Slow travel involves interacting with local people.
G Adventures Inc.
“Slow travel isn't just about taking it slow in the places you visit,” says Krista Adams, “it's also about immersing yourself in a place with the intention of getting off the main tourist tracks and having a more meaningful experience.”
Adams, who frequently covers slow travel issues on her travel blog, adds: “Slow travel is about spending more time getting to know your destination, rather than checking off tourist attractions on your bucket list. Take Rome for example: instead of rushing from the Colosseum to the Vatican to the Trevi Fountain in a few days, slow travel would mean spending a few extra days exploring the iconic sites as well as the lesser known ones. This means sipping coffee and people watching, sampling local cuisine, exploring interesting neighborhoods and not taking your itinerary too seriously.”
Slow travel often means sampling local cuisine.
G Adventures Inc.
Yves Marceau, VP of product at G Adventures, said: “We see slow travel as a way to immerse yourself in a destination and find authenticity and connection, rather than a tourist experience. Slow travel experiences can take many forms, from choosing one place and unpacking your bags just once, to staying for a longer period and experiencing daily life like a local. But it can also mean slowing down on short trips, taking the time to explore, getting to know the people and their lives in the places you're visiting, and connecting with them.”
It's generally believed that this style of travel took hold a few years before the pandemic began and has skyrocketed ever since. Travel industry insiders say slow travel can be experienced virtually anywhere in the world. “Italy comes to mind first, probably because of its association with slow food, but honestly, it can and should be tried anywhere travelers want to visit,” Marceau adds. “While it may be easier to join a homestay or take a local cooking class in some destinations, there are ways to incorporate the slow travel philosophy into any trip. The first step is to be curious and connect with the destination.”
Enjoy the rich fabrics of Northern California.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a slow-travel paradise where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Northern California and its distinctive local flair. At The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, you can sample fine wines from coastal wineries, make s'mores around a bonfire on your private terrace, rejuvenate at the spa, or play a round on one of two championship golf courses. This beach resort feels like its own universe, where slow travel is embraced against a beautiful backdrop.
Relax and enjoy a gourmet meal at Charleston Place.
Charleston Place
Things happen slowly in Charleston. In the best way. Whether it's the heat, the Southern hospitality, or the cobblestone streets that make you stop and take a good look at where you're going, this city is perfect for a slow-paced getaway. With a lobby nicknamed “Charleston's Living Room,” Charleston Place is the perfect location for a laid-back Southern getaway. Conveniently located in the heart of Charleston's Historic District, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fantastic spa, four restaurants, and endless guest experiences.
Slow travel also includes visiting the National Galleries of Scotland.
Credit VisitScotland
There's an old saying that goes, “It's not the destination that counts.” It may be a cliché, but it couldn't be truer in Scotland. Getting from point A to point B isn't a chore that needs to be completed as quickly as possible. Rather, it's a chance for travellers to relax and reflect as beautiful scenery passes before their eyes. A train journey, such as the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that snakes through the Scottish Highlands, is the perfect way to relax, de-stress and contemplate the countryside passing by. And midsummer in the Northern Isles, with its never-ending days known as the white nights in Orkney and the gloomy nights in Shetland, allows visitors more time to explore the islands than at any other time of the year.
Experience the Aruba Effect at One Happy Island.
Aruba Tourism Board
Slow Travel Aruba
Aruba allows travelers time to unwind and appreciate the beauty of each moment, resulting in a more enjoyable travel experience. After practicing these slow travel exercises in Aruba, visitors leave the One Happy Island with a long-lasting sense of warmth and happiness known as the “Aruba Effect.” Aruba is surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful paradise, filled with the calming peace needed to slow things down and re-establish relationships. Slow travel activities include relaxing on some of the best white sand beaches in the Caribbean, indulging in the island's fine cuisine, exploring the natural beauty of Aruba's wildlife, and rejuvenating at the island's spa. Aruba's story is told in the faces of its diverse and friendly people. Experience the culture in the artwork on the walls of San Nicolas, on the weathered patina of the houses in the southern coastal towns, and in the sounds of steel drums announcing the start of the Bombini Festival.
Christa Adams concludes, “The best way to practice slow travel is to not rush when exploring a new place, and to always remember to take breaks and look around. You never know what you'll discover.”
