What is slow travel?

Does it feel like the allure of travel is everywhere, or is it just me? The desire to explore the world has become an integral aspect of many lives, especially with the perception of increased accessibility facilitated by technology.

A glance at online platforms reveals the ubiquity of travel. Instagram brims with accounts dedicated to showcasing the planet’s most breathtaking destinations, while YouTube offers thrill-seekers an ideal stage to share their adventures. Airbnb, with its array of stunning accommodations, caters to every budget, ensuring a photo-ready experience.

Notably, a study indicated that individuals were more inclined to embark on a journey if they believed it would enhance their social media following and engagement.

In other words they are focused primarily on the clicks they get.

Is it just me or is that kind of sad?

Why Not Embrace Slow Travel?

What is slow travel? Ask yourself what it is you want from your travel experience. You’ve worked hard to boost your travel fund and actually spend a few weeks to explore an amazing location on your travel bucket list.

And now you are going to race around trying to do as much as possible all so you can post it all to your social media account?

OR…

Perhaps you could cultivate a desire to immerse yourself in the local scene, leisurely exploring off the beaten path? If an authentic experience is what you yearn for — one that fosters a genuine connection with the places, people, and cultures you encounter — it might be the perfect moment to embrace a slower pace.

This is slow travel. Take. Your. Time.

Slow travel embodies an approach to exploration that prioritizes connection—forge bonds with local people, immerse in diverse cultures, savor regional cuisines, and relish in the rhythms of local music. Rooted in the belief that a journey should be an educational and emotionally resonant experience, both in the present and for the future, all while ensuring sustainability for local communities and the environment.

Also see: The Best Things In Guatape to See and Do

Slow Travel is a Mindset

In the realm of travel, adopting a “slow” mindset encourages travellers to step away from meticulous to-do lists and the pursuit of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

It encourages you to fully embrace the offerings of the local community. Rather than prioritizing must-visit “hot spots” recommended by travel guides, shift the focus to activities that resonate with locals on a daily basis — experiences that bring them joy and excitement. The impact of these genuine connections is likely to endure far beyond the fleeting memories created by racing from one tourist attraction to another.

You Can Still Do The Tourist Stuff

Of course of you are travelling to an exotic location as a backpacker you are going to want to hit some highlights as far as top locations go. You want to see that stuff. I do too.

But instead of spending 2 days in Bogota trying to cram in as much as possible, give yourself 4 days. Take your time. Wander the streets of La Candelaria. Sit and people watch. Enjoy a great coffee in a cafe.

“But then I’ll miss out on other places!”

My counter-argument to that is that you will experience MORE by embracing a slow travel mindset.

This transcends mere travel; it’s a mindset. It embodies the belief that the richness of your experience outweighs the sheer quantity of experiences during your travels.

‍You might wake up without a set agenda for the day, uncertain about the adventures ahead, but with the assurance that what you’ll encounter holds far more significance than any social media post could capture.

There’s Always The Next Trip

As someone who is embracing the mindset of slow travel you say, “there’s always another trip,” acknowledging the impossibility of seeing or doing everything in a city within a short timeframe. It’s perfectly acceptable to reserve some sights for a future visit. Rather than rushing to check off every item, savor experience-based activities.

You aim to discover something on this journey that imprints on your soul. Whether it’s an evening strolling through a local park, a day contemplating artistic intentions in a museum, or an afternoon white-water rafting in the mountains.

This is the beauty of slow travel; to actually connect with the experiences themselves.

What Are the Benefits of Slow Travel?

Prevent “Tourist Burnout”: Have you ever returned from a trip feeling more exhausted than when you left? This phenomenon, known as “tourist burnout,” stems from attempting to see or experience too much within a short timeframe. Slow travel encourages a departure from the typical frenetic mentality, allowing you to align with the pace of the local culture.

Reframe your trip as an opportunity for personal growth, education, and development. Your to-do list doesn’t need to be entirely completed for your travels to be considered successful. Remember, you can always return to a destination later to explore what you missed!

Save Money: Slow travel often proves to be a more cost-effective option than traditional tourist excursions. Chain hotels and well-known restaurants are typically pricier and lack the charm or authentic experience of local establishments. Eat where the local eat.

Beyond daytime activities, you can also save on accommodation costs. Seeking out hostels, local Airbnb options or homestay opportunities can provide a more connected, life-changing experience on your next trip.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Here’s a little secret for you: life-changing encounters won’t happen if your nose is buried in a tourist guide. Lift your head, observe your surroundings, and take a moment to connect with people. Learn a few phrases in the local language before your arrival to engage in brief conversations with shop owners. A short chat with a baker might unfold into an opportunity to master the art of bread-making, leading to an invitation to share a traditional meal with his family and forge even more connections. These things DO HAPPEN!

The magic unfolds when you slow down, embracing the chance to truly know the people in the city you’re exploring.

While it may not suit everyone or every type of journey (we completely understand if you have your sights set on hiking to the Lost City in Colombia or capturing a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower), adopting a slow travel mindset is entirely achievable. It requires no extra effort or resources—just a shift in mindset and an openness to its possibilities.

Embracing the concept of slow travel is the gateway to a richer, more meaningful, and passionate travel experience. Allowing yourself the luxury of time to assimilate into the local lifestyle is essential for an immersive and profoundly impactful journey in the city or country you’re exploring.

What do you think? Can you embrace the idea of slow travel on your next adventure? Let us know in the comments.