology using us ). Technology can be a great tool while you travel — just don’t let it get in the way!

Check out the next post for 10 slow travel tips to try on your next adventure.

Do you have any experience slow traveling? Please share in the comments!

• http://www.theartofslowtravel.com/what-is-slow-travel/
• https://www.thetravelword.com/2012/02/07/what-is-slow-travel-heres-what-we-think/
• https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/slow-travel-movement/

About Kyle Kowalski

👋 Hi, I'm Kyle―the human behind Sloww . I'm an ex-marketing executive turned self-education entrepreneur after an existential crisis in 2015. In one sentence: my purpose is synthesizing lifelong learning that catalyzes deeper development . But, I’m not a professor, philosopher, psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist, scientist, mystic, or guru. I’m an interconnector across all those humans and many more—an "independent, inquiring, interdisciplinary integrator" (in other words, it's just me over here, asking questions, crossing disciplines, and making connections). To keep it simple, you can just call me a "synthesizer." Sloww shares the art of living with students of life . Read my story.

Sloww participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When you purchase a book through an Amazon link, Sloww earns a small percentage at no additional cost to you. This helps fund the costs to support the site and the ad-free experience.

Reader Interactions

July 17, 2019 at 2:43 AM

Your blog about slow travel educated me of the real sense of the meaning of the word. Thanks a lot for sharing this information on the www

July 17, 2019 at 8:14 AM

Sure thing, Tanisha!

September 12, 2019 at 10:06 PM

Thanks for your awesome guide on traveling. I am a passionate traveler and your guide inspired me to travel more.

September 19, 2019 at 12:04 PM

Amazing, thank you Tiana!

January 17, 2020 at 12:24 AM

Really love this post. I hate the box ticking mentality that so many people have developed. Social media has a lot to answer for. Last year, here in Scotland, the Outer Hebrides were promoting “InstaMaps.” I can’t think of anything worse.

January 29, 2020 at 8:43 PM

Thanks, Melanie! I haven’t heard of InstaMaps yet (maybe that’s a good thing). I do use digital tools like TripAdvisor, Yelp, AllTrails, etc to plan trips. But maybe that’s the key…it’s all pre -trip research. Now that I think about it, I don’t use my phone much during trips (no social, no taking photos/videos for social, etc). The box-ticking mentality is a surefire way to not check the box on the most important thing: actually being present!

March 27, 2020 at 1:59 AM

Whenever I read your blog, I learn a lot interesting points about the world. Keep writing.

April 10, 2020 at 3:38 PM

That’s wonderful to hear, Alexander. Plenty more writing coming your way!

August 26, 2020 at 2:54 PM

My partner and I love slow travel. It has changed the way we experience everything. It’s the small details that stick out to us and make us love the place even more! I wish more people knew and adopted this mentality, thanks for sharing.

August 30, 2020 at 1:35 PM

Thanks, Maria! Keep sharing the good word of slow travel.

February 9, 2021 at 5:40 AM

Thanks for writing this post! I start to understand why I always need to plan my own trips to feel I get what I want. I am a slow traveller without knowing it 😀 From the very beginning I started to travel I soon realized that the tour guides just didn’t like me. I was always the one asking to please stay a little longer because I was not done with exploring my surrounding. And they would always look at their watches saying – no we have another place to be in a short time. So, in the end, I totally gave up on all kind of travel booked through travel companies. Now it totally makes sense!

March 2, 2021 at 4:09 PM

Glad you enjoyed it, Cathrine!

June 4, 2022 at 4:53 PM

Thanks for your insights around slow travel Kyle! My husband and I love slow travel. We find it very rewarding to travel in a way where we contribute directly to the local community. Your article has also given me food for thought about more ways to incorporate it into our future travels.

July 29, 2022 at 7:09 PM

Wonderful, Hannah!

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What is Slow Travel? Benefits and How To Be a Slow Traveller

We hear people say slow travel is better than fast tourism, but do you know what is slow travel?

Slow tourism has gained popularity due to its alignment with the changing values and priorities of modern travellers. Embarking on an immersive travel experience offers a more sustainable, flexible, and mindful approach to exploring the world.

So, let’s learn about authentic travel, the benefits of slow travel, and, practical tips on travelling slower.

What is slow travel?

Slow travel is a deliberate, unhurried approach to exploring destinations, emphasising meaningful experiences, and cultural immersion.

Travelers stay longer in one place, support local economies , and seek sustainable, mindful journeys that promote a deeper connection with people and environments, in contrast to traditional, fast-paced tourism.

Why slow tourism is becoming more popular?

Slow tourism has seen a surge in popularity for several reasons, including:

Rise since COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a re-evaluation of travel practices. Travellers, concerned about the safety and eager to avoid crowded places, turned to slower, less hectic tourism. Many preferred remote and less touristy destinations, fostering the growth of slow tourism.

More people working remotely

The increase in remote work has freed people from the constraints of traditional office jobs, allowing for greater flexibility in travel. Slow tourism complements this lifestyle, enabling travellers to work while exploring new places at a more relaxed pace.

Increased interest in sustainable living

As people become more environmentally conscious, they are drawn to travel options that align with sustainable living principles. Slow tourism often involves eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Self-care and well-being

The pandemic underscored the importance of mental and physical well-being. Slow tourism provides opportunities for relaxation, mindfulness, and disconnecting from the stresses of daily life, contributing to personal self-care and rejuvenation.

What are the benefits of slow travel?

Slow travel reduces carbon footprint.

Staying longer in one place reduces the need for frequent travel , and supporting local businesses promotes sustainable practices. This approach aligns with environmental conservation efforts, mitigating the impact of traditional travel on the planet.

Fast travel with short-haul flights causes more emissions than public transport . Travelling slower allows time to prioritise more eco-friendly transportation options , such as trains or bicycles. For travellers who do not have the luxury of slow travel, it is still worth taking on board the more responsible and eco-friendly ways to travel .

Slow travel saves money

Many hotels or guest houses will offer better deals on accommodation for longer stays to guarantee their income, and to compete with the AirBnB market.

Not being in a hurry to get from A to B will help cut your transport costs . Having the luxury of hanging around until the cheap flight comes up or the next public bus goes really does help the wallet.

Slow travel helps disconnect

Slow tourism enables travellers to cut off from their busy lifestyles . Fast travel can be stressful in itself, rushing out of the office to your destination, squeezing in some downtime, and heading back home. Slow travel helps us break free from the daily grind.

