Something that I really need to work on when it comes to traveling is slowing down and taking the time to just take it all in. I always have a fear of missing out and end up packing my days with activities from morning until evening. I’m constantly on the go and sometimes it’s overwhelming – and it definitely gets tiring after a while! The last time I remember slow traveling is probably when I visited Havana, Cuba and really had the leisure time to slow down and take in the culture. You can also read more about 8 Important Lessons I Learned When Traveling where I share a unique experience I had there. Something that I want to start doing and to keep in mind for my future trips is to slow travel once in a while and really take the time to pause and appreciate where I am. So to encourage you as well as remind me why we need to slow travel once in a while, here are the benefits and examples of how you can slow travel and make your travels more meaningful.
5 Benefits Of Slow Travel
1 – Luxury Of Time
Whether you plan to slow travel in order to rejuvenate and refresh yourself through a new experience, or just want the ability for self-reflection on life and your travel journey, you will have enough time to yourself to do so. Plus, you will have more time to explore which allows you to further appreciate your destination.
2 – More Relaxing And Less Stress
Since you may be spending more time in a certain location, it allows you to explore a destination more leisurely and avoid being rushed from place to place which means you can do more relaxing and not have to deal with the stress of traveling as much. Here is also How To Take The Stress Out Of Traveling to help you further.
3 – Ability To Make Meaningful Connections And Experiences
Because you’ll be spending more time discovering local things to do when you slow travel, you will be able to engage with the locals more as you will be frequenting where they frequent. Interactions are bound to happen and you can really encounter some meaningful experiences during this type of trip, and in some cases, even meaningful connections.
4 – Learn More About the People And Culture
Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and helps you learn more about the area and gain a deeper appreciation of the local customs, traditions, lifestyles, and even food. You can even discover local gems that only the locals know about. Explore many of these hidden gems at Off The Beaten Travel, a hub for hidden travel gems around the world.
5 – Take In The Nature
You can appreciate the beauty of your surroundings and take in the nature of your slow travel destination. Whether it’s the majestic forests, grand mountains, or raging seas – it’s always nice to pause and take in the beauty and be one with nature. This can also lead to relaxation and connection to your environment.
11 Ways To Slow Travel
1 – Do Your Research
In order to slow travel, it may help to do your research ahead of time and find out which destinations can provide the best experience for this type of travel. Here is The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad and a Pre-Trip Planner And Checklist you can download for free to help you get started.
2 – Pick Accommodations With Character
I usually like to book my accommodations on Hotels.com as I can filter out the type of lodgings I want to stay at and be able to earn rewards towards a free night’s stay. But don’t write off homestays with a local or even a guesthouse that is being offered. You will really experience living the life of a local and be able to connect with them and learn their culture, language, and even cuisine in a deeper and more meaningful way through these types of accommodations.
3 – Travel In The Off-Season
Traveling during the off-season not only saves you money, but you can avoid the influx of tourists and enjoy certain places to yourself! If you are able to visit the same spots often, such as where you prefer to have your morning coffee or breakfast, locals may start to recognize you and you can even build connections that way. Even a short conversation can be meaningful.
4 – Don’t Plan Too Much
This is something I really need to work on as I over-plan and have a morning till night itinerary with many things to do, see, and eat. Slow travel allows you to avoid planning too much and leave enough time for wandering and allowing yourself to be spontaneous. It’s all about the journey, not the destination! You can visit a destination more thoroughly when given the time and if you stay in a smaller area.
5 – Walk Or Bike Everywhere
I find that the best way to really see a place is when you take the time to walk everywhere. It’s not always easy if the sun is burning hot or when there’s rain or snow, but it allows you to stop more frequently and whenever you want without feeling like you missed something as I often do when I’m in a car. I prefer walking over getting a ride for the most part, plus it helps me get my exercise in.
6 – Visit Small Towns And Villages
I really like visiting small towns and villages as you can really see how the locals live and how they function every day. It’s also interesting to see how every region can be so different in their way of life and culture. I love the hometown vibe and it really does relax you more as you can avoid the pressure of booking so many things to do according to a strict itinerary when it’s a more popular destination. And sometimes, this is really the perfect way to get to know a certain country better.
7 – Eat Local Cuisines At Local Restaurants
One of the best things about traveling is food – especially when it comes to the local cuisine. When I travel, I don’t want food catered to foreigners – I want to eat where and what the locals eat and try the foods that the country or city is known for, particularly if I can’t get it back home often, or at all. Food is such an art and as techniques and styles change over the years, it’s nice to be able to get as authentic as possible.
