Slow travel means different things for each individual and every journey; generally speaking, however, it involves less manic sightseeing and more enjoying sights at a more leisurely pace. Furthermore, slow travel is more sustainable and respectful of local cultures and environments.
Exploring slow travel can be easy and enjoyable! In this episode, we will look at some tips and guidelines that can help get your journey underway.
1. Focus on the present
Slow travel is all about immersing yourself deeply into a destination and appreciating its beauty on an intimate level. Perhaps sitting in a local cafe to take in everyday life or cooking for yourself rather than dining out each night are ways you can achieve this aim.
Slow travelers embrace eco-friendly and sustainable travel, opting for homestays, bed and breakfasts or vacation apartments rather than hotels – helping the local economy while deepening their experience of a destination.
Some visitors might pick up a local language to better integrate into their surroundings and learn about culture from those living there. There’s been an increased appreciation of thorough food preparation techniques, naturally aged beverages over quick fixes like sodas, as well as time-intensive craft skills being revived – these may push outside your comfort zone but will ultimately push you closer towards growth as an individual and push through new challenges with open arms.
2. Appreciate nature’s beauty
Traveling slowly allows you to fully appreciate your surroundings, from hiking through mountains or strolling through cities – taking time to appreciate all that awaits can make for a rewarding and unforgettable journey! Moreover, slow travel minimizes environmental impact – helping protect it for future travelers!
Appreciating nature may seem like something best reserved for majestic mountain vistas or natural “wonders,” but its beauty can be found everywhere around us – from children playing happily in a field to drivers stopping to gaze upon a sunset, its presence is all-consuming and unsolicited.
Traveling at a slower pace gives you time to stop and appreciate nature’s intricate details, while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact by using public transit such as trains or buses instead of planes; walking wherever possible; staying at local accommodations like homestays, B&Bs or vacation rentals.
3. Take time to connect with others
Slow travel gives you time to immerse yourself in local culture – be it taking cooking classes and learning how to prepare local dishes, attending festivals and events, meeting people along the way or forging meaningful relationships. Slow travel also provides an opportunity to give back; Remote Year participants organize volunteer work projects, free activities or community building initiatives during their stays in each country they visit.
Slow travel provides time for exploration on foot or bike, which is great for the environment. Enjoying fresh air and breathtaking views without dealing with crowds is another bonus; local products may even be purchased to support the community! Slow travel allows travelers to take in more authentic experiences while becoming better, more mindful travelers.
4. Enjoy the journey
Accepting slow travel can make for a much more pleasurable journey. Instead of quickly zipping from one destination to the next, take your time exploring each stop by train, bus, bicycle or on foot – taking in all of nature’s glory along the way while simultaneously reducing environmental footprint and taking in beautiful sights along the way! This approach ensures you take full advantage of each experience while enjoying all that the country has to offer!
Spending more time in one destination allows you to avoid travel burnout and gain a more holistic understanding of its culture. Deliberately spending a week, month, or even the entire year there allows you to truly get to know it on an intimate level and form meaningful relationships with its residents and locals. Furthermore, slow travel allows for a leisurely pace of life, taking the time to appreciate things such as traditional food preparation techniques, natural anti-ageing drinks, or simply making something yourself rather than purchasing it ready-made from a supermarket shelf.
