Travel can be a roller-coaster ride – but sometimes, it’s a good idea to slow the pace. By taking your time to appreciate and enjoy the ride, you might avoid the feeling that you’re hurtling from destination to destination.
While it’s good to get the maximum from every vacation, a crowded itinerary can give you the impression that you’re powering through a list of chores. Slow travel is the perfect alternative, and a good fit for those wanting to explore more slowly.
When you’re really able to savour the small details, you’llincrease the likelihood of vividly remembering later on. The little things matter, whether it’s the smell of rose petals as you stroll through an exotic marketplace or the feeling of crisp sea air as you’re strolling along a beach first thing in the morning. All of these things can be memorable, not just for you, but for any children you’re taking along for the trip.
Connecting with People & Places
Sometimes, a wholesome cultural experience depends on your ability to slow down. If you’re forever rushing through the places you visit, then you might not have a chance to talk to the local people, or to sample new experiences, including music and food. Making time for local festivals can be key. The same is true of travelling on foot. When you’re hiking from village to village, you’ll feel closer to the land than if you were travelling via car, bus, or train. Thus, hiking tours are a great way to travel slowly.
Walking is just one ‘slow’ method of travel. It also has the advantage of providing a great cardiovascular workout. The same can be said of other forms of person-powered transportation, such as cycling. In the case of cycling, you might be able to tour a larger stretch of the same country, and thereby pack a little more into the trip. Thus, it represents a great compromise between slowness and speed.
Travelling Sustainably & Mindfully
A common feature of slow travel modes of transportation is that they produce little or no emissions. They’re great for the planet, as well as for the soul. Throughout the trip, take the time to sit down and reflect upon your experience through mindfulness meditation. Or, take advantage of mindful moments that naturally occur when you’re travelling slowly!
