The Joy of Slow Travel: How to Make Travel Less Rushed and More Enjoyable
We live in an era that adores speed and efficiency. From high-speed trains to instant online bookings, it often feels like travel revolves around achieving maximum distance in minimal time. We’ve all been guilty of it—cramming six European capitals into a single whirlwind trip, or packing our itineraries with so many tours that we barely pause to savor a good cup of coffee. Yet, in the midst of all this rapid movement, a quiet revolution has been growing: slow travel.
Slow travel isn’t about laziness or sightseeing “less”—it’s about traveling deliberately. It encourages immersing yourself in the details: the sounds of a neighborhood waking up in the morning, the taste of a home-cooked meal that took hours to prepare, and the subtle changes in the light over a cityscape you’ve grown to love over days or weeks, not just hours. After spending years collecting passport stamps and rushing through bucket-list locations, we finally gave ourselves permission to slow down. And what we found was a richer, more connected travel experience—one that lingers long after we’ve flown home.
In this long-form post, we’ll explore the art and joy of slow travel. We’ll share how focusing on fewer destinations can lead to deeper relationships with local communities, why extending your stay in a single spot might help you feel more like a resident, and how prioritizing experiences over attractions can completely shift your perspective. We’ll also reflect on how Oneworld flight partners like American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines can serve as gateways to these slower journeys, especially when you leverage points, miles, and savvy planning. Whether you’re an experienced globetrotter or just beginning to scratch your wanderlust itch, we invite you to join us on this path of more meaningful exploration—one unhurried moment at a time.
Below is a roadmap of everything we’ll cover in this post. Dive straight in, or skim the headings to find the topics you’re most curious about.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why We Chose The Slow Lane
Fewer Destinations, Deeper Connections
Extending Your Stay: Settling Into A Place
Experiences Over Attractions: Creating Timeless Memories
Traveling Like A Local: Authentic Immersion
Embracing Downtime: The Value Of Doing “Less”
Planning Slow Travel With Oneworld Partners
Comfort Essentials For Slow Travel
Packing Mindfully
Choosing Quality Over Quantity
Recommended Travel Gear From Our Amazon Storefront
Real-World Inspirations: Examples Of Slow Travel Journeys
A Month In Kyoto: Embracing Japanese Tranquility
Lisbon As A Temporary Home: Living Like A Local In Portugal
Volunteering Abroad: A Different Kind Of Connection
Embracing The “Staycation”
Long Conclusion: The Beauty Of Traveling Slowly And Mindfully
Introduction: Why We Chose The Slow Lane
For years, we believed travel was about covering as much ground as possible. Armed with guidebooks and must-see lists, we would bounce from city to city—taking early-morning trains, late-night flights, and skipping meals just to squeeze in “one more thing.” We’d return home feeling exhausted, with memory cards full of photos but a foggy recollection of what each place actually felt like.
It took a moment of burnout—a trip so rushed we barely remembered the details—to question our approach. We realized that while speed can be thrilling, it often prevents real immersion. In our quest to see “everything,” we were genuinely seeing very little. We started reading about the concept of “slow travel,” a mindset that trades checklists for curiosity, rushing for reflection. The more we learned, the more it resonated: if travel was about broadening our worldview, forging new friendships, and experiencing life outside our routines, why were we doing it at breakneck pace?
Our transformation didn’t happen overnight. We still love efficiency and using loyalty programs—especially within the Oneworld alliance—to find flight deals and helpful connections. But once on the ground, we’ve learned to treat time as a resource that shouldn’t always be rushed through. Nowadays, a trip might be dedicated to discovering a city’s local neighborhoods, or renting an apartment for weeks in a single spot, or immersing ourselves in one country’s traditions rather than sampling half a dozen in a single go. The outcome? We end up with fewer postcards but infinitely richer experiences.
In essence, slow travel isn’t a set of rules. It’s a perspective shift: from counting passport stamps to valuing experiences that linger in your heart. As we’ve discovered, making that shift can turn even a short trip into something transformative.
