notes on slow travel

What Does the Phrase “Slow Travel” Actually Mean? 

This is part of a collection of stories on slow travel—read more here.

For about a decade, Paul Salopek, a Pulitzer-winning journalist, has been walking. By that, I don’t mean he’s consistently hit his 10,000 steps on daily constitutionals. In 2013, Salopek set out on the  Out of Eden Walk , a project to follow the 80,000-year-old footsteps of our forebears, following the 24,000-mile route of human migration from Ethiopia to the southern tip of South America —all on foot just as they had done. Salopek’s still-unfolding, extraordinary journey might be considered the ultimate experiment in so-called “slow travel,” a term that is being used more and more frequently to describe everything from backcountry bikepacking expeditions to mega-ship cruises. But when I reach Salopek on Zoom to ask him about it, he is in the Chinese province of Shaanxi and is audibly confused about what the term even means. “There’s been no other way  but  ‘slow travel’ for 99 percent of our history,” he says. “I guess in today’s world to premise anything on going slowly is revolutionary.”

It’s hard to pinpoint its exact beginnings but the slow travel revolution—an intentional move towards more mindful, more environmentally responsible, less purely convenient modes of getting around—organically emerged from another revolution. In 1986, a journalist named Carlo Petrini, in the most Italian protest ever conducted, handed out bowls of penne pasta to passersby and demonstrators who yelled, “We don’t want fast food. We want slow food!” The target? A McDonald’s, the first in Italy , set to open at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome. The McDonald’s did indeed open, and is still there, but by actively resisting the very concept of fast food, Petrini started what became known as the slow food movement, a culinary practice that emphasizes natural ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and long, languorous meals where food is relished rather than treated as fuel.

If slow food is defined, at least partially, by what it’s not, then the same can be said for slow travel. Slow travel can be best understood as a collective reaction to our post-industrial obsession with convenience, where time, and using as little of it as possible, is the biggest priority in getting from point A to point B. Some have tried to give slow travel a more concrete definition. In 2010, for example, a decade before the coronavirus pandemic saw  skyrocketing interest in  trekking, cycling, and domestic trips, two tourism researchers out of the UK, Janet Dickinson and Les Lumsdown,  wrote that slow travel was “an emerging conceptual framework which offers an alternative to air and car travel, where people travel to destinations more slowly overland, stay longer and travel less.” Seems simple enough. Take a train, a bike, kayak, or your own two feet instead of a plane and car and just like that, you’ve taken your vow of mindfulness; welcome to the church of slow travel? 

Of course, like any trend that starts with a kind of radical thoughtfulness, the definition of slow travel gets slippery with the more questions you ask. What if, on that train ride, you do nothing but scroll on TikTok? What if the place and the people you really want to get to know and learn from are just too difficult to reach without getting on a plane, because of other obligations, money, or a disability? Does that disqualify you? Run a Google search of slow travel and you won’t need to scroll long before you’re accosted with shiny images of beautiful people on pristine beaches and “must-have” checklists for worthwhile “slow travel” experiences.  What if you can’t afford the five-digit price tags associated with the two-week yacht trips, luxury train rides, and wilderness resorts that market themselves as the ultimate in slow travel indulgences? 

What emerges then is a far more complex definition of what it means to travel slowly. Traveling slowly can mean exploring your own backyard, avoiding environmentally damaging transportation when possible, spending a lot of time in one place instead of a little time in many—but it also is an internal process. It means tamping down our own built-in, conditioned obsessions with time and allowing the world to move just a little slower so that we can actually notice it. Slow travel is a mindset: you don’t need three weeks of vacation to slow down. A day spent strolling through an unfamiliar neighborhood without a crammed to-do list or exploring a state park with nothing but a route map and a bag of snacks could fall under the umbrella of slow travel. It comes down to how you engage with the world as you move through it.  

“It’s about taking the time to make a connection—to the land and each other,” says Chyanne Trenholm

“If slow travel is about stopping and taking the time to properly connect with a place and its people, then yes, it’s something I’m all for,” says Chyanne Trenholm, a member of the Homalco First Nation, and the assistant general manager of Vancouver Island-based  Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours . The Indigenous-owned company organizes visits to local communities, and Bute Inlet wildlife excursions. Trenholm says the idea of taking it slow and being present has been ingrained in her culture as a steward of the land. “Slow tourism is not the term we’ve used much, because it’s not just how we think of our brand—it’s who we are,” she says. She feels a certain sense of responsibility in instilling that kind of thinking in visitors who might arrive looking to get that one shot of a grizzly bear with a fish in its mouth and then leave. “It’s about taking the time to make a connection—to the land and each other,” she says. “I think humans in general can learn a lot from the act of making those connections.” 

Monisha Rajesh , the author of three books on long-distance train travel, thinks that moving slower gives our brains the time it needs to process our experiences. “On a plane, you lift out of one place and drop into the next without any awareness of the in-betweenness,” she says. “On a train, the journey starts the second you get on board. I don’t know who is going to enter my story and the surroundings are part of the adventure.” Instead of the time it takes to get from origin to destination being a kind of blank nothingness—a necessary, if somewhat annoying, component of travel—suddenly, it teems with possibility. 

When people hear about long, slow journeys—a cross-country  bike trip , a paddle down the Mississippi, a 10-year-and-counting walk in the footsteps of early Homo sapiens—the reaction is usually a mix of “you-did- what?”  shock and “I-could-never” envy. It’s a strange reaction considering our history as a species. Salopek tells me that he’s noticed something almost primeval about entering a community that is not your own by foot. “They see you coming from a distance. By the time you walk up to them and say hello there’s this ritual of greeting that you’re both prepared for,” he says. “We’ve been walking into each other’s viewsheds for 300,000 years and that’s why it feels so good.”

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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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July 4, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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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| The Art of Living for Students of Life

10 Slow Travel Tips for Your Next Adventure

By Kyle Kowalski · 22 Comments

In the last post, I defined slow travel and outlined 3 slow travel myths.

If you’re ready to get started with slow travel, the tips in this post will put you on the right path.

Just like you don’t want to live a superficial life, don’t skim the surface of your travel. Live—and travel—intentionally. Go deep!

Get an appreciation for a different way of life (which some would argue is the whole point of travel in the first place). — Intrepid Travel¹

These slow travel tips are based on my own research and personal experience. I believe traveling this way is better for you, your wallet, local communities, and the environment.

1) Go into it with the mindset of living like you’re at home, or even better, living like a local: Traveling shouldn’t be an excuse to live unsustainably or in an unhealthy way. Your mindset will impact why and how you travel. And, good home habits should travel with you.

2) Do all your homework ahead of time:  My wife and I used to wing it when it came to travel. Ironically, we are buttoned up in our day-to-day lives, but travel planning always seemed to happen after the trip had already started. Once we started living intentionally, we realized that our time is the most important thing we have. And, time spent traveling is limited. So, now all the planning happens in advance through just-in-time learning . This is also helpful if something causes your initial plans to change at the last minute. You’ve already done all the homework and can adapt and be flexible in a more time-efficient way.

3) Know yourself and your top priority each day: Priority is intentionally singular. Know why you are traveling and plan what is best for your interests. For my wife and me, we like being active and sightseeing. We tend to avoid tourist traps, chain restaurants, boutique hotels, and things like that. One important fact that we all need to accept is that we can’t do everything: we can’t choose every path in life, we can’t learn everything, we can’t read every book, we can’t see every square foot of the Earth, and we can’t see and do every single thing when we travel. Intentionally pick the things that will make your final itinerary. Follow essentialism , the disciplined pursuit of less but better.

4) Balance your itinerary and leave open time to create space, margin, and spontaneity:  I’ve created a habit of time blocking my daily schedule. I follow the same approach for travel. Stick to scheduled times, but allow the rest to fall into place naturally with plenty of space and margin incorporated. You never know when you may discover something off the beaten path.

5) Do less to experience more: Reject FOMO! As people continue to pick  experiences over things , we can all learn how to have the best experiences possible. Just like the hedonic treadmill of lifestyle inflation and endless consumption, the same can apply to experiences if we aren’t careful. The concept of “less is more” isn’t just for your things. It also applies to your time. Having less is more. And, doing less is more. It will give you more time to deeply immerse yourself in the few experiences you decide to do. You’ll be able to savor the experiences instead of counting down to the next to-do or to-see on your list.

6) Connect with the world around you:  Instead of rushing through everything, stop often. My wife and I did a mountain biking trail in Lake Tahoe that takes the average person roughly 3 hours. It took us 5! We stopped a bunch, jumped in a lake to cool off, and found countless opportunities to savor the breathtaking views or take a picture. I’m all for taking photos and videos on trips. If you plan enough time in your schedule, you should have plenty of time to take pictures as well as actually soak in the natural splendor ( forest bathing , anyone?). Just follow digital minimalism and don’t live your trip through your lens. That’s the sign of a schedule that’s packed way too tightly.

7) Save money or spend locally:  Traveling also shouldn’t be an excuse to blow a bunch of money. We try to apply the principles of FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) at home or on the road. But, it’s not just about saving money. It’s about you “voting” where your dollars go. When you spend, try to spend in a way that supports the local community.

