Have you ever returned home after being on holiday and felt well and truly exhausted from all of the sightseeing, walking and over-stimulation of new surroundings? Have you felt like you needed another holiday after your holiday? Then slow travel could be exactly what you need!

Travelling quickly and trying to fit in all of the ‘must-see’ destinations on your list can be super tiring and less rewarding due to the fast-paced nature of travelling in this way.

The term ‘slow travel’ might come across as boring, monotonous and lacking adventure. The word ‘slow’ can hold these negative connotations. In today’s society, we are constantly searching for the next best thing, whether that’s a job, house, car, holiday destination, you name it.

Usually, the faster we reach these milestones, the better and more impressive we appear. This narrative is slowly changing. More and more people like you and I are discovering the possibility of slow travel and embracing it with open arms.

Slow travel allows you to take a more relaxed approach when visiting destinations. Discover a new way of travelling and tailor your experience to your own needs. In this way, you can travel and explore at your own pace, and find meaning in your surroundings.

I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times before; quality over quantity. Don’t worry about rushing around to all of the places on your list, you might not be able to fully enjoy or embrace the experience if you’re always thinking about the next destination.

Be present, rest, breathe.

You have the potential to feel enriched and enthralled by places when you travel slowly, you can feel inspired and renewed after spending some time immersing yourself in a different culture and society.

Spending more time in one place allows you to experience new cultures in depth. Go on day trips from your base and explore places close by. As much as we love to plan, let things happen naturally, and most of all, don’t rush.

Being from England, living elsewhere is usually cheaper, with better perks. I spend less money on rent and also give back to the local economy wherever I stay. I love eating out at local restaurants, it’s just a bonus that it’s often cheaper than English prices.

Why Slow Travel?

• It’s better for the environment if you’re not whizzing around to different places all the time.
• Save money by staying in places for longer and getting a discount.
• Making meals at ‘home’ saves money.
• It emphasises connection to local people, culture, history, cuisine, art and music. To really get to know a place and create meaningful memories and understandings of a different country. It is meant to educate and have a lasting impact on you. Be immersed in the places that you visit.
• Be aware of your feelings in the moment, take in your surroundings and sit with them for a while. Don’t just take a snapshot on your iPhone and move on to the next best thing.
• Find hidden local gems that are often missed by tourists.
• Slow travel whilst having an income can make travelling a sustainable lifestyle for yourself.
• Become a responsible traveller with fewer negative environmental and social problems when travelling slowly.
• Anyone can travel slowly! Of course, it helps if you have a little more time to spare.

Since November 2021, I have spent 3 months in Seville, Spain; 3 months in Split, Croatia; and I’m currently in Montenegro. Travelling slowly and experiencing how local people live in these countries has allowed me to have a real insight into the cultures, people and food, that I wouldn’t get from a 2-week trip!

I encourage you, if possible, to travel slowly. Take your time and savour every moment. Embrace a new way of life each time you move to your next destination. By travelling in this way we can learn from and understand people on a deeper, more meaningful level.