Why “slow travel” could change how you see the world
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Hoping to deepen your vacation experience? Discover how slow travel can help you explore more and stress less. Plus, 9 tips to help you slow down on your next trip.
POV: In your excitement for your upcoming vacation, you plan the trip down to the minute, only to arrive so exhausted from packing, planning, and traveling that all you want to do is nap by the pool. Sound familiar?
It’s normal to want to optimize travel and get the most bang for your buck, but sometimes a jam-packed vacation itinerary prevents you from actually relaxing and enjoying yourself. Between excursions, restaurant reservations, and tickets to every single “must-see” spot, you’re likely to return home needing a vacation from your vacation.
But what if you could find a way to soak up your travel time in a way that is supportive and conducive to better mental health? Enter slow travel.
This unique style of travel is about fully experiencing where you are. It’s an approach rooted in presence, intention, and permission to do less. If you want to slow down and smell the roses (maybe even literally) on your next vacation, here’s how.
What is slow travel?
At its core, slow travel is about intentionally slowing down how you experience a new place. Instead of racing through a city with a checklist in one hand, slow travel invites you to settle in and soak it all up. It also encourages you to allow your trip to unfold rather than trying to control every second.
Slow travel can be as simple as staying in one city or area longer than usual or as intentional as sitting in a quiet park and people-watching instead of trying to hit multiple tourist spots.
Slow travel is about trading quantity for quality — and trusting that you don’t have to do more to feel more.
Anyone can practice this style of travel, whether on a long vacation, a weekend getaway, or even a business trip. All you have to do is approach your time with intention, curiosity, and mindfulness.
5 potential benefits of slow travel
It’s pretty common to return from a trip more exhausted than when you left, but if you’re traveling slowly, you’re much less likely to return feeling burnt out.
Here are five other ways slow travel can benefit you:
1. It soothes your nervous system: Constant movement keeps your body in go-mode. On the flip side, slow travel helps you settle, regulate, and enjoy where you are.
2. It helps you feel rooted: Instead of rushing through landmarks, this style of travel can help you notice the details like the sunlight on the water and the wonderful aromas from restaurants.
3. It makes space for connection: More time to be in one place usually means more presence and more conversations with travel companions.
4. It’s more sustainable: Fewer flights, train rides, and car rides are better for the planet. And when hotels or rentals have fewer turnovers, they’re using less water, washing towels, linens, and cleaning accommodations.
5. It creates room for joy: When you stop trying to do everything, you leave some room for exploration, creativity, and surprises.
Is slow travel for everyone?
Slow travel can benefit anyone looking to slow down, but it may not work for every traveler. If you’re juggling limited time off or budget constraints, and you’re eager to see and do as much as you can, slow travel might cramp your style.
But if you’re hoping to get more out of your vacation than just seeing and doing a lot, slow travel could be exactly what you need.
If trying to slow down your entire trip isn’t feasible, consider a middle ground where you work some slower moments into your time away. This might mean taking a half-day on a work trip to explore the local area without screens. Or even building a “slow morning” into your regular travel schedule, where you simply wander until you find good coffee.
The point of slow travel is to give yourself permission to move through your trip at your own pace so you can appreciate your time away.
How to embrace slow travel: 9 tips for your next trip
The best way to embrace slow travel is to create a trip that feels genuinely good and restorative to you. Here are nine ways you can do just that, no matter where you’re going or how much time you have.
1. Choose one home base
Instead of bouncing between multiple cities or hotels, pick one spot and stay there. This can cut down on the stress of transit logistics. It can also give you time to discover your favorite café, the best grocery store, and the quiet side streets most tourists miss.
Pro tip: If you want to see other nearby areas, consider taking day trips instead of packing all your belongings and changing accommodations.
2. Book accommodations with a kitchen
Cooking even one meal during your trip can give you a sense of calm and routine, especially if it means a trip to a local market.
Integrating one or two slower cooking experiences can help ground you. Plus, it’s usually more affordable and easier on your digestion than eating out all the time.
Pro tip: Find a grocery store or farmer’s market and explore the local ingredients. If you’re traveling abroad, it can be a really exciting way to sample local fare.
3. Take the slowest option on purpose
If there’s a choice between a plane and a train, try the slower option at least once. You’ll most likely see more and stress less. You might also consider spending a day walking around or taking a walking tour.
