What is Slow Travel?
Discover the art of slow travel. Savour the journey, connect deeply with local cultures, and create meaningful experiences at every destination.
There are countless definitions of slow travel, each shaped by the writer’s preferences and perspective.
The common thread among these definitions is the idea of taking a slower, gentler approach to travel. It’s not about cramming in as many sights as possible or ticking off all the “tourist attractions” before rushing to a new destination each night.
My definition of slow travel is this: spending quality time in each destination, making genuine connections with the local people, culture, and fellow travellers, and being mindful of your time, experiences, and presence there.
Although many slow travellers opt for longer stays in each destination, the length of the stay doesn’t necessarily define slow travel. Slow travel is about the mindset of the traveller.
Don’t get me wrong, many tourist spots are worth seeing! I loved standing agape, mesmerised by the gorgeous Big Ben and Westminster Abbey in London, and I definitely took a selfie in front of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.
Slow travel isn’t about skipping those iconic tourist moments (because you are, after all, a tourist); it’s about enriching the experience and going deeper.
How do you know if Slow Travel is for you?
If you resonate with any of the following, slow travel might be for you!
You don’t fancy going “around the world in 80 days.”
You enjoy spending quality time in each destination, making genuine connections with the local people and culture.
Eat Pray Love might be your favourite book or film.
Soft living and soft travelling are concepts that resonate with you.
You don’t connect with travel content creators who seek fast-paced adventure and hostel hopping, especially when those creators prioritise party hostels. No judgement–it’s just not for you.
You enjoy tapping into the destination’s rhythm of life.
You want to come away from each stay having learnt something valuable.
Embracing Slow Travel with Places She Goes
Whether you are a digital nomad, a retiree, or someone who simply wants more out of each destination, Places She Goes approaches every article with the slow travel mindset.
You’ll notice that even in our shorter itineraries, we infuse the principles of slow travel into every aspect.
Slow travel invites you to savour the journey, to connect deeply with the places you visit, and to leave with not just photos but lasting memories and meaningful insights. It’s about travelling with intention, embracing the charm of the moment, and allowing yourself to truly belong to a place, even if just for a little while.
If this resonates with you, why not explore more on Places She Goes? Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil retreat in the Yorkshire Dales, an island escape to Madeira, or an underrated destination in Romania, our guides are crafted with the slow travel mindset at heart.
Let your next destination inspire you to travel slower, live softer, and experience more. Dive into our articles and start planning your journey today.