Fewer Destinations, Deeper Connections
One of the quickest ways to practice slow travel is to reduce the number of destinations on each journey. It seems simple, but it can be surprisingly tough to follow through. After all, we’re bombarded with pictures of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the beaches of Santorini, making us feel like we have to see them all in one go.
The Allure of “Sampling” Too Many Places
The first time we traveled to Europe, we mapped out a route through six countries in ten days. Sound impossible? It nearly was. We spent more hours in transit—planes, trains, and buses—than we did in the actual places. We remember sprinting through museums, snapping a quick photo of a cathedral, and then hurrying on to the next city. By the end, we felt a chaotic blur of impressions rather than a steady accumulation of meaningful memories.
Letting Go of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
When you decide to focus on one or two destinations, you might initially feel pangs of FOMO. After all, you could see three more cities in the same timeframe, right? Perhaps. But you’ll rarely forge a deeper relationship with any of them. By slowing down, you’ll experience that intangible shift where a place transitions from “somewhere I visited” to “somewhere that taught me something.”
We recall a trip to Barcelona where we’d initially intended to hop over to Madrid, then onto Seville, all within one week. Instead, we decided to stay entirely in Barcelona. By day four, we were recognized by the baker at a local panadería. She started sharing recommendations for family-run tapas bars, places we’d never have discovered if we’d left after 48 hours. That sense of developing a local routine, of being welcomed into a city’s everyday life, is something we’d never achieved in our speedier travels.
The Gift of Time to Explore Hidden Corners
When you devote ample days to a single destination, you can wander off the typical tourist trails. Maybe that means discovering a tucked-away bookshop or stumbling upon a quiet park where locals gather after work. Perhaps it’s spending an entire day with an artisan learning about their craft or biking to a farmer’s market across town just because it’s there. These hidden corners and leisurely encounters often become the highlights we gush about afterward, overshadowing any regrets about skipping another city.
Extending Your Stay: Settling Into A Place
There’s a profound difference between passing through a city for a few days and actually settling there for a week, a month, or even longer. By extending your stay, you can gently slip into the local rhythm. Think morning coffee at the same café, casual strolls through markets where you start to recognize familiar faces, or evenings spent at neighborhood gatherings rather than touristy restaurants.
The Apartment vs. Hotel Dilemma
If your goal is to immerse yourself, renting a home or apartment can make all the difference. We recall a month we spent in Lisbon, specifically the Alfama district. Instead of booking a hotel in the heart of the tourist zone, we found a small, cozy apartment on a winding cobblestone street. Mornings started with a quick chat to neighbors as we grabbed fresh pastries (and tried out our rudimentary Portuguese). Over four weeks, the area began to feel like our own.
Hotels definitely have their perks: room service, housekeeping, and prime locations near major sites. But we find that a short-term rental offers something different—an authentic peek into everyday living. Plus, you usually get a kitchen, letting you cook local ingredients and experiment with recipes learned at a neighborhood cooking class.
Overcoming The Pressure To “Be Productive”
For many people, there’s an internalized pressure to “use each day well,” especially if travel time is limited. We get it—vacation days are precious. But ironically, we’ve discovered that dedicating a week or more to a single city results in a more relaxed itinerary. Instead of feeling like we must see everything by day three, we can spread out our explorations. If something unexpected happens—say, a market day is canceled because of weather, or a museum is closed for renovations—we can pivot our plans without panicking.
Building Temporary Routines
Human beings thrive on routine, even if we claim we love spontaneity. When you stay in one spot long enough, you develop small routines that ground you. Maybe you jog along a local river each morning, or frequent a produce stand where the vendor begins to recognize you. Far from being dull, these micro-routines can make a foreign place feel almost like home. They also leave room for whimsy, because you’re not constantly reorienting yourself in a new city.
After a few weeks in one location, you might notice:
The best times to grab coffee without a line.
Which grocery store is open late for last-minute errands.