8) Eat local, healthy food:  Inspired by the Blue Zones diet, we try to eat healthy, plant-based food. Or, you can apply the SLOW acronym of S ustainable, L ocal, O rganic, and W hole. Our process here is fairly simple. We use Yelp as a starting place to see our options in a location and then filter from there. We’re almost always able to find a local place to eat, and usually opt for organic, vegan, or vegetarian options. Depending on how long we’ll be in a location, we’ll also go to a grocery store to stock up on healthy food and save even more money.

9) Do everything at the right pace:  Just like slow living , not everything about slow travel is literally slow. Just ask my heart rate while hiking and mountain biking!

10) Find joy in the journey:  It’s about the journey, not the checkboxes on your sightseeing list. Always remember the story of the tourist and the fisherman . You can choose to be the fisherman.

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

• 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

September 24, 2018 at 5:06 AM

Thanks, for sharing 10 excellent tips for travel. I fully agree with this article. I seem when we traveling, we should download an offline version of the area you are in on Google Maps. I would love to credit my impeccable map reading skills, but in reality, I usually rely on Google Maps to determine my location. Whenever possible, Cameron and I download offline versions of these maps which let the app run smoothly without WiFi.

October 30, 2018 at 10:01 PM

Thank you, John. Good addition!

October 17, 2018 at 2:48 AM

Your post is very interesting to read. It’s very informative and helpful. Usually, I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up.

November 18, 2018 at 10:02 AM

Thanks so much, selena!

November 28, 2018 at 5:56 AM

Amazing article and tips guys. I’ve read it with such a big pleasure, and I felt each of them. I’ve traveled a bit, just 14 countries till now, but I can say you have an amazing list of tips. Keep up with the good work.

November 28, 2018 at 10:57 AM

Thank you, Smith. Hopefully you can apply some of the slow travel tips on your 15th country and beyond!

February 8, 2019 at 2:39 AM

Nice blog. I love traveling because it’s always fun with family and friends. Also, the more you travel the more you explore.

February 27, 2019 at 11:59 AM

Thank you! I agree. This is one of the few areas in life where more equals more 🙂

February 26, 2019 at 7:50 AM

Great tips! Eating local healthy food is a must for me – I love discovering new tastes and new foods.

February 27, 2019 at 11:57 AM

Thanks Jessica, and same here!

March 18, 2019 at 4:27 AM

Thanks for the information.

March 28, 2019 at 1:42 AM

You got it, Rohit.

March 18, 2019 at 4:28 AM

Good one, keep it up.

March 28, 2019 at 1:43 AM

Thank you, Varun!

March 26, 2019 at 1:01 PM

Thanks a ton. I love your no-nonsense approach to all this.

March 28, 2019 at 1:40 AM

Thank you, Huong.

July 18, 2019 at 1:50 AM

This is great post, I like it. Thanks for sharing helpful information. Your writing is very good, I really use full this post. thank you very much.

July 18, 2019 at 1:28 PM

You’re welcome!

November 12, 2019 at 8:16 AM

Totally agree. I love slow travelling. At times I chose the longer route, taking bus instead of the tube (london), and I ended up taking in more sights and just being present. Taking a spontaneous picnic when I see a beautiful park. Yes I get distracted from the route but it’s my vacation, time off anyway.

December 13, 2019 at 11:48 AM

That’s the spirit, Denise! Presence and spontaneity.

December 4, 2020 at 5:53 AM

Wonderful tips! My partner and I full time travel normally( not since Covid sadly )

He used ot be a chef so the first thing he does is go to a local store and gets only fresh ingredients. Then makes something locally inspired for us. It helps get us in the head space for a new adventure.

March 2, 2021 at 9:05 PM

Amazing, Maria! Having a chef in the relationship probably really spices things up (pun intended)!

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A Fast Guide to the Slow Travel Trend

When traveling, it’s easy to get swept up in the energy of a destination. That’s not always a good thing. Sometimes the energy of a destination doesn’t match the type of vacation you want to have. But great vacation destinations can offer a range of high- or low-key experiences, depending on the time of year and what events might be occurring there.

High-profile, commercialized tourist attractions, while popular for a reason, tend to attract bustling crowds that can make them difficult to enjoy if you’re aiming for a relaxing, slow-paced vacation.

Luckily, there’s a way to slow down and bring more emotional fulfillment to your next getaway. This growing trend is called “slow travel” and it’s meant to add to the immersion and positive intention of any vacation.

Slow travel is more eco-friendly, prioritizing respect for nature and avoiding damage to delicate ecosystems and fragile historical landmarks. Allow current and future generations of travelers to more deeply appreciate your destination’s unique attractions with slow travel. If your travel goals include taking a break and relaxing while being a responsible citizen of the world, slow travel is for you.

Planning a Slow Vacation

While slower travel can be a state of mind as much as it is a specific itinerary, a travel advisor can craft the perfect escape that’s both corporal and cerebral, highlighting the beauty of roads less traveled.

There’s more than one way to go about a slow travel experience. You can start with the destination and plan an itinerary that weaves in aspects of slow travel for a personalized experience. Or start with a set of objectives for your travel and choose a destination that accentuates those goals.

Important Notes on Slow Travel

Here are some perspectives that can help you understand how the slow travel trend is bringing more satisfaction and inspiration to a new generation of travelers.

• Open-ended itineraries
• Eating and shopping locally
• Pursuing personal growth
• Minimizing technology
• Minimizing your carbon footprint
• Engaging with people, places, and things authentically
• Seeking novelty

Slow Travel Destinations

Destinations ideal for slow travel have a mix of natural appeal complemented by man-made attractions that promote intimacy with the location and introspection within.

The archipelago nation of Indonesia has long been regarded as a place of respite and tranquility. Its friendly people, lush rainforest landscapes, and sacred spiritual sites call to travelers seeking low-key adventure. Try an excursion for one kayaking down jungle rivers or bond with your romantic partner snorkeling on a cave-diving expedition.

If a land excursion is more your speed, hike jungle terrain on your way to secluded religious temples made from large blocks of stone partially reclaimed by rainforest flora. Historic religious sites dotting the main island are open to the public, providing a peaceful setting for a self-guided meditation or an intimate conversation.

The nation of Panama has become a popular option for those seeking pristine landscapes and having the desire to explore a rich indigenous legacy. While Panama is rapidly modernizing, it has also maintained its historical character through a commitment to nature conservation, legally protected indigenous territories, and the celebration of traditional holidays.

Indigenous Panamanians play a central role in the nation’s culture and economy, offering travelers a way of seeking a deep connection with their destination and the means to practice cultural immersion respectfully. Slow-vacationers seeking a path of personal growth can learn from centuries of knowledge and tradition with art forms and customs that have helped define Panamanian culture for generations through dance, food, and textiles.

It’s easy for travelers to forget about Malta if they have never been; it’s a blip on the map at just 122² miles in size. But just one slow-travel visit to Malta will set a whole new standard in vacationing. What Malta lacks in size it makes up for in beauty–both man-made and natural. Its well-preserved neoclassical and baroque buildings feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Malta is the backdrop of several Hollywood blockbuster movies and it’s easy to see why. Its mild climate and approachable residents make Malta as hospitable as it is beautiful. Its more populated regions give way to palatial agricultural estates just on the edge of town, in case you’d like to personally familiarize yourself with locally-grown ingredients served by chefs at local restaurants.

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What Is The Best Slow Travel Book? 33 Amazing Slow Travel Resources

• Post category: Slow Travel / Travel Blog

One of my goals for 2021 is to include more reading in my free time, both fun and educational books. Recently, I went looking for a slow travel book to add to my reading list and was shocked to find so many amazing titles to choose from. Here are 11 slow travel books to check out, plus some can be listened to for free on the free 30 day Audible trial.

Slow Travel Books

Slow travel: a movement by penny watson.

This slow travel book goes over how hard it can be to say no to modern-day tourism trends. Watson discusses how one can adapt to slow travel both physically and philosophically. There are also tips on how to get ‘off the beaten path’ and how to reclaim your travel so it fits you rather than what the travel industry tells you.

Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World

If you are more of a visual learner, then this book is for you! It focuses on having a slow journey because they often tend to be more scenic. This visual guide is meant to inspire you by showing 200 once-in-a-lifetime journeys that you can take on foot, by bike, by car, on the water, or by rail.

Learn about lesser-known journeys like cycling around Botswana or kayaking through Finnish Lakeland. This slow travel book is perfect to give as a gift for any adventurers or even for your coffee table!

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

This slow travel book poses some interesting questions like why has travel become a way to escape our everyday lives? or is finding better weather a good reason to travel? It talks about the reasons why people travel and what travel has become.

The Art Of Slow Travel talks about looking past all of the cruises, airport lounges, hotels, and resorts, to think about how you can go deeper than artificial distractions that are often marketed to consumers and find meaningful travel .

Slow Travel With Children: A Short Guide To Slow travelling With Babies And Young Children by Eva Cirnu

This is one of the most up to day slow travel books out there! This slow travel book was released not long ago in September 2020, making it relevant and helpful. It is the go-to source for slow traveling with children, both the benefits and challenges it poses.

Unlike other slow travel books, it is less about the philosophy of slow traveling and more of a practical guide for those going on family vacations and families who are considering living abroad!

