In an age consumed by lavish living when it comes to jet-setting around the world, it’s easy to forget the concept of slow travel. With social media influencers boarding flights every other week and wealthy individuals spending extortionate amounts of money on private jets for 1-hour flights, it is more important than ever to reconsider the benefits of travelling slower.
What is slow travel?
Slow travel refers to the approach whereby travellers are encouraged to cultivate meaningful connections with a country’s locals, culture, food and music. It stems from the belief that travel should simultaneously be an educational and emotional experience whilst trying to be as sustainable as possible. Rather than focusing on rushing to do everything on the bucket list at once or which backdrop is going to look better in an Instagram post, slow travel promotes a slower and more conscious mindset when it comes to travelling.
Sustainability
First and foremost, perhaps the most obvious advantage of travelling less regularly and for extended periods is that you will have a much less harsh impact on the environment and its ecosystems. Residing in environmentally friendly accommodations such as an eco-lodge opts for a much greener stay, reducing your carbon footprint. Eco-lodges tend to be in more natural environments and are great for building relationships with the local people.
Stronger connections with locals
Forming bonds with the locals of the country you’re visiting is a huge benefit to slow travel. With this comes a greater appreciation for the unique customs and traditions of the specific location. As well as visiting the classic tourist attractions, one of the best ways that you can learn about a country’s history is through its inhabitants. Locals will often appreciate it when tourists show enthusiasm to understand their way of life.
Spending time with a country’s residents also provides greater access to their delicious food. If delving into new cuisines is something that you love to do on holiday, then slow travel is the perfect option for you.
A more relaxing experience
Planning can often be one of the more stressful aspects of going abroad; however, slow travelling seeks to eliminate all of that through its emphasis on spontaneity. Instead of drawing up a rigid to-do list whereby every day is packed with an assortment of random activities, engaging in slow travel means living in the moment and taking every day as it comes.
Exploring at a slower rate also means that you have more time to take in the beauty of your surroundings, whether that be nature’s breathtaking views or just witnessing wholesome moments between passers-by. When travelling at a fast pace, it can sometimes be easy to miss the smallest and often most impressive details of a place.
So, if you’re looking for new ways to get the most out of your travel experience, then slow travel is the way to go.
Would you like to embrace the world of slow travel? Let us know in the comments!
