Slow life & Slow Travel - New trends
Slow travel is apparently the new trend of 2025. We have heard this term several times. But what is it concretely?
Slow travel, or in literal translation: "slow travel", is a travel philosophy that prioritizes the quality of the experience over the quantity of destinations visited. The idea is to take the time to immerse oneself in a culture, to better understand the places visited and to reduce the ecological footprint of the journey.
The key principles of slow travel
Taking time: Instead of rushing from one tourist site to another, slow travel encourages staying longer in the same destination to discover it better.
Traveling in an eco-responsible way: Prioritizing gentler modes of transport, such as train, bus, or bicycle, to reduce one's environmental impact.
Living like a local: Favoring local accommodation (guest houses, small inns, homestays) and participating in local activities.
Creating authentic connections: Interacting with locals, tasting local cuisine, participating in traditions or cultural events.
Reducing travel stress: Slow travel invites traveling at a more relaxed pace, without overloading yourself with tight schedules.
Why adopt slow travel?
Less stress: You fully enjoy the present moment without having to rush.
Cultural immersion: You discover a place in depth, beyond the tourist clichés.
Reduced ecological impact: By limiting air travel wherever possible and choosing greener modes of transport.
A more enriching experience: The encounters, the discovery of local life, and the reflection are often more memorable than photos in front of monuments, don't you think?
Examples of slow travel
A prolonged stay in a small village: Taking the time to meet its inhabitants, visit local markets, and explore the surroundings on foot or by bicycle.
A road trip by train or van: Traveling peacefully from one region to another, with stops to discover lesser-known places.
Participance in a local workshop: Learning to cook traditional dishes, trying a craft, or participating in a harvest.
Immersive hiking: Going on a trek or on little-frequented paths, such as the Camino de Santiago.
Who is slow travel for?
Travelers who want to slow down the pace of travel and fully enjoy their stays.
Those who wish to travel in a more sustainable and conscious way.
The curious who like to go beyond traditional tourist attractions.
It is a beautiful way to transform each trip into a personal and authentic experience, far from the hustle and bustle of classic tourist circuits.
On my side, I particularly relate to this aspect of slow travel during my great trip of 2023. I went to explore Asia and Oceania for 10 months. During this period, I visited: Turkey, Nepal, Vietnam, Bali and its islands, then the West Coast of Australia. Which ultimately does not make many countries for the duration of the trip. I precisely wanted to fully enjoy each land and thus experience living there like a local!
For me, that is what travel is! And you, what do you think? 😊