Deep travel gives us time to truly connect with other travellers . Meeting new like-minded people is part of the adventure, getting to know their story, and even planning part of your journey together if you are heading in the same direction.

Slow travel helps travellers to cut off from digital overload . Whilst it is easy to get targeted with ‘bad news’ on online media, I found it good for the soul to remove myself from the daily negative news on TV for a longer period.

Slow travel helps burnout. The increase in wellness retreats and digital detox experiences demonstrates how we are crying out to disconnect to give our minds and bodies a chance to heal and reenergise. Whether you decide to spend time on a retreat or just time out of normal life, this truly helps with general weariness.

Slow travel alleviates travel fatigue by emphasising leisurely exploration over rushed itineraries. Travelers have time for rest, reflection, and acclimatisation, reducing the stress and exhaustion associated with rapid travel. The relaxed pace and mindful experiences of slow travel contribute to overall well-being and a more fulfilling travel experience.

Slow travel is more immersive

Slow travel encourages engaging with the local community , fostering deeper cultural insights. Travelers learn about the lives of residents, their traditions, and daily routines. Getting involved in cultural festivals allows for first-hand experiences of local customs, traditions, and celebrations, contributing to a richer and more immersive travel experience.

Learning the regional language during slow travel promotes cultural understanding and meaningful interactions. Many backpackers will start their Latino trip with time in a Spanish School or living with a host family as I did in the Galapagos.

Engaging in volunteering while slow traveling enhances the journey’s meaningfulness. It allows travelers to give back to the community they visit, contribute positively, and create lasting impacts. This hands-on involvement provides a deeper understanding of local needs, fosters connections, and adds purpose to the travel experience, making it even more enriching and rewarding.

Slow travel is adventurous

Time gives us to travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations much easier. Exploring the lesser-visited places where transport is limited, or primitive, such as heading into the Darien jungle in Panama, or being about to journey down the Colombian Amazon instead of day trips from Leticia . Getting away from the obvious places to visit which suffer from mass tourism, opens our eyes to new cultures and intrepid experiences.

Tips on how to be a slow travel ler

Stay longer in each place.

Extend your stay to immerse yourself in the culture of the destination. It’s hard to get the feel of a place when you are passing through.

Build in stop days. It is easy to get caught up in seeing ‘everything’. When creating your itinerary on your slow adventure, plan some down days to sit back, and avoid travel fatigue.

Be flexible

Overplanning can restrict opportunities that may arise along the way. There is always some random offer by a group of travellers that has a spare place for something exciting, or a festival you didn’t know was happening. Have a loose list of what you want to see in a destination but leave a bit of wiggle room for the unexpected.

Seek local recommendations

Don’t pre-book your trips with bigger online companies. Ask around when you arrive at a destination means the money is going directly to the families

Local people know the hidden gems to discover off-the-beaten-track authentic experiences. Make sure you ask more than one person too, each local will have different insider tips.

Eat like a local to get the best culinary delights possible. Find out where they eat, and what traditional dishes you should try.

Shop at local markets to support the community. In some countries such as Ecuador, locals would come down from the highlands with their home-grown produce. Ask to try their r egional fruits , and buy your favourites.

Buy local artisan products. Ask locally where the best market is to buy the ‘genuine’ handicrafts. For example, in San Cristobal de las Casas , I was made aware of which streets have imported cheaper products taking away from the real artisans of the community.

Stay at locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to foster cultural exchange and support local economies. I have stayed in many guesthouses on my travels that offer more authentic experiences with wonderful characters who know the area well.

Spread the spend

Explore lesser-visited areas to spread the economic impact whilst uncovering hidden gems.

Travel at off-peak times brings money to communities and allows you to stay longer as the cost per night will be more favourable.

Be informed of the transport options

Whilst slow travel means you are less concerned about time, it is best to familiarise yourself with the travel options, and factor in these considerations;

• If you have landed in a remote location, local buses or transport may only go on certain days .
• If you want a little comfort, sometimes shuttles can get booked up .
• Depending on your country, buses and local transport can often take longer so if you are booked for a tour or hotel in the next destination
• You may wish to avoid travelling at night for safety reasons so best to plan your route ahead of time.

Prepare for border crossings

Border crossing experiences can vary widely between countries and regions, so thorough research and preparation are crucial for a smooth and hassle-free transition from one country to another. Here are some essential steps to consider:

Research and Documentation: Understand the visa and entry requirements for both countries.

• Understand the visa and entry requirements for both countries. Ensure you have the necessary visas, passports, and any required permits.
• Check visa validity and make copies of important documents.
• Keep track of entry and exit stamps or documents provided by border officials for visa extension or exit.
• If driving, carry your vehicle’s registration, insurance, and any required permits.
• Check if vaccinations or health certificates are required for entry. Carry necessary medications and health insurance.

Currency and Money: Think about what you might need money for on each side.

• Exchange currency or carry enough local cash for border fees, transportation, and expenses upon entry.
• Change your currency to the local one for easier transactions on the other side. It’s worth chatting with other backpackers in the hostel who may want to sell some currency from their last country.

Transportation: Plan your route and transportation method, and consider the availability of local transport on the other side of the border. Ensure your vehicle meets local requirements if you’re driving.

Border Timings: Borders may have specific operating hours; confirm the opening and closing times and plan your arrival accordingly.

Communication: Have a working phone with local SIM cards or international roaming to stay connected in case of emergencies. I use Airalo for these situations to avoid me feeling vulnerable as a solo female traveller.

Local Language: Carry a phrasebook or language app to help with communication, as border officials may not always speak English.

Stay safe with slow travel

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip interruption, and lost or stolen belongings. Here are my tried-and-tested travel insurance options.

• SafetyWing for Digital Nomads . Benefit from 24/7 assistance, comprehensive and medical cover including Covid-19. Buy insurance whilst you are travelling, with the option of global health insurance.
• Get 5% off your travel insurance with IATI . Discover a range of policies from basic to premium, and multi-country trips for up to 3 months. IATI will cover countries where the FCDO advises against all travel. All include 24/7 Emergency Travel, Crisis, and Medical Assistance services. 
• Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo . Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance (up to 90 days), cover for COVID-19 and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’.

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I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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Absolutely 100% in agreement.

With each successive trip, my travel has become slower — and much more fulfilling and healing.

Totally agree. If you can afford the luxury of time to get to know a place better, slow travel becomes a more fulfilling experience.

