Slow Travel

What is Slow Travel?

It might help to think of slow travel as a concept or a mindset. A way of exploring the world that highlights taking things at a leisurely pace and immersing oneself in the local culture and surroundings. In other words, when traveling, one considers prioritizing quality over quantity. Similar to experiential or immersive travel styles that concentrate on wandering down the road less traveled and engaging with the locals. Slow travel enables travelers to discover and connect with the regions they are traveling to by providing opportunities that afford them time to embrace the local culture and communities they visit.

History of Slow Travel

One could consider the origins of slow travel beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries when wealthy, usually young men, Europeans embarked on the “Grand Tour.” A right of passage, the journey across Europe could often last several months or even years. These “Grand Tours” allowed travelers to understand better the places visited through cultural immersion.

In the 21st century, many travel experts describe slow travel as a trend in response to movements like Slow Food and Cittaslow. The Slow Food movement began in Italy as an opposition to fast food chains entering the market. The intent was to defend the cultural traditions of family, cooking, and slow living— la dolce far niente. Today, the campaign focuses on promoting sustainable and environmentally conscious cultivation and distribution of food. Inspired by the slow food movement, Cittaslow evolved to further improve the quality of life in cities and towns across Italy by fostering slowing down the pace of living through thoughtful use of land space, infrastructure, and local business. In addition to movements such as these, one might consider slow travel to be inspired by individuals who are deciding to live more mindful and conscious-based lifestyles. 

The Benefits of Slow Travel

Slow travel gives way for travelers to fully embrace the local culture and get to know the destinations they are visiting on a deeper level. Staying in one location for extended periods will enable travelers to interact with locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and possibly help them learn a new language. Environmentally, slow travel can help travelers reduce their carbon footprint as they may rely on more sustainable transportation methods, such as bicycling, walking, or public transport. Slowing down your travels might also be a more affordable way to travel as Staying in one location longer may offer discounted rates for accommodation. Lastly, slow travel can offer experiences leading to a more authentic and enriching travel experience.