Slow travel: Escape The Grind And Explore The World by Jennifer M. Sparks

This slow travel book focuses on how you can extract yourself from the fast-paced, ‘rat race’ world many live in. The author, Jennifer Sparks spent many years slowly traveling around 6 continents with many quirky forms of transport: bicycle, camper van, train, bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, bulldozer, ferry, sailboat, etc.

Her book is a resourceful guide filled with tips, tools, and techniques that she learned along the way. Escape The Grind And Explore The World would be a great present for someone hoping to do long term slow travel.

Wild By Nature: From Siberia To Australia, Three Years Alone In The Wilderness On Foot by Sarah Marquis

Discover Sarah’s intense slow travel journey that lasted for 3 years as she traversed the wilderness on foot for 10,000 miles from Siberia to Australia. Here’s a slow travel book that gets into the nitty-gritty like encountering the temperatures from subzero to scorching, mafia, drug dealers, thieves on horseback, and life-threatening wildlife.

Plus there were a fair share of physical trials like dengue fever in the Laos jungle, tropic ringworm, dehydration, and a life-threatening abscess. Let her perseverance and resilience inspire you to get outside of your comfort zone on your next adventure. Plus, you can listen to this book for free by doing a free 30-day Audible trial.

Travel Anywhere (And Avoid Being A Tourist): Travel Trends And Destination Inspiration For The Modern Adventurer by Fathom, Gerba & Rosati

Though this guide is not necessarily a slow travel book, its main goal is to help you be a better traveler and have more immersive travel experiences. This is an interactive book that acts as an ‘off the beaten path’ alternative travel guide filled with images, anecdotes, suggestions, and interviews on things like, ways to give back, learning about other cultures, how to go off-grid, and where to go for a once-in-a-lifetime meal.

Jupiters Travels: Four Years Around The World On A Triumph by Ted Simon

This slow travel book tells the adventures of a slow traveler riding a motorcycle over 78,000 miles through 45 countries. Though Simon did this 4 year trip in the 1970s, his book is filled with meeting people from all walks of life and being caught up in wars and revolutions, making it a book you cannot miss! Plus, you can listen to this book for free by doing a free 30-day Audible trial.

Destination Earth: A New Philosophy Of Travel By A World-Traveler by Nicos Hadjicostis

This is a slow travel book focused on helping you travel with purpose whether you are visiting a city, a region, or taking a long term world journey. Hadjicostis uses his 6.5-year continuous around the world journey to share meaningful travel ideas, experiences, stories, and photographs to help you interact and dive deeper into what it means to travel slowly.

Slow Is Fast: On the Road At Home by Malloy, Zimmerman & Keene

This slow travel book describes a spontaneous adventure of three guys jumping on a train to northern California with bikes and surfboards. On The Road At Home is special because the transport they chose (cycling) gives a particular portrait of California that they would not get when traveling in a car or camper van. The book tells the story of meeting interesting people and finding themselves in some unique situations while slowly traveling in their backyard of California.

Sloth Journal – Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment

Though technically not a slow travel book, it is a book that can help you as you slow travel. Besides having an adorable sloth on the cover that reminds you to slow down, this quality spiral-bound notebook can be used for taking notes, as a journal or a diary. Journaling during travel is an amazing way to capture your thoughts and feelings for reflection and keep a detailed log of your adventures to look back on later. 

If you don’t find sloths adorable, please re-evaluate your life – kidding! Check out this is minimal but elegant journal that may be for you instead.

Slow Movement Books

Chasing slow: courage to journey off the beaten path by erin loechner.

This book talks about how chasing fame, fortune, the ‘perfect’ life, etc. can be a toxic path. It focuses on the struggles of Loechner, an HGTV star, and her path to renewing her perspective and refreshing her priorities in life.

Courage To Journey Off The Beaten Path is about a personal journey that is meant to be relatable in hope of sparking your change. Plus, you can listen to this book for free by doing a free 30-day Audible trial!

Slow: Simple Living For A Frantic World by Brooke McAlary

Even if you are not able to get away through a slow travel adventure, this slow living book talks about how to get out of the fast-paced, materialism driven world while being at home. The book aims to shed off having a life set on perfectionism and then helping you find joy in the simple aspects of life once again.

In Praise Of Slow by Carl Honore

One of the most well-known books on the slow movement, In Praise Of Slow , poses some thought-provoking questions about why we live in a society that is obsessed with speed. This book talks about how being speed-obsessed can make the quality of life go down and can turn up the dial on stress and unhappiness.

It is unofficially known as the handbook of the slow movement so it’s a good place to start. Plus, you can listen to it for free by doing a free 30-day Audible trial.

Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals For A Slower Life by Brooke McAlary

This slow movement book focuses on rituals that can help transform your life. These rituals can help trade being overworked and sleep-deprived for long-lasting habits that promote better rest, minimized stress, and peace even on busy days.

The Slow Fix: Solve Problems, Work Smarter And Live Better In A Fast World by Carl Honore

This slow movement book is centered around how you can take action for a better life even while the world is obsessed with speed. The book’s purpose is to improve your quality of life in a fast world; it helps you to work smarter and have efficient, sustainable problem-solving. The Slow Fix is a practical guide that is meant to help you produce long term change.

Slow traveling can teach you so many things about yourself, but if you want to specifically focus on personal development, you have to check out books about self discovery too.

Slow Travel Podcasts

Thoughtful travel podcast.

• How slow is slow travel
• Slow travel benefits
• Taking it slow: travelling to feel like a local
• How to embrace slow travel
• Slow family travel and nomadic life

Zero To Travel Podcast

• Slow travel philosophy and traveling as a black woman
• The great debate: slow vs fast travel

EA Radio Travel Podcast

• Fast vs slow travel

Travel Goals Podcast

• How to travel mindfully and why it’s important

We Will Nomad Podcast

• Slow travel versus Fast travel

EER125 Podcast

• Slow travel in Europe with kids

Women Who Travel Podcast

• How to embrace slowing down

Ideas With Intention Podcast

• A more mindful way of traveling with conscious city guides founder, Nichole Dunst

Slow Your Home Podcast

• Slow Travel
• 6 Reasons to Try Slow Travel
• Tsh Oxenreider on slow travel and why you’re never really ready
• Slow travel with the World Wanderers
• Slow travel, fast kids, and making counter-cultural choices

Slow Movement Ted Talk

In Praise of Slowness given by Carl Honore

Slow Travel Blogs & Websites

Maptrekking.

On Maptrekking, we bring you all the information you need to start slow traveling! Make sure to check out how to be a responsible tourist and slow traveler .

A site where you can find slow travel tour operators all around the world.

Conscious City Guides

A blog focused on helping travelers be more conscious as they travel to different destinations.

“My hope is to help direct you to places and experiences that are sustainably-minded and help facilitate self-growth and self-discovery. To encourage you to tread lightly, to travel slower.” – Conscious City Guides

Slow Europe

A community forum for those who have questions about slow traveling in Europe.

Travel Telling

Matthias is a Serbian travel blogger who writes about his past slow travel adventures and tips on how to be a responsible traveler.

An all-around slow movement website that is bursting with great information.

What If We Walked

Luke and Nell run a slow travel blog centered. They specialize in exploring with their feet, whether it is a hiking trail or a city stroll because it gives such a unique perspective. 

“Our type of walking is not an endurance hike or a race. It’s just walking at a simple, everyday human speed. Travelling to experience and absorb as much of what we pass through as possible: the cultures, the details – big and little. Slow, simple, seasonal, personal” – Luke & Nell

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The Art of Slow Travel

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Have you ever come home from a vacation feeling more exhausted than you were before you left? Many travelers live hectic, stressful lives, and the frantic pace only continues while they’re on a trip as they rush from one tourist attraction to another. But there’s a grassroots movement that has quietly emerged as a solution to tourist burnout: slow travel.

Imagine living for a week in a little French cottage, buying fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market every morning, sipping cafe au lait on your favorite sidewalk terrace, and taking leisurely day trips to neighboring villages and chateaus. Sound appealing? That’s the magic of slow travel, where the emphasis is less on manic sightseeing and more on taking in your surroundings at a relaxed pace. This is no “four cities in seven days” tour of Europe—instead, you’ll see new places and explore new cultures in a way that’s less stressful for you, more respectful of the locals and easier on the environment (and maybe on your budget as well).

What Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is an offshoot of the slow food movement, which began in Italy in the 1980s as a protest against the opening of a McDonald’s in Rome. The slow food movement aims to preserve regional cuisine, local farming, communal meals, and traditional food preparation methods. This cultural initiative has since burgeoned into a whole way of life known as the Slow Movement , which emphasizes connection—connection to food, connection to families, and, in the case of travel, connection to local people and culture.

Slow travel is not so much a particular mode of transportation as it is a mindset. Rather than attempting to squeeze as many sights or cities as possible into each trip, the slow traveler takes time to explore each destination thoroughly and to experience the local culture. Per the slow travel philosophy, it’s more important to get to know one small area well than it is to see only a little bit of many different areas—that way you’ll have something left to see on the next trip.

Slow travel can mean renting a cottage or apartment for a week at a time and exploring your immediate surroundings on foot or by car. It can mean taking a bike tour from one village to the next, or driving along back roads instead of taking the highway. It can mean crossing long distances by train instead of air so that you can see the scenery along the way. But no matter how you do it, the key is slowing down—and making the most of each moment of your vacation.

