What is slow travel and why it’s exactly what you need right now
Slow travel isn’t a rigid itinerary or a philosophy you have to commit to. It’s doing the research, knowing your options, and then choosing what you want to do on the day. Less rushing, more exploring at your own pace.
In a world that’s all about instant gratification, always on, it feels like there’s no time to really pause. Life is seemingly more connected but also moving faster than ever. We’re constantly bombarded by amazing images and stories that we want to experience or recreate ourselves. It’s wonderful to have so much information accessible, not to mention inspiration and ideas.
But I think we sometimes forget to check in with ourselves about whether it aligns with our own needs. For some it might look like copying every itinerary they see or wanting the same experiences as everyone else. Meanwhile for others, a slower more intentional holiday might be about wellness, rest and some respite from the noise.
What is slow travel?
Slow travel is grounded in depth over breadth. It’s about permission to do what you want, when you want, at your own pace without the need to rush through checklists. To immerse yourself in a place and feel connected to it, even in a short space of time. It’s about looking for wellness, peace and joy rather than trying to recreate someone else’s reel IRL.
I came to adopt this style of trip out of necessity in the last year. In part, it was thanks to my partner who already travels in this way, but then burnout really forced me to slow down and revisit patterns. It’s an approach that works particularly well when travelling with a partner who has different travel energy and interests, which is something I’ve written about here.
I’ve really leaned into this way of travel and found it to be not just possible, but actually a better way to see the world (for me at least). I can still enjoy travelling and exploring but don’t feel I have to do it all.
Or rather what it isn’t…
I want to address some potential misconceptions. Slow travel doesn’t mean doing nothing, nor does it mean moving at a glacial pace and not travelling between locations. It’s more about intentional travel, that aligns with your character, your energy and what brings you joy. Whether that’s enjoying the sights, outdoor adventures, cafe hopping or learning about language, history and culture.
It’s also not about a budget or missing out on things to save money, although that may be a welcome bonus. Once you remove the need to tick off checklists, you’ll discover you can find better options to spend your money on. There are also lots of free ways to spend time abroad that we don’t often consider. Ones that allow us to immerse ourselves in daily life and enjoy what a destination has on offer.
For example, you could save by exploring local supermarkets and cooking a meal or preparing a simple picnic for lunch. You could find a hidden restaurant or local haunt outside the tourist traps that is reasonably priced and probably tastes better than a viral sensation.
It’s not about unlimited time either. For someone who’s working full time and planning a getaway, it’s about choosing how much or how little to cram in and allow more time in one place, forgoing another and not forcing a day by day plan that feels unsustainable.
Slow travel in practice
For me, slow travel is about preparation and options. I like to know what aligns with my interests and I want to learn about the practicalities. Location and accommodation are number 1 for comfort, getting around and overall enjoyment. I’m not talking about luxury, but the things that are important. A good night’s sleep, a clean room and quiet. Close to transport and ideally with minimal movement between destinations, as packing and unpacking constantly is such a hassle.
Minimal scheduling. Review how to get around and coordinate sights and activities so your day flows naturally. Only book something that you have your heart set on doing. I try to go with the flow and if something isn’t available, there will be other options, that might turn out to be better in hindsight.
Build in flexibility into your morning or afternoon, depending on your preferences. With all that preparation, you can decide your adventure on the day. If you’re tired and want to go back for a nap, do it. Maybe one of you wants to go to a museum instead, do that and make a plan to meet later.
I really enjoyed putting this into practice whilst in Antalya for a week with no fixed plans. I knew there were things to see and was excited to enjoy a relaxing break by the Mediterranean and it was exactly that. Long beach walks, great food enjoyed slowly, visits to historical sights and time to swim and read. Absolute bliss.
If you loved something so much, it’s ok to repeat it. I’ve sometimes found a cafe I love and returned multiple times because I choose to.
If you want to go deeper on the planning side, I’ve put together a guide here and if Antalya is on your radar, you can read more about my experience here.
How it changes in midlife
In midlife, I’ve come to value good sleep, good food, sunshine and variety. I don’t want to have a fixed schedule and run from one thing to another. I would prefer to plan on the day around how I’m feeling which varies day to day. It’s about knowing yourself and what brings you joy or what makes you feel rested versus what you feel obligated to do and see.
I think it also speaks to our needs from a health and wellness perspective. We also understand our needs better and can articulate them when travelling with others. Energy management becomes key to managing stress on the road and having an enjoyable trip. It’s actually a strength rather than a limitation in my opinion, to say no to things and follow through on what matters in a particular moment. No FOMO.
We’ve dropped the performative aspect of having to prove something to others, and really value the time to explore amidst all the daily trials and tribulations. The gratitude to have freedom to explore, to have an adventure hits different when you start to think about maximising time now rather than waiting for retirement.
You can read about taking Long Service Leave or sabbatical mid career here.
Unexpected benefits of slow travel
Slow travel helps with reducing anxiety. I don’t like to rush. I also need to manage IBS when travelling – something I’ve written about in detail here. Having a flexible schedule and being well prepared gives me the peace of mind I need to relax and enjoy the adventure.
In the last year, since travelling in this way I’ve felt genuinely rested upon returning home. I’ve felt like I really enjoyed my visits, having had a genuine connection to a place and experiencing local life, even if briefly. The vibes of a place, the food, the scenery are more important to me now than paying for a viral meal or standing in line to see a sight along with thousands of others. There are occasions where that might truly be worth it, but often I’d rather now forego it.
Slow travel is worth a try
It might not be for everyone but I invite you to try to apply this approach to travel on your next trip. Maybe just take a morning off from the plan and see what happens. Often great memories are created off the beaten path, wandering freely and stumbling across a hidden gem. Who knows, you might even feel rested, rejuvenated and have a new outlook.
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