The art of slowing down

Slow travel is a concept that goes beyond simply getting from A to B. Embracing its ways not only benefits our busy minds but the places we travel to as well, writes Holly Tuppen

As technology fuels greater levels of efficiency, life is speeding up. We pack more in than humans have ever done before, albeit often with less physical effort. And while the pandemic provided a fire-break, changing our mindsets in the process, things are accelerating again. Slow travel offers a break from this; one that is good for our mental health and benefits local communities and the environment. It also comes in many guises.

Just as slow food celebrates the growing, buying and preparing of food as much as the meal itself, slow travel celebrates the journey and the intricacies of a destination. It looks beneath the brochure sales pitch to discover the soul of a place by taking lesser-known paths leading to unexpected experiences. This might involve taking a slower means of travel, such as ditching flights for trains or pulling on walking boots; seeking smaller-scale local experiences; heading to under-touristed destinations or simply staying put in one place for longer. It’s about doing less but going deeper, and it has many benefits. Slow travel can help to combat overtourism, lower our environmental footprint and funnel money to local people. It’s also often more affordable, creating a win-win scenario.