Slow Travel Guide for Beginners (And Why You Should Give It A Try)
Hello Mamas (and Papas), have you ever felt that traveling has become more of a race to check off boxes of travel destinations on your itinerary than an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in new cultures and travel experiences?
If so, slow travel may be just what you need, and here’s a slow travel guide that I made just for you.
But, what is slow travel? I’m sure that’s the question that landed you here. 🙂
Slow travel is a new term that I discovered just recently, as I was researching and reading more about slow living, another term I newly discovered as I was researching more about simple living.
I am interested in learning more about slow travel because it looks like the term appropriate for the kind of travel that my husband likes that is now influencing me, too.
So, What Exactly Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is a growing trend that has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is a form of travel that focuses on experiences over material possessions.
It’s a way to see the world that’s slower, less hurried, and more connected with the people and places you’re visiting.
Slow travel is a mindset that emphasizes taking your time, savoring the journey, and immersing yourself in the local culture. It’s about getting off the beaten track and discovering hidden gems, rather than rushing from one tourist hotspot to the next to post it instantly on social media.
In this ultimate guide to slow traveling, we’ll explore the benefits of slow travel and provide tips and recommendations for making the most of your journey.
Slow Tourism
Slow tourism is another term for slow travel and Wikipedia defines it as:
A part of the sustainable tourism family, different from mainstream tourism and emphasizing the tourist’s greater personal awareness. It is characterized by reducing mobility and by taking time to explore local history and culture while supporting the environment.
The Origin of Slow Travel
The concept of slow travel is said to have emerged from the slow food movement in Italy, a movement started by Carlo Petrini as a protest against the opening of a McDonald in Plaza de España, Rome in 1986.
The slow travel movement began in the early 2000s and has been growing in popularity ever since.
The idea behind the slow movement is to take your time and enjoy the small things in life. This way of living has become popular because it allows you to connect with the world around you in a different way.
Slow travel, following the same concept, also allows you to see different parts of the world without having to rush through them.
What Are The Benefits of Slow Travel and Why You Should Give It A Try?
Slow travel is a growing trend that is gaining in popularity and I get why more and more are embracing this trend.
As mentioned earlier, this is how my husband travels even when he was still single and he didn’t even know that there was a term for it. And now that we’re married, we continue to do the same – and just recently, I learned that it’s called slow travel.
My husband always jokes that our way of travel is slow-motion travel or super mega ultra-slow travel. And funnily, the kids are picking up the terms fast and I hear them explain to each other that we are super ultra-slow travelers!
I was a “fast traveler” when I was single because I wanted to see a lot of places as much as possible when I went to a certain place, so I was always in a hurry and the friends I was with on the trips.
But I love slow travel now and this is the preferred way of traveling that we now prefer as a family. I find it perfect especially for families with small kids like us!
There are many reasons why you should give it a try, and here are six of the most important:
1. Slow travel can help you connect with the local culture and see things in a different light.
Slow travel can help you to connect with the local culture uniquely.
By spending more time in each destination, you can gain an understanding of the people and the culture.
This can be incredibly rewarding and provide you with a valuable and new perspective on life.
2. Traveling slowly can be more affordable.
Because slow travel prefers for you to stay in one place for longer, it means that you don’t have to keep from hopping from one accommodation to the next, and staying longer in one accommodation tends to be cheaper compared to a shorter stay.
Slow travel can be incredibly affordable if you approach it in the right way.
By planning your trip carefully, you can make use of budgeting tips and find deals on accommodation and food.
This means that slow travel is accessible to everyone, no matter the budget.
3) Slow travel can provide you with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun.
Slow travel is often characterized by a slower pace, providing plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun.
By slowing down, you can savor every moment and make the most of your surroundings.
This can lead to some fantastic experiences that would be hard to achieve on a fast-paced journey.
If you are embarking on a long car ride with your kids soon, this article will surely be of help: Helpful tips on how to survive and enjoy long car rides with kids.
4) Slow tourism can be great for kids.
If you have small kids like us, then slow travel is perfect because you won’t end up super tired and stressed by seeing a lot of places and doing a lot of things in a short time.
Plus, by taking them on slow travel trips, you’ll also get some good quality family time while they’re away from home, too!
You won’t be coming home feeling like you need another vacation to relax after a vacation.
