Are you wondering what these tips for slow travel mean because you don’t know what slow travel actually is? Fret not, we’ve got you covered. Have you ever returned exhausted and totally spent from a vacation? You feel like you can’t do anything for a couple of days but rest. Well, this is your classic case of frantic tourist burnout. Fortunately for avid travelers like us, there’s a spectacular solution. It’s called slow travel. You’ll find several slow travel blogs documenting the fulfilling experiences slow style travelers enjoy.
What is Slow Travel?
Before we tell you what these awesome tips for slow travel are, let’s first deal with what slow travel essentially is. The slow travel movement was an offset that came off the Slow Food Movement during the 1980s. The food movement was started in Italy by the locals as a protest to the plans of establishing a McDonald’s somewhere in Rome. The protest was a cultural initiative that eventually snowballed into the Slow Travel Movement. It means you travel at a slow pace that allows you to enjoy the local culture, cuisine, people, and everything else. It is the exact opposite if hurried and frantic tourism.
Slow Travel Destinations:
Generally, slow travel Europe is considered ideal by many slow style travelers. Slow travel tours are most popular in this part of the world. There are many reasons why Europe is a great place to try slow traveling. The accommodation is very cheap, public transport is as easy as it gets, and the cuisine is second to none! However, our tips for slow travel also tell you that with good planning, you can do it just about anywhere. It’s not really destination specific. So, don’t get bogged down thinking there are just a handful of slow travel destinations in the world.
Best Tips for Slow Style Travel:
Instead of taking last minute flights to a random location, take a bit of time to plan a good vacation. While you can definitely take the impromptu route during the vacation, it doesn’t hurt to go with some background research. Take a look at some of the best tips for slow travel listed below to help you plan that perfect slow vacation. Make slow style travel your lifestyle statement today!
1. Pick homestays
Homestays will do wonders to your slow style travel. The best way to understand the locals is to stay with one. With AirBnB around, this is easier than ever. A homestay will help you get a crash course on the local food, culture, and other attractions. Ask your hosts where they generally hang out and what hotspots they’d recommend you to visit. You will get straight-up advice from a local instead of other travelers who’ve been in the region for only a couple of days.
2. Never rush into anything
This is among the best tips for slow travel ever. You need to forget trying to cover everything in one trip. It’s just not possible. Instead, focus on quality and not quantity. That is the whole essence of the Slow Travel Movement. Enjoy leisurely strolling instead of running through major attractions. Take in the sights that will help you to truly enjoy the place instead of worrying about ticking off famous attractions on the list.
3. Use local transport
Among the best slow travel tips is to use local transport to get around. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give you the invaluable chance to experience the local way of life. You will meet people of all classes when you use local transport. Mingle with friendly local commuters on their way to work, the market, or elsewhere. Know what life is like for them every day.
4. Forgo typical tourist hotspots
A lot of people book business class flights to come and enjoy just one particular attraction. But what if we told you that one of the best tips for slow travel is to forgo popular tourist hotspots? Instead of visiting popular attractions where you will find a horde of other tourists, try exploring lesser-known neighborhoods. This will offer you a peek into the region’s history and culture.
5. Mingle with the locals
This is among the topmost tips for slow travel. Is there a point to slow style travel if you don’t mix with the locals? The Slow Travel Movement aims to help you dig deep into a region’s culture. This cannot happen if you refrain from interacting with the very locals who can give you invaluable insights into it. So, don’t hesitate to smile and have a bit of chit-chat with the locals.
6. Explore the local food culture
For foodies, this is among the best slow travel tips around. However, to delve deep into the food culture of a region, you must go beyond just tasting it. Visit markets to check the produce and a chat with the farmers about it. Explore street food stalls and sample popular dishes. Head to high-end restaurants and watch meals being prepared and served in the traditional way.
7. Take creative pictures
Selfies may be the new craze, but there’s more to travel photography. Among the best tips for slow travel when it comes to taking travel photos is to get creative. There’s nothing new in taking pictures of popular attractions. There’ll be scores of it already online. Try to look for unique angles, offbeat attractions, and the right lighting. Also, throw in a couple of shots with your new local friends.
8. Walk wherever and whenever possible
This is not just one of the best tips for slow travel. It’s the ideal win-win situation for slow style travelers looking to stay fit while traveling. Consider walking as the way to get around to nearby attractions when touring someplace exotic on international flight tickets. Not only will you save money, but you may also stumble across hidden tourist spots while strolling the streets of your destination.