The Benefits of Slow Travel

Traveling more slowly allows you to form a stronger connection to the place you’re visiting, and you’ll feel much less rushed. With a “slow” itinerary, you won’t experience the stress of attempting to knock out every site in your guidebook. Instead, you’ll stay in one place long enough to recognize your neighbors, shop in the local markets, and pick a favorite coffeehouse. Few societies move as quickly as Americans do, so slowing down in other countries not only allows you to escape your own stressful day-to-day life but also to slip naturally into the pace of another culture.

Another less obvious advantage of slow travel is that it’s generally much easier on the environment than other types of travel. While airplanes have been pinpointed as major contributors to global warming, trains are a much more eco-friendly alternative—as are bikes and, of course, your own two feet! And even traveling by car becomes less damaging to the environment when you’re only driving short distances.

Slow travel is often kinder to your budget as well. Staying in one place for a week or more at a time reduces your transportation costs, and vacation rentals are often more cost-efficient than hotels since they allow you to cook your own food instead of eating out for every meal. If you choose a home exchange instead, you’ll save even more.

One thing to keep in mind: While the pace of slow travel may be leisurely and laid-back, getting up close and personal with a new culture is much more challenging than just breezing through the major tourist sites. Part of the reward of slow travel is overcoming language barriers, differences in customs, and other potential stumbling blocks to make connections with the new people you meet.

The Best Destinations for Slow Travel

Europe is the most popular destination for slow travelers because vacation rentals are plentiful, public transportation systems are efficient, historic attractions are relatively close together, and English is widely spoken.

However, slow travel is a mindset, not a destination—and with a little planning, you can do it almost anywhere.

How to Travel Slowly

Accommodations: Slow travelers generally stay in vacation rentals, which tend to be more cost-efficient than hotels for longer stays as well as more spacious and homey. Be sure to book your vacation rental well in advance and keep in mind that many properties must be booked from Saturday to Saturday. You can find vacation rentals on sites such as Airbnb , HomeAway , and TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company).

Home exchanging is another good alternative for lengthy stays. Often your home exchange partner will leave an introduction to friends and neighbors, allowing you to immediately feel part of your new community. You may even get to use your exchange partner’s car while you’re in the area. One of the most popular sites for this type of lodging is HomeExchange.com .

Meals: In the spirit of slow food, try to seek out local ingredients and experience the regional cuisine of the place you’re visiting. Cooking for yourself? Join the locals at the fish market first thing in the morning to pick up a fresh catch for dinner that night, or pop by the bakery for a baguette right from the oven. If you’re eating out, patronize locally owned cafes and restaurants.

Transportation: Traveling by rail can be a relaxing and often luxurious way to see the countryside, particularly in places like Canada and Europe. Trains in both of these regions are comfortable and efficient, and a variety of rail passes are available to help you cut costs.

A road trip can also be considered slow travel if you take the back roads instead of the highways, and stop often to get a taste of local life.

Other “slow” alternatives include biking, river barging , walking, and even running.

When “Slow” Is a No-Go

While slow travel is an increasingly popular option for people looking to enrich their travel experiences, it’s not for everyone. For one thing, it can be very, well … slow. If packing a lot of sightseeing into each day makes you feel excited and energized, then you may find a more laid-back pace of life frustrating or dull. And while “there’s always another trip” is the unofficial motto of slow travel, I recognize that this isn’t the case for all travelers, particularly those on a tight budget. If you think this may be your one and only trip to Italy (or New Zealand or Morocco…), then you need to decide what’s most important to you: traditional sightseeing or an intimate cultural experience.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Ways to Score Free Lodging
• Ditch the Hotel: 10 Cheaper Ways to Stay
• 10 Simple Ways to Blend in with the Locals

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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24 Incredible Slow Travel Tips (To Transform Your Next Trip)

Slow travel is all about putting quality over quantity. Here are my slow travel tips for turning those dreams of a getaway into a reality.

Slow travel is an antidote to a packed itinerary.

It’s an alternative to the speeding tour bus that throws the weary tourist from one attraction to another. It’s an intentional way of travel that focuses on what you really want from your trip – and not on the must-see lists crafted by travel guides and influencers.

But what does slow travel mean in practical terms? And how do you turn your dreams of a slow travel getaway into reality?

Here are my most practical slow travel tips:

Table of Contents

1) Do your research

The more you know about your destination, the easier you’ll adjust and blend into its everyday life once you arrive. You’ll experience less culture shock and you’ll lose less time getting your bearings. And you’ll be more intentional with your itinerary.

You’ll know what sights are top priorities during your visit, and what you can skip as overhyped or just not your style. Researching, and reading reviews and blogs will help you decide what neighborhood you want to stay in and what treasures lay off the beaten path.

A quick Google search will tell you the destination’s top attractions and its must-sees. But more thorough research will help you fine-tune your itinerary and bring it down to the essentials.

The more you know about a country’s history, culture and customs, the more meaningful your trip will be. Learn a few phrases of the language to communicate with locals, and read up on the sites and local life you’re likely to encounter. Preparing and doing research also dulls culture shock and lets you integrate easier into your surroundings.

2) Get inspired with books and movies set in your destination

Watch Zorba and brush up on your mythology before your trip to Greece. Read some Naguib Mahfouz or watch documentaries on the mysteries of the pyramids before coming to Cairo. This will not only enrich your knowledge, but it will make your experiences more meaningful. It will strengthen your connection with the country and its people, and give you a deeper appreciation of its culture.

If you’re travelling with little knowledge of the place you’re visiting, then you’ll be spending much of your time learning the basics. But if you get a head start on those basics then your travels will go deeper and you’ll make more significant observations.

3) Know thyself

But lengthly research won’t help if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

There’s plenty of content telling us about the top tourist attractions and the “most Instagrammable” spots to visit. But slow travel isn’t about ticking those must-sees off your packed itinerary. It’s about enjoying yourself, taking your time and being unapologetic about whatever makes you happy.

All of this means knowing yourself. Don’t pursue the big tourist attractions just for a photo opp. Be honest with yourself. What are you really excited about seeing, and what feels like an obligation? What are your hobbies and interests, and what would your trip look like if you followed your passions? If you’re a foodie, then sign up for a food tour or make a list of must-try restaurants and markets. If you’ve never had any interest in art, then don’t spend your days wandering museums.

Slow travel is about knowing yourself and being honest about what you love. If you’re a big Oscar Wilde fan and there’s an exhibit of his works in Paris, then head there and skip the Louvre if you’re not excited about it.

It’s not about missing out on anything because you’re going at a slower pace. Slow travel is about focusing on the things you’re excited about and skipping anything that feels like an obligation.

4) Pick a hotel with character

You’ll end up spending more than half your travel time at your lodgings, whether that’s a hotel, a budget hostel or an AirBnb. And when your lodgings have character, they’ll add to your overall experience.

They’ll make you feel like you’re a part of the city’s life. They’ll make you feel welcome. And they’ll make you feel like a local.

Opt for a boutique hotel or Airbnb over monotone chain hotels. Use Google Maps to pick a hotel that’s close to most of the attractions you’d like to see, and walk whenever possible to explore. Get advice from local expats (through Facebook groups or Instagram) about the character of various neighborhoods or find unique ecolodges that will immerse you in nature.

5) Travel in the off-season

Major tourist attractions and cities usually packed with tourists have an entirely different feel in the off-season. The crowds are thinner and the locals are calmer.

If you wander the Piazza San Marco on a summer afternoon, you’ll find it difficult to even push through the crowds and you’ll spend your time dodging selfie sticks and side-stepping vendors. On a rainy November morning, the piazza feels entirely different; you’ll understand the city’s timeless allure when the pigeons fly overhead and the morning fog clears.

Not to mention: there will be shorter lines at museums, less crowded cafes and less noise.

6) Revisit your favorite destinations

Slow travel isn’t about ticking countries off a bucket list or keeping count of how many you’ve visited. In a society that glorifies materialism and teaches us that happiness lies in acquiring more and more, the push in travel can also turn towards quantity. How many continents have you visited? Is your bucket list getting shorter?

Slow travel is about quality versus quantity. And if you know yourself, you’ll have the confidence to cater your trip around what you’d really love to see instead of giving in to social pressure.

7) Leave time for wandering

There will be slow travelers who’ll tell you to forget the itinerary and toss out the must-see lists. But I’m not one of them. If you can’t imagine visiting Paris without riding to the top of the Eiffel Tower, then why deny yourself that pleasure just because it’s touristy?

Slow travel is about being selective and making priorities based on your real passions and interests. Once those are planned, the time you’ve saved by cutting out inessentials can be used to explore. Travel should be about discovery and surprises. But those experiences will only come if you make time for wandering.

To really get to know a destination, give yourself time to wander and explore. Leave room for the spontaneous and keep your itinerary flexible. Get to know a city beyond its tourist attractions.

8) Walk everywhere

Pack your sneakers and walk whenever possible. A zooming subway or speeding bus won’t give you the same experience as a ramble down some side streets.

You’ll see waiters in the back of restaurants laughing during their smoke break, and you’ll run into a street festival full of dancing red dragons and thick incense smoke. You’ll notice the tiles on a building used to keep out rain, the way merchants tie bundles of garlic, the novels popular among the street book vendors.