8 – Take A Train Or Rent A Car
Another great way to slow travel is to take a train or rent a car. A train allows you to relax and take in the scenery along the way and it can be cheaper than flying or driving. Trains also have multiple stops that you can get on or off at until your last destination. It’s also more environmentally friendly! An alternative option is to rent a car if you want to control where you go and your time better. Other than walking, if it’s a place I’m comfortable driving in, then my second favorite option is to rent a car and go exactly where I want and when I want. It allows me to visit places off the beaten path or harder to get and makes for a more unique experience.
9 – Revisit Your Favorite Destinations
Slow travel is a great way to get to know your favorite destinations better. By revisiting your favorite countries or places you’ve already been to, now you can take the time to observe the surroundings and uncover hidden gems and secret local spots. You can take the time to observe the culture better and truly appreciate the beauty of the place. Plus, it helps that you will already be familiar with your surroundings. I can see why some people love to revisit a place over and over again!
10 – Allow Yourself To Let Go
Giving yourself permission to slow down, let go, and not worry about missing out on certain things not only helps you relax more but it lets you explore more naturally, in a way. You can just stumble upon things you may have never noticed if you had a strict itinerary to follow. Sometimes you can even encounter local hotspots without planning for it, and it makes your trip that much more exciting. But most of all, understand that even without scheduling every hour of your day, you can still have the best time.
11 – Participate In A Volunteer Program
A very meaningful way to slow travel is to participate in a volunteer program at your destination. Go Overseas and International Volunteer HQ allows you to search for the perfect volunteer abroad program for you. Volunteering abroad not only places you in more local lodgings (and sometimes even with a host family), but you see firsthand how the locals live and the basic needs they have that we sometimes take for granted. This will be a sure way to make your travels much more meaningful and a lifetime of memories to take home!
20 Countries Perfect For Slow Travel
To help you get started on your journey, here is some inspiration for the countries around the world that are perfect for slow travel.
Central America
1 – Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise with its wildlife, gorgeous beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Not only do they take into consideration eco-tourism, they invest a lot of effort into sustainability and conservation. It’s one of the world’s greenest countries and over 25% of its land is protected. Also a leader in renewable energy, Costa Rica makes a commitment to eliminating fossil fuels and other factors that can negatively impact the country. With its diverse offerings, it’s no wonder that so many people move to this country. And as you visit this country, even if it’s a short vacation not with a slow travel intention, you’ll really start to understand the local culture and how important their way of life is and being eco-friendly is a priority.
2 – Belize
Belize is a perfect destination for slow travelers with their friendly locals, pristine beaches, and amazing underwater playgrounds to explore. In addition, they have lush jungles and ancient Maya ruins to discover and a strong culture and history to learn about. There are many unique things to do on this island and when I had visited, I didn’t want to leave. And when I visited a year later, I was able to travel to other areas I wasn’t able to the first time. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the biggest of the three islands perfect for diving and snorkeling and has some of the best coral reefs and marine life in the world. But it also felt small enough to really feel like I was visiting a local and less touristy town. I was also lucky to be able to get my PADI certification there!
South America
3 – Bolivia
Bolivia is rich in history and has stunning Andean landscapes to enjoy and explore. Named after the South American independence leader, Simon Bolivar, who liberated most of South America from the hands of Spain in the 19th century, you are bound to learn so much more than what you were expecting in this beautiful country. Not only will you better understand its colonial cities, but you will also get to enjoy their incredible biodiversity.
4 – Peru
Known for its ancient Incan ruins and stunning landscapes, Peru is a great destination for travel. You can take your time to really immerse yourself in this country – from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountain, and the unique archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Peru offers many opportunities to indulge in their culture and customs. And not to mention, their cuisine is absolutely delicious as there are various influences from Indigenous, European, and African peoples.
5 – Argentina
For a slower-paced trip, Argentina is another destination to choose for slow travel. With its cosmopolitan cities and mountainous landscape, you can experience many natural wonders here. With a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history, this is the perfect place to take your time and truly discover this Latin American country. It is relatively easy to navigate through this country and one of the safer countries in South America, making it much simpler to really get to know this country and its people.
6 – Chile
An ideal destination for slow travel, Chile is a diverse country with different landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. Every region of Chile is great to explore with its mountains, glaciers, and deserts. With a wide range of activities, you can stay active and be one with nature and on the other hand, you can indulge in their small villages, get to know the locals, and enjoy some of the best wines in the world. Also with their many cultural events during the year, visitors can fully immerse themselves in this country.
Europe
7 – Portugal
A gorgeous coastal town, Portugal is located in a beautiful countryside which makes it perfect for slow travel. Again, with a rich cultural history and striking architecture, you can live in modern day and ancient Portugal as you visit each town. They also have a vast coastline with great beaches located in many quaint towns. The Portuguese people are incredibly friendly and this country has a vibrant and diverse culture that you can learn a lot about.
