Woman with backpack walking down an alleyway that is made of cobblestone. There is a bike int he distance

According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, slow travel is on the rise, with secondary tourist destinations seeing an increase in visitors as travellers shift their focus towards quality, meaningful experiences rather than fast-paced, jam-packed itineraries.

If you’re seeking beautiful destinations to inspire your next slow travel adventure, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a retiree, a digital nomad, or taking a gap year to explore the world, this is the ultimate bucket list for slow travellers.

When I moved from the United States to England in 2020, I quickly fell in love with the concept of slow travel. After spending three years living in England and travelling across Europe, I embraced the art of taking things slow – and I’ve never looked back.

What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is about embracing a more intentional approach to exploring a destination. There are no strict rules, but slow travellers generally prioritise deeper, more meaningful experiences that foster genuine connections with locals and immerse them in the culture.

For a deeper understanding of slow travel, check out my previous article all about what slow travel means.

The Benefits of Slow Travel

There are countless benefits to slow travel. Beyond creating deeper, more memorable experiences, slow travellers often engage in sustainable tourism practices, which are more environmentally friendly and contribute positively to the local economy—rather than driving up prices for residents.

Want to learn more? Read my in-depth guide to the benefits of slow travel.

Top Slow Travel Destinations

Woman looking away from the camera. She is standing int he distance in a green field. Behind her there are rolling green hills and a blue sky with white clouds. — *Yorkshire, England*

Europe

Bansko, Bulgaria
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Kotor & Budva, Montenegro
Vilnius, Lithuania
Riga, Latvia
Genoa, Italy
Italian Riviera, Italy
Seville, Spain
Lille, France
Orléans, France
Yorkshire, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Sarandë, Albania
Algarve, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal

Woman is traditional Japanese dress is looking at a shrine. There are hanging paper lanterns above her head. — *Kyoto, Japan*

Asia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kyoto, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Kerala, India
Busan, South Korea
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Da Nang, Vietnam
Bali, Indonesia

Woman in colorful red dress looks over a food stall that has stacks upon stacks of bags of beans, candied nuts, etc. There is a table cloth visible that reads the word "GUATEMALA: over and over again — *Guatemala*

Latin America

Mexico City, Mexico
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Costa Rica

Why These Destinations?

Many of these destinations are ideal for slow travel due to their affordability, ease of obtaining long-term visas (including retiree and digital nomad visas), strong tourism infrastructure, and access to nature. These locations offer the perfect setting for a slower, more immersive way of travelling.

Are You Ready for Your Slow Travel Adventure?

I hope this list has inspired your next journey! Let me know in the comments where you’re planning to go next. And don’t forget to explore my other articles on slow travel for more tips and insights.

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