Slow Travel: 6 Tips on How to Do Less and Connect More
One of the cornerstones of Roam and Gather’s philosophy is to travel slower. I believe that traveling with more intention can lead to a richer and more authentic experience. Though the term may sound like you need to have a long vacation to do it, this isn’t the case. Slow travel can happen anytime, whether it’s a weekend jaunt, or a many years-long trip around the world.
Here are a few tips on how you can incorporate a philosophy of slow into your next trip and reap its benefits, which include a less stressful journey and (often) a lower price-tag.
1. Remember, it’s okay to not see everything…
The worst trips I’ve taken have been the ones where I ran around and tried to see everything I could. I inevitably returned home exhausted with the distinct feeling that I didn’t really “experience” the location I went to. My more memorable trips, ironically, were ones where I took time to do nothing at all.
During my first trip to Costa Rica, I stayed at an eco-lodge in the middle of the rainforest, where there wasn’t much to do but lay on a hammock, go to the beach, sleep, and do the occasional tour. I had been living in NYC at the time, so the shock between my life in the city and coming to place that forced me to move slower was challenging. But it ended up being one of the most memorable trips I’ve taken. I would go down to the beach and watch the sun set and rise every morning. I befriended the staff that worked at the lodge. And I did an incredible zip-lining tour through the treetops of the rainforest, where we took a long moment to just sit on the highest platform of the tour and gaze at the ocean and trees. When I returned to New York, I felt completely restored.
This trip taught me something important. Sometimes it’s the NOT doing that leads to the most satisfaction and fulfillment. Social media and the relentless pursuit of productivity has pushed us towards feeling like we need to apply the same principles to our travel lives, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, let go of what you think you “should” see and do.
2. Try to leave some space in your itinerary for discovery and rest…
Don’t pack every day of your schedule with activities. Leave some time to nap, have a long indulgent meal, cup of coffee, or drink at a cafe and watch the world go by. Leave some time to take a walk and get lost. Taking time to wander and pause can really tap you into the pulse of a location.
3. Move around less…
If you’re on a longer trip with several stops planned, consider removing a few changes of locale and instead stay in places longer. Not only will this give you more time to rest, but it will also allow you to sink into that place’s culture more easily, leading to a more authentic experience. It also has the added benefit of being cheaper!
4. Stay off the beaten path…
This is probably an obvious one, but try to stay in places that are slightly off the beaten path. Even in larger cities there are often areas that are close enough to the city center to be convenient, but are quieter, less touristy and just slightly off the beaten path. B&Bs owned by locals is often a great option for accommodations if you’re looking for a place to stay outside of the tourist centers. This can give you a more authentic look at what life is like wherever you are.
5. Put away the electronics…
This one can be tricky, because sometimes we need to use our phones and other devices to get around (I can’t tell you how many times Google Maps has saved me!). But I encourage you to only pull out your phone as needed. Have you ever found yourself on vacation, in a gorgeous setting, scrolling through Facebook or Instagram? Most of us have. Yikes! Try to leave the habit of pulling out your phone during down time, and use that time instead to look around and see what you’ve been missing. If you’re using your phone to take photos for social media, wait until the end of the day to post them so you can enjoy the present moment.
6. Be mindful…
Take time to tap into your senses. Close your eyes - what do you hear? What do you smell? Eat your meals slower and really savor the flavors. If you have time, journal about what you’re experiencing, or take photos to help you remember.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, think about how you can incorporate a slower approach. Ask yourself - where can I be a bit more intentional? Am I really taking in this moment, or am I just checking items off of a list? How can I incorporate rest during this trip? Asking these simple questions will lead you down the path towards a more interesting, more fulfilling, and more restful travel experience.
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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