What Exactly is Slow Travel and How You Can Try It
How many of us have returned from a holiday feeling like we need another one just to recover? I know I would have.
The rush to see everything, do everything, and tick off every box on the itinerary can leave you more exhausted than when you left. For what? A few Instagram photos and a fridge magnet?
Instead of waiting for weekends so I could rush off for a short trip, I joined the seafaring world right after graduating university.
As a seafarer, you typically work onboard for months at a time, followed by an extended vacation – sometimes a month or longer. This gave me the chance to travel longer or stay in one place longer, allowing me to truly experience it rather than just passing through.
It was during these extended breaks that I began to understand the value of slowing down.
So, I guess I’ve always known, deep down, that the best travel experiences aren’t about how much you can cram into a short period. They’re about slowing down, soaking in the moment, and truly connecting with a place.
What does slow travel mean? Why does it matter? And how can you embrace it? If you’re someone like me – still figuring it out – let’s explore this together. Because I’m no expert. I’m just a girl who loves to travel and is learning to do it better.
What is Slow Travel?
Slow travel isn’t about moving at a snail’s pace. It’s being intentional with your time and energy. Instead of rushing from one landmark to the next, slow travel encourages you to stay longer in one place, immerse yourself in the local culture, and truly experience the destination.
The focus shifts from how many places you visit to how deeply you connect with the ones you do.
The concept of slow travel has its roots in the Slow Food movement, which started in Italy in the 1980s. It was a reaction against fast food and the fast-paced lifestyle that came with it.
Slow travel takes this idea and applies it to how we explore the world. It prioritises quality over quantity, depth over breadth. Rather than racing to the destination, savour the journey.
For me, slow travel has meant spending two weeks in Bali instead of hopping between the regions in Indonesia. It’s meant staying more than a few days in cities across India, where I got to know the locals and their way of life.
These experiences have been far more rewarding than any whirlwind tour. They’ve given me stories to tell, not just photos to post.
But slow travel can mean different things to different people. For some, it means staying in one place for an extended period. For others, it’s about choosing less touristy destinations or travelling in a more sustainable way.
The beauty of slow travel is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding what resonates with you and crafting a travel style that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Why Slow Travel Matters
Deeper Cultural Immersion
When you stay longer in one place, you have the chance to go beyond the surface-level tourist experience.
You can learn about the local customs, try the food, and maybe even pick up a few words in the local language. These are the moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.
Environmental Impact
Slow travel is also better for the planet. By staying longer in one place, you reduce the need for frequent flights or long car rides, which are major contributors to carbon emissions. Instead of hopping between destinations every few days, you might take a train, bike, or even walk to explore nearby areas.
Mental Well-being
To be honest, travel can be stressful. The constant rush to see everything, the fear of missing out, the pressure to have the “perfect” trip can make travelling feel more exhausting than enjoyable.
Slow travel allows you to relax and enjoy the journey. It’s about quality over quantity, and that includes your peace of mind. Instead of cramming your itinerary, you can take time to unwind, reflect, and truly appreciate where you are.
Economic Benefits
When you travel slowly, you’re more likely to spend your money on local businesses – small hotels, family-run restaurants, and local guides. This direct support helps sustain the local economy and ensures that your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting.
For instance, staying at a family-owned guesthouse or eating at a neighbourhood café not only gives you a more authentic experience but also helps preserve the cultural and economic fabric of the destination.
Cost Savings
Believe it or not, slow travel can actually save you money. By staying longer in one place, you can often get discounts on accommodation.
You’re also less likely to spend money on expensive tourist traps, as you have the time to seek out affordable, local alternatives.
For example, instead of dining at overpriced restaurants near tourist hotspots, you might discover a hidden gem recommended by a local – often at a fraction of the cost.
Why We Need to Rethink Our Approach
Overtourism
Popular tourist destinations are often overcrowded, leading to environmental degradation and a loss of cultural authenticity.
