How To Embrace Slow Travel In 10 Easy Steps

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“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”

Lao Tzu

Travel is a grandiose adventure. Everyone travels for many different reasons, and there isn’t a one size fits all mode to travel. However, I would argue that slow travel is the one travel approach that gets pretty damn close. This approach can likely be used during any trip.

Slow travel is extremely inclusive because at the heart of this approach is a simply mindset — to connect to the locale in a relaxed way, splurging your time on whatever random adventure calls to you. This approach to travel can be extremely rewarding by providing a mindful and transformative travel experience.

Personally, I’m obsessed with slow travel, which why Evan and I spent a year slow traveling the world. You can read more about what slow traveling is and why I love it here.

However, since we are human being, each of our travel experiences and needs are uniquely personal. What moves and transforms one person during travel may not necessary transform another. We’re conformed to time, interests/hobbies, budget and again, the big one, TIME. I’m sure if time was endless, most people would favor a two week long vacation over a weekend trip. At least I know we would!

Sidenote: If you’re looking to transform through travel by creating more freedom in your life, start here — How Travel Tremendously Transformed My Energy, and Transformational Energy Quotes.

This is probably why there is faster travel and slower travel. Faster travel is accompanied by exhilaration, the go-go mentality, and cramming in as many activities as you can. Hands up if you’ve been there, because I definitely have. Whereas, slow travel is go with the flow, has less itinerary pressure and is intentional about vibing with the locals.

Each form of travel does have contrasting mindsets. There is no wrong way to travel as we occasionally need a faster approach to travel. Think weekend getaways, work travel, and etc. However, I do highly recommend making sure your trip has meaningful and quality experiences — and slow travel absolutely guarantees this.

In fact, fast travel is often times more expensive than slow travel. As you’re moving through the city rapidly — from tourist groups, excursions, fancy dinners, shows, etc — money is flying straight out of your pockets. Slow travel tends to offer more rest physically and financially, as locals don’t participate in extensive tourist activities at the pace tourists do.

Instead, you’ll find more leisurely activities, like participating in local festivals like we did in La Mercè in Barcelona, or exploring popular local hikes, or dining at mom and pops eateries. And who knows, you may get invited to a locals house!

If you’re planning a trip, consider slow traveling at your destination. Here are some universal ways to slow down and experience more around you during your next trip.

Feel free to jump ahead!

The ultimate tips for slow travel

Live like a local

Instead of hopping firsthand into the tourist attractions in the destination you’re visiting, try to incorporate activities locals would do. Find local hot spots instead of group tour trips, or eat at a family owned business instead of a chain-owned restaurant. A good rule of thumb Evan and I like to live by when traveling is, picking 1-3 major attractions we must visit (because if we don’t, then its the end of our the world!), and the rest of our activities are guided by what the local are doing.

This is how we took free salsa lessons in Barcelona, met a beach volleyball group while traveling, and made life long travel friends.

Ditch the itinerary when planning for slow travel

I’ve never been a big fan of itineraries because the magic of travel lies in living in the present moment. If you’re sticking to an itinerary it makes it hard to stay open to the possibilities and follow your intuition. If there is something on your bucketlist you’ve been wanting desperately to do (like climbing Mountserrat, or watching the changing of the guards in London) give yourself permission to do that, but don’t plan all your days around in.

Ditching the itinerary keeps you open and available to whatever the universe throws your way.

Implement what you learn

When you travel slow, you have more time to soak in everything you’re learning. Capture those lessons through photography, journaling, videos, blogging and practice them when you return home. Whether it’s a new vegan recipe, a new yoga position, or a mindset shift that encouraged you to be more empathetic — practice it at home. No lesson you learned abroad is too small.

Sidenote: For more inspiration on how to practicing what you learn read these self-empowerment quotes or wellness quotes for an instant boost of encouragement.

Follow your intuition

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You know that feeling you get and you can’t explain it? That nagging sensation or butterflies telling you to move in a certain direction — follow it. Your gut is never wrong, even while you’re traveling. Staying open to your intuition helps you to embrace slow travel because your intuition grounds you in the now. Intuitive travel searches for the best possible solution for you presently and in this moment, allowing you to choose the best course of action as you travel.

Stay open to the possibilities of slow travel

Get outside your comfort zone and stay curious to all the opportunities around you. Each day is a new day, and one part of creating quality experiences is making sure you’re open to receiving them. One key is to staying opening is putting yourself in flourishing environments. Visit a random coffee shop and stay longer than 10 minutes, converse with your waiter, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to bystanders passing by. We’ve made many friends this way that we talk to a year and more later!

Do things outside your comfort zone

Grab those drinks with that stranger, jump off that boat in the middle of the sea in Ibiza. Live your best life now by continually pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. If it’s super scary, start small by talking to the barista at a coffee shop, chat with a stranger on train, or go to that event at your accommodations. Take whatever small step you can. Trust me, it will be worth it in the long run.

Expand your mind

Learn more about how the world works and how others may do things different than you. Getting outside your comfort zone naturally helps expand your mind. You may find new ideas or activities you enjoy to bring home.

Renew your energy daily. When you’re slow traveling you have more time to rest and recharge so you don’t get fatigued by your travels. Make recharging your energy a priority on your trip by getting quality sleep, exercising daily and spending time in nature.

Get outside when slow traveling

Nature is life’s instant stress relief. It encourages you to unplug electronics and slow down, yet it invigorates your senses simultaneously. Research shows nature positively impacts one’s overall well-being. In fact, being outdoor can:

• Boost your happiness
• Improve your mood
• Help you heal quicker
• Reduces stress
• Supports and helps concentrations

Slow travel is all about being in the present, slowing down and connecting. Connecting to the physical land you’re visiting, and internally to the beautiful person you are. Soak in the great outdoors by breathing in, relaxing, letting go and going within.

Spend less money on “touristy things”

Try to spend less money on tourist attractions or items. You can do this by supporting local businesses and buying their products. Attend local events and purchase tours from locals rather than chain organizations. This goes for restaurants, and various other big tourist attractions as well. For bigger attractions, there may not always be another option, (for instance visiting Chernobyl in Ukraine, or the Disneyland in Paris) but do the best you can.

Slow travel saves you money

Now this is more a benefit of slow traveling, but I had to include it because who doesn’t love to save money here and there. If you’re saving money as you travel, there’s a big chance you might be slow traveling. The desire to travel on a budget often leads to intuitive travel and slowing down as your not rushing off to the next exciting thing.

Instead you’re savoring the moment, and mindfully choosing the next activity, which locals do as well. There is no rush because tomorrow is to come, and as travelers you can always return. You’re also more aware of free and budget-friendly opportunities, which locals often choose too since it’s their hometown. You can do this by renting an accommodation hosted by a local, cooking more in your accommodation with local ingredients, and taking public transportation rather than renting a car.

Pick one or all of these to experience the monumental power of slow travel, but most importantly enjoy your trip!

Wellness travel resources

• Why I Choose to Detox From Electronics While Traveling
• How to Travel with Pain + 7 Pain Management Tips
• The Ultimate Guide to Wellness Traveling
• 11 Reasons Why Ginger Oil is Great for Traveling

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