Your overall image of the destination, and its beauty and ugliness, will be the combination of all these moments.

Walking is often the best way to discover a new place. The surprises along the way can turn vacations into adventures and meaningful journeys, while the slower pace allows you to be more mindful of your surroundings and notice things you’d miss from a speeding bus window.

9) Get involved in local events

If you love gardening, search for upcoming local nature walks or flower festivals you can attend. Get on Facebook to look up current events at your destination.

Are there any concerts, festivals, sports matches or local cinema you’d love to see? Have you always dreamed of learning to surf or trying your hand at pottery? Are there any local sports or handicrafts you’d love to learn?

Getting involved in local activities will not only connect you with the local community, but it will make your trip more unique and personal.

The best way to understand a new culture is to immerse yourself in local life. This can mean eating at a restaurant that doesn’t cater to tourists or taking a walk through a local park.

Asking locals for recommendations is a great way to discover authentic food and hidden gems that are off the beaten path.

Getting involved in the local communities you’re visiting can be a great way to quickly integrate yourself in a foreign city. Sign up for a cooking class, volunteer, take a walking tour or spend an evening at a local concert or theater.

10) Ask a local or an expat

Locals and expats are founts of knowledge on the best places to eat, the lesser-known walking tours of unexplored neighborhoods and insiders tips on those questions you just can’t find on Google. Find them on Facebook groups or on Instagram, befriend them and read their posts and blogs.

Cities are breathing, organic networks that are constantly changing, and some info you’ll find online could likely be out of date. Likewise, new events and attractions are always being launched. Locals will enlighten you better than any guidebook.

11) Buy fair trade

Traditional crafts are disappearing worldwide and fewer young people are training to be artisans. Cheaper, Made in China trinkets that are sold everywhere for pennies are pushing out the pricier souvenirs. These trinkets are often picked up on a whim, then brought home to gather dust on a shelf.

Slow travel means supporting the local communities and artisans that make travel worthwhile in the first place. Travel is about experiencing different cultures, and those can only survive if we put our money where our values are. Buying fewer, more meaningful souvenirs is better than loading up on trinkets that will soon be forgotten.

Slow travel is as an offshoot of the slow food movement that began in Italy in 1986 to resist the opening of a McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome. The slow food movement emphasizes local food and traditional cooking over mass-produced, homogeneous fast food.

And in the same way, slow travel emphasizes a visitor’s connection to local communities over mass tourism and one-size-fits-all itineraries.

This means supporting local artisans and traditional handcrafts, as well as supporting local businesses whenever possible.

Stay at eco-friendly hotels, don’t litter, and buy fair trade whenever possible. Don’t take part in the exploitation of people, animals or the environment.

12) Stay flexible

Always have a Plan B. You’ll likely face hassles and complications during any trip. When that happens, it’s best to be spontaneous and open to a change of plans.

Think on your feet. If the museum you were hoping to visit is closed, then see what’s within walking distance and don’t give in to frustration.

13) Keep a travel journal

Travel allows you to be really present. There are none of the distractions and worries of your typical routine, and you’re usually more relaxed and aware of your environment while making constant observations on the road. A travel journal lets you capture all of these thoughts and gives them clarity.

When you write things down, you gain focus and direction.

A travel journal isn’t just a great way to record and remember your trip, but it can also be a powerful tool for reflection.

You’re away from your daily life while on the road – on your own and not defined by your social roles or responsibilities.

You’re merely an observer. And a journal will give you real insights about yourself.

14) Shop at the local markets

Grocery stores are my favorite places for souvenirs that I’ll actually use.

There are magazines to peruse, spices to discover, bowls and chop sticks, cute tins of candy, good bottles of wine, the daily newspaper. All these offer real insights into the local daily life.

And if you’re someplace with a great cuisine, then markets are a treasure trove of delicacies you won’t find anywhere else.

15) Take the bus or a train

If you’re taking a longer trip from point A to point B, opt for a bus or train ride versus a quick flight. You’ll see more of the country’s landscape and you’ll get in a few hours of reading time to relax without the hassles of checking in at the airport.

Slow travel is about the journey and what you’ll see along the way.

16) Sit at parks and cafes

Parks are brilliant to stretch out and unwind in-between sightseeing. Just looking at the color green has been shown to have a calming effect.

Cafes are also great for people-watching, journaling, sketching and observing the city’s daily life. They’re great rest stops where you can recharge or do some last-minute planning or research. The best cafes will have flyers with info on local gallery exhibits, workshops or lectures.

17) Do some sketching

Have you ever visited someplace and taken tons of photos, then flipped through them and noticed details that you didn’t spot at first? We’re often rushed to fit everything in and snapping photos as we go. But we don’t always take in the environment during that split second it takes to press the camera button.

Sketching is the antidote to quick insta-stories. Drawing forces you to slow down and notice details you wouldn’t pick up otherwise. And it puts you in the moment because you must observe the object you’re drawing.

Whether that’s historical architecture or a nature landscape, sketching the scene will let you remember the moment.

And who says you have to be artsy? Even quick, rudimentary sketches that are sloppily drawn will be meaningful years later, when you’re flipping through your journal. Remember that the creative process (and not the finished product) is the real reward. And if you’re still feeling nervous then try doodling first or practicing some sketches along with YouTube how-to videos.

18) Get up early

Beating the tourist crowds will let you explore a city’s streets in near solitude. If you’re an introvert, you know such moments are priceless to be alone with your own thoughts and free to notice the city’s architecture without the distractions of noise and traffic.

This is especially critical if you’re travelling to a city notorious for traffic jams and thick crowds. Taking a walking tour in the early morning, when most of the city is asleep, is an entirely different experience that lets you appreciate architectural details and historical points in finer detail.

19) Make friends with other travellers and locals

Make connections and exchange contact info with other travelers and locals. You never know when they’ll come in handy.

If your plans get cancelled, or if the unexpected happens, you might find yourself in sudden need of that taxi driver who handed you his card days ago. The WhatsApp exchange with some people you met at your hostel might prove great for tips on the neighborhood you happen to find yourself lost in.

20) Indulge your hobbies

Indulge in the hobbies and interests you wish you had more time for.

And if your work or your family take up all of your free time, then dig back further. What did you love doing when you were growing up? What do you enjoy doing whether you’re good at it or not?

21) Get off the beaten path

Visit the less obvious sites in the world-famous cities, or travel to smaller towns that aren’t normally popular with tourists. Stroll down a street where the locals aren’t used to foreigners, and where it’s not lined with souvenir shops. Take in some sights that aren’t already familiar to you from books and postcards.

Travel off the beaten path lets you experience the emotions that travel is meant to be about: discovering, exploring and navigating unknown territory. Shattering stereotypes and learning something new.

22) Keep your routines

Keeping some of your everyday habits will let you feel more grounded and comfortable when you’re visiting far-off exotic locales.

If you start your day with jogging, then find a park near your hotel and take a half hour for a brisk run. If you always unwind with a good book at night, then pick up a local author and head to a cafe and read over some tea.

23) Forget your smart phone

Posting a constant stream of updates from your travels will distract and distance you from the moment that you’ve traveled so far to experience.

If a complete digital detox on your vacation sounds too drastic, then take an afternoon with your phone on airplane mode. You can always reply to emails and post your photos in bulk when you’re back online.

Isn’t boredom always the biggest enemy?

But an hour or two at a park, another tall latte or a lounge on your hotel balcony is the best rest you can get. Your best creative ideas will happen in this white space where your thoughts are allowed to roam.

24) Research further

If you found anything strange, new or interesting during your travels, do some follow-up research. This will give you a better understanding of the country you’ve visited, and it might clear up misunderstandings or confusion.

Look up that unfamiliar religious festival you came across in Taipei or that flat bread you tried in Beirut. If anything sparked your interest, then dive in deeper and read a book, download a documentary or see a movie on the subject. Your discoveries don’t have to end once you’re back home.

Dee Nowak is the founder of Vanilla Papers. She keeps a daily journal and takes long walks on weekends. After a decade of slow living in Cairo, she's on a mission to help travelers navigate Egypt and the Middle East like a local. She loves simple living, journaling and local cultures.

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My Five Acres

Make Travel Truly Transformational

15 Reasons to Travel Slowly + 10 Tips on How to Do It!

Do you want to travel slowly? Or are you just curious about what slow travel is? Fast travel can be stressful and exhausting, but slow travel has the power to transform . Read our slow travel guide to find out why you should try travelling slowly and get tips on how to do it.

What’s in our guide to travelling slowly?

As full-time travellers, sometimes we travel slowly, sometimes we travel fast. When Stephen’s yoga teaching schedule is in full swing, there are times when we have to be in a new city every weekend.

Fast travel is stressful, exhausting, and soul destroying.

That’s why, when our schedule is our own, we slow down as much as possible. We book a place and stay for a week or more. Or we rent bicycles and move from place to place at 15 km per hour.

Our days of leisurely travel remind us why we started travelling in the first place. These are the moments we live for — and the ones we will remember for the rest of our lives.

If you want travel to be truly transformational try travelling slowly.

If you want to become a slow traveler, read on for our top…

15 Reasons to Travel Slowly + 10 Slow Travel Tips

Get More from Your Travels Grab our 63 tips for a truly transformational trip , our guide to eco-travel and our tips on being a greener traveller .

