How To Practice Slow Travel On Short Trips
Can you really embrace slow travel on short trips? is a question I get asked often. And my answer is always yes, you absolutely can! We’ve all been there. You just arrived at a new destination and you only have a couple of days to see everything. You’re rushing through the city, frantically snapping photos, trying to check off as many must-see spots as possible. It’s exhausting, right? I used to feel like that after every trip, then I discovered slow travel and my whole mindset changed. There’s something magical about slowing down, even on a short vacation. You realise that it’s not about the number of sights you check but the quality of time as you savour each moment. I’ve found that even a weekend getaway feels more rejuvenating when I take my time, explore mindfully and, honestly, just chill. That’s where the beauty of slow travel lies.
What is slow travel
Slow travel is less about physically moving slowly and more about being intentional with your experiences. It’s letting go of FOMO and embracing a more immersive approach. Have you ever sat in a little café for several hours, just people-watching? That’s slow travel. It lets us truly connect with places and cultures, even if we only have a few days.
What are the Benefits of Slow Travel for Short Trips
Slowing Down Can Enhance the Experience
When I stopped trying to see everything and focused on just one or two key experiences, I started to feel more present. If I find a place I truly love, I don’t hesitate to revisit it, even if it means missing out on other attractions.It’s like when you listen to your favourite song on repeat instead of skipping through an album!
It improves your overall Well-Being
I used to return from holidays feeling more stressed than when I left. Sound familiar? That changed thanks to slow travel. These days I focus on finding space to breathe, unwind, and recharge. I come back from my trips feeling refreshed, not burned out.
You make better Memories Through Mindful Exploration
The memories that stick with me the most aren’t from seeing the big attractions, they’re from little moments: chatting to a shop owner, enjoying sunset on top of a hill, watching my son play with other kids in a park, observing the locals going on about their day. There’s so much we could learn if only we took the time to stop and pay attention.
How to Choose the Perfect Destination for Slow Travel
It’s true, if you only had 2 days to visit New York, you may not want to sit in a café watching people for several hours when there’s a million of things to see. And frankly you’d be frustrated if you only spent 2 days in NYC. Picking the right destination is key to making slow travel work on a short vacation. Not every place lends itself to this style.
My advice is to avoid big, bustling cities. Small towns or quieter cities are perfect. Think of places where you can wander without fighting crowds or traffic. You could visit a Mediterranean island such as Santorini , a small European city like Toulouse or Krakow, or a mountain retreat you’ve always wanted to try.
Skip the tourist traps. They might be iconic, but they often leave you feeling rushed and overwhelmed. If you really must see these, get up early and get there before the crowds do. I like to find lesser-known gems, they feel more authentic and there’s a satisfaction from the fact that I got there before anyone else.
Key considerations for slow travel on short trips
Choose the Right Accommodation
Your choice of accommodation sets the tone for your trip. Trust me, where you stay can make or break your slow travel vibe.
Moving hotels every night is the quickest way to kill the slow travel mood. Pick one spot, and settle in, the more you feel at home, the better you enjoy the experience.
I prefer small boutique hotels or local-run homestays. They’re more personal, and the owners usually have great tips for slow, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Holiday lettings are another great option. You can cook healthy meals, relax in a nice living space without being disturbed by other travellers.
Have an itinerary but be Flexible
This is where it gets tricky. You need a plan, but not a rigid one. Leave room to breathe.
I usually plan one or two activities per day, max. This leaves me plenty of time to wander and relax.
I like the spontaneity of unplanned trips and never use a guide on short trips and weekend getaways. On my visit to Zagreb, I didn’t have a plan. I met a group of other travellers on the bus journey from Ljubljana and we ended up spending the day visiting the city. The memories I got out of that trip were priceless.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Slow travel is about soaking up the local culture. I always make an effort to chat with locals. Whether it’s asking for a restaurant recommendation or learning about their way of life or traditions.
Skip the big stores and instead visit local markets, small cafés, and artisan shops. You’ll get a chance to support local businesses and find unique items and foods you wouldn’t get in the touristy spots.
If you can, time your trip around a local event such as a festival or a weekly market. It’s a great way to dive into the culture headfirst.
Learning just a few basic phrases in the local language can pave the way to great connections. People appreciate the effort, and it helps break the ice.
Prioritise Slow and Sustainable Transportation
How you get around can have a large impact on your slow travel experience.
Walking is my favourite way to explore on a slow trip. You see so much more at ground level and can stop whenever something catches your eye.
Public transport gives you a real feel for the place. Plus, it’s way less stressful than trying to navigate in a rush or dealing with cabs.
If you want to go beyond the city, opt for slower modes like trains or boats. They’re more scenic and less hectic than planes.
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
It’s easy to get fixated on reaching your destination, but there’s so much to enjoy along the way.
Take the scenic route, always. You’ll discover so many hidden gems.
It’s hard to let go of the idea that you need to be “doing” something all the time. But once you do, you’ll feel lighter and more in tune with your surroundings.
