Trip Planning Resources for Slow Travel in Europe
Your trusted toolkit for planning authentic, unhurried European adventures.
Welcome to Your European Trip Planning Hub
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the details of planning a trip to Europe — from finding the right accommodations to booking reliable transportation — you’re not alone.
After 35 years of travelling through France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, I’ve tested dozens of travel tools and services.
Here, I’ve gathered the exact resources I use and recommend — trusted partners that help make slow, meaningful European travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Each recommendation is carefully chosen for reliability, ease of use, and alignment with slow travel values — think locally owned stays, flexible transportation, and companies that make it easier to immerse yourself in culture instead of rushing through it.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.
🏡Accommodations — Where to Stay in Europe
Whether you prefer a charming boutique hotel, a countryside villa, or an urban apartment tucked away from the crowds, these platforms are my go-tos for finding stays that match a slower, more personal travel experience.
- Plum Guide – Curated homes and apartments that meet high-quality standards; ideal for travellers who appreciate authenticity and comfort. Perfect for longer stays and slow travel — especially if you enjoy cooking, relaxing, and living like a local.
- VRBO – If I can’t find what I’m looking for with Plum Guide, VRBO is my next choice for slow living.
- Booking.com – My top choice for short stays. I always filter for locally owned properties, preferring boutique hotels that highlight local design and culture.
✨ Slow Travel Tip: Before booking, read reviews that mention quiet neighbourhoods, proximity to local cafés, and easy walking access — all signs of a slower-paced experience.
Don’t have time to search for accommodations?
🎟️Tickets & Tours — Skip the Lines, Not the Experiences
Discover Europe’s art, history, and culture with ease — without wasting hours in ticket lines or on tourist traps.
- GetYourGuide – Great for booking museum passes, guided tours, and skip-the-line attractions. You’ll find excellent options for locally led experiences.
- Viator – Ideal for day trips and immersive small-group experiences in every major European destination.
- TripAdvisor – A traveller-review platform that lets you book tickets that travellers love.
- GuruWalk – A platform offering free and tip-based walking tours led by passionate locals. Perfect for discovering hidden corners and authentic stories that bring a city to life.
- EatWith – Connect with locals through shared dining experiences — from homemade dinners to cooking classes and wine tastings. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in culture through food.
✨ Slow Travel Tip: Choose tours led by locals or small, family-run companies. They offer personal insights you won’t find in mass tourism experiences.
✈️ 🚄🚘Transportation — Getting Around Europe Smoothly
One of the best parts of slow travel in Europe is the journey itself. Whether you prefer the freedom of the open road or the romance of train travel, these resources help you get where you’re going.
Flights
- Expedia – The most flexible search tool for finding affordable flights to and within Europe.
Trains
- Rail Europe – My top pick for booking European train tickets, from high-speed lines to scenic regional routes.For travellers planning to explore multiple countries at a slower pace. Passes offer great flexibility.
Car Rentals
- Auto Europe – Excellent service, often with better rates for long-term or multi-country rentals.
✨ Slow Travel Tip: Mix train and car travel to access both major cities and hidden countryside gems — it’s the perfect blend of flexibility and discovery.
Getting from Point A to Point B can be the biggest headache of any trip planning.
📱Stay Connected — Europe eSIM Cards
Gone are the days of swapping SIM cards at the airport. Stay connected across borders with a reliable eSIM — perfect for navigating, booking last-minute experiences, or translating menus.
Holaly is the best choice for instant, unlimited mobile data in over 190 countries. I’ve used it across Europe and never lost connection.
✨ Slow Travel Tip: Download your eSIM before departure and activate upon arrival — no more scrambling for Wi-Fi at the airport.
🧳 Travel Insurance — Peace of Mind for Every Journey
Slow travel doesn’t mean risk-free travel. Protect your investment (and yourself) with comprehensive coverage designed for international trips.
- SafetyWing – Great for long-term or multi-country travel; flexible plans perfect for digital nomads and slow travellers.
✨ Slow Travel Tip: Always double-check that your policy covers trip delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies — especially if you’re renting a car or staying longer than 30 days.
🗺️ Personalized Help — Your Slow Travel Trip Planner
If you’re feeling unsure where to start or overwhelmed by the details, I offer custom trip planning services designed for travellers who want a seamless experience without the stress.
As your slow travel trip planner, I help you:
- Choose the best destinations based on your interests and pace
- Design a day-by-day itinerary with handpicked recommendations
- Balance iconic sights with quiet, authentic local experiences
A Final Note on Slow Travel
Planning your European trip doesn’t have to mean rushing from one destination to another. The true joy of travel lies in connection — to people, culture, and place.
Whether you use these resources to plan your own trip or work with me for a fully customized itinerary, I hope you find inspiration here to travel slower, stay longer, and experience more deeply.