Slow Travel: A Gentle Guide To Meaningful Travel

I am typically a go-getter when it comes to travel. I want to see all the sights, eat all the food, and make sure I’m not missing anything. It’s like if I don’t jam pack my vacation, I didn’t go on vacation, ya know? However, slow travel has been super intriguing to me. 

My last two trips, I made the intentional decision to not plan too much. To just go with the flow and spend time doing the things I actually care about, not trying to fit the whole “must-see” list into one week. 

And guess what? It was wonderful. I didn’t feel rushed, stressed, or like the FOMO dragon was chasing after me. 

Keep reading if you are interested in the concept of slow travel and how you can make the most of your time on vacation without having to do it all. 

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What is slow travel? 

Slow travel is defined as a conscious approach to experiencing a destination with an emphasis on meaningful interactions and immersion. 

Slow travel looks like: 

• Staying in one place longer 
• Immersing yourself in the local life
• Choosing more sustainable transportation options 
• Learn about a location’s history and culture
• Creating connections with the people around you 
• Visiting less tourist-y places 

Your gentle guide to slow and meaningful travel 

Here are some tips to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and make your vacation much more meaningful.

1- Define what “making the most” means to you 

What is the whole point of your vacation? Is it to rest? Explore? Meet people? Be alone? Eat all the food? Learn something new? 

Figure out what your goal is for the trip and then plan accordingly. Be intentional about the things that will help you make the most of your time and create the most meaning. 

For example, I always get so much joy from trying out restaurants and cafes when on vacation. I like to find places with a good patio or somewhere cute I can spend some time. So I would put emphasis on finding a few good spots instead of trying all the top cafes in the area. 

✍️🏻 Journal prompt: What do you want most from your vacation? 

Tip: Set 1 or 2 intentions for the trip instead of a packed itinerary. 

2- Use your downtime for what you want

It’s so common to see people working on vacation! They may be sending emails or writing reports while on the airplane or train. While there is nothing wrong with that, if you don’t need to work while on vacation, don’t! 

Transportation is a big part of travel. Whether it’s a long airplane ride, train ride, or road trip, there is usually downtime. 

Make an intentional decision to do something you want to do during your downtime. 

Try things like:

• Read a book you’ve been putting off
• Listen to a podcast
• Write in your journal
• Create a travel diary 
• Curate the perfect mood board
• Write postcards 
• Learn about the local culture 

✍️🏻 Journal prompt: What hobbies or activities bring you joy and are possible to do while traveling? 

Tip: choose the window seat when possible so you can see all the sights along the way. Part of your vacation is transportation, so you may as well try to enjoy it! 

The Clever Fox Travel Planner

I love everything Clever Fox puts out! This is a great travel planner for someone who needs to see all the plans laid out. From your packing list to transportation plan to writing down your favourite memories! The Clever Fox Travel Planner is a must-have.

Lamare Travel Journal

A very cute travel journal for the more minimalistic people! It has space to plan out your trips, packing list, budget, and pages to document your trip! The Lamare Travel Journal is a great option for saving your memories!

3- Be present, not just productive 

Try not to treat your trip like a checklist! You are on vacation to ENJOY it and soak in all the surroundings. This is especially true if you are exploring somewhere you’ve never been before. 

Make an effort to have a few unplanned mornings or afternoons. Let yourself grab a coffee at a cafe and just people watch, or take a book to the park and just be. Spend time rather than documenting everything. It’s okay to just live in the present moment. 

✍️🏻 Journal prompt: Do you have any fond memories of things you did spontaneously or on a whim? Write about the memories!

Tip: If it’s hard for you to fully embrace the concept of slow travel, then at least allow yourself some unplanned time in a planned location. If you know you want to check out a certain town or area, then plan that, but give yourself freedom to just explore without a full day itinerary in that location. 

4- Connect with people

Part of slow travel is making meaningful connections with the people (usually locals) around you. This could look like asking your servers for their recommendations, chatting with shop owners, or learning a few words of the local language. 

Some of the most memorable parts of past trips have been the conversations I’ve had with people I’ve met or the things I’ve learned from the local people. 

✍️🏻 Journal prompt: What are a few ways you could connect with people on your trip? 

Tip: If you are shy and engaging with strangers is hard for you, start with the hotel staff! Go speak to the front desk staff and ask for recommendations. They always know the best local places to check out and can answer your questions! 

5- Be open to opportunities 

The last weekend getaway I went on, the hotel ended up gifting us free tickets to the local spa. We were not planning on going, but who turns up an offer like that?! It ended up being so relaxing and one of the best things we did that weekend. 

You never know who you will meet or the opportunities you will have to do something unexpected. Be open to changing plans or doing something a little different. Slow travel is about going with the flow! 

✍️🏻 Journal prompt: How do you feel about changing plans last minute? Is it something you would be willing to do, or is that a no-go for you?

Tip: Leave yourself extra time for everything you do, so if something does come up, you may have time for it without changing all your plans. 

Related reads ⤵

• 6 Simple Ways to Practice Slow Living
• How to Make a Bliss List + What I Have on My List
• Solo Dates For Boosting Self-care: How To Date Yourself

Final thoughts 

At its heart, slow travel is about shifting the focus from seeing everything to feeling something. It’s permission to take a deep breath, wander with intention, and actually enjoy your time away.

The next time you plan a trip, try letting go of the pressure to do it all. Trust that the magic often lives in the in-between moments… the lazy breakfasts, the friendly chats, the unplanned detours.

Find connection with others, make use of your downtime how you want to, and just be in the present moment. 

I hope you found some helpful tips for your next slow travel getaway! 

What tip will you be using?

Until next time, 

Deanna