Slow travel, which emerged in the 2000s, has become increasingly popular, and is now being embraced by a growing number of travellers. This alternative vacation style advocates a slower pace of travel, more in tune with the places we visit and the people around us. The traveler slows down the pace, so as to soak up every moment of his or her vacation and come away richer for it. Let's discover slow tourism, and learn together how to travel more slowly and authentically.
What is slow travel?
Slow travel invites travelers to organize their trips and visits more slowly. The aim? To take our time, to reconnect with the world around us, whether human or natural. It's so good to take the time to meet local people and their culture! In this way, we can exchange ideas and discover local customs, festivals and food in a much more authentic way than in the big tourist chains. Theemotional impact is also greater for the traveler, who at the same time participates in a sustainable mode of consumption that benefits local populations.
By adopting this slower-paced form of travel, you'll get off the beaten track and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Forget about travel lists! With slow travel, we leave room for the unexpected, for surprising experiences that will leave you with magical memories.
Why slow travel?
For 1001 good reasons! Slow travel lets you experience your trip at a slow pace, in perfect harmony with the notions of rest and discovery.
Get some rest!
To begin with, slow travel means a relaxing trip. By not planning every minute of your stay, you can take your time and really rest. You can of course visit a few tourist spots, but then, do it thoroughly, fully immersing yourself in the local history and atmosphere. Then get off the beaten track and take the time to do each visit at your own pace: let go.
A more manageable vacation budget!
Travelling more slowly helps to keep costs down. Instead of planning your stay, leave on a whim, at the last minute, for a budget destination. Remember: you've decided to let go! When you're there, avoid the big cities and their exorbitant prices. Instead, opt for villages and homestays, and experience an enchanting journey to the heart of the local culture. You'll soon be seduced by the local charm!
Solidarity vacations = a boost for the local economy
As you make your discoveries, you'll experience an adventure of solidarity, actively participating in the local economy. Favoring family-run businesses means giving pride of place to the artisans who make their living from tourism, and turning your back on multinationals.
You create links with local people
This more sustainable, solidarity-based and equitable way of consuming creates a link between travelers and local populations, leaving everyone with beautiful memories. By getting closer to these authentic people, you'll also make some wonderful discoveries. Culture, local dishes and traditional dances will surely hold no secrets for you... and you clearly wouldn't have found this cultural richness in a big hotel!
How to practice slow travel?
Start by reviewing your modes of transport. Public transport is the way to go. Slower, they allow you to really take your time, while adopting an eco-responsible attitude.
Once you're there, don't move around. Instead, take the time to fully discover the place. In short, leave room forimprovisation. Treat yourself to surprises by planning... nothing at all! Every day, you take the time to wander around as you please, letting your steps carry you away from the beaten track. Don't hesitate to take long breaks, or even a day off. Above all, you're on vacation! You're not on a marathon of the most popular sights, you're there to relax.
In short, you're willing to leave room for spontaneity , surprises and enriching encounters. Your best vacation adventures will be the ones you experience on the spot, as you make discoveries with local people.
What means of transport should I use?
Slow travel praises slowness, preferring a zen-like lifestyle with a reduced carbon footprint. For example, you can take a boat or cycle along the Canal du Midi, near Toulouse, Carcassonne or Narbonne. Public transport is also favoured, preferably by land. For example, airplanes provide mass transportation, but trains are a slower, less polluting mode of travel. It allows you to travel at a leisurely pace, kick-starting a slow-travel vacation. If you really need your car, then take the back roads rather than the freeway... You'll start your vacation by taking the time to discover new places, at your own pace, far from the speed and traffic jams. Carpooling is another way to travel more slowly, while making new friends. Some travellers prefer to walk or cycle, even if the journey takes a long time.
The advantage of these solutions? Make the journey part of your vacation, taking the time to discover each stage. Taking your time on the road also gives you the chance to meet colorful personalities at every stop. An experience rich in diversity!
Slow travel: which accommodation to choose?
Slow travel gives you the opportunity to stay with local people, like on the TV show "J'irai dormir chez vous" with Antoine de Maximy. You can play the improvisation card, but specialized sites now offer the possibility of finding accommodation with local people in complete safety. In contact with the locals, you'll experience total immersion in the local culture. The language, habits and rhythm of life will guide your authentic overnight stays.
Two main methods are available:
- Couchsurfing: your host lets you sleep in their home for free.
- Wwoofing: your host exchanges one or more nights for a bit of volunteer work.
You can also choose to rent an apartment or studio, the key being to stay long enough to really get to know the place. In this way, you can avoid solitary overnight stays in one hotel after another, offering nothing but speed and impersonal accommodation. With wwoofing or couchsurfing, you don't always stay on site for long, but you do take the time to give of yourself and get to know people better. Exchanging with your hosts will also give you the opportunity to discover places that are often unknown to tourists.
Finally, you can also opt for a home exchange. As well as being economical, this method creates a real bond with a person who was previously a stranger to you. Better still, they'll be able to introduce you to their neighbors or local shopkeepers. Armed with the right addresses, you'll be able to participate in the local economy by buying from local businesses, and even cook local recipes yourself.
Do you still have questions? Discover the 10 good reasons to practice slow travel on your next vacation! Many destinations lend themselves particularly well to this type of travel, including Sweden, Thailand and Croatia. Forget the 100-per-hour vacation, take your time and really discover places and cultures. An emotionally rich experience you won't soon forget!
