Dear Wandering Spirit,
When I was younger, I was the kind of traveller who meticulously wrote long checklists and daily programmes. The goal was to tick as many boxes as possible in the shortest time. On many occasions, I was so keen to jump from one landmark to the next that I did not enjoy the moment. 🧳
Now that I have a few travel experiences in my suitcase, I can tell that I was so wrong!
The Slow Travel Trend
A few years ago I heard about slow travel, a new travel mindset in the wake of the Italian-born ‘slow food movement’ in the 80s. Although they focus on different areas, the ideas behind them are quite alike. There’s no need to rush from one spot to another and no need to stress about travelling. 🐢
We should focus more on quality, not quantity. It is worth it!
What does slow travel mean?
Slow travel means full immersion in the local culture of the country visited. We all know, devil is in the details. Not rushing from one spot to another, you finally take time to savor new ways of doing.
Living like a local, eating what they eat and in the places they usually meet up, you experience something beyond the “normal tourist experience”. And you see so many more things you would normally not have the time to notice. 🕶️
Is slow travel sustainable?
I would normally say yes, but again, this is up to you only. In fact, it should be, if you practice it correctly. By taking busses and trains instead of airplanes, you have a positive impact on the local community you are visiting, and you contribute to its well-being too. 🚶
Many touristic spots around the world have developed infrastructures for hosting thousands of people, but if you go outside these areas, you would still notice a certain degree of underdevelopment. Having a rich oasis in the middle of a poor country is more a threat than an opportunity for the country’s economy to move forward.
Is this the mark we want to leave on the planet? Keep in mind that helping developing economies in a sustainable way is a benefit to us all, starting from pollution reduction. Apropos, check out here for some tipps about travelling without waste! 💡
The Benefits of Travelling Slow
What are the advantages of slow travel?
- It encourages slowing down for a moment to unplug from our daily routines and embracing a unique experience far away from home. Many tourists are more tired when they get back home. None of us want this to be the case. 🏖️
- It means connecting with and educating ourselves about the people, place, and culture. Therefore, there’s no need to do as much as possible in a few days. Instead travel home with a suitcase full of emotions and meaningful memories.
- At the same time, it is environmentally friendly. Sustainable tourism is another key point we should consider. In fact, we contribute to air pollution every time we board a plane. Can we at least try to take local trains? The views are surely greater.
- Too many chain hotels and restaurants bubble up overnight. They might be comfy for the lazy tourist looking for an all-inclusive holiday, but they blend cultures and places. 🧘
Are we travelling so far away from home just to get the same experiences in Kenya, Laos, Venezuela, France, and New Zealand? Or do we wish for variety?
How to Slow Travel
Why should we consider slow travelling?
Because it benefits us, the planet and the place we are visiting. When you slow travel, you have more chances to connect with the locals and support them directly. Who knows whose great story you will be able to tell your friends and family! Last but not least, slow travel can help you save money on the road, and it takes you off the beaten path. 💰
Of course, slow travel is not easy, at least not at the beginning. Trying to live like a local might force you out of your comfort zone, especially in faraway destinations. It might be uncomfortable, it might even shock you, but you will grow from these experiences.
But how do you start to travel slow?
You can practice in your home country. Whenever you have some free time, go out for a walk for one or two hours to start with. Discover the place you live. Visit boroughs you do not know yet or ride your bike through the countryside. I am sure you will find lovely villages, friendly people to talk to, and great local food too. Are you a hobby photographer? Grab your camera and take some shots of your surroundings. 📷
What do you think of
slow travel? Will you consider it? Or have you already experienced it? Let me know in the comments!
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