6 Misconceptions About Slow Travel
When I began investing more time in understanding the slow lifestyle/movement, I was shocked to learn just how little information was out there about slow travel. Believe it or not, slow travel is a rather unchartered domain on the internet… and it’s my hope to change that!
In investing many years of my life to slow travel, I’ve realized that perhaps there are some misunderstandings about this form of exploration due to the lack of information out there. Today, I’ll be discussing 6 major misconceptions about slow travel. With more travelers becoming interested in this more mindful form of adventure, it’s important to have a real understanding of what slow travel is in its practice. Let’s get into it!
Slow Travel has to happen over a Long Duration
With the term “slow” in its title, it’s easy to understand why many people would confuse slow travel with just an extended, long trip. Although slow travel can certainly happen over a longer duration… it doesn’t necessarily have to. Slow travel can be planned for a weekend staycation or a month’s long vacay in Norway! What slow travel boils down to is the mindset of mindfulness in every step of creating an itinerary… no matter how long or short your adventure lasts.
Slow Travel Can Only Happen In Remote Towns
Nope! Slow travel can occur anywhere. That means large cities and off-the-beaten-path towns alike can be the perfect destination! Again, slow travel is about adopting a mindful approach to every aspect of what you choose to explore. Slow travelers can savor the pulse of bustling neighborhood in New York City the same way they can savor the lush, quiet landscape of remote beach towns in Thailand. Both can offer the same rewards as the next… it truly comes down to the traveler themselves!
I believe slow travel becomes most transformational when it is aligned specifically with the traveler’s deepest interests, preferences, needs and goals.
Slow travel is for older explorers
Older explorers can definitely benefit from a slower pace, but slow travel (in my opinion!) can have an even greater benefit for those of us who feel the hustle culture of being a younger traveler. Simply put, slow travel is for everyone.
Slow Travel Is For Outdoor experiences Only
I believe this misconceptions stems from the large amount of slow travel retreats centered around multi-day hikes, outdoor and wildlife experiences. Don’t get me wrong… connecting with nature is a great way to slow down and feel connected to ourselves and to a foreign place. But, that being said, slow travel can be planned in cities, towns and concrete jungles, the same way it can be organized in an outdoor setting. It all comes down to the intention, curiosities and commitment from the traveler themselves.
Slow Travel Is Always Disconnected
Not necessarily! Does technology sometimes distract us from being centered? Definitely. Do our phone screens keep us distracted when we’re out and about? Definitely. But does slow travel require us to put our phones and screens away? Not at all! Should you decide traveling disconnected is a better option for you, that’s great! But phone-free travel is not synonymous with slow travel.
Slow Travel requires only one destination
Although there’s certainly more time to invest in one destination, slow travelers can definitely choose to go to more than one spot during their adventures! It all comes down to the type of experience you’re looking for. Perhaps choosing a few similar small towns or cities in the same region would be more fulfilling for you. Go for it!
If you haven’t caught on to this by the end of this post… slow travel can come in many shapes and forms. Adventures transform into slow travel through the practice of mindfulness, careful consideration when making an itinerary and staying centered and curious during your trip.
Each traveler is different and so each slow trip will have its own characteristics and qualities that suit!
(P.S. I’ll be sharing my tips and resources for planning slow travel itineraries in the near future!)