Why I’m Embracing Slow Travel
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the way I travel — and how often I move through beautiful places without really experiencing them. There have been moments in past trips when I slowed down, sat with myself, and reflected on how I got there. Those moments always stuck with me. And now, I want more of them.
So I’m beginning to explore something new: slow travel. I’m not an expert — but I want to be more intentional about how I travel and how I connect with the places I visit.
What Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel isn’t a new concept, but it’s becoming more popular as more people crave deeper, more meaningful travel experiences — ones that prioritize quality over quantity.
At its core, slow travel is about immersion. It’s about connecting with a destination rather than rushing through a checklist of top sights. It’s about being present, experiencing a place as it is, rather than using it as a backdrop for social content.
And the best part? You don’t need a month-long vacation to embrace slow travel. It works just as well for day trips, weekend getaways, or even rediscovering your hometown.
How I’m Starting to Travel Slower (and More Intentionally)
1. Picking Destinations That Support Slow Travel
I’m choosing places that naturally invite a slower pace — small towns, coastal getaways, or destinations I’ve already visited. That way, I feel less pressure to “do everything.”
For example, if I were to visit Hawaii again, I wouldn’t build an activity-packed itinerary. I’d rent a quiet place by the beach, swim every morning, cook at home, walk to a local bar, and build a calming daily rhythm.
These are the kinds of trips that align with the slow travel mindset.
2. Planning Simpler, Flexible Itineraries
Rather than packing my schedule with excursions, I’m starting to build itineraries around neighborhoods or districts — and giving myself room to simply be.
That means fewer scheduled activities and more freedom to follow whatever the day brings. Slowing down lets me discover places I might have otherwise rushed past.
3. Seeking Experiences That Connect Me with Local Culture
Whether it’s a cooking class with a local chef, chatting with the barista at a café, or asking a bartender for their favorite neighborhood spot — these moments are the heart of slow travel.
Ask questions. Be curious. Listen to people’s stories. The best travel advice often comes from the people who live there.
4. Slowing Down My Transportation
Instead of defaulting to a rental car or rideshare, I’m walking more. Or biking. Or taking public transit.
Moving slower allows me to notice the little things — architecture, street art, smells, sounds — all the details I’d miss from the backseat of a car.
This shift in how I move through a destination is one of the most underrated parts of slow travel.
5. Enjoying the Journey — Not Just the Destination
We always talk about where we’re going — but I want to savor how I get there, too.
Sometimes that means taking the scenic route, making a spontaneous stop, or talking with someone at the airport bar. You never know what memory you’ll make when you’re not in a rush.
6. Spending More Time in Nature
One of my favorite things — especially in the mornings or evenings — is simply sitting in nature. Sometimes that means journaling, sometimes just breathing.
Even in cities, I seek out a sunny bench, a leafy park, or a quiet window view. Slowing down in nature has become a grounding ritual in my slow travel routine.
7. Packing Less to Create More Space
This one’s practical — and I’ve mostly nailed it. I pack less now, and I feel lighter for it — physically and mentally.
With fewer outfit choices, I spend less time getting ready and more time living. Simplicity creates space — a core value of slow travel.
The Slow Travel Mindset
Not every trip will be slow — and that’s okay. There are times when you’ll want to see it all and check off the bucket list.
But even then, having a slow travel mindset can help you adapt when things don’t go as planned.
It’s about flexibility. Acceptance. Presence.
Also: take time to reflect after your trip. Whether you write in a journal, post a recap, or talk to a friend, reflection deepens your connection with the experience and helps you remember what truly mattered.
Final Thoughts on Slow Travel
There’s no strict formula for slow travel. It’s personal. It’s internal.
It’s about asking yourself: What makes travel memorable and meaningful for me?
And then — doing more of that.
These are just the ways I’m learning to travel slower — to savor the in-between, create deeper memories, and feel more connected to the places I go.
If this idea resonates with you, I hope it inspires you to find your own version of slow travel — whether it’s a weekend road trip, a quiet moment in nature, or slowing down at your favorite local café.