What is Slow Travel?

Why people travel too fast.

We meet a lot of people when we travel and, naturally, the conversation turns towards where they’ve been and where they’re going during their travels.

It usually goes something like this:

Us: So, where were you before this? Traveller: Well, we started in Paris, then flew to Rome, Amsterdam, London, Venice, and now we’re here. Us: Oh wow, how long have you been travelling? Traveller: 10 days. Us: [Silence as we nod slowly, trying not to let the shock and dismay show on our faces.]

It’s no mystery as to why people do this to themselves. Many feel that this trip to Europe or Asia or America is once-in-a-lifetime. If they don’t see it ALL now, they never will.

First of all, that’s just not true. Most of us, as long as we make travel a priority in our lives, will get to see more of the world than we think.

Second, if it is your only chance to travel, do you really want to spend the whole time rushing from place to place, never really seeing anything? Do you want to be so focussed on the next destination, the next experience, that you forget to enjoy the moment you’re in?

One of my favourite novelists puts it this way:

We residents sometimes pity you poor tourists not a little—handed about like a parcel of goods from Venice to Florence, from Florence to Rome, living herded together in pensions or hotels, quite unconscious of anything that is outside Baedeker, their one anxiety to get ‘done’ or ‘through’ and go on somewhere else. The result is, they mix up towns, rivers, palaces in one inextricable whirl. E.M. Forster, A Room with a View

This style of travel, where tourists see everything but absorb nothing, is the antithesis of slow travel. And it’s becoming increasingly common.

In our Instagram world, most people only spend as long in a place as it takes to get the perfect shot, then it’s on to the next sight without ever stopping to appreciate or understand what they’ve just seen.

So what is slow travel?

There’s no single definition of slow travel — and you don’t need a long vacation to try it. You can travel slowly for a weekend, a week, or take years — it’s up to you.

More than anything, slow travel is a way of thinking about travel that prioritizes immersion and experience over sights and tourist attractions. It’s a preference for sinking your teeth into the culture, rather than following the guidebook blindly.

Slow travel gives you the chance to learn not only about the culture you’re visiting, but about yourself as well.

Done right, travelling slowly has the power to transform your life.

Why Travel Slowly?

1. travel slowly to save money.

Not only is slow travel better (at least we think so), it’s cheaper!

First, slow travel helps you save on transportation costs, often the biggest travel expense. Accommodation can also be cheaper because you can avoid booking big chain hotels that are usually right next touristy attractions. Instead, stay further out to experience more local life at cheaper prices.

Slow travel also helps you save on food. You’ll have time to explore local restaurants and avoid the tourist traps that charge more for less.

2. Travel Slowly to Save Time

If you just have a short break it might seem smart to travel faster, packing as many places in as you can. But the flipside is, whe you travel quickly, you waste a ton of time in the act of travelling. Transferring to and from the airport, sitting on trains and busses, checking in and out of hotels, queuing up for attractions and tickets…

All of this time could be spent relaxing and absorbing a new culture.

3. Travel Slowly to Save Energy

Have you ever needed a vacation from your vacation? We’ve been there, trust us!

If you pack every minute of your itinerary with a different activity or sight, you’ll be exhausted by the end of each day. Pile a week or two of busy days on top of each other and, by the time you get home, you’ll need a week off to recover.

Travelling slowly gives you time to sleep in, take a nap in the afternoon, or just sit sipping coffee while the world goes by.

Slow travel gives you time to relax — and isn’t that what a vacation is really for?

4. Travel Slowly to Save the Planet

Airplanes suck (and not just because they treat you like cattle). Planes are extremely destructive to the planet — and they’re my least favourite thing about our travel lifestyle.

If you can take a train or bus to reach your destination, definitely do it, even if it takes longer. And if you have to fly to get there, don’t compound the problem by taking a lot of short hop flights during your trip.

Overland travel, by bus or train, will help decrease the environmental impact of your trip.

Staying in homestays, apartments, or small hotels, which is easier if you are travelling slowly, also reduces your impact, since these places tend to be more eco-friendly and less wasteful than big hotel chains.

5. Slow Travel Helps you Avoid Tourist Crowds

One of the biggest bonuses of slowing down your travels is getting away from other tourists!

On a slow trip you’ll have time to explore off-the-beaten track places and destinations. And when you do choose to visit the big sights, like the Sistine Chapel or the Louvre, you can choose a day and time when crowds are thinner. You’ll avoid the queues and have more time to spend in a staring contest with the Mona Lisa!

6. Make a Bigger Impact

This is one of our favourite things about slow travel. Fast travellers book their hotels for proximity to the biggest sights, and these hotels usually belong to international conglomerates.

When you travel slowly, you are more likely to stay in independently owned accommodation, like a family Airbnb or an out-of-the-way homestay. This means your travel money makes its way directly into the local economy and benefits local people.

7. Connect with People

When you choose to stay in locally owned accommodation, you’ll have contact with locals (the hotel owners) from the second you arrive. We’ve had amazing, enlightening conversations over dinner or coffee with our hosts around the world.

They are also able to recommend independent drivers, restaurants, and other attractions — you might be the only tourist there! Locals are naturally curious about a tourist who manages to find their favourite haunts, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and learn what it’s really like to live in a destination.

8. Connect with the Culture

You’ve heard the expression “going native”, right? OK, it probably has racist origins, and it can be used in a derogatory sense. But we’re not ashamed to adapt to foreign cultures.

Staying in one place a little longer lets us learn all the similarities and wonderful differences between our culture and the one we’re living in. We are happy to adopt aspects of the local culture that seem better than how we do it back home.

9. Connect with Yourself

Not every moment of your slow trip will be spent partying with the locals. Perhaps our very favourite aspect of slow travel is that it gives you time to absorb what you’ve experienced.

Instead of seeing a bunch of stuff back to back to back, you’ll have time in between experiences to consider them, contemplate, and decide what they mean to you. As you learn more about the world, these slow reflective moments will teach you more about yourself, too.

10. You’ll See More Travelling Slowly

This one sounds counter-intuitive. How will you see more if you’re moving around less? Well, what we mean is, you’ll see more of your destination and less of the airports, train stations, busses, trains, and taxis.

Travelling quickly often means taking long journeys between places — all you’ll remember is the tarmac flashing by outside your bus window. With slow travel, you might tick less off your bucket list, but can go deeper in one place, allowing yourself to follow the unexpected twists and turns of a slow journey.

11. Slow Travel is Where Adventure Lives

When you have time to follow intriguing pathways, duck down twisting alleyways, or say yes to unexpected offers, something incredible happens — your holiday turns into an adventure!

We’ve been invited into stranger’s homes for coffee, taken on hikes in incredible hidden places, and found beaches that only locals know about.

The world is full of hidden marvels and when you slow down you have a chance to discover them.

12. You’ll Make More Lasting Memories

Some itineraries are so jam-packed that there’s no time so sit back and absorb the experiences. When we don’t have time to think, our brains don’t have a chance to make permanent memories. One sight or city pushes the memories from the last place out of your mind.

(I think that’s why people take selfies at iconic places. It helps us remember places that we didn’t really experience at the time.)

When you get home after a period of fast travel, the trip might seem hazy, like a dream, each memory indistinct. When you slow down, you give your brain more time to form complete memories, and you’ll be able to call up the scents, colours, and feeling you had for years to come.

13. You’ll Learn to Live with Less

If you take a longer trip and travel slowly, you might just start to realize an important truth.

You don’t need all the gadgets, gizmos and tchotchkes you have at home. When you’re out in the world with just what you can fit in your suitcase, you start to realize that it is more than enough.

You might find a sudden urge to declutter, minimize, and downsize when you get back home.

14. Travel Slowly to be Happier

Modern life tends to prioritize being busy over being happy. We rush from here to there, every moment of the day scheduled to the last second, until we fall into bed, exhausted.

(That’s exactly how most people travel, too.)

Travelling slowly is a great way to prime you for living more slowly when you get back home. We hope you’ll realize that the most valuable moments on your trip were the slow, silent moments — and start to build those into your regular life, as well.

Once you do that, you’ll make room for happiness to grow.

15. Travel Slowly to Change Your Life

If we believed the glossy marketing in travel magazines and on billboards, it’s the grand (expensive) travel experiences that change you. We’ve found the opposite to be true. The big experiences and sights, shared with hundreds of other tourists, are interesting enough. But there’s nothing transformational about wrestling 100 other tourists for your chance to glimpse the Mona Lisa.

Wandering down a quite alleyway, sipping espresso in a cozy cafe, hiking up a peak, cycling the outskirts of a busy city… these moments make travel special.

The moments when it’s just you and your sense of adventure, are the moments that tug at your heart, feed your soul, and call on you to transform into the person you’ve always wanted to be.

How to Travel Slowly — 10 Tips to Change the Way you Travel

1. plan to not plan.

Whether you’ve got two weeks or two months, it’s easy to let travel planning take over your life. Before our big bike trip, I spent hours with a map, planning our exact route, what sights we would see, and where we would stay. It only took about 24 hours before the plan was shot and were winging it.

It’s hilarious when I think about it now, but what a waste of time!