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• Destinations

Slow Travel Planning – How to Design Your Trip

• November 2, 2021

There are not a lot of things that I think I’m really good at. I can’t think of much, even as I’m saying it, but there are two things that I am confident about:

• I know how to plan a slow trip, and
• I know a lot about Bulgaria

(The second thing is neither here nor there, it’s just something I know.)

Adulting, having my life together, being tidy, all not things I’m good at, but this…

I’ve got this.

Okay, so I should actually say we , because my darling husband likes things even slower than I do. If it was up to him there would be a minimum of one nap every day, but there isn’t.

So rest easy if you hate napping, (me too) or if you like it, because there will be time to both nap and explore!

What should a slow trip be like?

A slow travel plan should be a loose DIY guide to having meaningful experiences on your trip.

Think of it as a minimalist blueprint for your slow travels.

If you are wondering more about the basics of slow travel (what does it mean? etc.) take a look at this guide.

Throughout this post I am going to act as though your itinerary is a piece of paper, but it’s not necessary.

If you have a good memory you may not need to write anything down, or maybe you prefer to use an app.

Anything goes!

Further down, I will add an actual document, if you prefer to be more specific in your plans.

How to Design Your Slow Travel Itinerary

I will assume at this point that you already have flights booked and are operating with somewhat of a schedule.

If you don’t, consider allowing flight deals to choose a location for you. I usually try to choose flights and then plan a trip because it saves the most money and is the most spontaneous.

(Here are my best tips to finding a great deal on flights.)

Make Time for Your Big Plans

Slow travel is all about finding authentic and meaningful travel experiences instead of checking a bunch of boxes on your list, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a list at all! 

When you add a location to your dream travel list, whether mentally or physically, there will be reasons that it sparked your interest.

So, what are those reasons? Ask yourself, “Why did I choose this destination originally?” 

Jot down your must-sees and if they aren’t all in the same city, make a note of where they are.

Next, if your main attractions are things that have opening hours, like a museum or castle, check online for the opening hours.

Make sure you do this , because sometimes things will be closed on random days.

We have been disappointed more than once by not checking, and then finding out we left something to the end of our trip that was actually closed on a Tuesday! 

I tend to front load our vacations now , with the things that we really want to see. Not that we cram them in, but I always leave empty days towards the end of the trip.

This way we can either relax even more, or we have some insurance time if something doesn’t work out when we planned.

Highly recommend, because this will also allow you to bump an activity to later if you stumble on something else you want to do.

It’s always a good idea to have that contingency plan, because in less structured parts of the world, things can definitely be closed without notice.

This is also how I handle any fast travel portions of our itinerary.

Not to be hypocritical, but sometimes checking boxes is the most efficient and pleasant way to see things if they are either: Extremely expensive , or extremely crowded .

I would never plan a whole trip that way, but for short stays in very touristy cities, it can make sense.

For example, we put Venice at the beginning of our last trip so that we could relax more in the second part.

Next, check for anything that needs to be booked in advance, because those will be the only hard plans in your itinerary.

Now that you have all of these firm plans down, let’s make our “schedule” more enriching!

Follow Your Interests

Take some time to consider your passions and interests. Now choose a few things that you like to do anywhere .

What is “your thing?”

I am really into architecture and street art. No matter where I’m going, I will enjoy seeing both of those things.

So it makes sense to look into a self-guided street art walk, or searching for the most interesting buildings in the area.

If you like rock-climbing, or wine-tasting, see how you can work those into your itinerary.

Find Some Off-beat Ideas

Be open-minded to new experiences and search in Reddit for ideas.

You can search both the r/Travel sub, and the country specific subreddit for your destinations.

After you search in the travel sub, pose the question, “what is the most unique or authentic thing you did in ______.”

In the local forum ask for some local hangouts, quiet restaurants, or for the sights, activities, and areas that tourists overlook.

You could also do a search in r/digitalnomads (a group for people who work abroad) to see if anyone has mentioned cool experiences at your destination.

If there are a lot of results for the location you are searching “hidden gems” is a great search term to narrow things down.

Pinterest 

I used to despise Pinterest, I just didn’t get the point.

It also used to be that every single pin was either broken, or linked to spam.

I am happy to tell you that is no longer the case , and if you give Pinterest a chance, you may find something new!

Pinterest is now super popular with bloggers, and fresh content is constantly being added.

This means that bloggers are going further off the beaten path and creating pins from their experiences.

Browsing won’t be very productive, but their search function is actually really good , and the more specific you are, the better.

Search “hidden gems Barcelona” or “Hot Springs in the Rocky Mountains” and you WILL find some great results.

I have only recently been using YouTube to feed my travel itch, but if you know how to search you can actually find some great quiet spots.

Be specific and open in your search terms at the same time, for example, search “ village ( country )” and see what comes up.

(Specific being “village” but open because I won’t dictate a region or anything else about the village.)

You could also search “ abandoned ( country )” or whatever else you think would float your boat.

“ Secret ” is also another great search term, “secret beach Portugal ” “secret lake Slovenia” “secret Barcelona.”

You may be surprised at what you find!

Bonus : You get to watch a fun travel vlog to get you pumped for your trip!

I think this works so well because the information isn’t written down anywhere, it’s just in the video, so you will find different results than you would by performing a Google search.

Now that you have some great ideas, add them to your plan!

Be flexible.

Now what we aren’t going to do, is schedule all of these ideas.

We are going to resist the urge to plan everything and instead, take a “choose your own adventure” approach to each day.

• Our original list of must-haves
• Our list of ideas
• We know where everything is

That’s almost everything we need to know to have a great trip!

I say almost because it is also a good idea to…

Figure Out Transportation

Without a doubt, researching transportation is my least favourite part of trip planning (slow or otherwise.)

I would love to figure it out when we get there, and I have tried to do that before, but there are a few problems with this strategy:

• Wifi can be less than reliable at your destination
• Information may be difficult to find and you waste valuable holiday time
• You may find out there is NO public transport to one or more of the item’s on your travel plan, and you will have to scramble to figure out an alternative like hiring a guide or renting a car

We have dealt with all of the above , and it is information better covered in the comfort of your home when you have lots of time to figure it out.

Central and Nearby Transportation

In many cases you can quickly find out that there are easy public transport links by metro or bus and that will cover most of your movements.

(If you can’t walk, that is.)

For the sights and activities that are in the centre , you don’t really need to worry about it. You can cover it on foot, or worst-case scenario : hire a cab. 

For transport to rural activities or ones further from the centre , Google maps has pretty good public transportation directions, so check those first and it may be easily sorted.

