Travelling can be a hectic and stressful experience as we try to cram in as many sights, experiences, and activities as possible. But what if there was another way to travel? A slower, more deliberate way that allows us to savour every moment of our journeys? That’s where the art of slow travel comes in.
Over the last decade, I drastically changed my travelling habits, becoming what some would call a ‘slow traveller.’ I spend around 7-9 months of my year overseas and exploring, but often spend the bulk of my travel time immersing myself in just 2 or 3 cultures, sometimes spending up to six months in one location. For me, there is an art to making the most out of slow travel. Now, even when I only have a week or a few days to visit a new location, I limit my bucket list items and focus on the art of slow travel.
Embrace spontaneity
One of the key tenets of slow travel is embracing spontaneity. Instead of planning every minute of your itinerary, you leave room for serendipity and unexpected adventures.
Take a leisurely walk through a new neighbourhood, converse with a local, or try a new food that catches your eye. By having the time to leave many hours and days of your trip open, you leave yourself available for lots of amazing and unexpected experiences.
Connect with locals
Connecting with locals is a great way to deepen your understanding of a destination and experience it in a more meaningful way. Slow travel allows you to connect with more people and opens the opportunity for lasting friendships.
Talk with shopkeepers, take a local cooking class, or join a community event. It’s important to socialise and get into situations where you’ll meet new people. You’ll not only learn more about the local culture, but you’ll also make lasting memories.
Slow down
The pace of slow travel is, well, slow. It’s all about taking the time to experience a destination rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another. When spending time in a new location, there may well be a list of must-see sights and activities you’ll want to tick off, but pace yourself and adhere to the spirit of slow travel.
For every day of sightseeing, take a day or two off to walk around a neighbourhood, relax in a park or café, or spend an entire afternoon exploring a single museum. By slowing down, you’ll not only see more detail and learn more, but you’ll also feel less stressed and more present in the moment.
Go off the beaten path
One of the great things about slow travel is that it allows you to discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that most tourists miss. Many travellers talk about going off-the-beaten path, but what they mean is taking a backpacker’s route, all pre-planned.
Take time to wander and allow yourself to get lost. When safe, explore a new neighbourhood or town, or seek local recommendations for hidden restaurants or shops. You’ll be rewarded with unique experiences and a deeper understanding of the destination.
Immerse yourself in the local culture
Slow travel is all about immersing yourself in the local culture. Whether it’s trying new foods, attending a cultural festival, or learning a few words of the local language, embracing the local culture is a key part of savouring every moment of your journey.
Always look for small events, festivals, or communicable celebrations. Check out religious buildings, town halls, and local notice boards, and don’t be afraid to give an event or a new experience a try. You’ll not only learn more about the destination, but you’ll learn more about yourself.
For me, slow travel is about going beyond trips along the unbeaten path and discovering what it’s like to live within a new culture. Rather than meeting new people, you’ll make lifelong friends. Rather than simply experiencing a new culture, you’ll get to study and better understand it, often adopting new philosophies and practices.
By embracing spontaneity, connecting with locals, slowing down, and immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll create lasting memories and savour every moment of your journey. The next time you plan a vacation and start drawing up a long list of sights and activities, consider just picking one or two places and limiting your pre-planned excursion. Take the chance and experience the benefits of slow travel.
