A few years ago, Australian adventure photographer and travel blogger Jackson Groves led a trip of like-minded travelers to Lombok, Indonesia. They surfed, hiked, and camped on mountains high above the clouds. But the pinnacle of the trip, he says, embodied the essence of what he considers to be "slow travel." In this case, it meant connecting with residents of the island—helping to fund a pair of pop-up schools in the northern region that had been devastated by an earthquake. It was the unanimous highlight of the trip.
“Slow travel has really gained momentum in recent years,” says Grove. "It's all about stepping away from the usual tick-box tourism and focusing on more profound, immersive experiences. In Lombok, it wasn’t a speedy circuit of tourist attractions that made the trip. Rather, it was about being part of a community, aiding in its recovery, appreciating its resilience—and taking the time to fully absorb those moments.
Slow travel is a bit of a broad term. For some, it involves elements of volunteerism, while others interpret it as trips that aren’t overly scheduled so that organic connections and experiences can unfold. At its core, travel experts agree, it's all about slowing down to actually enjoy the journey—and not feel as though you need a “vacation from your vacation” when you return home.
In a way, slow travel builds on the grassroots slow food movement that began in 1989, which pushed back on drive-thrus and quick microwavable meals to embrace time-honored cooking traditions and high-quality, healthy food that’s locally available. Slow travel embodies the idea that travelers are hungry for more substantive trips.
A 2023 study from American Express revealed that 85 percent of respondents want to visit a place where they can truly experience the local culture, and 78 percent are interested in going on vacations that support local communities. Meanwhile, travel companies say they're beginning to reconfigure itineraries to suit those who want to go at a more leisurely pace, and hotels have begun offering longer-stay packages to travelers who want to immerse (more slowly) in the local culture.
Ahead, therapists explain how slow travel can actually help you get more out of your trip. Here's how to incorporate the whole slow travel mindset into your next adventure.
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Slow travel is essentially mindful traveling, says California-based therapist Christina P. Kantzavelos, LCSW, and owner of Begin With Today.
“It allows for you to be present wherever you are, without urgency to get to the next place,” she says. “It provides room for exploration and flexibility.”
Admittedly, this can be a challenging concept for Americans, who often have limited vacation days, especially compared to European counterparts who, oftentimes, can go on holiday for a month. Feeling like you need to check everything off a list in a week because that’s all the PTO you have in your bank can put “FOMO on full blast,” Kantzavelos says. On top of that, she says, due to social media there are often unrealistic expectations about what a perfect trip looks like—for example, on an Instagram grid.
The thing is, when we do anything with urgency, we often miss out on the present—and the magic in front of us.
“A state of urgency can put us into a stress response, and potentially take away the health benefits of a vacation,” Kantzavelos emphasizes.
New York-based psychotherapist Kimberlin Shepard, LMSW, explains that, in addition to relaxing, slow travel allows for spontaneity. It gives you the opportunity to become immersed in your surroundings, stumble upon unique experiences, or pursue a recommendation from a local. “This level of connection can lend itself to a more meaningful, deeper understanding of the location," says Shepard. "It allows you to carve out your own, authentic itinerary.”
Her advice for wading into slow travel? Plan one or two activities ahead of your trip, such as things that require advanced bookings or reservations. But spend the rest of your time doing what you’re in the mood for and letting your vacation unfold naturally.
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Slow travel is swiftly catching on these days. Responding to traveler demand, many travel companies have begun easing up on their typically jam-packed, breathless itineraries. As it turns out, more isn't necessarily better when it comes to truly absorbing and enjoying any travel experience.
In the past, guide service Ultimate Kilimanjaro offered five- and seven-day expeditions to travelers, says Michael Sawayer, operations director for the company. But so many travelers wanted to prolong the journey so they could climb the mountain at a slightly slower pace, breathing the crisp, clean air and taking in the majestic sights. So, the company adapted and began offering nine- and 10-day journeys, which have been a hit with those wanting to climb the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Sawyer says.
“In a world that’s screen-based, people are longing for the adventure that they can feel,” he says. “There’s something to be said about taking the time to slow down and immerse yourself in the surroundings. It connects us as a species to nature.”
Though it might seem like slow travel is a trend that appeals to millennials or Gen Z, Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, a luxury travel company, notes that it's been growing among all age groups. “Going into 2024, we're seeing this more than ever with all of our clients,” he says. “Families with young adult children in particular are looking for those trips where they can truly engage with their surroundings—and they’re taking trips of three plus weeks to avoid rushing through a given region or country.”
Matthew Barker—editor at Horizon Guides, which curates itineraries and publishes travel guides—says he’s seen a 400% increase in interest for slow travel journeys since 2019, before the start of the pandemic. Travelers have a higher demand for hiking, biking, and trekking, and are increasingly prioritizing itineraries that don’t require any internal flights, he says.
Barker says that slow travel is an approach to tourism that prioritizes spending more time in just one, or at least fewer, places, giving you the time and space you need to properly immerse yourself in the culture and environment. It's the antithesis of a quick weekend away or the 10 countries in two weeks type vacations that are now “mercifully out of fashion,” he says.
But slow travel is more than just about how long you stay in a place; it's about what you're doing to connect with the place and the people who live there, Barker says. Slow travelers prefer to connect with locals rather than take a bus tour.
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Those new to slow travel can get started by choosing a medium-sized destination that’s well-connected so that you can get to nearby towns with ease, recommends frequent traveler Newsha Tarifard, the founder of TravelWell Adventures, a boutique travel business that puts together travel packages including a Slow Travel in Tuscany trip.
Some of Tarifard’s favorite destinations for slow travel include Tuscany, the Puglia region of Italy, Southern France (Provence, Nice, Antibes), Switzerland, Antigua in Guatemala, and Hoi An in Vietnam. These spots are full of culture, nature, great dining, and local experiences, all within a relatively small region, she says.
Use main sights as your anchors and build out your trip with cultural activities, events, and day trips—as few or as many as you like, Tarifard further advises. Leave plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely meal, coffee, or just to wander.
When you’re looking for something to do, try cooking, art classes, or guided adventures led by locals so that you can meet residents and form connections, Tarifard says. Venture out on day trips to nearby towns to see new places without needing to use your time to move accommodations.
"Give yourself the time and space for spontaneity throughout your trip,” Tarifard says, adding that three-word mantra that can transform any travel experience: "Take it slow."