Pro tip: Consider going on a scenic train ride or a lazy walk between neighborhoods to help you feel more connected to the place you’re visiting.
💙 Learn how to Slow Down and pay attention to your surrondings during this session with Jay Shetty.
4. Build in “buffer days” and downtime
Try adding days to your itinerary where you have absolutely nothing planned. You can always add activities later, but knowing you have rest days built in can give you a much-needed respite between big activities or attractions.
Pro tip: Consider scheduling rest days on the bookends of your trip. This could mean having a buffer day when you first arrive and a buffer day before you depart. This is especially helpful if you’re hopping time zones, as you’ll give yourself time to rest and adjust upon arrival. And you’ll give yourself time to wind down before traveling home.
Grab groceries, take public transit, go to a laundromat, or find a park where locals hang out. These everyday rituals offer insight into what life is actually like in a place, and they tend to be surprisingly calming.
Pro tip: Check out a visitor’s center, community center, or local information booth upon arriving at your destination. That way you can check out local events that might be happening during your stay. Nothing will make you feel more like a relaxed local than joining folks for a free concert in the park, or a street fair.
6. Follow your senses, not your guidebook
Instead of obsessing over what you’re “supposed to see,” ask yourself, “What do I feel like doing today?” The most meaningful moments usually come from letting your curiosity lead instead of your schedule.
Pro tip: Try taking a lazy afternoon stroll, reading in the park, or even trying one pastry or treat from every bakery on the block.
7. Travel with looser plans — and fewer commitments
If you overschedule your days with tickets and time slots, you lock yourself into a rigid experience that doesn’t leave space for mood shifts or unexpected delights.
Pro tip: Keep your plans flexible and open-ended whenever possible. Also, give yourself permission to change your mind.
8. Connect with people, even briefly
You don’t have to make lifelong friends to have meaningful interactions. Strike up a conversation with your host, or smile at the person sitting next to you on the train. These small moments of human connection can ground your trip and leave you with some lasting warmth. Check out these eight tips for starting meaningful conversations.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling abroad where you don’t speak the native language, saying hello to servers, baristas, and cab drivers can be a great chance to practice your language skills. Even if all you can say is “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you,” odds are they’ll appreciate it.
9. Unplug a little
While you might want to stay connected to home while you’re away, consider skipping social media or keeping your phone tucked away. This can let your brain recalibrate into relaxation mode and help you be more present on your trip.
Pro tip: Experiment with being offline for an afternoon or even a full day.
💙 Listen to Let’s Unplug with Chibs Okereke to prepare you to go tech-free while traveling.
Slow travel FAQs
What exactly counts as slow travel?
If you’re prioritizing depth over speed, connection over consumption, and rest over rigid scheduling, then you’re practicing slow travel.
Slow travel can be as simple as spending a week in one city or taking a train instead of a flight. You could also simply leave space in your days to explore without an agenda.
Do you have to travel internationally to practice slow travel?
You don’t have to travel anywhere specific in order to practice slow travel. In fact, some of the richest and most restorative travel experiences happen close to home.
You could practice slow travel with a weekend drive to a nearby town or a quiet solo day in a new neighborhood. This concept isn’t about the mileage. It’s about moving through the experience with a slow and present mindset.
How can I convince friends or family to try slow travel?
A good way to encourage your friends and family to slow down is to share what you hope everyone will feel on the trip. Tell them you’d like to experience less stress and more presence. Frame it as a more flexible and human-centered way to travel.
If they’re not receptive, you could also suggest adding in a “slow day” during the trip with no plans. People are usually more open to change when they don’t feel like they’re being asked to give something up, so easing people in by starting small could be the way to go.
Is slow travel more expensive?
Slow travel can be more expensive, but many times it’s not. Staying in one place longer can reduce transportation costs. Also, skipping constant excursions can save you quite a bit of cash.
Another way to save money while slow travelling is to cook a few meals and shop locally. But slow travel doesn't have to be budget travel. It just means prioritizing how you spend your time, energy, and attention.
What are some beginner tips for slow travel?
An easy way to start slow traveling is to pick one or two things to try. You could decide to plan two activities each day or to stay put in one place rather than hopping around. You could also have a “no agenda” afternoon or unplug from social media for the morning.
In general, try to experiment with what helps you feel more grounded and more yourself as you go about your slow travel experience.
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