Transportation Between Cities

To move between cities, Rome2Rio is a great website and app that will tell you how to get anywhere !

Use it to check schedules and make notes of the transit companies you will need to book through.

No need to actually reserve anything yet, or put it on your itinerary, unless there are few times available. 

When There Are No Options

Finally, if you can’t find transportation on any of these tools, search and/or ask in Trip Advisor forums.

As a last resort, see if you can book a tour , either private or small group.

I have had good luck finding facebook pages for small, locally owned tour companies.

If you don’t like the tour options and you are comfortable driving, then look into car rentals, which you may want to book in advance.

Choosing Accommodation 

To book or not to book.

In an ideal slow travel plan, you wouldn’t need to book any accommodation for your trip ahead of time, besides the initial day or two. 

If you are travelling:

• In the off season, 
• To a place that isn’t very touristy,  and  
• You don’t plan to stay in one city the whole time

Then that is the trifecta! I would say feel free to leave your accommodation open.  

• Are going to a busy place at a busy time (or either really)
• Want the same accommodation for the whole trip , or
• You just aren’t comfortable booking as you go

Then book ahead. 

Also, make sure that your destination is truly not touristy, and not that it isn’t touristy as far as you know.  

When we went to Montenegro for the first time, we knew nobody else who had ever been, so we thought that it would be fine in summer without booking ahead.

People from North America may not go there often, but the regional tourism scene is bumping and we drove around for HOURS not being able to get a room!

Not an experience I would care to repeat , and in summer I would always book ahead.

Choosing Your Ideal Accommodation

Although budget ranks high on the list of priorities when we choose accommodation, we are also trying to enjoy every part of the journey and take everything in.

Therefore, it should be a balance between the budget and the wishlist.  

When you think about your upcoming trip, you probably have a picture in your mind:

Something with a view?

A Soviet apartment block?

A place near the beach? 

Try not to compromise too much on your vision, because where you stay does have an impact on how you feel about a location.

If you are visiting a destination where everything you want to see is in the old town, and you picture yourself strolling through the cobbled streets every morning:

Don’t book a modern hostel in the suburbs just because it’s cheaper. 

In some really expensive cities, the center may not be in the budget, but get as close as you can if that’s where you want to be.

Alternatively, do some research and find a similar charming neighbourhood.

You will LOVE being able to enjoy the aesthetic out of your apartment window on a quiet evening (or a jet-lagged early morning!)

It’s worth remembering that while accommodation in the best locations will be more expensive, you will also save time and money , by getting around on foot.

(As well as be a little greener!)

Especially when you are travelling with kids, simple is always better.

Whether you want to be in the city center or not, do make sure that your location is walkable to as many things on your list as possible.

(Or at least good transit links.)

It may seem a little wasteful, but if you are travelling somewhere affordable, consider booking an apartment or room for your whole trip , and then plan a day or two away once you are there.

This way all of your plans can be flexible , but you have a place to stay if you change your mind or can’t get last minute accommodation.

For a longer trip especially, (a month or more) sometimes this works best.

An added bonus to having a “home base,” is that you can leave some of your extra luggage and move around lighter (if you haven’t packed extremely light to begin with!)

We almost never take tours, it’s just not our thing and we prefer to explore on our own.

There are exceptions of course!

You may need a tour to gain access to an area off limits to the public.

An extreme example being something like Chernobyl, but it could be that you want additional access to a popular attraction.

Sometimes tours will get you into more areas of a castle or museum.

Consider taking a tour if you want to visit an extremely busy attraction :

You may be able to get access while it is closed, or skip the line.

If we were to ever go back to Versailles, it would definitely be worth the money for a tour to jump the hours long queue!  

It’s worth performing a quick search to see if there is anything unique that you can do on a tour.

I recently discovered Sofia Retro Tours , and they offer Soviet tours in a retro car. They even offer a 24 hour tour to a village where you can stay overnight and learn to cook Bulgarian foods!

Maybe tours aren’t always the contrived claustrophobic experience that I picture!

Unless you need to, don’t pre-book your tours.

If you are concerned about availability, just reach out and ask how soon you need to book in advance.

It is usually more expensive to book from home before you go, and you will not be aware of all the options that you would have in person.

It’s always a good idea to wait and ask at your accommodation when you arrive about the best way to do or see a particular thing. 

Ideally, see what tours are free or by donation, and on a “show up” basis.

A lot of cities have a free walking tour of the city center, and you may find other options of interest.

I will always take a “show up” tour over a booked tour, it’s just so convenient!

Whenever possible choose a small group tour, and try to keep to a few hours.

Skip the massive full-day bus experiences.

Tours in a bus are annoying because not only do they guarantee that the sights are crowded (hello, we ARE the crowd) but you are at the mercy of whatever attitude your fellow bus people have.

I once took a HIGHLY unpleasant day tour from Albufeira to Gibraltar. So much so that I will have a hard time even going back to Gibraltar because the other tourists were rude and grumpy and soured the whole experience.

Plan For Cultural Highlights

What quintessential experiences are you hoping to have on your trip?

When you think of the country or city, what comes to mind? 

Sitting by the ocean with a walled city behind you having salt cod and wine?

Strolling past a cafe to the sound of accordion music?

Eating at a busy street market with scooters honking as they zip by?

It’s a small thing, but planning to have the experience that you picture is totally worth doing.

You don’t need to actually pencil it all in and choose a time and spot to make it happen, but keep it in the back of your mind. 

“When I picture going to  __________. I picture_____________” 

Think about food, drink, music, dance, smells, sounds, and sights that will create the experience that you are looking forward to.

When you are at your destination, be intentional about creating it for yourself.

Don’t feel silly about finding the perfect spot to have tea and crumpets. It’s easy to go home and say that the trip wasn’t what you expected.

Some of it can be made to live up to your expectations if you seek out the experience that you are really after.

This is actually another reason that I prefer an apartment to a hotel or a private room.

I often picture myself living in a place. I imagine the view from the windows, having a meal on the rickety balcony, or listening to the sounds of the city through the open window.

Ah. Sounds nice doesn’t it?

Experiences

I wouldn’t usually plan paid experiences ahead of time.

They are something that I like to find when we have arrived.

Since we have lots of open time, we can seize the opportunities as they arise.

If there is something that you KNOW you want to do, like stomping grapes or fishing , then go ahead and do the research to see how it can be done.

Ideally there will be a few places and vendors so that you can choose one on an open day.

If you have to schedule and book ahead, or just feel more comfortable doing that, of course you can do that!