Places like Boracay, Bali, and Mount Everest have become victims of their own popularity, with overcrowding straining local resources and diminishing the charm that made them special in the first place.
Slow travel encourages us to explore less touristy places, which not only reduces the strain on overvisited areas but also allows us to discover hidden gems. Instead of following the crowds, we can seek out quieter, more authentic destinations that offer a richer experience.
Superficial Experiences
When you’re rushing from one landmark to the next, you miss out on the little things that make a place special.
Sure, you might snap a photo in front of a famous monument, but did you really experience it? Did you take the time to understand its history, its significance, or the stories of the people who live there?
As a seafarer, I’ve often felt this during my shore leaves. With limited time to explore, I’d rush to famous landmarks, snap a few photos, and move on. It felt superficial, like I was collecting postcards rather than creating meaningful memories.
Slow travel allows you to go beyond the surface. Lingering in a café to people-watch, striking up a conversation with a local, or wandering through a neighbourhood without a map…
Burnout
I’ve been on a trip where I was so exhausted by the end that I couldn’t wait to go home – or rather, I was sad that I was going home because I felt like I hadn’t truly enjoyed the experience.
The constant rush through packed itineraries can leave you feeling drained.
Slow travel helps you avoid this burnout by allowing you to take your time and enjoy the journey. It gives yourself permission to slow down, to rest, and to savour the experience rather than racing through it.
Country Counting
There’s a growing trend among travellers to visit as many countries as possible, often just to say they’ve been there. But what’s the point if you don’t really experience the place?
Checking off countries on a list might give you bragging rights, but it rarely leads to meaningful connections or lasting memories.
Slow travel is about depth, not breadth. It’s about immersing yourself in a place, getting to know its people, and understanding its culture. Instead of trying to see the world in a hurry, slow travel encourages you to truly live in it, even if only for a little while.
How to Embrace Slow Travel
Stay Longer in One Place
Instead of hopping from city to city, try staying in one place for a week or more. This gives you the chance to really get to know the area and its people.
Choose Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Popular tourist spots are often overcrowded and overpriced. Try exploring lesser-known areas instead. You might be surprised by what you find.
Travel Sustainably
Opt for trains, buses, or bikes instead of planes and cars. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also allows you to see more of the landscape.
Engage with Locals
Stay in small hotels or B&Bs, eat at local restaurants, and participate in community activities. This not only supports the local economy but also gives you a more authentic experience.
Leave Room for Spontaneity
Don’t overplan your trip. Leave some time for unexpected adventures. You never know what you might discover.
How to Make Slow Travel Work for You
Time Constraints
Not everyone has the luxury of taking long trips. But even with limited time, you can still embrace slow travel by focusing on one or two destinations instead of trying to see everything.
Budgeting
Slow travel can actually save you money. By staying longer in one place, you can often get discounts on accommodation and spend less on transportation.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when you’re not ticking off every landmark on your list. But remember, travel is about quality, not quantity.
Language Barriers
Don’t let language barriers stop you from connecting with locals. Learn a few basic phrases, use translation apps, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Why Slow Travel is Here to Stay
The pandemic has made many of us rethink how we travel. With borders closing and flights grounded, we were forced to slow down and reconsider what travel truly means. This shift in perspective has paved the way for slow travel to take centre stage.
As more people become aware of the environmental impact of travel – carbon emissions, overtourism, and the strain on local resources – slow travel offers a more sustainable alternative.
But slow travel isn’t just about sustainability; it’s also about mindfulness.
In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, slow travel encourages us to pause, reflect, and truly connect with the places we visit.
I believe this combination of sustainability and mindfulness will continue to resonate with travellers.
As people seek more meaningful and fulfilling experiences, slow travel offers a way to explore the world without compromising on quality or conscience.
Slow travel Isn’t Just a Trend
Slow travel is a way to take the time to truly experience a place, connect with its people, and appreciate the journey.
I hope this post has inspired you to embrace slow travel. Happy travels!
You might also like…
