If you’ve been keeping up with travel trends in the past few years, then you’ll likely have come across the term ‘slow travel.’ This approach is different to the usual way of traveling that most people adopt. Rather than trying to tick off as many attractions and destinations as possible, slow travel encourages a slower, more considered way of exploring the world. You’ll do less, but see more is the general philosophy.
If you’re interested in making your next trip a “slow travel” adventure, then read on. In this post, we’ll outline some key tips that’ll help you get the most from your trip.
Pick a Destination
First up, you’ll need to pick a destination. Some places lend themselves better to slow travel than others. Basically, it’s usually best to pick somewhere that isn’t extensively catered for tourists. For example, Las Vegas probably wouldn’t make all that much sense. Washington D.C., on the other hand, would be a good place to spend some extra time to get to know the city beyond the main attractions. Once you’ve got your destination, you can get to blocking out the dates and making it happen.
Find a Place to Live
As we’ve said, you’ll be experiencing the city in a different way when you’re slow traveling. You’ll be spending more time there. It’ll be more like you temporarily live in the city you’ve chosen. As such, it’s recommended to book accommodation that comes with a host of amenities that allow you to feel comfortable and like you’re at home. There are plenty of furnished apartments available on a month-to-month rental basis in the world’s major cities, so you should have no trouble finding somewhere to call your own while you’re in your chosen city.
Make Local Connections
You’re not just another tourist when you’re a slow traveler. You’ll be there for longer, and that’ll give you a chance to get to know people that live there. In doing so, you’ll be exposing yourself to a whole other side of the city, one that most people that just pass through never get to see. There are plenty of ways to get to know local people, including attending MeetUp groups. You never know who you might meet when you join a hiking excursion!
Go Exploring
You’re traveling to see the real city, and so to do that, you’ll need to get out into the city. The best way to see things is on foot, so allow yourself to get lost. You might need to take public transport to reach certain neighborhoods, but by and large, it’ll be best if you’re walking wherever possible.
Record Your Trip
Finally, remember to record your trip. Taking photos and videos, journaling, and buying souvenirs are all fantastic ways to document what will be a highly memorable trip for you. In the years to come, you’ll be able to look back and be happy that you took the time to have an experience that goes beyond the regular travel experience.
