Slow tourism: what is it and how can you get involved?
Share
Many people have experienced arriving home from a holiday exhausted and feel like they need another holiday. This could be because they travelled too quickly and did not slow down and enjoy the experience fully.
Slow tourism is exactly that: embracing the slower side of life and travelling more consciously and sustainably. One of the core principles involved rejecting conventional travel such as aeroplanes and opting for more immersive transport, such as local buses or slow trains.
If you are unsure whether slow travel is for you, here are some of the main benefits that might persuade you to give it a try.
More authentic experience
Rushed trips or those spent in the confines of a resort are great for those who solely want to relax, but many travellers want to experience a deeper connection with the country they are visiting.
By practising slow tourism, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with people you meet. To gain an even more authentic experience, take time away from the main tourist attractions and go to smaller, less popular sights. You may even be able to pick up some of the local language which will make communicating a bit easier. There are ways to have an authentic experience with more structured travels. Cruises that offer experiences tailored to your desires such as from P&O cruises are a good way to escape your normal life and live in the moment.
Stress-free
Fast-paced travel can be very stressful. You may find yourself constantly worrying about making your next connection or getting to the airport on time. By slowing down and going with the flow a bit more, you eliminate that stressful situation.
Slow tourism can be a great option for those who like being freer on holiday and being able to change plans at the drop of a hat. It could be that you discover something else you want to see whilst on a different excursion.
Personal growth
Holidays should be about recharging your batteries, either by relaxing and getting plenty of time to yourself or by adventuring and fuelling your adrenaline junkie needs.
Slow tourism can be a great way to focus on your well-being as you can choose exactly how you want to spend your time. Humans are social creatures so many people crave a human connection even when they are away.
By taking time to step outside your comfort zone and connect with people, you may discover something new about yourself. These new skills and facets of your personality can be put into practice when you arrive back home.
Being spontaneous is something that so many people try to achieve. Embracing the slow tourism way of thinking in your everyday life will help you to be more spontaneous and take each day as it comes.
