Slow Travel: what is it and why you should try to live like a local
Slow travel defined by others:
“Slow travel is an approach to travel that emphasizes connection: to local people, cultures, food and music. It relies on the idea that a trip is meant to educate and have an emotional impact, in the present moment and for the future, while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment.” - https://www.remoteyear.com/blog/what-is-slow-travel
“Slow travel is a way of travelling over a longer period of time, spending longer in each destination and lowering your carbon footprint by not using transport as regularly. By spending more time in each place you are really able to appreciate each destination you visit and genuinely connect with the local culture and their way of life.” - https://www.britadventures.com/why-you-should-try-to-travel-slowly/
“Slow. It’s a word that can, by its sheer utterance, cause one to breathe, to stop for a moment and soak in the world around you. Sounds are more crisp, cool breeze feels more soothing to the skin, and the stars appear more in focus. It’s no wonder that so many of us—especially those accustomed to fast-paced lives of drive-throughs and weekend getaways—feel a longing to slow down.” - https://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/articles/9-ways-slow-food-and-travel-enhance-experiences-abroad.shtml
“When was the last time you came home from traveling and didn’t immediately need a vacation? Ironic, isn’t it? Travel is supposed to renew and reenergize our spirit, yet we’re often surprised when it does just the opposite. The strenuous pace we sometimes set in the hopes of cramming it all in is exhausting, and can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disappointed.” - https://www.travlinmad.com/blog/slow-travel
“Slow travel highlights supporting the local economy, eating local foods and even staying overnight with or dining with local residents. Slow travel tends to be independent travel or in small-group slow travel tours, off-the-beaten path or away from heavily traveled tourist zones. It may sound cliché but slow travel is more about the journey itself than the destination. It’s a mindset of slowing down the pace of your traveling and looking for a richer, more meaningful experience along the way rather than just having a whirlwind tour of an entire country in a short amount of time.” - https://www.travlinmad.com/blog/slow-travel
Slow travel originated from the slow food movement in Italy in 1986. Their goal was to preserve their cuisine, local farming and traditional cooking methods by educating the tourists and locals. The goal was to stimulate the local economy and bring back the trend of eating and working with traditional restaurants.
Slow travel has the same concept. Travelers should learn about what each community has to offer, support local shops and restaurants, and think about how you can leave an impact. Focus on how a local lives and respect them above anyone else.
I encourage you to slow down and truly see the world.
I encourage you to slow down and truly see the world.
Throughout my travels for the last few years, it is always the moments I share with locals that have made the biggest impact on my trip and life. I remember them and the way they made me feel or truly experience a place, more than most tourist traps, night out or fancy meals.
By traveling slowly, you’ll experience a taste of what it is like to live as a local, the feeling of being more connected, less exhausted, and wanting to travel more instead of getting burnt out.
Slow travel is transformative to your mental and physical health. It also leaves you with a positive feeling much after you return home.
Think about why you’re going on that trip, how you feel about it, what are your goals when you are there, why you’re going now rather than later…
I think there’s a lot of pressure to go where everyone else is going or do what everyone else is doing. Think about what you truly want to see and get out of each trip, each day and each experience. Don’t be afraid of being different. Try your best to connect with the places and people in each destination exactly how you want to. The people who you surround yourself with will have a huge impact on your trip and life.
How to start your slow travel journey:
Ask locals for recommendations
Do a road trip
Stay at a homestay
Eat with locals (Haven’t met any locals? Look at airbnb experiences)
Find local lesser known restaurants
Stay in one location for a longer period of time
Volunteer with a local family
Buy locally made souvenirs
Take public transportation or walk when you can
Avoid tourist traps
Leave time to wander
Challenge yourself
Change your mindset
Do your research
Stay in places longer
Revamp your outlook. Choose quality over quantity. Search for adventures that will make you feel something. Become a traveler and not a tourist.
What are your thoughts on slow travel and will you start to incorporate slow travel during your next trip? Comment below.