The reason we try to have as much open time as possible , is so that we can always change our plans and add new activities, sights, or even cities, when we discover them.

I for one, would WAY rather find things to do that naturally capture our interest, over sticking to activities we picked ahead of time on the limited information we had from our internet searches.

Discover Places Via Google Earth and Maps

I am the queen of finding places to see through random visual searches of Google Maps and Google Earth.

When I am planning from home, I usually try to find somewhere to go that would be off the beaten path.

I will search for the general area that we are travelling to, and then search outwards for any interesting little towns or geographical features.

Look for villages, beaches, parks (either national parks or within the city,) islands, lakes, etc. Anything that makes you say “What is THAT?”

Then Google search them and scroll through images and wikis to see if they would be fun to visit.

This is a good way to find places that are interesting but not on any “best of” lists.

Once you have arrived and have some free time, this is something you can do locally as well.

If you are into the outdoors, AllTrails is a great site and app that has – you guessed it — all the trails!

Discover new hikes and walks of all skill levels, anywhere in the world!

If you are planning to hike in a foreign country, just be sure to also educate yourself on the dangers. Make sure there aren’t large predators to be worried about, and look up any poisonous friends you may encounter. (Perhaps not actually a good idea, because I didn’t especially enjoy our hike once I knew there could be snakes and killer bees, but I’m sure it is worse to be unprepared!)

Leave a Lot of Time Open

I’m sure that you’ve gathered already that the whole point is to keep as much time as possible, flexible and open.

Have more days in your trip than you have plans for , that is the best rule of thumb.

Don’t worry about being bored, I promise that you will discover more things on offer when you are actually at your destination than you will ever read about beforehand!

Find a Grocery Store

Do search for at least one grocery store or market in the area that you will be staying before you go .

(Unless you are solo and/or aren’t planning to make any of your own meals.)

It can be time consuming to figure out the right word for “market” or “groceries” and to actually locate what you are looking for on the map.

If wifi is spotty that complicates things further. If you are trying to look while still at the arrivals hall in the airport, when everyone is cranky, even worse!

It’s just a nice thing to know ahead of time for when you arrive and either realize you have forgotten something, or just really need some snacks. 

Maybe it’s the jet lag, but I have found grocery stores incredibly hard to find on Google Maps a few times (mostly where there is a bigger language barrier and you can’t simply search the english words, as I mentioned.)

At least at home you can search at a leisurely pace, and ask somewhere if you can’t find anything.

Of course if you forget, you can always try to remember to ask your host when you check in.

I do find that their version of “5-10 minutes walk” is not that reliable, and they may not know the actual closest spot.

Keep Your Pre-trip Anxiety in Check

I know it can be nerve wracking to feel like you are showing up without a plan, but if you have followed this guide and are armed with the opening times of everything and have the must-have’s scheduled , there is no need to stress!

You WILL have time for everything that you make a priority.

You WILL have a place to sleep.

(If you chose not to book ahead, the absolute worst case scenario is finding yourself a bit further away than ideal. In the off season you will not be without a roof!)

You WILL have an amazing time discovering things as you go!

Consider a Hop On Hop Off

I realize that this is literally the opposite of slow travel , since Hop On Hop Off Buses are designed for tourists to see everything as efficiently as possible, but hear me out!

If you are going to a major tourist centre that has this option, you most likely want to see the attractions that are on these routes.

Visiting these big ticket stops can totally be amazing and a great experience, but they will be touristy no matter what .

Therefore they also won’t be the most authentic experience, no matter what.  

So in my opinion, one of the better ways to relax and enjoy the experience is to:

• Accept the direct transportation
• Enjoy the guided narrative through the city
• Be efficient seeing the big sights

By taking the tour you can reduce the stress of finding your way to all of these attractions on your own.

Also, it is technically still “public transportation” and sustainable in it’s own way.

(Definitely beats a cab or uber.)

At the end of the day it will definitely free up your time to then proceed with having your slow , intentional travel experiences elsewhere.

They are a particularly good option for small kids in a centre that isn’t very accessible for strollers.

If you are unfamiliar with Hop On Hop Off, know that you are still completely on your own schedule.

You simply get off at a stop and catch the next bus when you are done.

To get the best value, you will want to plan ahead for a whole day or possibly two using the bus.

It will not be worth it to decide in the afternoon that you want the bus because they can be pricey.

Don’t Be Scared to Change Your Plans

I hope this is a theme that you are picking up.

There is no reason to be married to an itinerary or a schedule you have in your head.

A million things can happen that make you WANT to change your plans, so don’t feel the need to stick to plan A.

You could arrive somewhere and realize that it isn’t for you AT ALL . Unfortunately it happens (for me, that was Rome.)

If it happens to you :

• Get out of town and find something in nature to do
• Find totally different activities
• Switch locations altogether  

You could find that a place is too hot to reasonably see something at midday.

Maybe you realize that you just don’t care about going up the Eiffel Tower enough to actually wait in line with a thousand people.

Maybe you don’t want to leave the apartment for the fourth straight day of rain.

All of that is okay!

This is your hard earned vacation, there is no need to do anything because you feel like you should , or even because it’s already paid for.

We’ve bailed on non-refundable activities because it was going to be windy and -27C.

The way I see it, we paid for the opportunity to back out when it was clearly going to be unpleasant.

It has taken a long time but I am getting over my weird guilt complex, and if that’s you, you can too!

Bring Printed Documents and Pre-loaded Maps

Hi, it’s your friendly neighbourhood old person, here to tell you that for peace of mind, some things are better off printed!

Jason hates it, but I always bring printed proof of onward and return travel.

(Thanks to some bad border control experiences)

I also bring a printed sheet of our first day’s accommodation so that we have the address, name, and phone number, in case our phones are dead.

(Sometimes also necessary for border control – the accommodation details, not dead phones.)

I also save the location of our first stay on the map so that I can use it offline .

We also usually download offline maps, not necessarily before we leave, but you will want them if you are outside of the city (especially if you are driving.)

Sample Slow Travel Itinerary

Here is a printable slow trip itinerary that I made based off of these tips!

You can either print and fill if you’re a paper person, or add text boxes over the Google doc.

If you’re planning your first ever slow travel experience , I hope you will let me know, and keep in touch with all of the hidden gems that you discovered along the way!

If this is always how you flow on your travels, what are your best tips?

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I keep reading mixed reviews of Castellammare del Golfo and Trapani . Would you increase or decrease any number of days in these cities? I read to stay in Trapani as a base instead of Castellammare del Golfo.