Local celebrations or events that aren’t widely publicized.
These intimate details shape your experience, offering a sense of comfort and belonging that a quick stopover rarely provides.
Experiences Over Attractions: Creating Timeless Memories
“Been there, done that, got the T-shirt” is often the unspoken motto of rapid sightseeing. But slow travel asks: “What if we didn’t just snap a selfie in front of a landmark? What if we formed genuine memories rooted in participation, learning, and cultural exchange?”
The Power Of Hands-On Activities
Rather than piling up your schedule with every famous monument, choose experiences that engage your senses. That might be a cooking class in Tuscany, a calligraphy workshop in Kyoto, or an elephant sanctuary visit in Chiang Mai. These activities immerse you in local life, fostering conversations and personal growth that outlast the fleeting thrill of a quick photo-op.
We recall skipping a temple tour in Thailand to spend a day volunteering at an elephant rescue. Interacting with the gentle giants and hearing the keepers’ stories provided insight into local conservation issues. That single day did more to connect us with the region’s spirit than ticking off three more temples ever could.
Festivals And Community Events
If you can time your trip around a local festival, you’ll see a place in its most celebratory, authentic form. We once attended the famous Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, where locals float lotus-shaped baskets on waterways. The sense of wonder and community was palpable—we were not just spectators but participants. This intangible sense of belonging is precisely what slow travel aims to cultivate.
Nourishing The Senses Through Food
Food can be a window into a culture’s history and values. By taking a market tour or cooking class, you’ll learn the stories behind each dish. You’ll find out why certain spices are so revered, or how communal dining traditions reflect the country’s social fabric. And of course, sampling local cuisine at a relaxed pace—maybe over a multi-course dinner or a leisurely brunch—allows you to savor the nuances, not just fill your belly and move on.
Traveling Like A Local: Authentic Immersion
“Living like a local” has become a buzz phrase in travel, but it’s far more than just booking an Airbnb away from tourist zones. It requires a shift in daily habits, an openness to step out of your comfort zone, and a willingness to blend in rather than stand out.
Using Local Transportation
One of the best ways to acclimate is to use the same transportation locals do. If you’re in Amsterdam, rent a bike. In Tokyo, master the subway. In smaller towns, you might find shared tuk-tuks or daily bus routes more frequent than expected. This approach doesn’t only save money; it also slows you down to the pulse of everyday life. We once spent a week in Athens commuting via the public bus system, striking up impromptu conversations with friendly locals and discovering lesser-known neighborhoods.
Shopping At Neighborhood Markets
Chain supermarkets or convenience stores might be simpler, but local markets are brimming with fresh produce, homemade goods, and community interactions. We love picking up fruit, vegetables, and bread directly from the folks who grow or bake them. Not only is it usually more cost-effective, but it’s also a chance to practice a few words of the local language and support small businesses. Over time, you may even form casual friendships—your weekly fruit vendor might set aside the best peaches, knowing you’ll drop by!
Respecting Cultural Nuances
Immersion isn’t about stamping your way of life onto a new environment; it’s about harmonizing with the rhythms around you. This can mean learning basic greetings in the local tongue, understanding dress codes for temples or community events, and being mindful of local customs—like removing your shoes before entering certain spaces.
For instance, in places where midday siestas are the norm, forcing yourself to stay active might mean missing out on the cultural flow. Instead, aligning with local schedules—taking a slow afternoon break and then staying out later when the city reawakens—can give you a more authentic perspective.
Embracing Downtime: The Value Of Doing “Less”
In a world that equates productivity with worthiness, it can feel strange—almost indulgent—to intentionally do “less” on vacation. Yet downtime is a cornerstone of slow travel. It’s the breathing room that allows experiences to settle and your senses to recalibrate.
