If there’s one takeaway from recent trends, it’s that we are all craving simplicity. We’ve seen this with skinimalism (one of our personal favorites), capsule wardrobes, quiet luxury, “no makeup” looks, and now, slow travel.
“Slow travel” is a preference for more intentional, unhurried experiences over fast-paced, fleeting ones. It’s the act of deeply immersing yourself in your surroundings and experiencing it from the viewpoint of a local instead of a tourist. It’s being thoughtful about your destination and deliberate about the activities that fill your itinerary. It’s prioritizing a more sustainable, mindful journey. Long story short — it’s all music to our ears.
As a brand founded on simple yet affordable luxury, this “less is more” approach to travel is everything our hearts desire. So from one minimalist to another, keep scrolling for our best tips for embracing slow travel.
Stay longer in one spot
When you’re spending money to travel somewhere new, it’s only natural to want to make the most of your trip. But instead of jumping from city to city or country to country, stick to 1 or 2 stops during the duration of your stay. This will allow you to slow down and fully experience each place.
Travel during the off-season
There will always be certain calendar dates that are more popular for any given destination. This can be dependent on seasonal happenings, holiday festivities, weather, the list goes on. Of course, going at peak times is sometimes unavoidable or even preferred, but should you opt for the off-season, you’ll be able to experience the location at a slower pace and with fewer crowds and lines.
READ MORE: The Essential Travel Packing Checklist for the Organized Minimalist
Research so you can experience the place like a local
Allow yourself room in your itinerary to roam. Often, the road less traveled by tourists delivers the cultural magic you’ll remember forever. Try underrated coffee shops that haven’t gone viral on TikTok, those quaint restaurants in the cobblestone alleyways with only a handful of tables, the underground art fairs with few people inside. These make for the best memories.
Stay at boutique hotels or Airbnbs
Not only are expansive resorts and all-inclusives ultra-busy, but they can even restrict you from experiencing the true beauty and culture of its surrounding area. Consider smaller accommodations like a boutique hotel or cozy Airbnb. If you have a kitchen, take it a step further, if you wish, by cooking meals at home with foods sourced from local farms or markets.
Beat jet lag with an easier first day
Even if your timezone isn’t changing, travel days are tiresome. Keep day 1 simple to make room for unpacking, rest, and delicious food before an early bedtime. This will set you up for a healthy, exhaustion-free vacation to come.
Embrace spontaneity
Resist the urge to squeeze everything into your itinerary. Choose a few “must-dos” for your trip and go with the flow the rest of the time. If you schedule too many tours and museum visits, you not only risk missing hidden gems, but you’ll also be rushed to check things off your list instead of experiencing every moment.
Move at the pace of the locals
In the spirit of embracing life like a local, opt for public transportation like trains and buses or even walking. This is more sustainable than individual car services, which we love, and it’s often the easiest, most cost-effective means of getting wherever you’re headed anyway.
READ MORE: How to Pack Like a Minimalist for a Fuss-Free Getaway