Travelling slowly means leaving the moment-by-moment plan far behind and letting the world take you where it wants you to go.

So for your next trip, plan the bare outlines of your journey, and let the blanks fill themselves in as you travel.

2. Don’t Fly

Sure, you might need to fly to get to the country or region you want to visit (if you don’t need to, don’t!). But from there, use only ground transportation, preferably busses and trains.

You don’t usually have to book ground transport ahead of time, so it’s far easier to change your plans on the spur of the moment.

Ground transportation is also more efficient, better for the environment, and allows you to actually see the place you’ve come so far to visit.

3. Rent a Room in an Apartment

If you really want to become part of local life, rent a room in an Airbnb apartment. No, don’t rent a whole apartment — get a room in someone else’s house. If you find a good one, you’ll get a chance to chat with your host, or maybe even share a meal, and learn about what life is like from their point of view.

4. Try Housesitting

If you really want to “try on” somebody else’s life, housesitting is the perfect way to do it. We have experienced what it’s like to be an expat in Hanoi, Brno, Brighton, Casablanca, Riga, and lots of other places around the world. Housesitting is brilliant, too, because it’s free accommodation (woohoo!) and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a fluffy pet to keep you company.

We recommend TrustedHousesitters to find your next house sitting gig.

5. Make Time to do Nothing

For some of us, doing nothing sounds like heaven. For others, it’s the worst punishment ever. If you’re in the second category, I suggest you deliberately schedule “nothing” time into your travel calendar. But don’t worry about being bored. Doing nothing in a strange place is the quickest route to adventure that we’ve ever found.

6. Learn a Few Words in the Local Language

Since you’ll be travelling slowly, you can take a little time to learn a few words of the local language.

Start with “hello” and “thank you”. Then work you way up to “how are you?”, “what’s your name?”, and other phrases of small talk. Even if that’s all you can say, it’s worth it to see the expressions of delight on local’s faces when you actually adress them in their own language.

7. Get Lost

Wander wander wander. If we have one rule for slow travel, this is it. Put down your map, people, and just go!

The “do nothing” time you built in your schedule is the perfect time to wander. Keep your eyes open, observe the people, the buildings, and the life around you.

Once you’ve had enough wandering for the day, pull out your smart phone and use your favourite map app to get unlost.

8. Take a Tour

We used to think that tours were only for fast travellers or travellers who didn’t know what they were doing. Now, we realize that good tours are like your backstage pass to a destination!

A good guide will open doors that are usually not accessible to tourists. Of course, you want to avoid big group tours that chug you from place to place in a giant, smelly bus. Look for small group tours with companies who focus on independent-style travel. These types of tours can reveal facets of your destination that you would never experience on your own.

For independent and transformational small group tours, we love Intrepid .

9. Try a Cycle Tour

Cycle touring is not for everyone, obviously, but if you’ve ever felt the sheer joy of hopping on a bike, we highly encourage you to try a cycle tour.

If it’s your first time travelling by bike, we recommend joining a short multi-day tour. That way, everything is provided for you, you’ll have all the right gear, and a guide who can show you the ropes.

I don’t think it will take long for you to discover the indescribable joy of travelling by bike — our favourite method of slow travel.

If you want to get out on a bike anywhere in Asia, we recommend Grasshopper Adventures .

(Related: Read Jane’s post The Truth About Cycle Touring to see if it’s right for you) →

10. Book a Retreat

If you really want to make your slow travels transformational, a retreat is a good option. You can spend your entire trip on a retreat, or just dedicate a few days of a longer trip to a retreat.

Many retreats include yoga, others teach you about nutrition or cooking, while still others focus on your mental wellbeing and include lots of massages! Whatever style you choose, a retreat will give you vital time to slow down, peel away the busy-ness of life, and remember who you are and what makes you happy.

If you’re looking for a retreat, you’ll find a great selection on BookRetreats .

So, are you ready to try to travel slowly? Can you let go of your guidebook, your minute-by-minute plans, and your checklists and just let yourself slip into the local lifestyle? Where will you slow travel to next?

♥   Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen

We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create travel guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J

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Hi, I'm Jane, founder and chief blogger on My Five Acres. I've lived in six countries and have camped, biked, trekked, kayaked, and explored in 50! At My Five Acres, our mission is to inspire you to live your most adventurous life and help you to travel more and more mindfully.

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The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Essential Slow Travel Guide For 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Check out this simple slow travel guide to help get you started on your slow travel journey…

Are you already thinking about your 2024 holiday plans? Before you book anything, consider whether slow travel could be the way to go. It’s the latest travel trend; one that’s rapidly growing in popularity. And it may just change the way you think about going on holiday for good.

The cost-of-living crisis, climate emergency, and the scourge of “ overtourism ” – there are many good reasons for hitting the reset button on our travel habits. Slow travel is one such antidote. So, how can you go about taking this more tranquil approach to traveling?

How To Embrace Slow Travel: A Slow Travel Guide

Limit your locations.

We’ve all heard of those “30 countries before 30” or “ultimate travel bucket list” challenges. It’s an attitude that puts pressure on tourists to pack as much into a holiday as possible. And at the same time, those popular destinations are straining to cope under the weight of so many people coming to visit.

Instead, adopt a mindset that scales back the number of places you’ll visit.

Don’t scratch at the surface of five, six, or seven destinations. Take the time to get to know one or two places intimately. Get off the beaten track and indulge in the local culture. There are so many incredible offbeat destinations you should consider like these offbeat West Coast National Parks and these offbeat islands .

Drop the Bucket List

It can be tempting to draw up a bucket list covering multiple experiences and destinations, but sometimes with these lists, you end up rushing around and don’t really see the forest for the trees.

Your vacation shouldn’t be exhausting, you need to give yourself time to just be in a place, to soak it all up, rather than just rushing around to tick things off your bucket list.

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Have a few things you want to do in a place but stay longer and give yourself time to enjoy just being there, to experience the culture, to walk around aimlessly. The days when you don’t have any plans often end up being the most rewarding and memorable.

Explore More on Foot

Roads and railways can be an effective means of getting from A to B – or for exploring a place in detail. Even better, however, is swapping cars and carriages for bikes and hikes.

After all, it’s easier to get much closer to nature and breathtaking scenery by using a less-invasive method of getting around. It’s a form of travel that’s on your own terms at all times too.

In addition, hiking and biking are effective ways to support local communities who don’t live in tourist areas – swapping hotels for homestays and chain restaurants for native cuisine.

Take To the Sea

Going off-grid can be great for your emotional well-being. Few places are better for doing it than on the water – embracing the gentle swish of the waves. It also lets you explore a coastline like never before. It could be on a stand-up paddleboard, in a kayak, or aboard a boat.

If you do take to the water, always be aware of the risks and sailing conditions – not least when on the open sea. Take care to watch the weather, consider protecting your vessel with a comprehensive boat insurance policy , and go out with guides if you are unsure of the area.

However slow you plan to travel, safety comes first with water sports.

Make New Friendships

Building new bonds with like-minded travelers and local communities is one of the ultimate joys of slow travel. We are, after all, social creatures. Even tiny interactions with others are hugely beneficial to well-being, so why not make the effort to talk to locals?

You may not be a master of the language, but just a little effort can go a long way to being appreciated. By creating new relationships, you have the chance to learn about new cultures. Not only that, but it can open up a world of cuisine, traditions, and experiences you’d never known existed.

Support Local Businesses

As you are traveling slower, you will have more time to explore local businesses during your travels. Find your favorite cafe, frequent your local market, and buy local clothes from an independently-owned boutique. This is all part of slow travel and you are also making sustainable and responsible travel choices.

These simple tips in this slow travel guide will get you started on the way to an enriching slow travel vacation. And I think once you experience slow travel, you may never go back to how you traveled before. It is the future of travel.

If you enjoyed this post, check out some of my other travel tips:

• 21 Best Tips To Help You Become an Eco-Traveller
• Top Budget Travel Tips For Saving Money While Traveling
• How to Become a Housesitter: 10 Best Housesitting Tips
• Ultimate Lightweight Annapurna Circuit Packing List
• 10 Best Carry-on Packing Hacks for Stylish Travel
• How to Live an Amazing Life When You’re Not Traveling
• How I Save to Travel: Easy Money-Saving Tips

1 Comment on The Essential Slow Travel Guide For 2024

Thank you for sharing this enlightening guide. It has certainly inspired me to approach my future travels with a newfound sense of intention and mindfulness.

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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

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Last Updated on 13/10/2023

How to Slow Down & Get the Most Out of Travel

• Oct 23, 2023

Hannah, a member of Seven Corners’ Customer Service team, had a problem. While planning their honeymoon, she and her fiancé realized they expected very different things: she wanted action, he wanted relaxation. It’s a classic dilemma. Should your vacation be active or do you need slow travel? 

Both are types of alternative tourism , and they both have their benefits. For the sake of argument, though, and while we love Hannah, here’s why we’re taking the fiancé's side and saying you should try slow travel for your next vacation.

What Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is all about connection. It’s about seeing and experiencing a place at a pace that allows you to process those sights and experiences. Ultimately, according to Condé Nast Traveler , “It comes down to how you engage with the world as you move through it.”

