I used to think the sign of a successful trip was how many places I could cram into one itinerary. Five cities in seven days? Challenge accepted. But after years of running through airports, living out of a suitcase, and realizing that I remembered more about train schedules than the actual places I visited, I finally got it: slower is better.
Slow travel is having a moment — and honestly, it’s about time. It’s not about how many stamps are in your passport or how long your bucket list is. It’s about how deeply you experience each place. Think: longer stays, fewer destinations, and taking the time to sit at that café instead of rushing to the next tourist attraction. The rise of slow travel is here and here to stay.
Slow travel means quality over quantity. It’s about staying long enough to learn the rhythm of a place. Maybe that means renting an apartment instead of hopping from hotel to hotel. Maybe it’s choosing trains over planes or walking over cabs. It’s about immersing yourself — finding that neighborhood bakery, learning a few phrases in the local language, and not feeling guilty about an afternoon nap.
Here’s the problem with trying to do it all: you remember none of it. Travel burnout is real. You spend more time in transit than actually enjoying your destination. And you return home needing a vacation from your vacation. Also, let’s be real — the more you rush, the more you spend (and the more you miss out on those magical, unplanned moments).
Less stress. No frantic schedules, no sprinting through train stations. You actually get to wake up slowly, sip your coffee without rushing, and enjoy the little moments without feeling like you’re missing out. According to a 2022 survey by Expedia, 61% of travelers reported feeling overwhelmed or exhausted after fast-paced vacations.
More meaningful experiences. You actually connect with people and places. You’ll have time to discover local traditions, chat with a vendor at a market, or stumble upon a festival you never planned for. Studies show travelers who stay longer in one place report 43% higher satisfaction with cultural experiences.
Cost savings. Weekly rentals are cheaper than nightly stays; fewer transit costs add up. You’ll spend less hopping between cities and more enjoying local experiences that don’t break the bank. A 2023 analysis by Airbnb found weekly stays are on average 15% cheaper per night.
Better for the environment. Fewer flights, more local transportation. By moving less, you reduce your carbon footprint and support local communities in a more sustainable way.
Flexibility. You’ve got time to explore those hidden gems — the ones that don’t show up on travel guides, but end up being the highlight of your trip. No pressure, just genuine discovery.
Increased Trip Durations. Recent research indicates that travelers are opting for longer stays to immerse themselves more fully in their destinations.
Pick fewer places and stay longer. Give yourself the chance to fully absorb a destination instead of just skimming the surface.
Schedule nothing. Leave room for spontaneous adventures — the best travel stories usually come from the unplanned moments. In Belize, we ended up booking a fishing trip on a whim with a local guide who took us to hidden fishing spots. We caught three types of fish and lobster, and afterward, he took us to a local outdoor restaurant where the chef cooked up our fresh catch. We had no idea this was even an option until we arrived.
Prioritize experiences over checklists. Think cooking classes, markets, local tours, and wandering without Google Maps telling you where to go. In Hawaii, some free time led us to book a last-minute hike and paddle board tour that ended at a hidden waterfall — one of the most memorable parts of that trip.
Talk to locals — even if you butcher the language. Those connections create lasting memories and often lead you to experiences you’d never find on TripAdvisor.
And yes, take that café break without guilt. Sit down, people-watch, order something indulgent, and remind yourself that travel is about savoring, not rushing.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be chaos on wheels. In fact, slow travel might just be the secret to traveling with your sanity intact. Picking fewer destinations means less packing and unpacking, and more time for them (and you) to settle into a routine. Find accommodations with kitchens and laundry facilities — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Parks, playgrounds, and easy walks are your best friends. And don’t underestimate the magic of a long breakfast, a mid-afternoon nap, and a spontaneous gelato stop. Slow travel with kids allows you to enjoy the destination at their pace — and you might find it’s exactly the pace you needed too.
Santorini, Greece
The first time I visited Santorini with my partner, it was before the hype. Watching the sunset over the blue-domed roofs with just a handful of other people felt surreal. We just stood there, staring at the sky, not a care in the world. It’s one of those core memories of pure relaxation and beauty — the kind that rushing would’ve completely ruined.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is built for slow travel. You bike everywhere, stop at charming cafés, and yes — all those legal substances can definitely help you slow down (if that’s your vibe). I remember sitting at a canal-side café, drinking coffee, and feeling my jet lag melt away. Full disclosure: I stayed in a cabin at a campground outside the city. Cute idea, questionable execution. Next time, I’m booking a hotel with fluffy robes.
Glacier National Park (Montana) & Yosemite (California)
Nature doesn’t let you rush — and that’s the beauty of it. Hiking through these parks forces you to pause, breathe, and appreciate things you normally take for granted. You realize how tiny you are in the grand scheme of things, and that’s humbling in the best way.
Napa Valley, California
Napa is my go-to escape when I need a reset without hopping on a plane. It’s all about slow sips, lingering vineyard lunches, and fully embracing the “sure, let’s have another cheese board” mentality. It’s where I relax, unwind, and remind myself that calories consumed in wine country don’t count. (I will not be taking questions on this.)
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is basically the definition of slow travel — even if you show up with a packed itinerary, the island has a way of telling you to chill out. Lazy beach days, sunset cocktails, long scooter rides through rice fields, and spontaneous stops at roadside temples… it’s all part of the magic. One of my favorite memories was hiking a volcano (which, fun fact, erupted just six hours after we came down — talk about timing). But what I really loved was slowing down enough to soak up the small moments: sipping fresh juice by the pool, wandering through markets, and realizing that rushing would’ve meant missing the very vibe that makes Bali unforgettable.
I get it. The urge to “see it all” is strong. But trust me — slowing down gives you more stories, deeper connections, and memories that don’t blur together. Travel isn’t a checklist; it’s a collection of moments. So take the long way, order the extra dessert, and for the love of all things holy, sit down and watch the sunset.
You can’t see the whole world in one trip — but you can have the best croissant of your life. And isn’t that the whole point?
I’d love to hear about your favorite slow travel experiences! Share them in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest for your next trip!
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
This form is just the beginning! The details you provide here will help me get a better understanding of what you’re looking for. Once I receive your submission, I’ll be in touch to discuss your trip in more detail and finalize the perfect plan for you.