Savour Local Cuisine at a Slower Pace
I almost never eat in chain restaurants when I travel. Local eateries have more authentic food and are often cheaper.
I love lingering over a meal. Eating slowly, savouring each bite, asking the waiters questions. mindful eating helps you become more aware of your food, allowing you to fully appreciate each bite.
Explore Nature on your Slow Travel Experience
Nature is a huge part of slow travel for me. Every time I spend a day hiking or picnicking in nature, I feel like I hit reset. Even a short walk through a local park can do wonders for my mental health.
I always do a little research beforehand to find nature spots, whether it’s a national park, a forest or a hidden beach. Ask locals too; they often know the best secret spots!
Disconnect from Technology and Be Present
It’s tough to disconnect In the age of smartphones and free WIFI, but it’s essential if you want a true authentic slow travel experience.
I simply remove social media apps from my phone when I travel and try to only use my phone for taking photos and navigation. It can be hard at the beginning if you are really addicted to technology but after a while it feels liberating.
If you must use tech, try doing it mindfully. Limit your screen time to mornings or evenings and stay present during the day.
How to Find Contentment in Slower Activities
There’s something deeply satisfying about doing less. Whether it’s reading a book by the pool or people-watching at a café, it’s a reminder that we don’t always have to be busy.
Slow travel gives you time to enjoy simple pleasures and things you don’t often have time for back home. Bring a book, a journal, or just take the time to sit and breathe. There are many mindfulness techniques you can use to stay present. I like to focus on my senses, what I’m seeing, smelling, hearing. It helps ground me in the moment instead of getting lost in my head.
Packing Tips for Slow Travel on short trips
Traveling light is key to a stress-free slow travel experience. Packing light means fewer decisions, less stuff to lug around, and more freedom to move at your own pace.
Opt for clothes that you can walk, lounge, and explore in all day without feeling restricted.
Pack items that can be dressed up or down. Simple, versatile dresses, a pair of black trousers, smart comfy shoes and accessories are my go-to. That way, I’m always ready for whatever comes my way.
How to Manage Expectations
One of the hardest parts of slow travel is letting go of FOMO.
It’s tempting to pack your schedule full, but try to resist! I’ve found that the less I try to squeeze in, the more I actually enjoy myself.
Embrace the Idea that you can always go back. If you miss something, that’s okay, you now have a reason to return.
Sometimes, skipping the top attractions allows for the opportunity to explore the lesser-known and often more rewarding spots.
How to Reflect on Your Experiences During the Trip
Reflection is a big part of slow travel, both during and after the trip.
I always bring a small journal with me. Writing down my thoughts helps me process what I’ve seen and experienced. Photos are great, too, I take a ton of them but they don’t replace the act of truly noticing my surroundings.
Slow travel has taught me to appreciate the small things, a kind act, a peaceful morning, a delicious meal. These moments are what make a trip unforgettable.
Instead of rushing back to your hotel or crashing after a long day, take a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect. What stood out? What surprised you? It’s a simple practice, but it deepens the experience.
How to Recharge and Find Balance on Your Short trip
There’s a sweet spot between exploring and relaxing. I try to alternate between the two, one day of sightseeing, followed by a chill day of lounging or reading by the beach.
One thing I’ve learned is to build in restful breaks, even between short activities. A half-hour break to just sit and have a coffee can recharge you more than you’d expect.
- Sustainability goes hand in hand with slow travel. It’s about being mindful of our impact on the places we visit.
- One simple way to be more sustainable is to reduce your carbon footprint. Choose public transportation, walk or bike, and avoid short flights if possible.
- Support local businesses whenever you can, whether it’s staying at a family-run guesthouse or shopping at a local market.
- Slow travel is about being conscious of waste, too. Bring reusable water bottles and bags to minimise use of plastics, and always leave places cleaner than you found them.
Lauryn
These are incredible tips! I often find myself overwhelmed with trying to accomplish any and everything a place has to offer when I travel. I will definitely use these practices for a better experience when traveling!
Ibtissam
Yep, we’ve all been there but once you embrace slow travel you’ll never want to rush a trip again 🙂
Sarah
Those are some great tips! Slow travel makes you enjoy a place so much better <3
Ibtissam
Thank you, and you’re 100% right!
Ginger
I’m a fan of slow travel and discovering a country and its culture by living in the moment without rushing. Being flexible is also a very good point, you never know what’s in store for you when you travel, and sometimes you meet people with whom you’ll spend some time and visit places you’d never have thought of visiting on your own.
Ibtissam
Totally!! some of my best memories involve meeting strangers on spontaneous trips when I didn’t have a plan and was up for any adventure! 🙂
Olga
Since the kids arrived, I’ve found that I really miss the art of slow travel. I’m an introvert, and I love slow walks and coffee breaks. I totally believe that slow travel makes vacations more enjoyable and memorable. Thanks for the awesome article!
Ibtissam
I hear you! It gets better as they grow 🙂 but there are many ways you could include them and introduce them to slow travel and slow living as a way of life. Maybe an idea for my next article 🙂