The Restorative Nature Of Free Afternoons
Imagine strolling through an Italian city, sampling gelato, and then spending the afternoon reading a novel under the shade of a tree in a local park. By leaving gaps in your schedule, you open yourself up to spontaneous moments. Maybe a street musician begins playing a violin concerto, or a friendly local dog wanders by, seeking a pat. These small delights become the texture of your trip—details you might miss if you’re racing from one attraction to another.
Observational Joy
We once sat for hours along the Kamo River in Kyoto, simply watching families picnic, young people play guitars, and couples chat as they strolled hand in hand. This unhurried observation offered insights into daily life that no guidebook could match. In these quiet pockets of time, you can pay attention to the swirl of local accents, the architecture that frames daily life, and the subtleties of a culture’s social fabric.
Overcoming Guilt
Strangely, many travelers feel guilty if they’re not constantly “doing something.” We once overheard a tourist say, “I can’t waste time; I spent a lot of money to be here!” But slow travel reframes “doing nothing” as a legitimate, even essential, part of immersing yourself. Because when you’re recharged, you’re more likely to engage deeply and positively with each new place you visit.
Planning Slow Travel With Points
It might seem contradictory to talk about “slow travel” and then mention airline alliances that pride themselves on global coverage. But the truth is, flying with partners like American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines can actually support a slow travel lifestyle when used strategically.
Maximizing Points And Miles For Extended Stays
If you’re aiming for a month in Lisbon or two weeks in Florence, you need flexible flight options. We often save up miles for an open-jaw or multi-city itinerary that allows us to arrive in one destination and depart from another, without necessarily hitting everything in between in a rush.
For example, we once booked flights into Tokyo’s Narita Airport but left Japan from Osaka’s Kansai Airport weeks later. This arrangement let us devote substantial time to Kyoto, Nara, and the surrounding regions without doubling back. Using airline miles also gives us the freedom to splurge on more comfortable seats for longer flights, giving us a head start on the relaxed vibe we want for our trip.
Embracing Stopovers
Some Oneworld carriers permit stopovers at connecting hubs—an excellent way to practice a mini version of slow travel. Instead of a quick layover, we might schedule a few days in Doha or London, exploring the city’s culture at a leisurely pace, then continuing to our final destination. These planned “pauses” often evolve into trip highlights.
Building A More Flexible Schedule
Flexible bookings and premium cabin seats can remove the stress of strict timetables. If you arrive well-rested, you’re less inclined to hurry from place to place to “make the most of each day.” You can also shift flight dates (within reason) if you fall in love with a location and want to extend your stay. For us, having that breathing room has facilitated deeper, more organic travel experiences.
Comfort Essentials For Slow Travel
Packing Mindfully
While slow travel emphasizes fewer destinations, it doesn’t necessarily mean less comfort. The key is to pack items that enhance a relaxed, long-stay mindset without bogging you down in bulk. We like to bring a few of our favorite home comforts—like a small travel diffuser and essential oils—to make a space our own if we’ll be there for a while. A well-packed first aid kit, a few beloved books or an e-reader, and comfortable walking shoes are also non-negotiable.
Slower travel often includes doing laundry along the way. Instead of dragging a giant suitcase, consider a smaller one with items you can wash. This approach not only lightens your load but also frees you to explore spontaneously. If you decide on an impromptu bus trip or a budget airline flight to a neighboring region, you won’t be held back by heavy baggage.
Choosing Quality Over Quantity
We’ve learned to invest in versatile, durable clothing that suits multiple climates. A classic example is merino wool layers—they’re breathable, odor-resistant, and adapt to temperature swings. This approach also aligns beautifully with the slow ethos: fewer, higher-quality items that last longer and add minimal stress to your travels.
Likewise, for electronics, consider bringing a reliable tablet or lightweight laptop if you’ll be working or journaling. And don’t forget a universal power adapter—if you’re extending your stay in a single spot, you’ll likely plug in your devices more often, so a multi-port charger can be a real lifesaver.
Recommended Travel Gear From Our Amazon Storefront
If you’re looking to elevate your slow travel experience with practical yet comforting items, we’ve compiled a curated list of our go-to gear in our Amazon Storefront. You’ll find suggestions for:
Lightweight Packing Cubes for organizing your essentials over extended stays.
