What is slow travel?
It’s a question I get asked and one I realize I’ve never explicitly answered before in an article. I write about slow travel because it’s the way I’ve travelled before I knew the term.
It impacts the way I approach travelling—before and during my trip. It’s not just about taking your time—it’s much more than that.
Slow travel is a term that was born out of the slow-living movement. A movement that is dedicated to whatever brings us joy and meaning.
This article explores what slow travel truly means, why it’s worth practicing, and how it can transform your travel experiences. Whether you’re curious about it or looking to deepen your practice, I’m here to guide you through the art of slow travel.
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What is Slow Travel?
When I first heard the term “slow travel,” it was a-ha moment. It put a name to the way I had always preferred to explore new places—without rushing from one landmark to the next. Slow travel isn’t just about moving at a leisurely pace; it’s about intentionally choosing depth over breadth.
For me, slow travel means lingering in a small café to watch the world go by, getting lost in a neighbourhood that isn’t in the guidebooks, and having conversations with locals that reveal the soul of a place. It’s about savouring the journey as much as the destination.
The slow travel definition is rooted in the broader slow living movement, which emphasizes mindfulness and joy in everyday life. It’s an approach that resonates deeply, especially in an era where we’re often encouraged to do more and see more. Slow travel invites us to do less—but experience more. To prioritize what we value the most.
Slow Travel vs. Traditional Travel
When comparing slow travel to traditional travel, the differences are clear and impactful.
Traditional travel often involves packing as much as possible into a short timeframe—rushing from one attraction to another, ticking off a checklist of sights. It’s about seeing the highlights, but often at the expense of truly experiencing a place.
Imagine planning a two-week trip to Italy, determined to see every iconic destination—Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and maybe even a quick stop in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. You craft an ambitious itinerary, spending only a day or two in each city, rushing from the Colosseum to the Uffizi Gallery, and then onto a gondola ride in Venice. At the end of the trip, you’ve checked off the major sights, but it all feels like a blur.
Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is the essence of traditional travel—covering lots of ground but missing the depth of experience.
Slow travel would suggest choosing just one or two destinations, spending more time in each place, and allowing yourself to truly absorb the atmosphere, culture, and everyday life. It’s about experiencing Italy, not just seeing it.
Slow travelling prioritizes quality over quantity. Instead of hopping from city to city, slow travellers might spend several days—or even weeks—in one location.
Traditional travel can leave you feeling exhausted, while slow travel encourages relaxation and mindfulness. It’s the difference between snapping a quick photo of a landmark and sitting down to enjoy a meal at a local eatery, learning the stories behind the food and the people who made it. Slow travel transforms a trip into an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
How to Practice Slow Travel
Practicing slow travel is all about intentional choices and embracing a different mindset. Here are some practical ways to get started.
Letting go of your itinerary
Give yourself permission to step away from your itinerary. The issue with sticking to an itinerary is that it limits your flexibility and can rob you of the spontaneous moments that often become the highlights of a trip. It’s those unexpected experiences—like discovering a charming neighbourhood market by chance—that create the most lasting memories. By leaving room in your schedule for unplanned moments, you open the door to more of these magical ones to appear.
Follow your passions
Give yourself permission to follow what truly interests you. Slow travel is about embracing what brings you joy, whether it’s exploring historical sites, museums, or local art galleries, hiking in the mountains, lounging on the beach, or dining at the newest hotspots. When you follow your passions, you create a travel experience that feels authentic and fulfilling. Don’t feel pressured to see every landmark; instead, prioritize the activities (and your budget) that spark your curiosity and excitement. By doing so, you’ll experience a trip that’s uniquely yours without the fear of missing out.
Absorb the experience
Give yourself permission to enjoy the quiet moments. Slow travel is about being present—really noticing the sights, smells, and sounds that make a place unique. Watch the locals as they go about their day—how they interact and the gestures they use. Embrace the downtime to relax and reflect, allowing yourself to soak up the energy around you. Sprinkle these moments throughout your trip to add a little more meaning and magic.
Slow down your pace
Give yourself permission to be a flâneur, a French term for someone who strolls through the city, observing life as it unfolds without a particular destination in mind. One of the core principles of slow travel is embracing a slower pace. Instead of rushing from one place to the next, take your time to notice the tiniest of details. Walk through the streets rather than drive, or choose a scenic train ride over a quick flight.
Seek out hidden gems
Give yourself permission to go to places that are under the radar. When travelling, it’s tempting to stick to the well-known spots, but some of the most rewarding experiences lie off the beaten path. Take the time to discover where the locals go—whether it’s a quiet park, a tucked-away café, or a neighbourhood market. These quiet corners offer a glimpse into the true heart of a place, often away from the crowds.
Inspiring Slow Travelling Destinations
When it comes to slow travel, some destinations are simply made for taking things slow. But how do you find these hidden gems? The approach I use is to categorize potential destinations into three types, each offering an off-the-beaten-path experience that’s perfect for slow travel.
Charming Towns
Charming towns are where you can get lost in winding cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. These destinations invite you to wander without a set agenda, discovering the hidden beauty in the details.
In France, off-the-beaten-path towns like Provins, a medieval gem with fortified walls cocoon the quaint Old Town. In Germany, places like Quedlinburg offer a step back in time with half-timbered architecture and charming streets. In Italy, Orvieto is a beautiful hilltop town with incredible views, a stunning cathedral, and a maze of underground caves.
Picturesque Coastal Villages
For a laid-back coastal escape, picturesque villages by the sea provide the perfect backdrop for slow travel. In Portugal, Cascais is the quintessential coastal town with beautiful beaches and a maze of charming streets and eateries perfect for disconnecting. Spain offers the small village of Peniscola, a fortified coastal village with a stunning medieval castle perched on a rocky cliff with a slow-paced Mediterranean vibe. Italy’s Italian Rivieria with colourful villages, like Nervi, are perfect for coastal hikes and sitting by the sea to enjoy the views and local seafood.
Serene Rural Areas or Regions
For those seeking a deep connection to nature and local life, rural areas are the ultimate slow travel destinations. In France, the Provence region is dotted with lavender fields and vineyards, inviting you to take your time exploring beautiful villages like Gordes. In Germany, the Bavarian Alps along the Alpine Road offer stunning landscapes and quaint villages such as Berchtesgaden, perfect for hikes or simply enjoying the natural beauty. In Portugal, the Alentejo region, with its rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, offers a relaxed escape to its sleepy whitewashed villages.
These destinations are the posters for the slow travel movement—inviting you to slow down, explore deeply, and experience life as the locals do.
Final Thoughts
By embracing a slower pace you are also contributing to a more sustainable way of travelling. When you choose to spend more time in fewer places, you reduce your carbon footprint, support local economies, and lessen the impact of mass tourism.
This mindful approach to travel allows you to foster a deeper connection with the environment, encouraging you to value the small, often overlooked aspects of a destination. Slow travel, in its essence, aligns with the growing shift toward sustainability, offering a more thoughtful and responsible way to explore the world.
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