Day 1-2: Palermo

Day 3-4: Castellammare del Golfo ( Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro Hike, Vineyard visit & wine tasting)

Day 5-8: Trapani (day trip to Favignana)

Day 9-11: Cefalu

Day 11: Fly out Palermo

Would love any recommendations!

3 replies to this topic

Idea for 10 days/10 nights, with travel time, no car :

—Arrive Palermo, transport to C. dei Golfo - 1/2 day

—C. dei Golfo 2.5 days/3 nights

—Transport to Trapani - 1/2 day

—Trapani 2.5 days/3 nights (day trip Favignana)

—Transport to Cefalu - 1/2 day

—Cefalu 2.5 days/3 nights

—Train to Palermo / 1/2 day

—Palermo 1/2 day/1 night

—Depart Palermo

Pace is 3-3-3-1.

OR you could go Trapani4, Cefalu3 and Palermo3. That would be less hotel changes and time in Palermo. OR drop Cefalu as that is far from Trapani and Golfo. A guidebook and map of Sicily will be beneficial when planning as when exploring.

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Sicily Hotels and Places to Stay

Ireland's four-day ‘Slow Travel Experience’ is a city break like no other

Visit Waterford has announced a brand new four-day Slow Travel Experience.

Visitors planning to enjoy the sights of Ireland’s oldest city will now be able to immerse themselves fully in the county during their stay.

Characterized by reducing mobility and using sustainable travel means, it is advised that visitors arrive in Waterford by train, bus or bicycle.

Ireland's best beach leaves visitors 'awestruck' with its 'breathtaking beauty'

Ireland's collection of curious museums offer different days out

They can then traverse the county from east to west via the Waterford Greenway and using bus services.

Spending four or more days in Waterford will enable you to get off the beaten path and explore pretty coastal villages while supporting small indigenous businesses.

In Waterford City , take a guided EPIC walking tour with Waterford Treasures, where you will discover 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces in Ireland’s first open-air museum.

Enjoy a ‘Wake and Whiskey’ experience on a tour at The Irish Wake Museum followed by a whiskey tasting at The Reg.

Hop on your own bicycle or a hired one from the Waterford Greenway hire companies and commence the 46km route of the Greenway. Take a stop at Mount Congreve Gardens, home to one of the largest collections of plants in Ireland.

You will also happen upon the beautiful Waterford Suir Valley Railway and Clonea Beach, before staying overnight in Dungarvan.

Explore the rolling Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountain ranges on the Mountain Splendour Taste Tour.

Enjoy spectacular views, mountain lakes, and embark on a foraging trail.

Ireland's best coastal drives offering unforgettable views

62 new trails will make Ireland 'an international destination for walking and hiking'

Taking a trip to the most westerly point of the county via bus is a chance to explore the stunning Lismore Castle and Gardens and Lismore Heritage Centre.

Tipping on to the seaside village of Ardmore offers a chance for some pampering and relaxation at the five-star Cliff House Hotel.

If you’re finding it hard to leave, an exploration of the Waterford Garden Trail is also a must. For more, see www.visitwaterford.com .

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

• Slow Travel
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Two nights, three provinces, and 1,600 miles. A sleeper train through Maritime Canada is slow travel at its best.

Via rail’s sleepy eastern route brings travelers through rural villages and towns in quebec, new brunswick, and nova scotia..

C HARLO, New Brunswick — I woke up with the sun peeking through the curtains of my sleeper car, and I couldn’t wait to see what was happening on the other side. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, a kid with noticeable flecks of gray hair in his bedhead, but a kid just the same. I sat up, wrapped myself in the bed’s comforter like a burrito, and yanked back the drapes.

I was suddenly looking at a sunny snowscape in northern New Brunswick. This was a thrill because when I boarded the Via Rail train at Montreal Central Station the day before, there was no snow, and the sky was the color of dishwater. Having experienced little to no winter in Boston, seeing this Bing Crosby landscape was a refreshing change of pace.

While I slowly woke up, the train rumbled along the tracks, and I watched the broad blue expanse of Chaleur Bay slowly pass by. Across the water, the hills and cliffs of the Gaspé and Acadian peninsulas were visible. It was as if the entire scene had been timed perfectly for the morning entertainment of the train’s passengers.

I was traveling Via Rail Canada’s Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax. The train wasn’t as glamorous as the Rocky Mountaineer, nor was the scenery as grand as the Winnipeg to Churchill trip. But Via Rail’s 22-hour route is a lovely travel throwback with gorgeous scenery. Thanks to the strength of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar, I was able to score a sleeper car with a private bathroom (complete with a shower) for $400 a night. It also helped that I was traveling during mud season. Rates go up during the summer and into foliage season.

The fare included all meals, which were served in the dining car on actual plates with actual flatware. I reasoned that I was getting a room, all meals, and the constant entertainment of the ever-changing landscape for $400 a night. That seemed like a decent deal. I decided to book my return to Montreal on the train as well. That would give me a solid 44 hours on board.

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The train departed Montreal at 7 p.m. on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Halifax at 5:51 p.m on Saturday. I was curious to see how Via Rail, Canada’s national rail company, compared with Amtrak, particularly its sleeper cars. As I cased out my room, I watched the Farine Five Roses sign and the rest of the Montreal skyline disappear behind us. My cabin was designed for two people, but I wanted a room with an en suite bath and shower. The cabin was about 30 square feet (not including the bathroom). It had a sofa that folded down to a bed, with a bunk bed that folded down above it. There was a narrow closet, and in the bathroom, there were towels, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of soap.

It wasn’t the Ritz, but it was clean and cozy. These cars were built for the canceled European Nightstar train service in the late 1990s. The trains would have used the Chunnel to take passengers from London to cities in mainland Europe. When the project failed to materialize, Via Rail bought the cars and shipped them to Canada in 2000. Despite being in service for nearly 25 years, the train was in good shape.

After inspecting and unpacking, it was dinner time. We were well on our way to Quebec City by the time I sat down and perused the menu. I opted for leek-crusted chicken with wild rice pilaf and roasted butternut squash. This was better than any meal I had ever consumed on an Amtrak train . I was seated with a retired sports editor (pure coincidence) from New York. He had taken most of the Amtrak overnight trains in the United States and now wanted to sample Canada’s offerings.

He agreed with me that the food was better than Amtrak, and the train cars were generally in better condition, but he pointed out something I hadn’t noticed: The staff was much friendlier than the staff on Amtrak, and it made a huge difference. One of my chief complaints, particularly on Amtrak’s Silver Meteor, is that the staff often seemed surly.

