What is Slow Travel?
Have you ever come home from a trip and felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation? Is a jam-packed schedule of nonstop sightseeing leaving you exhausted? Then you need to read on; I have a new approach that might help you make the most of your next trip.
It’s called slow travel. Often referred to as sustainable or mindful traveling, slow travel is a new approach to tourism. Rather than checking a bunch of countries, cities, or attractions off your list – slow travel encourages you to step back and connect with the local people, food and culture.
Simply put, slow travel is seeing more by moving less.
What are the Benefits of Slow Travel?
Unique Experiences
Allowing yourself more time in one place, gives you the chance to have experiences off the beaten path. When people ask me what my favorite countries are, I tend to say Italy or Croatia and that has a lot to do with spending several months in both countries. Discovering the tastiest ćevapčići in Zagreb and being convinced I had the best gelato in Rome only happened because I had time. Slow travel gives you the chance to authentically explore a new place.
More Sustainable
Sustainability is often brought up when you travel a lot. Frequently traveling by planes, trains and cars obviously has a negative effect on the environment. However, if you slow things down and move less you can reduce your carbon footprint. By giving yourself more time in a destination you will likely have the chance to walk or bike rather than rushing by car to see as much as you can.
Authentic Connections & Culture
By taking your time in a new place you can truly connect with the locals and have a clearer look into their culture. I was fortunate enough to explore Morocco for 5 weeks, and I stayed in a coliving in a small village called Taghazout. This much time in one place allowed me to really understand their way of life. Routinely buying vegetables in the square, smoothies at the local shop and renting surfboards on the daily allowed me to interact with locals and feel like a part of the village.
Avoid Tourist Traps
There is nothing worse than spending money on a crappy meal or an overhyped attraction. The more time you give yourself to explore a new city, the more likely you are to avoid tourist traps due to rushed decision making.
Relax & Rejuvenate
Traveling at a slower pace allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation or holiday. You will come back to work feeling more rejuvenated and refreshed. Slow travel also reduces the likelihood that you will burnout, which is something tons of digital nomads experience when they try to see too much too quickly. Not every trip is about relaxing. But, you shouldn’t have to come home from a vacation feeling exhausted.
How to Slow Travel
If you do not have flexibility to work wherever you want, you can still practice the art of slow travel during your vacations. Taking the time to see more of a city rather than checking things off your bucket list makes travel more meaningful and it will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
With an increase in location independent jobs, slow travel is more accessible than ever. This past year I have been working remotely and was able to spend longer chunks of time in one city or country.
If you are curious about where I am traveling right now – check out my “About Me” page and follow me on Instagram: @sliceoftina 🙂
Tina
A Midwestern girl with a nomadic soul
