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The Slow Travel Philosophy
I’m not a fan of holier-than-thou rhetoric, so don’t worry, that’s not what this is.
I love doing the touristy stuff in my first week at my destination. There’s a reason why those activities are popular: they’re a fun and easy way to get your feet wet in the local culture pond.
But underneath the overpriced entrance fees and price-gouging plates of mediocre food, there’s an ocean of experiences to explore.
“How do you do that?”, you ask.
Slow Travel. It’s a very simple concept: Do less. Experience more.
“Okay… those things seem to contradict each other, so how does it actually work?”
Honestly, there’s really not much more to it. You choose a destination you want to get more well-acquainted with and you stay there for a couple of weeks or, if you’re able, months and you get to know the location intimately.
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Discover what the locals do — where they go to eat, party, and hang out — make friends
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Get educated about the local area and its history
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Eat food you wouldn’t normally eat at home
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Explore the little corners where tourists don’t usually go
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Most of all: slow down. There’s no rush. You’re here to experience and learn what it’s like to live in that place.
Read my latest posts to learn more about Slow Travel!
Jaco, Costa Rica, 2021
Slow Travel FAQ
What is Slow Travel?
Slow Travel is a growing global trend that emphasizes the concept of deeper, more authentic connections with our destinations: with the people who live there, the local gastronomy, even the way of life. Slow Travel can be done in as little as 1 day up to a year or more!
Can I Slow Travel on a budget?
Like anything when it comes to travel, it's what you make of it. With Slow Travel, I find that when you're staying in one place, you get better discounts on your stay, you eat at 'home' more often, and you aren't constantly paying for trains or buses or planes to other locales. That's where I save money with Slow Travel!
How is Slow Travel different?
Slow Travel differs from Regular Travel or "Fast Travel" in that it encourages travelers to experience what it might be like to live in that place. Slow Travel dives deeper, seeks out authentic experiences, and should contribute to local communities and not negatively impact them.
Is Slow Travel Sustainable?
The greatest thing about Slow Travel is that it’s inherently more sustainable compared to regular travel. You’re exploring the environment more gently, contributing to the local economy, and more likely to stand still for a moment and take part in activities you normally wouldn’t. Lonely Planet seems to agree that Slow Travel is the new sustainable way of exploring the world!