Why do you need a Slow Travel Guide?
Once you have grasped what Slow Travel is, it is time to plan your first adventure. However, you might be a bit lost and don’t know where to start concretely. This Slow Travel guide brings all the needed answers and tips you might lack, allowing you to travel differently, driven by curiosity, sustainability, and the research of authentic experiences.
Each Slow Traveler has its habits and way of doing it, that’s for sure! However, if you are new to this playground, I believe helping you with the global Slow Travel guidelines will show you the “right” direction. So, let’s dive into how to Slow Travel in 2025.
Once you have grasped what Slow Travel is, it is time to plan your first adventure. However, you might be a bit lost and don’t know where to start concretely.
This Slow Travel guide brings all the needed answers and tips you might lack, allowing you to travel differently, driven by curiosity, sustainability, and the research of authentic experiences.
Each Slow Traveler has its habits and way of doing it, that’s for sure! However, if you are new to this playground, I believe helping you with the global Slow Travel guidelines will show you the “right” direction. So, let’s dive into how to Slow Travel in 2025.
The ultimate Slow Travel Guide
Switch on the Slow traveller Mindset
The very first thing you want to do before going deeper in this Slow Travel guide is to switch on your Slow Traveller Mindset. Take a big breath and say goodbye to this idea of favouring quantity over quality, rushing through your destinations, and over-booked travel planning.
Once you do that, you will catch sight of the Slow Travel universe. Within it, the key pillars are immersive and authentic travel experiences, curiosity, taking your time, and letting space for spontaneity and flexibility.
Here are a few travel tips before entering the real deal:
- Each destination is unique – be curious about what makes it different and dive into its history, traditions, local people’s lifestyle, and more.
- Eat, sleep, breathe, and live like a local – don’t try to impose your culture, but immerse in the local one.
- Stay longer in your destinations – Always put quality over quantity as one of your main slow travel mantras.
The very first thing you want to do before going deeper in this Slow Travel guide is to switch on your Slow Traveller Mindset. Take a big breath and say goodbye to this idea of favouring quantity over quality, rushing through your destinations, and over-booked travel planning.
Once you do that, you will catch sight of the Slow Travel universe. Within it, the key pillars are immersive and authentic travel experiences, curiosity, taking your time, and letting space for spontaneity and flexibility.
Here are a few travel tips before entering the real deal:
Each destination is unique – be curious about what makes it different and dive into its history, traditions, local people’s lifestyle, and more.
Eat, sleep, breathe, and live like a local – don’t try to impose your culture, but immerse in the local one.
Stay longer in your destinations – Always put quality over quantity as one of your main slow travel mantras.
Choose your Destination
Length of travel
Now that you’ve embraced the Slow Traveller mindset and its advantages, let’s dive into the reality on the ground. Start by figuring out how much time you have for your next adventure. Will it be a two-week escape, a month-long exploration, or an open-ended journey with no return date?
It is a crucial step as your time frame will shape your travel possibilities. Transportation is a key pillar of every Slow Traveller’s journey. If you only have 10 days, rushing to the other side of the world won’t align with the spirit of slow travel. In other words, if your time is limited, you cannot go everywhere slow travelling. Instead, focus on destinations closer to home to maximise your time.
Now that you’ve embraced the Slow Traveller mindset and its advantages, let’s dive into the reality on the ground. Start by figuring out how much time you have for your next adventure. Will it be a two-week escape, a month-long exploration, or an open-ended journey with no return date?
It is a crucial step as your time frame will shape your travel possibilities. Transportation is a key pillar of every Slow Traveller’s journey. If you only have 10 days, rushing to the other side of the world won’t align with the spirit of slow travel.
In other words, if your time is limited, you cannot go everywhere slow travelling. Instead, focus on destinations closer to home to maximise your time.
Destination
Where will you put this Slow Travel guide to good use? Start by narrowing it down to a continent, and let the rest flow naturally. Whether in Europe, Asia, or South America, the options are endless for you to choose from.
The goal is to focus on doing it the right way rather than plan everything day by day. But, if you really struggle about where to begin, keep reading. We’ll share some of the best destinations for Slow Travellers later on.