Collapsible Water Bottles to stay hydrated while wandering city streets or countryside trails.
E-Readers loaded with your favorite novels or travel guides (nothing beats reading local literature in the very place it’s set!).
Portable Travel Diffusers and Essential Oils that can transform any rental apartment into a soothing retreat.
Compact Laundry Solutions like travel-sized detergent packets or clotheslines, perfect for those who want to wash and reuse outfits on the go.
We believe having the right gear—without going overboard—can reduce daily hassles and let you focus on the beauty of the moment.
Real-World Inspirations: Examples Of Slow Travel Journeys
A Month In Kyoto: Embracing Japanese Tranquility
Earlier, we mentioned sitting by the Kamo River for hours, but that was just one slice of our extended stay in Kyoto. Over a month, we rented a tatami-floored apartment in a lesser-known district, ventured out each morning to explore local teahouses, and sometimes spent entire afternoons in a single temple garden. By the end, we’d learned basic Japanese greetings, built relationships with neighborhood shopkeepers, and experienced the city’s seasonal festivals—like the mesmerizing Gion Matsuri. Instead of visiting every “famous” site, we delved deeply into a handful, returning multiple times to watch how the light changed throughout the day.
Lisbon As A Temporary Home: Living Like A Local In Portugal
Lisbon’s Alfama district has a labyrinth of narrow streets, old trams rumbling by, and hillside lookouts with panoramic views of the Tagus River. Renting an apartment there for four weeks gave us the chance to befriend local bakers, indulge in pastéis de nata daily, and catch spontaneous fado performances in tiny neighborhood taverns. We discovered lesser-known vantage points, explored neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist route—like Graça and Mouraria—and even had neighbors invite us to a family gathering, where we learned about Portuguese culinary traditions firsthand.
Volunteering Abroad: A Different Kind Of Connection
One of the most fulfilling slow travel experiences is volunteering for a cause close to your heart. Whether it’s an ecological project, community development initiative, or animal rescue mission, giving your time allows you to see a different side of a place. We once spent two weeks in Costa Rica helping with sea turtle conservation. Each night, we took turns patrolling the beach, ensuring hatchlings reached the ocean safely. Days were spent cleaning up the shoreline and working with local communities on sustainability projects. The friendships we formed—and the sense of purpose we felt—remains one of our richest travel memories.
Embracing The “Staycation”
Not all slow travel requires crossing borders. Sometimes, slow travel can mean rediscovering your hometown or a nearby region. Pick a neighborhood you rarely visit, stay in a local guesthouse, and pretend you’re an out-of-towner. Visit the museums you’ve overlooked, dine at under-the-radar spots, and attend local theater or music events. You might be surprised by how much there is to see in your own backyard when you approach it with a traveler’s curiosity.
Conclusion: The Beauty Of Traveling Slowly And Mindfully
Slow travel offers a refuge from the frenetic pace that can define modern life. It’s more than just an approach to seeing the world—it’s a philosophy that invites you to be present, to form deeper connections, and to acknowledge that rushing from place to place doesn’t necessarily add value to your life or your travels.
When you choose quality over quantity, a single region or city can unfold like a beloved novel, each day revealing new layers and complexities. You’ll meet people who share their stories over cups of tea or show you the local spots that tourists rarely find. You’ll relish leisurely afternoons spent in parks, reading a book or observing the flow of daily life. You might even pick up enough language to have meaningful conversations—leading to unforgettable moments of cultural exchange.
By slowing down, you give yourself space to absorb what a place wants to teach you—its history, its traditions, its subtleties. You also give yourself time to reflect, to rest, and to remember that travel is not a series of boxes to check but a personal journey that shapes who you are. It’s the difference between scanning a guidebook for “Top 10 Must-Sees” and letting your own experiences shape what’s truly meaningful.
