How To Become A Slow Traveller And Skyrocket Your Experiences

Today we’re going to explore the art of slow travel and how it can enhance your nomadic travel experience. If there was one thing I wish we would have been better at, it would be to have adopted the slow traveller mindset earlier.

Traveling slow starts with a mindset that will alter how you plan trips, interact with locals, and ultimately, results in a cultural immersion that is far more meaningful.

What we do: One way we like to slow down is to look for home-stays instead of traditional accommodations. We recently did this in Nicaragua and the experience and food was amazing!

The Benefits of Slow Travel

Slow travel is a style of travel that emphasizes a deeper and more immersive experience in a destination. Here are some benefits of slow travel:

• More meaningful experiences: Slow travel allows for more time to explore and connect with a destination, resulting in more memorable and authentic experiences.
• Lower costs: Slow travel can be more cost-effective than rushing from place to place, as it allows for longer stays and the opportunity to cook your meals or take advantage of local deals.
• Reduced environmental impact: By spending more time in a destination, slow travel reduces your environmental impact by minimizing the need for transportation and reducing waste.

By embracing slow travel, you can enhance your travel experience while also being more mindful and responsible. Best of all, you can make your travel budget last longer.

Choosing destinations and planning itineraries is an important aspect of slow travel. Here are some considerations when planning a trip:

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Rather than trying to visit as many destinations as possible, focus on a few select places and stay longer in each to fully experience them.
• Consider the season: Research the weather and tourism seasons of your destination to ensure that you can make the most of your time there. The shoulder seasons are our favorite times for tourist attractions or cities.
• Plan for downtime: Leave ample time for relaxation and give yourself time to process your experiences. One of our favorite downtime things to do is people watching at a busy corner cafe.
• Be flexible: Allow for some flexibility in your itinerary to take advantage of an opportunity that presents itself or to adjust your plans based on how things are going.

By being thoughtful and intentional in your destination and itinerary planning, you can make the most of your slow travel experience.

Integrating into local communities is one of the best ways to become a slow traveller. Here are some tips for getting your foot in the door with the locals:

• Stay in residential neighborhoods: Rather than staying in tourist areas, consider staying in residential neighborhoods to get a better sense of local life. Try AirBnB, Trusted Housesitter, or Boondockers Welcome.
• Live like a local: Participate in local events and activities, such as festivals or classes, to meet locals and learn about the culture. City or beach cleanups are a great way to meet locals and make a lasting difference.
• Learn the language: Learn some basic phrases in the local language to communicate with locals and show respect for their culture. Better yet take a language class.
• Volunteer or work: Consider volunteering or working in a local business or organization to gain a deeper understanding of the community. Local farmers markets are a great place to start as they are always looking for an extra hand.

All of these will help you to create lasting connections and more meaningful experiences than just the classic “tourist” visit that most people get.

Embracing cultural immersion and local experiences is a hallmark of slow travel. Here are some ways to break through the tourism wall and gain real experiences:

• Try local cuisine: Skip the hamburger and step outside your comfort level to sample local cuisine. Talk to locals and ask them what their favorite foods are.
• Visit museums and cultural sites: Having an understanding of the history and culture is a great way to have a meaningful conversation with a local. They will appreciate you taking the time to understand their way of life.
• Participate in cultural activities: Keep an eye out for local celebrations or cultural activities that will often be off the tourist radar.
• Take public transportation: Use public transportation, such as buses or trains, to see the city like a local and experience daily life. We love public transit and there’s no better way to find those hidden gems as a slow traveller.

By embracing cultural immersion and local experiences, you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of your destination and create meaningful memories.

Final Thoughts On Becoming A Slow Traveller

Our journey of being more mindful as a slow traveller has benefited us in countless ways. Breaking through the tourist wall as we like to call it opens up all sorts of new and more meaningful experiences while traveling.

Mastering the art of slow travel is an essential aspect of the nomadic travel lifestyle and perhaps one of the most important as the benefits are far reaching.

By following these principles we discussed you’ll be taking your first step in slow travel and making your next trip that much more special.

Hello! My name is August, and I’m a devoted traveler and travel blogger living full-time on the road. I made the decision to leave my 9-to-5 job and pursue a nomadic lifestyle, and it’s been an incredible journey. My passion for experiencing new cultures is what drives me, and I aim to motivate others to embark on their own adventures through my stories, photos, and advice. When I’m not discovering the wonders of the world, I indulge in skiing, mountain biking, and savoring the unique flavors of different places.