There’s a quiet rebellion happening in travel right now. It’s not loud, flashy, or filled with back-to-back itineraries. Instead, it’s about stepping back, slowing down, and truly absorbing a place rather than just passing through it.
This is slow travel—a movement that’s reshaping the way we explore the world. It’s not just about taking your time; it’s about being present. And in a world that constantly demands more—more productivity, more efficiency, more content—it turns out that less might actually be the answer to feeling more fulfilled.
Why Slower Travel Makes You Healthier & Happier
Most of us have, at some point, fallen into the trap of “checklist travel”—racing from one landmark to the next, barely registering where we are before moving on. It’s exhilarating, sure. But is it actually fulfilling?
The problem with this high-speed approach is that it doesn’t allow for rest, reflection, or real connection. Instead, it leaves us exhausted, craving another holiday just to recover. Slow travel, on the other hand, is a counterbalance. It prioritises depth over breadth, presence over productivity, and connection over consumption.
Studies have shown that a slower, more intentional approach to travel can have profound effects on mental and physical well-being. When we allow ourselves to move at a gentler pace, stress levels decrease, creativity flourishes, and we’re more likely to form meaningful connections—with both people and places. Walking through a quiet village, sitting by the ocean at sunrise, or simply lingering over a meal instead of rushing to the next activity—it all adds up to a more enriching and restorative experience.
Destinations That Embrace Slow Travel
If you’re ready to trade fast-paced itineraries for something more nourishing, here are a few destinations that naturally encourage slow and intentional travel.
1. Kyoto, Japan – The Art of Stillness
Kyoto is often associated with its famous temples, shrines, and cherry blossoms. But beyond the tourist spots, there’s a deeply meditative quality to the city. Wandering through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama or sitting quietly in a Zen garden, you can’t help but slow down. Kyoto invites reflection, whether it’s in a traditional tea ceremony or while strolling through the Philosopher’s Path. This isn’t a place you rush through—it’s a place you absorb, moment by moment.
2. Tuscany, Italy – Savoring Simplicity
The rolling hills of Tuscany seem to stretch endlessly, bathed in golden light. Here, life moves at the pace of a long lunch. Locals embrace la dolce vita—the sweet life—where meals are lingered over, conversations stretch into the afternoon, and the landscape itself seems to demand that you pause and take it all in. Whether you’re cycling through vineyards, learning the art of pasta-making, or sipping wine as the sun sets, Tuscany is a masterclass in unhurried living.
3. Ubud, Bali – A Place to Breathe
Bali, despite its popularity, still holds spaces of deep tranquillity—especially in Ubud. Known as the cultural and spiritual heart of the island, Ubud is a place where time feels elastic. Mornings begin with yoga overlooking the jungle, afternoons invite you to walk through rice paddies, and evenings are filled with quiet reflection. Whether it’s a massage in an open-air spa or simply watching the rain fall from a thatched-roof café, this is a destination that naturally slows your pulse.
4. The Scottish Highlands – Solitude in the Wild
If true escape is what you’re after, few places compare to the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Here, nature dominates, and silence is a companion. Long walks through misty valleys, the sound of waves crashing against rugged cliffs, the simple pleasure of a whisky by the fire after a day spent in the elements—this is slow travel at its most primal. There’s a sense of stillness here that makes it easy to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
5. New Zealand’s South Island – A Landscape That Demands Presence
Some places force you to slow down simply because of their sheer scale. New Zealand’s South Island is one of them. Whether you’re driving through Fiordland, hiking in the Southern Alps, or simply sitting by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, it’s impossible to rush. Nature takes the lead here, and all you can do is follow at its pace. There’s something profoundly humbling about being surrounded by landscapes so vast that they make everyday worries seem small.
How to Cultivate a Slow Travel Mindset
Slow travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you go. Even in the busiest of places, it’s possible to bring a sense of mindfulness to your journey. Here are a few ways to shift into a slower, more intentional way of travelling:
- Linger Longer: Instead of packing multiple destinations into one trip, choose just one or two and truly immerse yourself in them.
- Ditch the Checklist: Rather than seeing everything, focus on experiencing a place fully.
- Embrace Unstructured Time: Allow space in your itinerary for spontaneity, for wandering, for simply being.
- Connect with Locals: Slow travel is about depth, and one of the best ways to experience that is through conversations and interactions with people who live there.
- Travel Lightly: Both physically and mentally. Bring fewer things, leave expectations behind, and be open to what unfolds.
The Power of Presence
At its core, slow travel is about presence. It’s about trading busyness for stillness, consumption for connection, and speed for substance. It’s about allowing yourself to be changed by a place, rather than just passing through it.
So, where in the world calls to you? Where could you go—not to tick it off a list, but to truly be there? Perhaps the real question is this: When was the last time you allowed yourself to travel not just to see more, but to feel more?
Maybe it’s time to find out.