5. Traveling slowly is more sustainable because it reduces your impact on the environment.
When you’re on a slow trip, you’re less likely to be rushing around and doing things that are harmful to the environment. And most people doing slow travel also tend to use public transport more often than driving their own car (though it’s not our case).
For example, if you’re on vacation in a place where there’s a lot of tourism, you might be using a lot of resources – like water and energy – which can be damaging to the environment.
Traveling slowly can help you conserve these resources and protect our planet in the process.
6. Slow travel can improve your mental health.
Traveling slowly will also spare you from stress since you don’t have to hurry, which is definitely not good for you and your family’s mental health.
It is also easier to connect with the local population and get to know them on a personal level and observe the beauty around when traveling slowly which can lead to improved mental health because it gives people something positive to focus on during their travels (instead of just thinking about ticking off the itinerary list).
How To Get Started With Slow Travel
Slow travel is a lifestyle choice that can be made for many reasons and started in many ways.
It can be a way to reduce stress, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, connect with the local culture, and learn about new places.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to slow travel, so, starting out is not difficult since all it takes is a change in mindset.
Given that you already have a destination and plan for your next vacation, here are some tips that will help you get started on your journey to slow travel on your next planned vacation or getaway:
1. Travel at a slower pace instead of rushing out.
This is the main concept of slow travel, to adopt a slower pace of traveling which means taking your time and enjoying the moment instead of rushing everything.
This is why I said earlier that slow travel seems to be the perfect term for the kind of travel that my husband likes because everytime we go on vacation, he wants to take it slow by taking multiple breaks in coffee shops, parks, and other local areas just to enjoy the moment and observe the local happening around.
He doesn’t care if we only see very few places, what matters most to him is the enjoyment and relaxation that he gets out of it.
I was in opposition at first, because I felt it was a waste of money coming to a destination and only seeing a few places.
But as years go by, I learn to embrace it and enjoy it, especially now that we travel with two small kids.
2. Explore Local Food Options.
The concept of slow travel originated from the slow food movement which encourages people to try out local food options and slow travel encourages the same.
Local food is also one of our favorite ways of experiencing different cultures. We avoid fast food during our travels and even at home (we indulge once in a while, though).
We always research the local food of our destination, ask locals for suggestions and make sure to try as many as possible.
Not only will this provide you with a unique perspective on the cuisine and a closer look at the local culture, but it can also save money on meals (sometimes).
3. Be Flexible.
Slow travel isn’t about following a rigid itinerary; instead, enjoy taking breaks whenever you need them.
This allows you to connect more closely with the local community and experience more of the destination than if you were constantly rushing around.
4. Don’t make a long list of tourist attractions to see.
If you’re looking to take a break from the tourist traps, slow down and explore the local culture. This can be done by attending local festivals, checking out art galleries and museums, or simply interacting with locals.
For us, it is always important to try and get in touch with the locals wherever we go because we believe it’s one way of getting to know a place better and making some great connections.
5. Pack smartly and lightly.
Slow travel is all about enjoying the journey, rather than just the destination.
When you pack lightly and smartly, you can minimize your environmental impact and enjoy your travels more.
Think about what you will need on your trip, and pack as little as possible. This means packing light on clothes, toiletries, and food.
Slow Travel Destinations
Maybe you are now asking, so, are there specific slow travel destinations then?
Travel destinations don’t have to be exotic, rural, or far away to be considered slow travel. The destination doesn’t matter as long as you practice the guidelines of slow travel.
You can be traveling across Europe, North America, South America, or other parts of the world because slow travel is all about taking the time to enjoy and learn about the place you are visiting, so wherever you choose to go, take the time to explore and connect with the local culture in a slow/slower pace.
Whether it’s a nearby town, city, or a far-away country, the important thing is to take your time, explore the area, and discover the hidden gems.
With slow travel, you’ll find that even the most ordinary places can be extraordinary.
Try Slow Travel Now
Slow travel is about appreciating the small moments in life. It’s about being present and taking the time to see the world around you.
It’s also about being mindful of your pace and not rushing through experiences.
Are you interested in slow travel, too? Or have you started already? Feel free to share your thoughts, travel experiences, and travel tips in the comments below.
If Your Family Can’t Go On vacation at the moment…
Don’t worry because your family can still have a lot of fun by doing a family staycation – a great alternative to vacation! Here are some helpful articles to get you started:
How To Plan A Family Staycation With Toddlers
