The urge to experience everything a destination has to offer is all too real, but in reality, it simply isn’t possible. In a world obsessed with checking destinations off bucket lists, slow travel offers a refreshing alternative.
If you dream of coming home from your next vacation feeling rejuvenated, rather than exhausted, slow travel might be perfect for you. Rather than racing from landmark to landmark, slow travel is about immersing yourself in fewer places for longer periods. Whether you go away for 3 days or 3 weeks, we’ve got recommendations for where to go and how to make the most of your journey.
The principles of Slow Travel
Go with the flow: Sometimes the best moments are the ones we don’t plan. Leave room in your day for lazy afternoons at local cafés and aimless wandering.
Quality over quantity: Slowing down helps you be more present and makes your trip more memorable.
Focus on what truly matters to you: If your perfect vacation consists of hitting the beach and eating good food–do that! Skip any “must-see” attractions that don’t align with your interests.
A calmer vibe: Knowing that you don’t have to rush and having the time to get more familiar with your surroundings will help you feel more at ease.
Sustainability: Slow travel naturally supports sustainability. By using local transportation and supporting the local economy, you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Adapt to your surroundings: If you’re visiting a country where English isn’t the official language, learning basic phrases can be a fun and rewarding challenge that leads to richer experiences.
How to plan a slow travel itinerary
The first rule of slow travel planning: less is more. Consider these guidelines:
- One-week vacation: Focus on a single destination. If it feels right, add one nearby day trip.
- Two-week trip: Explore 1-2 destinations with at least 5-7 days in each.
- Month-long journey: 2-3 destinations maximum, allowing for genuine immersion.
Pick your destination
The beauty of slow travel is that it can be practiced in so many different ways.
Off the beaten path
Visby, Sweden: An enchanting medieval town on the island of Gotby, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect escape. Go on a self-guided walking tour of the well-preserved 12th century architecture and ruins, relax at the botanical gardens, or spend time learning about viking history.
Kotor, Montenegro: Located on the coast, this old city is a fortress filled with impressive monuments. Traverse the city walls or take a thrilling speedboat tour to the Blue Cave of Montenegro where you can swim and snorkel.
Port cities
Charleston, South Carolina: Steeped in history, this walkable city has an incredible food scene, and nearby beaches for a day trip. It’s the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and
Rotterdam, Netherlands: Unlike the tourist crowds of Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers innovative architecture, excellent museums, and waterfront dining with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Retreats
Ubud, Bali: Step into paradise at Firefly Retreat Bali where seven days of yoga, meditation and traditional Balinese cooking classes await. Tucked away in the Bali rice paddies, you’ll savour the peace and quiet as you connect with yourself in this serene setting.
Huah Hin, Thailand: Chiva-Som has 16 tailor-made retreats meant to help you achieve your personal wellness goals. This tranquil resort is the ideal place to refresh your mind, body, and soul with its tropical gardens and stunning sea views.
Transportation: Take the scenic route
Trains
Train travel is having a moment and it’s the perfect companion to slow travel. Unlike flying, which disconnects you from the landscape, train journeys offer a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking views. Take your adventure to the next level with luxury train travel, which provides top notch accommodation and five-star cuisine.
Bike or go on foot
Catch authentic glimpses into everyday local life as you cruise the streets or feel the pavement beneath your feet. It’s an easy way to make the most of your travel budget while also being kind to the environment.
Accommodations: Immerse yourself in your destination
Consider staying in a residential area, you’ll have more encounters with locals, more space to yourself, and the freedom to cook your own meals if you choose.
- Swap homes: For a homey stay, try Home Exchange, a platform that connects travelers who are willing to trade homes for a set amount of time.
- House sitting: TrustedHousesitters provides one-way swaps that allow you to stay in someone’s home and/or look after their pets in exchange for accommodation.
- Farm stays or work exchanges: Learn about agriculture and get hands-on-experience through a WWOOF program.
Don’t just see the world, experience it
By embracing trains over planes, homes over hotels, and quality or quantity, you’ll discover the difference between visiting a place and truly knowing it. Your travels become not just photos and souvenirs, but an experience that enriches your life long after you’ve returned home.
Even the slowest journeys can hit a little bump in the road. With Faye Travel Insurance you can keep calm, knowing that you’re covered for the unexpected.
