“Wherever you are, be there.”- Jim Elliott

Feeling stressed, burned out, or in need of some serious pampering? As you plan your next vacation, consider embracing the Art of Slow Travel.

What is Slow Travel?

In today’s fast-paced world, luxury travel is evolving. While most travelers aim to pack their itineraries to get the most out of their vacation dollars, true value lies in taking your time. Real luxury now means slowing down, immersing yourself in a destination, and savoring every nuance. This is what makes slow travel different. 

At its core, slow travel is about connection and living in the moment. It means spending more time in one location, diving deep into its culture, history, and environment. Imagine sitting at a local café, chatting with residents, strolling through streets without an agenda, and truly becoming part of the destination. As Pulitzer-winning journalist Paul Salopek puts it, “There’s been no other way but ‘slow travel’ for 99% of our history. In today’s world, to premise anything on going slowly is revolutionary.”

The Benefits of Slow Travel

• Deeper Connections: Spending more time in one place allows for meaningful interactions with locals and a deeper understanding of their way of life.

• Mindful Exploration: Explore beyond famous landmarks. Find joy in local inspirations and wander off the beaten tourist path.

• Sustainability: Slowing down can lead to better environmental choices, like using local transport and supporting family-run establishments.

• Relaxation and Well-being: Without the stress of constantly moving, there’s more time to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. Research even supports this; a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in late 2022 found that mindful meditation was as effective as a drug used to treat anxiety.

Slow Travel Ideas to Inspire You

Rovos Rail – Trail of Two Oceans, Africa

Main highlights: This journey from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean offers highlights like Chishimba Falls, Dar es Salaam, the Kolwezi copper mine, the Rift Valley, and game drives in South Luangwa. 

Tips for taking it slow: Take it slow with extended stays, onboard spa treatments, and long, leisurely meals as the scenery unfolds outside your window. 

Who it’s for: Ideal for history enthusiasts, railway aficionados, and those seeking an elegant journey across Africa, the Rovos Rail offers vintage charm and panoramic landscapes that take you back in time.

Why we love it: You’ll cut right across Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean (or vice versa). A journey that transcends borders, the Rovos Rail is about the magic of train travel. The rhythmic clatter of wheels, panoramic landscapes, and vintage charm make it a journey that takes you back in time.

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection Costa Rica

Main highlights: Locate adjacent to one of the Earth’s five Blue Zones, it is an escape for those seeking total well-being.  It’s partnership with The Well, a leading New York City-based wellness provider, presents a balanced blend of sustainably minded culinary experiences, meditative escape and heart-pounding adventure. Nestled in the lush mountains of Pérez Zeledón, the resort offers personalized itineraries that include all meals, adventure and wellness programming, and ground transfers.

Tips for taking it slow: Take it slow with a Wellness Journey at THE WELL to rest, rewind and recharge.  Take that new energy to horseback through the lush jungle, climb into the tree canopy offering magnificent views or hike to stunning waterfalls.

Who it’s for: Ideal for both active travelers and those who are seeing solace and refuge from the daily grind.

Why we love it: It is like staying at an expansive estate of a friend.  From the grounds, staff and General Manager, you are welcomed with a truly warm embrace.  With included weekly adventure and wellness programing and all meals and non-alcoholic beverages included you only need to focus on the moment.

Dolomite Mountains, Italy

Main highlights: The Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy offers some of the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.  The Mountains’ vertical walls and long narrow valleys provide an unparalleled location for hiking, biking, climbing and skiing.  Stay in a hotel, B&B, or mountain inn to experience the local vibe of its inviting people, delicious food and fantastic wines.

Tips for taking it slow: Take it slow as chair lifts and gondolas, which whisk skiers up the mountain in winter, transform into a dreamlike escape in the summer and fall. They offer effortless access to the alpine world, a realm usually reserved for the fittest adventurers.

Who it’s for: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with forests, meadows and waterfalls, historians and cultural tourists with its rich history, and photographers with its backdrops of natural landscapes.

Why we love it: The Dolomite Mountains are universally considered “the most beautiful mountains on Earth”.  What better place to slow down and reconnect.

Ready to Embrace Slow Travel?

Is slow travel the pace you're searching for? Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to book your slow travel adventure today.