Slow travel – why it is the best travel decision yet

Slow travel. It’s the dream of most travellers having the time and money to travel the world at a slower pace. What is slow travel and why is it the best travel decision yet? Let’s find out.

What is slow travel?

Slow travel is taking your time to explore and staying in a place longer. It’s the opposite of a quick trip where you’re ticking tourist attractions off a list. Travelling at a calm and unhurried pace. Slow travel is going slower and seeing more of a destination.

Going slower seeing more

If you’re travelling in a rush with a list of places to visit and activities to do, you are not really seeing the destination. You are just scratching the surface. Spend more time in fewer places.

Dashing around, you’ll have less opportunity to interact with the locals. Locals will treat you differently. You’re just another tourist. There is no relationship to build with you, it’s transactional. The local shop owner won’t get to know your favourite coffee order.

Spending more time in a place means you can immerse yourself in a culture. Layer by layer building a full picture. This doesn’t happen quickly and takes time. By going slow, you are taking the pressure off and you can be more mindful.

Mindfulness

As you stay longer in a place, you can be more present and in the moment. A more intentional approach to travelling. With less pressure or restrictions to your travel itinerary, you can let your senses lead the way.

A great thing about mindfulness is you are doing a kindness to yourself and your mental health. Aim to go from rushed to relaxed.

Trial a new destination

If you stay longer, you can trial living in a new destination. Maybe you want to move to another country? You will not get a proper view of it on a five day jam packed itinerary. We see things through rose-coloured glasses as tourists blinded by the realities of a place because we’re on holiday. No stress, no commitments. Living in a new place, you’ll see and experience everything, warts and all.

Volunteering

If you go slow and stay in a place longer, you can give back. Are there projects you are interested in that help the local community and let you do good? What better way to get to know the locals! You’ll become a treasured friend, and its good karma.

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Pros to slow travel

There are many benefits to slow travel.

Good for the planet

Slow travel and sustainability go hand in hand. Every flight you take creates carbon emissions. So, by slow travelling, you reduce your carbon footprint and do less damage to the planet. Travel the world with a conscience.

Money saving

You’re travel budget will be boosted by staying longer. You’ll save on accommodation costs. You can take up the ‘stay longer pay less’ deals available on extended stays.

All those extra flights cost money. Less flights in your itinerary means more money to spend at your destination.

Less stress

Relaxing more and taking it slow, mean less travel stress. Travel less, no stress.

Enhances wellbeing

Holidays are for relaxing and recharging your wellbeing batteries. Slow travel will do the job better than most holidays. You’ll come back home a new and refreshed version of yourself.

Cons to slow travel

Here are the cons to slow travel.

Travel to less destinations

You’ll see less places which might not fit your way of travelling. If you’re trying to see more of the world, then slow travel may not be for you.

Time consuming

Slow travel is just that, slow. If you only have limited time to travel, then slow travel is probably not an option. Maybe it is something to strive for later on when you have less commitments and more time.

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This page contains affiliate links.

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So, why not give slow travel a try. Grab your passport, luggage and a new mind set. As they say ‘slow and steady wins the race’. See you at the airport!

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Suggested post: Is travelling the ultimate secret to slowing down aging?

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