Slow travel is the antithesis of our everyday hectic lives, where we go from one meeting to the next, scarfing down a quick meal between school activities, and wondering where the week (or heck, the year) has gone. It’s the opposite of “regular” travel. In other words, it bucks the trend of getting to our destination as quickly and conveniently as possible, only to leave it immediately to get to the next site and the next and the next.

Think of it in terms of the slow food movement. In the backlash against fast food some 40 years ago, we came to see “slow food” as a healthier, more authentic way to eat. We didn’t think much of “slow food” at all — it was just regular food — until we were faced with the alternative, and then we weren’t sure how much we liked it.

So today we have slow travel as one way we can move through the world in a healthier, more authentic way.

Examples of Slow Travel

Because no two travel experts can agree on a specific definition of slow travel, there are actually plenty of examples and ways you can customize your trip.

Nothing-cation

Expedia reported at the beginning of 2023 that 96% of travelers planned to spend a portion of their first trip of the year doing absolutely nothing. Feelings of burnout from the holidays was a major reason for this.

When you’re feeling burned out from everyday life, a nothing-cation where you avoid activity and plans as much as possible can feel like a breath of fresh air. Read books for fun, watch movies for hours on end, order out instead of cooking, stare off into the distance, listen to the rain.

FOMO — the fear of missing out — doesn't seem to be a deterrent from taking a nothing-cation. More than 60% of the travelers in Expedia’s survey said that doing nothing was their favorite part of their trip and that they thought it was time well-spent.

Booking a vacation rental is a good option for someone who wants a nothing-cation or who wants to do something but not too much. When you get the itch to get out and explore a bit, you can use the vacation house as a home base. Take the bus, bike, or walk to that museum you want to leisurely peruse, then return “home” for the night. The next day, you can meander in the other direction, but only if the mood strikes you.

In addition to giving yourself a chance to breathe, you’re reducing your environmental footprint by staying in one spot for a bit longer. We like this option for when you want some relaxation while still getting out and about for new experiences.

Road trips are great for slow travel because you’re in control of your pace. When you fly or use public transportation, you’re at the mercy of someone else’s schedule. Not so when you’re behind the wheel.

For the ultimate in slow travel road trips, don’t book hotels along your route. Don’t even commit to a route in the first place. Choose a direction and start driving. If something catches your attention, stop to take a look. Let serendipity be your guide.

Embrace small towns along the way. They tend to be less touristy and give you a better glimpse at “real life.”

The opposite of a nothing-cation, doing a farm stay involves a bit of physical labor. Farm stays involve working at a ranch, farm, or orchard in exchange for room and board. It can be a good way to get to know the land and build personal connections with other people. It’s also a great option for budget-friendly travel .

Lest you be concerned that the only thing you’ll see on your trip is the inside of a barn, many of the organizations that host farm stays only ask that you work part of the day. You have the rest of your time to explore at your leisure.

Barge cruise

Just about any cruise can be turned into slow travel, but a barge cruise truly fits the bill. Particularly in Europe, barge cruises are most common on rivers and canals, and compared to a typical river cruise, they cover less distance at slower speeds.

Traveling on smaller waterways gives you time to get off the boat and explore if you choose. We’ve even seen some barge cruises that have bicycles on board. This is by design so, while the barge is going through one lock, you can hop off and ride down the path to meet it at the next.

Barge cruises also typically have fewer passengers, daily schedules are more flexible, and when you’re on shore, you visit less-populated areas. Getting away from the typical cruise ports and tourist cities gives you a chance to travel differently and at your own speed.

Much like road trips, trekking allows you to move 100% at your own pace, as fast or slow as your own two feet can carry you. If you want to try trekking for your slow travel experience, consider a multi-day backpacking trip, or simply book a cabin or room in a park lodge and take short hikes throughout your stay.

We love this option for its ability to put you at the heart of nature and because it’s so accessible. It’s a realistic option for most travelers, no matter your fitness level, whether you want to hike in mountains or desert, or have a month to travel or just a long weekend.

Adult gap year

One note of caution, however. Studying abroad, whether formally with a school or on your own as part of a gap year, can quickly stray away from the idea of slow. Find balance between your slow travel itinerary and your growth goals. Make time for breaks and self-reflection, and allow yourself the opportunity to follow your curiosity, even if it’s not on the syllabus.

Some of my favorite memories of visiting Scotland for the first time weren’t of the castles and haggis, but of the train ride I took north from England to get there. I had nothing to do but watch the landscape rumble by, write in my journal, and let the experience soak in.

Train travel is the definition of “It’s all about the journey, not the destination.” This isn’t about getting from Point A to Point B. Book a berth on a train and let the ride itself be the trip.

Let yourself get bored. You might be surprised where your mind goes when you do. The lack of busy activity and the freedom to let your mind wander are how we come up with new ideas . It’s why we come home with fresh perspectives and a better understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. There are other ways to stay entertained if we just take the time to notice them.

How to Do Slow Travel

Choose a destination that lends itself to slow travel..

This doesn’t mean that you automatically book a cabin in the woods, although you might enjoy that. Slow travel, says AARP , “encourages visitors to go beyond the most popular, fast-paced destinations.” Stay in a treehouse on the outskirts of town if you want. Or go ahead and book a city escape. Just tweak your itinerary to adjust to a slower pace and take advantage of sites off the regular tourist track.

Rather than book a hotel in the city center, pick a rental house where you can cook your own meals, lounge on a couch rather than propping yourself up in bed when you want to read, or set up a jigsaw puzzle on a large kitchen table.

Pick a specific neighborhood instead of running all over New York City or Chicago, for example, and really get to know that area. Walk to breakfast at the local café each morning, shop at the secondhand stores down the street, hang out at a plain old municipal park instead of the one that got five stars in the guidebook.

Wherever you end up, make sure it’s somewhere that gives you the time you need to breathe.

Minimize your itinerary.

Trip planning could be an industry in itself. Guidebooks, packing apps, and influencers touting the next best destination all make us feel like we need to plan more. If you’re partaking in slow travel, though, it pays to plan less.

We recommend booking the basics — a place to stay, a flight if necessary — and maybe create a list of things you could do. Just don’t commit to anything on that list and leave your slow travel itinerary open, says travel expert Laura Schwercherl (you can hear her full tip and some other great hacks for travelers in the video below). This allows you to be flexible, so if on a day you feel like resting, you can rest. But if you feel like moving, you have some ideas of things to try.

Immerse yourself.

One of the advantages of slow travel is that you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in your destination. Immersion takes time, and the act of standing still means you have that time to dive deep into a culture and all it has to offer.

Look for opportunities to join in the everyday activities of your community. Shop where the locals shop, like a farmer’s market. Ask the person at the hotel desk where they like to have lunch with a friend. You’ll probably get a restaurant recommendation you wouldn’t find in Fodor’s. Airbnb experiences are a good way for you to get an insider’s take on the place you’re visiting.

Consider a digital detox.

Unplugging from technology can help you achieve the slow pace that leaves you feeling refreshed. Consider making a digital detox part of your vacation .

Wherever your slow travel takes you, commit to limiting your use of electronics. Turn off email notifications, stay off social media, play board games instead of video games, watch people on the street instead of yet another episode of The Office for the hundredth time.

Reducing how much you use technology or swearing off electronics altogether can help you reduce stress, improve mood and sleep patterns, and be more present with your surroundings, all helping you to get the most out of your immersive slow travel experience.

Remember that you don’t have to do all slow all the time.

Coming to a full stop when you’ve been in the rat race for a long time can be unsettling. You may not know what to do with yourself when faced with the proposition of having nothing to do. Those are the perfect moments to take a deep breath and sit with that moment of discomfort. With time, you’ll retrain your nervous system to be okay with inactivity.

It also helps to remember that travel is never all or nothing. A slowed-down vacation this year doesn’t mean you can never go back to adventure travel again. And spending the first few days of your trip doing nothing could transition into a few active days at the end.

Think about what you need right now and plan a trip around that. A slow travel honeymoon might be exactly what Hannah and her fiancé need to unwind after the busyness of planning a wedding . (They ultimately decided on a hybrid trip to Greece with plenty of sightseeing for Hannah and enough downtime on the beach for them both to get their fix.)

Is Slow Travel Right for You?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then slow travel might be for you.

• Are you afraid that if you aren’t doing something, you’re wasting time? Do you consider action the same thing as being productive?
• Do you feel burned out by work, family obligations, or life in general? Are you constantly exhausted or lack motivation? Do you find it difficult to enjoy activities that you used to look forward to?
• Do you come home from vacations feeling more tired than before you left?
• Do you feel overwhelmed or unsure about a major decision? Maybe you’re considering a career change or you’re trying to figure out the next step in a relationship.
• Do you want to travel in a more sustainable way , having less of an environmental impact?
• Are you energized by meaningful connections with people rather than surface-level conversations?
• Do you want to explore the people you’re traveling with as much as the destination?
• Do you enjoy immersive travel experiences?

Protect Your Peace of Mind

The mindfulness of slow travel can help us roll with the punches when the unexpected happens during a trip. Unfortunately, it won’t help you get your money back if you have to cancel your trip or pay for medical care if you get sick or hurt while traveling. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Find the right protection for your getaway, even if it’s just a nothing-cation. Get a quick quote online by answering a few simple questions about your trip, or talk to one of our licensed agents today.

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