In a world where there is a queue to take sunset pictures in Santorini, tourists climb over the Trevi fountain to fill up their water bottles and the historic neighborhood of Lisbon has more Airbnbs than local residents, isn’t it time we all slowed down?
Some people travel to tick places off a list, grab a photo for the gram, or fit as many destinations as possible into one trip. But there is a more mindful way of traveling that gets to know a place deeper and savors the experience of traveling as well as the destination. Instead of rushing from one place to another, slow travel emphasizes quality over quantity and encourages immersion in the local culture.
So, what exactly is slow travel, and how can you incorporate it into your journeys?
What Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is a mindset that prioritizes meaningful engagement with a destination over checking off a list of tourist attractions. It’s about savoring the journey, embracing the local way of life, and taking the time to experience a place rather than just passing through.
While conventional travel often involves tight schedules and packed itineraries, slow travel is unhurried and flexible.
Why Is Slow Travel Important?
Over tourism is a big problem. Airbnbs and second homes price locals out of their hometowns, pollution, litter and crowds ruin the environment and an authentic sense of place is lost to generic looking cafes and shops.
Slow travel benefits both the traveler and the destination. For travelers, it reduces stress and fosters a sense of connection and mindfulness. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to see and do everything, slow travel encourages you to appreciate each moment and fully engage with your surroundings.
From an environmental and tourism perspective, slow travel is more sustainable. It reduces the carbon footprint associated with frequent flights and encourages support for local businesses, preserving the unique character of communities.
8 Ways to Travel Slowly
If you’re ready to embrace slow travel, here are eight practical tips to get started:
Get Off the Beaten Path
Popular tourist hotspots can be crowded and fast-paced. Smaller towns, rural areas, and overlooked neighborhoods often offer a more authentic glimpse into local life. Head to a market and see people picking up their vegetables, have lunch where the local workers eat, watch the fisherman bring their catch in the mornings.
You could go to Paris and get your selfie with the Eiffel Tower, or you could hire a bike and explore serene villages in the French countryside with a baguette under your arm.
Ask Locals for Recommendations
No one knows a place better than the people that live there. Engage with locals to find the best spots to eat, shop, or explore. Ask the taxi driver where he goes for a good meal, the coffee barista where a good party is, or join a local class or workshop.
You’ll get invaluable insider tips, and maybe even make a friend!
Stay Longer in One Place
Instead of hopping between cities or countries, focus on staying longer in one location. By spending more time in a single destination, you can delve deeper into its culture, history, and local rhythms.
Consider renting an apartment, staying in a family-run guesthouse or even volunteering on a farm. This allows you to settle into the community and feel like a temporary local rather than a passing visitor.
Be Present
In slow travel, being present is key. Avoid the urge to constantly document your trip on social media or stick to an itinerary. Instead, take a moment to sit at the beach or museum, observe your surroundings, and engage your senses.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Rather than cramming your trip with a long list of sights to see, focus on fewer, more meaningful activities. Instead of visiting every museum in a city, spend a few hours exploring the one that interests you the most. If you find a park you love, visit it at different times of the day to see how the light changes, observe all the different types of people passing through, or compare the coffee from different cafes.
Use Slower Modes of Transportation
Try walking, biking, or taking public transport to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also experience the journey itself. Catching a train or bus allows an opportunity to experience a different side of the culture. Play a game of cards in your cabin, or share a coffee in the dining carriage.
Support Local Businesses
Slow travel supports the local economy. Whilst Starbucks or McDonalds abroad can feel safe, you aren’t gaining much from the experience. Step outside your comfort zone, after all you’ve spent a lot of time and money getting somewhere far from home.
Learn Something New
Get an even deeper sense of a place by taking a cooking class, food tour with a local guide or craft workshop with traditional artisans.
Often food or local crafts are a way into a culture. You’ll learn stories, history and what it means to be from a place far from your own experience of the world, expanding your mind and your one brief life on earth.
Long Story Short
Slow travel is more than just a way to explore the world - it’s a philosophy that enriches your journey. By focusing on immersion, sustainability, and mindfulness, slow travel can be a transformative experience.
Written by Laura Sedlak