By the time I finished dinner and returned to my room, the attendant had made up the bed. I decided I would try sleeping in the bunk, but I quickly soured on the idea when I realized the only way in and out was a narrow ladder. The bunk seemed a bit high for my liking. I folded it back and slept on the lower bed. The bed is 6 feet long and about 2½ feet wide, so it may not be ideal for taller passengers. The mattress was comfortable, and the comforter was wonderfully thick. Each cabin has individual temperature controls, so even though the temperature was in the single digits outside, I was tucked away comfortably for the night. I’m a light sleeper, but I dozed off quickly.

The next morning, it was time to test the shower. To my shock and delight, the water was hot enough, and the pressure wasn’t bad. I went to the dining car and tried the breakfast poutine. I concluded that poutine is a perfect all-day meal. I wrote “open 24-hour poutine restaurant” in my notebook and watched as the train gradually made its way inland. My breakfast companion was a retired teacher from Montreal who was going to visit her grandchildren in Halifax.

“Don’t you dare write anything bad about this train,” she sternly warned me as only a teacher could. “It’s my favorite way to get to Nova Scotia. If it shuts down I’ll blame you.”

The scenery out the window was always changing. When I left Montreal, it was gray. Coastal New Brunswick was snowy and bright, and as the train descended south, the snow disappeared, and the sky darkened. By the time we neared the Bay of Fundy, it was snowing, and then it was raining, and then the sun started peaking out.

The biggest frustration was that the train was running two hours behind schedule. I had made dinner reservations in Halifax for Saturday night but missed them because of the delay. I had one night in the city before getting back on the train the next day and lost precious time.

Another frustration I faced was that the train’s observation car was no longer used. One of the best parts of taking a scenic train is, well, watching the scenery. I could still see the countryside from my room, the lounge, or the restaurant, but the glass-domed observation car on the Ocean route was removed two years ago because of a track change in Halifax. Having that car would have made the experience even more special.

I got back on the train Sunday afternoon, settled into my new room, which was identical to the previous one, and headed back to the cafe car for lunch. All of this investigative reporting was really adding inches to my waistline. I tried the gnocchi pomodoro and decided to treat myself to a glass of local wine. Unlike Amtrak, alcohol is not free in Via Rail’s sleeper class. Again, I was impressed with the menu options, service, and food.

I watched the small towns blur past from the lounge car, one of the few places on the train where the internet was available. Even so, it was usually empty. The pace of train travel, devoid of the internet, is a rare treat. Eventually, a pair of sisters came into the lounge car and asked me if I wanted to play cards with them. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I played cards, so I put down my camera and began a game of rummy. I can imagine that this was what travel was like before planes or even cars. Without screens, I was actually looking up, talking to people, and playing a game that wasn’t on my phone.

That night, before I went to bed, I opened my laptop and started scrolling through the photos I’d taken throughout the trip. I frantically scrolled up and down, looking for a big “wow” photo. I needed a picture with pizazz. Then I stopped scrolling and looked at the pictures together. This trip wasn’t about flashy sites or Instagrammable moments. It was a long weekend of fluffy waffles, snow banks, blue rivers, and expansive brown fields.

Mostly, however, it was about taking a moment to slow down and breathe.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

68 episodes

Bienvenue sur le podcast de Renouveau Podcast 🎙️🌞 Le podcast qui donne la parole aux hommes et aux femmes qui ont été touchés de près ou de loin par le cancer 🦀 Le but ? 👀 À travers l'histoire de ces invités inspirants et d'épisodes en solo, je souhaite libérer la parole autour de cette maladie, montrer la réalité de celle-ci, inspirer et montrer que l'après maladie est une période loin d'être facile à vivre. À travers ces épisodes, je souhaite te rappeler que la vie est courte et qu'il ne tient qu'à nous d'en profiter. Alors, prêt(e)s ? Allons-y ! 🚀

Renouveau Podcast Pelletier Caroline

• Health & Fitness
• APR 21, 2024

EP#67 : Corinne | Le slow travel & la pleine conscience : un chemin de guérison

"Le pouvoir guérisseur des voyages réside dans cette capacité à nous faire évoluer, à nous offrir une nouvelle perspective sur la vie et à nous permettre de surmonter des obstacles 🙏En nous éloignant de notre quotidien, nous trouvons un espace pour la réflexion, la découverte de soi et la résolution de problèmes, ce qui contribue à notre bien-être mental et émotionnel 🫶🌍✈️ En somme, chaque voyage est une opportunité de croissance personnelle et de transformation, nous laissant revenir chez nous avec un bagage d'expériences et une vision élargie du monde." Ces mots, ce sont ceux de Corinne, mon invitée. Touchée par un cancer rare, à un âge improbable alors qu'elle est une femme... c'est son parcours qu'elle nous raconte avec beaucoup de résilience et d'écoute de soi. Un parcours qui lui a inspiré de nouvelles passions & envies, qu'elle a transformé récemment avec son projet Mes voyages, mon équilibre. Je t'invite à la découvrir dans cet épisode. Bonne écoute ! --- Tu peux la retrouver sur : -> Instagram : @mesvoyages_monequilibre -> son site internet : https://mesvoyagesmonequilibre.com/ --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer Je te guide, t'aide à te comprendre et à passer à l'action pour un Renouveau à ton image. Prêt(e) à changer ? 👀 C'est par ici que ça commence : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ Je t'attends ! 🔥💪

• APR 14, 2024

EP#66 : Sonia | Cancer & impact sur la vie intime

Une vie intime pendant les traitements, c'est possible ? 🤔 Et dans l'après ? Comment reprend-on ? 👀 Comment faire quand la libido est aux abonnés absents ? 🫣 Comment séduire à nouveau quand le corps a changé ? 👉 Autant de questions très importantes que nous avons abordé dans cet épisode avec Sonia, thérapeute spécialisée en sexothérapie. Nous te donnons des solutions et ouvrons le dialogue sur ce sujet assez tabou, avouons-le ! 🙏 Alors que tu sois patient(e), ancien(ne) patient(e) ou proche n'hésite pas à écouter et partager cet épisode autour de toi ! 🎯 Libérons la parole sur ces sujets si importants, un simple changement peut faire toute la différence ! 🫶 --- Tu peux retrouver Sonia sur Instagram sous le nom : @sonia_trembacz La référence (livre) citée dans cet épisode par Sonia : Jouissance club --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer Je te guide, t'aide à te comprendre et à passer à l'action pour un Renouveau à ton image. Prêt(e) à changer ? 👀 C'est par ici que ça commence : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ Je t'attends ! 🔥💪 Bonne écoute 🫶