8 – Ireland
I feel like Ireland is the definition of slow travel with its charming villages, rolling green hills, Celtic history, and folklore tales. With its friendly culture and proud traditions, you can explore Ireland’s heritage and nature at a slow and relaxing pace while getting everything you’d like out of a vacation at the same time. Their majestic cliffs, pristine beaches, and varied terrain have natural beauty where you really want to pause and take your time to slow down and reflect on life.
9 – Iceland
Known for its magnificent glaciers, geothermal pools, rugged landscape, and volcanoes, you will get the most out of nature’s offerings in Iceland. They also have a more laidback lifestyle and having stayed in the guest room of an Airbnb and taken guided tours, I can definitely say that the locals are friendly, funny, and very proud of their country. Their cuisine also has some unique dishes where you can really experience and understand who the Icelandic people are through their traditional food.
10 – Norway
From its remote villages to its bustling cities, Norway is a worthy option for slow travel. Whether you want to hike its grand mountains or experience the beauty of the Northern Lights, Norway can bring you down to earth and ground you with its spectacular nature offerings and rich culture that’s closely connected to its environment. In Norway, you will want to get out and participate in their robust outdoor lifestyle.
11 – Italy
Italy can be an epitome place to visit for slow travel, especially by the countryside and coastal towns. You can explore at a slower pace and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, indulge in some of the most sought-after wines in the world, and eat to your heart’s content. From exploring ancient ruins in Rome to the Tuscany hills and gorgeous Lake Como, you can soak up the Italian culture everywhere you go and learn about its people and vast history. You may even be tempted to move there.
12 – France
If you’re looking to take your time, France is another picture-perfect destination for slow travel. With its beautiful coastlines, world-renowned for its sophisticated dishes, classy art galleries and museums, historic cities, and diverse landscapes, you are bound to fall in love with its history and culture. You can really lose yourself in the peace and beauty that this country has to offer.
13 – Greece
With many stunning islands, Greece is an idyllic country for rest and relaxation. With the beautiful beaches, stunning mountain landscapes, and vibrant culture, you can rest assured that Greek hospitality is plenty. Many towns are also quite slow-paced so you can really relish in the Mediterranean lifestyle here.
Africa
14 – South Africa
With its diverse landscape, South Africa allows for a range of activities including safaris, beach days, and even camping. You can let go of everyday life, take in the scenic beauty, engage with the friendly locals, and see the wildlife in its habitat. Not only will you get time to yourself and at the same time be accepted into their community, but you will get a taste of a variety of cultures.
15 – Morocco
Morocco offers a strong cultural experience with bustling markets, the Sahara desert, and imperial cities. Heavily influenced by African and Arab traditions, the Moroccan culture is very welcoming and respectful. Centered around family and community, it is very much celebrated with its many festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Asia
16 – Bhutan
Bhutan, located in southern Asia, is an excellent and somewhat remote location for slow travel because of its stunning mountainous landscapes, traditional and authentic culture, and its commitment to mindful and sustainable tourism. The Bhutanese people are very hospitable so it’s easy to immerse yourself in the local way of life. With an emphasis on protecting their ecosystem and preserving traditions, you are bound to find some peace when traveling here. It is also one of the happiest countries in the world and it’s no surprise with its Buddhist values as they place more weight on what they have than what they don’t.
17 – Laos
Beautiful but underrated, Laos has stunning countryside, remote villages, and a fascinating history to explore. With its laidback atmosphere and a variety of outdoor activities. Listed as one of National Geographic’s top five spots for slow travel with its community-led conservation efforts and focus on eco-tourism, you can better understand that country’s multi-faceted heritage and ethnic traditions. With many UNESCO heritage sites, the ancient towns in Laos can provide insight into another way of life.
18 – Myanmar
Exploring Myanmar (also known as Burma) and its growing tourism sector offer travelers a chance to practice slow travel. Steeped in culture and traditional lifestyles, you can expect to be well taken care of by these wonderful people. Although it is still a developing country, it would be a good place to visit as a lot of their nature is untouched, they’re deeply rooted in their traditions, and they offer a fantastic culinary adventure.
19 – Mongolia
With its nomadic culture, Mongolia is still built heavily on their strong heritage and traditional lifestyle. You can see firsthand their daily way of life from the way they herd their animals or even preserve food for harsh winters. This off-the-beaten-path and relatively unexplored country offer opportunities to experience local culture and customs, nature, and unique cuisine. The country is sparsely populated and most towns in Mongolia are in remote, rural areas which can provide the perfect opportunity for slow travel.
Oceania
20 – New Zealand
One of the best places to slow down and engage in mindful and slow travel is New Zealand. The island lifestyle with importance placed on a culture of slow living, special respect for nature and wildlife, and Maori culture. With New Zealand’s impeccable scenery and miles of magnificent coastlines as well as some of the world’s best opportunities to see marine life up close, you can really take the time to slow down, reflect, and be grateful.
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