These days, it seems like travel is all about getting to your destination as fast as you can and packing in as much as possible in a few short days before returning home to the daily grind. But if you find this fast-paced travel style leaves you wanting for more, you might want to consider slow travel. This extension of the slow movement is all about immersive travel experiences that allow you to actually connect with the culture you’re visiting. If this sounds like the travel style for you, this is the guide to follow.
Block out a lot of time
While there’s a lot to be said for short trips and weekend getaways, slow travel is best experienced over weeks or even months. The hurried pace that comes with spending only a few days in a new destination doesn’t easily lend itself to slow travel. To truly experience the movement, you’ll need to plan for an extended, leisurely stay in the destination of your choice.
Look for a vacation rental or homestay
Not only would a hotel be exorbitantly expensive for an extended stay, but it will also act as a barrier that keeps you separated from the local way of life. Rather than staying in a hotel, look for a vacation rental to save money, or better yet, a homestay where you can live with the locals and truly experience the local culture.
Find ways to discover the local way of life
Forget trying to see how many tourist attractions you can fit into one day. Leave all of your notions of must-sees and must-dos behind. Slow travel is about meaningful experiences, not a stack of quintessential travel photos. Instead of bustling between landmarks and top-rated restaurants, sit back, relax and take your cues from the locals. Explore the weekly markets or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare one of the signature local dishes. Learn a bit of the local language, have a drink at a local watering hole or have lunch at a neighborhood restaurant that isn’t plastered all over the guidebooks. Wander, discover and create your own meaningful experiences during your travels. That’s what slow travel is all about.
(Main image: katerha)
