Do you recognize that feeling? You’ve just returned from an amazing vacation, but you still feel like you spent more time traveling around and planning than you actually spent enjoying yourself. The days flew by, and before you knew it, you were back on Dutch soil. Slow travel is the way to travel in 2027. It’s all about taking it slow, making conscious choices, and enjoying every moment to the fullest. In this article, we’ll share all the ins and outs of slow travel and how you can embrace this way of traveling.
What is slow travel?
Slow travel is not about the travel destination, but about the journey itself. Slow travel is a way of traveling where you take the time to really get to know a place, dive deep into the local culture and consciously choose a more sustainable mode of transportation. These include taking the train instead of the plane, as well as staying longer in one place and exploring lesser-known regions.
Why choose slow travel?
We live in a world where time, rest and well-being are increasingly valuable. Travelers no longer want to travel from highlight to highlight, but more often choose quality over quantity. Moreover, slow travel fits perfectly with the focus on a more sustainable and conscious life. It is therefore one of the tips we give in our article: 'How can you travel more sustainably? These are 11 tips for an eco-friendly vacation!'. If you can relate to the points below, then slow travel might be a good fit for you, too:
Authentic experiences
Slow travel gives you the chance to really experience and live a place. Instead of completing a checklist, you can participate in local workshops, visit markets or spend hours in that one cute coffee shop around the corner. Building memories is much more valuable than shooting a quick Instagram snapshot at a popular landmark.
Less stress, more connection
Because you choose to stay in one place longer, you automatically get more time for spontaneous encounters, unexpected adventures and you can simply enjoy the destination where you are more as well. No rushing to catch your train or feeling like you're missing something. You travel at your own pace and make deeper connections with the places and people you encounter.
How do you start slow travel?
Slow travel sounds wonderful, but how do you go about it? These are our tips to make your next trip a slow travel adventure. And did you know that you can always call on us as your personal travel consultants? We are happy to help you realize your slow travel adventure.
Choose one destination: Instead of visiting several countries in two or three weeks, focus on one destination and explore it in depth;
Travel by land: Choose the train, bus or bicycle to travel from one destination to another, and enjoy the changing scenery along the way;
Plan less, experience more: Leave room for spontaneous moments and unexpected encounters. Don't fix everything in a tight schedule;
Support the locals: Choose accommodations and restaurants run by locals. This way you will experience the local culture best and support the local community.
These are ideal destinations for slow travel
There are, of course, a number of destinations that are perfect for slow travel. This is due in part to their culture, nature and opportunities for more sustainable travel. The best places for slow travel are:
Portugal
Portugal embodies the very essence of slow travel. Inland, time naturally slows down as you travel through the serene Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages) stroll through or soak up the centuries-old atmosphere in the Aldeias Históricas (historic villages). Here, you trade the hustle and bustle for artisanal meals, rugged nature, and authentic hospitality.
At the same time, Portugal also offers a great balance for those who want to combine work and travel. Along the breathtaking coastline and in the bustling streets of Lisbon you'll find a vibrant digital nomad community, excellent Wi-Fi, and countless inspiring coffee shops. Portugal gives you the freedom to really immerse yourself in local life, whether you’re sitting at your laptop with a view of the ocean or getting lost in a quiet mountainous region.
Sri Lanka
On this tropical island, you'll discover the true meaning of slow travel. Hop aboard the iconic blue train as it slowly winds its way through the deep-green tea plantations, stay in small-scale eco-lodges, and explore the countryside at your own pace by tuk-tuk. On the south coast, you can check out surf spots like Ahangama ahead of time or Hiriketiya: the perfect base for working with your feet in the sand, catching some waves, and soaking up the warm local culture.
Want to know more? Discover all our travel tips for Sri Lanka.
The Scottish Highlands
The vast landscapes, castles and picturesque villages of the Highlands in Scotland invite slow travel. Take the train on the famous West Highland Line and enjoy walks through unspoiled countryside. Are you curious about a road trip through Scotland? Pull out a little longer and take a scenic 2-week road trip through Scotland.
The Austrian Alps
As soon as you drive into the Austrian Alps, you’ll naturally feel the pace slow down. It’s the perfect place to leave the hustle and bustle behind and enjoy the crispest Alpine air, the sound of cowbells in the distance, and mirror-smooth mountain lakes.
Stroll through quaint mountain villages, stop by an authentic alpine hut for a fresh meal with a view of the peaks, and stay a little longer in one place to truly soak up the local rhythm. Whether you’re opening your laptop in a wooden mountain chalet high up with a view of the mountains or setting out in the afternoon on quiet hiking trails: Austria invites you not just to travel, but to truly slow down and enjoy the great outdoors.
Get inspired for your slow travel adventure with our tips for Austria.
More helpful travel tips for your next trip
Want to make your trip even more sustainable, efficient and stress-free? Then check out these handy travel tips! From smart packing tips to the best sustainable travel products and indispensable travel apps, these articles will keep you well prepared for your next adventure:
Sustainable Travel Products: eco-friendly essentials for travel.
Smart packing tips: travel lighter and more organized with these packing tips.
Useful travel apps: the best apps to make your trip even easier.
An unforgettable slow travel adventure
Want to experience slow travel, but don't know where to start? Let us help you with the perfect planning! We arrange everything from sustainable transportation options and unique accommodations to authentic experiences that fit your needs. Whether you dream of relaxing vacations in Tuscany, experiencing the tranquility of Kyoto, or exploring nature in the Scottish Highlands, we'll create a travel proposal that's completely tailored to your ideal way of traveling.