Where will you put this Slow Travel guide to good use? Start by narrowing it down to a continent, and let the rest flow naturally. Whether in Europe, Asia, or South America, the options are endless for you to choose from.
The goal is to focus on doing it the right way rather than plan everything day by day. But, if you really struggle about where to begin, keep reading. We’ll share some of the best destinations for Slow Travellers later on.
When to go
Timing can make or break your Slow Travel experience. If you can, plan your journey during the off-season. No, I’m not suggesting a beach holiday in the dead of winter, but months like May, June, or September are often just as magical as July and August, minus the crowds.
Travelling off-season not only means fewer tourists but also allows you to experience places more authentically. Plus, you’ll avoid the sky-high prices of peak travel periods. Choose your team!
Timing can make or break your Slow Travel experience. If you can, plan your journey during the off-season. No, I’m not suggesting a beach holiday in the dead of winter, but months like May, June, or September are often just as magical as July and August, minus the crowds.
Travelling off-season not only means fewer tourists but also allows you to experience places more authentically. Plus, you’ll avoid the sky-high prices of peak travel periods. Choose your team!
Packing - The Slow Traveller Way
Whether you like it or not, packing is essential, and there is no way you are avoiding it. Despite the appearance, this is not always the easiest task. Trust me, after years of slow travelling, I still struggled to create this part of the Slow Travel Guide.
Depending on your destination, many variables will impact what you want to put in your backpack. The length of your travel, the countries you visit, and the season you go are all factors to forecast rather than suffer. However, there are unchanged rules that everyone should respect to smoothen their adventure.
You will carry each gear, product, or tool on your shoulder. So, ensure the weight of your bundle is comfortable enough for you to carry it over a kilometre. Thus, consider the following tips:
- Pack Light (6-8 Days)
- 10-15 kilos is the maximum weight to come back home with a healthy back
- Versatility is Key
- Use what you Already Have
- Prioritise Functionality over Style
- Use sustainable backpack brands
Whether you like it or not, packing is essential, and there is no way you are avoiding it. Despite the appearance, this is not always the easiest task. Trust me, after years of slow travelling, I still struggled to create this part of the Slow Travel Guide.
Depending on your destination, many variables will impact what you want to put in your backpack. The length of your travel, the countries you visit, and the season you go are all factors to forecast rather than suffer.
However, there are unchanged rules that everyone should respect to smoothen their adventure.
You will carry each gear, product, or tool on your shoulder. So, ensure the weight of your bundle is comfortable enough for you to carry it over a kilometre. Thus, consider the following tips:
- Pack Light (6-8 Days)
- 10-15 kilos is the maximum weight
- Versatility is Key
- Use what you Already Have
- Prioritise Functionality over Style
- Use sustainable backpack brands
Transportation
It’s hard to call yourself a Slow Traveller—or even an aspiring one—and still rely exclusively on planes to reach your destinations. It makes no sense to take the plane and cross the planet if you don’t stay a few months there, at least to me.
The beauty of Slow Travel lies in flexibility and adaptability. It’s not about how far you go but how deeply you experience a place. Chances are, countless hidden gems are waiting to be uncovered right in your own country or just a short journey away. Isn’t it time to explore those first?
It’s hard to call yourself a Slow Traveller—or even an aspiring one—and still rely exclusively on planes to reach your destinations. It makes no sense to take the plane and cross the planet if you don’t stay a few months there, at least to me.
The beauty of Slow Travel lies in flexibility and adaptability. It’s not about how far you go but how deeply you experience a place. Chances are, countless hidden gems are waiting to be uncovered right in your own country or just a short journey away. Isn’t it time to explore those first?
Luckily, you don’t need a plane to travel. There are plenty of sustainable and enriching alternatives, each offering unique experiences.
From sailing to hitchhiking or cycling, these options help you slow down and truly connect with your surroundings. Dive into the Best Slow Travel Transportation Guide for a closer look and further details about available plane alternatives.
Then, once you have reached your desired destination, dive into local public transportation: buses, trains, taxis, or whatever. The goal is to get an immersive experience, and moving like a local is a great way to be a Slow Traveller.
