Do you wanna know about a more fulfilling way to see the world?
You might have felt tired after having a vacation, like you need another one just to rest.
No, it is not weird; it happens. That’s because people often try to fit too much into a short trip. They want to see and do everything without wasting any time.
Life is moving fast, and people have also gotten used to getting things instantly. But many millennials are now changing the old way of travelling. Instead of rushing in one trip, now they are choosing “slow travel.” What does that mean now? They are taking time to enjoy one place fully.
Traveling is now more thoughtful, but how and what is slow travel? Let us discuss in detail.
What Is Slow Travel?
What if I say you enjoy things more rather than trying to do everything?
This is slow travel, where you really want to know about the local culture. No rushing, just like regular vacations, where you desire to see as much as possible in a short time. This is not bad, but it can be shallow and, for many people, exhausting.
“Slow travel also means taking the time to note all the little details that make a place beautiful,” says Shieh, who also runs a blog on slow travel and sustainable fashion.
No Hard And Fast Rule!
Just pay attention to what’s around you, like what you are seeing, hearing, and feeling, without even thinking of rushing.
You are going to catch a train, you are going to relax your mind and soul. Just stay thoughtful and respectful when you visit a new place.
For instance, instead of spending a week going here and there in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, just be a slow traveler and spend that whole week just in one small town, let’s say an Italian town, taking cooking classes, talking to locals, and exploring at a relaxed pace.
Why Millennials Are Shifting Gears for Traveling
Wait, Millennials are leading this trend? But how on Earth did this happen? Here are a few big reasons:
- Tired Of Business
Most millennials are definitely drained from their nonstop work schedule. Their life is already ticking like a clock with work, side hustles, and social commitments. Now, when they spend their relaxing time, rushing over, what’s the gain? Traveling like this can only increase the pressure
That’s why slow travel feels more like a real break.
- Meaningful Experiences
Who does not want meaningful experiences? Many millennials do care about connecting with local people and learning about their culture. They feel part of the places they visit, not just taking photos for Instagram like Gen Z.
- More Relaxing and Less Stressful
Will you try to see everything in such a short time? It will be exciting but also exhausting. You will undoubtedly miss the real feel of a place when you’re always on the move.
Slow travel will give you time to rest, you will explore at your own pace, and even enjoy simple moments like a morning walk or chatting with locals. It will help you to stay healthy, avoid burnout, and truly enjoy the journey.
- Real experiences, not just pictures
It is not just about pictures, they want to have real experiences. It is a performative travel where you just want to show off things. Now, most millennials dont want this, they simply want to enjoy the moment for themselves.
Top 4 Benefits of Slow Travel
Here are some of the top benefits that make slow travel so rewarding:
1. Better for Mind and Mood
You are in no rush to get things done and move from one place to another or follow a fully packed schedule. That means less stress, more peace.
2. Real Cultural Connection
Spending more time in a place can teach you the language basics, trying local foods, joining community events, and interacting with the locals can help you understand their culture.
3. It Saves Money
When you stay longer, hotels and rentals often offer lower prices to keep you around.. Cooking by yourself and avoiding the tourist scams can also save you a lot of money.
4. Eco-Friendly Travel
Fewer flights mean a smaller carbon footprint. Also, shop from the local market as it can boos the local economy.
Great Places for Slow Travel
Looking for ideas? These places are perfect for slow travelling:
- Tuscany, Italy: Sip a wine or take cooking classes, you are going to remember the quiet countryside towns.
- Oaxaca, Mexico: It is full of colorful markets with rich culture and delicious food.
- Kyoto, Japan: It is a serene destination where you’ll find beautiful temples, scenic views, and local traditions.
- Nova Scotia, Canada: You can take a walk through peaceful coastal towns and taste delicious seafood, and soak in the views.
Do we miss some famous sights by traveling slowly?
Yes, you can miss some famous places by travelling slowly. But there is nothing that you should worry about. You can not rush around just to see everything. Instead, you can explore the places that your heart will resonate with.
This will help us discover unique spots, even in busy tourist cities.
Conclusion
Slow travel isn’t just a vacation, but a peace of mind. And our millennials are proving that there is no need to rush, but to be meaningful. You, too, choose peace over pressure, and experiences over checklists, just like millennials are doing.
As there is a saying, “The journey is the destination.” And in today’s busy world, that mindset might be exactly what we all need.
