Slow travel may seem like an oxymoron, given the stress it takes to go 10 miles, not to mention thousands. With time seeming to moving faster and faster, as our everyday get pulled asunder a not so new but gaining trend is shaping the tourism industry today: slow travel.
Social media overflows with travel inspiration, from picture-perfect Instagram stories to detailed vlogs documenting every step of an adventure. As international tourism rebounds, many are rethinking how they explore the world. Gone are the days of whirlwind tours and checking destinations off a list. Slow travel, a growing trend, prioritizes deep connections with a place over fleeting visits.
An offshoot of the slow food movement that began in Italy in the late 1980s in response to the fast-food boom in the U.S., championing gastronomic pleasure, slow travel celebrates a slow pace of life, regional foods, and small producers. In response to our fast-paced, overly programed lives, slow travel encourages travelers to ditch the stacked itineraries and explore with more awareness and intention, getting in closer touch with the natural beauty, local culture, and customs of destinations.
More than three quarters (85%) of respondents to the American Express 2023 Travel Trends Survey agree that they want to visit a place where they “can truly experience the local culture.” So here are a few iconic, off-the-beaten path destinations where travelers can practice slow travel while benefiting their well-being and the environment.
What is Slow Travel?
Slow travel isn’t just about taking the train instead of flying. It’s a philosophy that encourages a more meaningful travel experience. Instead of rushing through iconic landmarks, slow travelers immerse themselves in the local culture, food, and way of life. A recent study found that 79% of budget-conscious travelers prioritize personal growth over simply visiting a new location. Slow travel allows you to slow down, connect with locals, and truly savor a place.
How to Embrace Slow Travel
Slow travel is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some tips to shift your travel mindset:
+ Ditch the Itinerary: Instead of cramming activities into a short stay, spend more time in fewer locations. Savor the unique atmosphere of each place.
+ Explore by Land: While flights may be necessary for some destinations, consider slower options like trains, buses, or even cycling once you arrive.
+ Leave Room for Spontaneity: Don’t overschedule your days. Embrace the unexpected and allow yourself to get lost in the moment.
+ Live Like a Local: Support local businesses, strike up conversations with residents, and stay in locally-owned accommodations.
+Go with the Flow: Travel delays or unexpected closures are inevitable. Embrace them as opportunities to discover hidden gems.
Slow Travel Inspiration
The beauty of slow travel is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas that hit the mark:
+ Wildlife Photography Road Trip: Explore your state parks and nature reserves, documenting the local wildlife at your own pace.
+ Backpacking Adventure: Immerse yourself in nature on a backpacking trip. Start with a day hike near home before embarking on longer journeys.
+ Panoramic Train Journey: Relax and enjoy the scenery on a cross-country train ride. Soak up the local culture and unwind as the world glides by.
+ Off-Season City Break: Experience a different side of a popular city by visiting during the off-season. Enjoy fewer crowds, lower costs, and a more authentic experience.
Slow travel is an investment in one’s self, encouraging one to step outside the comfort zone and truly connect with surroundings. So, to ditch the breakneck pace and embrace the slow travel movement, here are some slow and luxurious places to start.
Waimea Plantation Cottages Resort, Kauai
Set along a two-mile black sand walking beach on the shores of West Kauai, this award-winning resort resonates with sustainably minded travelers seeking slow travel experiences and authentic places that preserve the cultural heritage of the area.
+ 59 one-to five-bedroom heritage plantation homes sit on a site that was originally a dairy farm before evolving into a working sugar cane plantation and becoming the resort that guests enjoy today. Providing a link to the past and educating visitors about the area’s cultural heritage, the cottages fully immerse guests in the destination and put them in touch with the transformative power of nature.
+ With fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and private lanais in each cottage, guests can prepare and share meals while practicing the slow food philosophy from the comfort of their cottage, a simple way to reduce their carbon footprint, considering the carbon impact of traveling to restaurants during trips.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Located in the unspoiled depths of the south pacific, where, in tribute to the local iTaukei culture, tradition remains at the heart of everything, this renowned family eco resort lives in awe of nature, and the local people guide you through their ancestral home. A sweeping coastline made up of rolling ridges to vibrant reefs, with a breakaway private island, creates a slow travel paradise for relaxation and immersive exploration.
+ Guests can embark on exclusive guided excursions – delving into diverse wildlife, flora, and geology, both on land and underwater – at the resort and Savusavu’s enchanting surroundings.
+ Local Fijians, passionate about ecology, unveil a tapestry of history, culture, and stories. Award-winning programs, dedicated childcare, and endless opportunities to connect with Fijian ways of life put guests in touch with the community’s heartbeat and facilitate cultural exchange.
Victoria House Resort & Spa, Belize
Located in Belize on Ambergris Caye, the largest of the offshore Belizean Islands, this award-winning resort is just two miles south of picturesque San Pedro Town and offers a unique blend of relaxation – for guests who want to soak up laidback Caribbean vibes at the infinity-edge pool and full-service spa – and local discovery through exhilarating adventures and outdoor activities.
+ From its location perched at the edge of one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, this slow-travel resort invites guests to explore Belizean culture at nearby ancient Mayan temples and to partake in a range of exhilarating experiences: zip-lining over jungle canopies, joining a rainforest expedition, and embarking on an extraordinary diving experience at the world renowned Great Blue Hole.
Get Social