• APR 7, 2024

EP#65 : Aurore & ses fils | Cancer & maman solo, le témoignage d'Aurore et ses fils

C'est un épisode avec Aurore, maman solo touchée par un cancer, et ses 2 fils, que je te propose aujourd'hui ! 😁 Parler de cette maladie avec le regard du patient mais aussi (et pour la première fois) avec le regard des proches, ses deux fils, que l'épreuve a finalement soudé encore davantage. C'est ce qu'Aurore & ses 2 garçons m'ont fait l'honneur de me partager, avec beaucoup de douceur dans cet épisode 🫶 Je t'invite à bien t'installer pour l'écouter 🙏 --- Tu peux retrouver Aurore sur Instagram : ⁠@noussommesdecelles Et découvrir son podcast juste ici : https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6rtNUflnzJabllVj85e8?si=d5be3d2de0ff42e0 --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer Je te guide, t'aide à te comprendre et à passer à l'action pour un Renouveau à ton image. Prêt(e) à changer ? 👀 C'est par ici que ça commence : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ Je t'attends ! 🔥💪 Bonne écoute 🫶

• MAR 31, 2024

EP#64 : Magalie | La colère : outil ou frein face à la maladie ?

Magalie fait partie de ces femmes touchées par un cancer, qui doit encaisser la nouvelle et vivre avec, en espérant s'en sortir... 💪 Pourtant, les émotions sont là, et elle ne sait pas comment les gérer. Alors, elle s'en prend aux seules personnes sur qui elle peut compter : ses proches 👀 ⚠️ Attention, on ne fait pas le procès de Magalie dans cet épisode ! Bien au contraire, c'est un message bienveillant et de tolérance que l'on souhaite véhiculer : la maladie est une épreuve, l'après aussi et les émotions sont de la partie. Elles sont normales et peuvent être travaillées pour que cette étape de vie se passe de la meilleure manière possible 🙏 Dans cet épisode, nous parlons des émotions, de cancer génétique, après cancer et bien plus encore. Je te laisse avec le témoignage de Magalie, bonne écoute 🫶 --- Tu peux retrouver Magalie sur Instagram : magalie.racinais22 --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer Je te guide, t'aide à te comprendre et à passer à l'action pour un Renouveau à ton image. Prêt(e) à changer ? 👀 C'est par ici que ça commence : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ Je t'attends ! 🔥💪 Bonne écoute 🫶

• MAR 28, 2024

EP#62 : Caroline | [Spécial Podcasthon] La plongée sous marine, activité sportive adaptée pour lutter contre le stress post-traumatique

"On vit l'instant présent, on ne pense à rien d'autre, et ce moment de pause, il est juste incroyable" 🙏 Ce sont les mots de Caroline, ex-patiente suite à un cancer du sein, au micro du nouvel épisode du podcast Renouveau Coaching 🎤🔥 -- ⚠️ Cet épisode, je te le partage à l'occasion de la semaine du Podcasthon ! Kesako ? 🤔 C'est le premier événement caritatif qui rassemble les podcasts francophones entre le 25 et le 31 mars. C'est pas moins de 400 podcasteurs et podcasteuses éditent un épisode spécial de leur podcast, mettant en avant une Association/ONG de leur choix et j’ai choisi pour cette occasion de mettre en avant l'association ⁠AQUADEMIE PARIS PLONGEE⁠ que j'ai découverte avec ⁠Caroline Grimaud Pescher⁠ qui était mon invitée 😀 Tu peux aller sur le site du Podcasthon pour découvrir les autres candidats & associations mises à la une : ⁠www.podcasthon.org⁠ --- 🌊Pratiquer la plongée sous-marine pour lutter contre le stress post-traumatique, voilà l'une des solutions que Caroline a mise en place pendant et après les traitements. 🎯Car oui, le cancer et ses traitements génèrent du stress post-traumatique et il est important de trouver des solutions efficaces pour y remédier. Alors si c'est une situation dans laquelle tu te reconnais, fonce écouter cet épisode ! 🙏 --- Tu peux retrouver Caroline sur : - Instagram : @⁠⁠lekombatdesroses⁠⁠ - LinkedIn : Caroline Grimaud Pescher Mais aussi l'association Aquadémie Paris Plongée dont elle nous parle dans cet épisode ici : @⁠aquademieparisplongee⁠ --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer 🌱 J'ai été confrontée à la maladie par deux fois, avec mes parents. Quelle a été ma (notre) surprise quand j'ai découvert que l'après maladie n'était pas la fin du combat… 💪 Cela m'a amené à me positionner en tant que coach & aidante pour aider celles et ceux qui sont confrontés à cette étape, que l'on soit patient(e) ou proche, la maladie impacte nos vies. 🎯Faisons de cet Après un Renouveau à notre image. Je t'accompagne en individuel ou en collectif sur ces sujets, alors si tu veux un coup de pouce (& de boost), ça commence ici 👇 🔥Réserve ton appel découverte (gratuit & sans engagement) 🔥: https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ

• MAR 24, 2024

EP#63 : le challenge -> comment VRAIMENT prendre soin de soi dans l'après maladie

Hello à toi ! 😉 Je te retrouve dans cet épisode solo pour te donner les 3 clés de l'après cancer pour VRAIMENT prendre soin de soi : 1. Comprendre 💡 2. Agir ✈️ 3. Soigner en profondeur 🎯 Tout ça, c'est ce que nous avons vu dans le Challenge de 3 jours durant lequel j'ai partagé pas mal de contenu de valeur pour vous aider à VRAIMENT prendre soin de vous dans cet après maladie 🙏 ⌛ Tu peux encore accéder au replay jusqu'au 1ᵉʳ avril, c'est par ici : https://www.renouveau-coaching.fr/challenge-3-jours-pour-prendre-soin-de-soi 👉 Tu peux aussi dès à présent réserver ton appel découverte, il est le point d'entrée pour mettre en place ton Renouveau après cancer, c'est par ici : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ --- Je suis Caroline, coach & aidante de l'après cancer Je te guide, t'aide à te comprendre et à passer à l'action pour un Renouveau à ton image. Prêt(e) à changer ? 👀 C'est par ici que ça commence : https://zcal.co/i/A4ZocwKQ Je t'attends ! 🔥💪 Bonne écoute 🫶

• © Pelletier Caroline

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10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

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