Luckily, you don’t need a plane to travel. There are plenty of sustainable and enriching alternatives, each offering unique experiences. From sailing to hitchhiking or cycling, these options help you slow down and truly connect with your surroundings. Dive into the Best Slow Travel Transportation Guide for a closer look and further details about available plane alternatives.
Then, once you have reached your desired destination, dive into local public transportation: buses, trains, taxis, or whatever. The goal is to get an immersive experience, and moving like a local is a great way to be a Slow Traveller.
Accommodation
Depending on your travel style, bank account, and desire to immerse in a place, many accommodations exist where you could stay. According to the main guidelines of this Slow Travel Guide, the point is to seek places handled by locals and with a limited amount of rooms so you can fully connect with the people.
If you are more of a savvy backpacker, there are many options for you to find your shelter without spending a coin through the following options.
- Exchange your workforce in volunteering through Workaway, Worldpackers, or HelpX (my favourite).
- Take care of someone else’s house, pets, and plants while he is on holiday with Housecarers or Trustedhousesitters.
- Sleep on a stranger’s couch using Couchsurfing, Bewelcome, or TrustRoots. It might sound crazy, but once you use it, you can make great memories and new friends.
Then, if you are willing to spend money on accommodation (which might be necessary at some point) and decide to stay in a private room, hostel, or hotel, my website of choice is Airbnb to meet locals, properly rest, or long stay (1 month +), and HostelWorld or Booking for the rest.
Depending on your travel style, bank account, and desire to immerse in a place, many accommodations exist where you could stay. According to the main guidelines of this Slow Travel Guide, the point is to seek places handled by locals and with a limited amount of rooms so you can fully connect with the people.
If you are more of a savvy backpacker, there are many options for you to find your shelter without spending a coin through the following options.
Exchange your workforce in volunteering through Workaway, Worldpackers, or HelpX (my favourite).
Take care of someone else’s house, pets, and plants while he is on holiday with Housecarers or Trustedhousesitters.
Sleep on a stranger’s couch using Couchsurfing, Bewelcome, or TrustRoots.
It might sound crazy, but once you use it, you can make great memories and new friends.
Then, if you are willing to spend money on accommodation (which might be necessary at some point) and decide to stay in a private room, hostel, or hotel, my website of choice is Airbnb to meet locals, properly rest, or long stay (1 month +), and HostelWorld or Booking for the rest.
Activities
It is crucial to talk about activities in this Slow Travel Guide. When choosing activities on your journey, pause and ask yourself two essential questions: Will my money primarily support someone outside the local community? Could this activity harm an ecosystem? If one of these answers is yes, you are probably out of the Slow traveller vision.
One of the main mantras of Slow Travel is to try everything we can to foster the local economy, meaning spending with the desire to benefit the local businesses and population first. Activities are one of the fields where local knowledge is crucial to ensure long-term conservation. So, don’t mess up!
It is crucial to talk about activities in this Slow Travel Guide. When choosing activities on your journey, pause and ask yourself two essential questions: Will my money primarily support someone outside the local community? Could this activity harm an ecosystem? If one of these answers is yes, you are probably out of the Slow traveller vision.
One of the main mantras of Slow Travel is to try everything we can to foster the local economy, meaning spending with the desire to benefit the local businesses and population first. Activities are one of the fields where local knowledge is crucial to ensure long-term conservation. So, don’t mess up!
Food
Finally, we get to my favourite point. What about the food, aka how to eat like a Slow Traveller? There are two scenarios in this Slow Travel Guide.
First, you are completely free, and my advice will be to try as much local food as your diet, wallet, and tummy can handle. Wherever you are, cuisine plays a huge role in local culture, and there is absolutely no world where I don’t tell you to visit the local markets.
These places are full of insights about how people live, eat, and drink. Plus, this is often a great way to save some money.
Secondly, you are volunteering, and your host provides food. Well, don’t think much about it. No one says no to free meals. If you need any tips to get local food for a low price, I can only recommend using TooGoodToGo. They aim to limit food waste by giving you surprise packs for discount prices at the end of the day.
Finally, we get to my favourite point. What about the food, aka how to eat like a Slow Traveller? There are two scenarios in this Slow Travel Guide.
First, you are completely free, and my advice will be to try as much local food as your diet, wallet, and tummy can handle. Wherever you are, cuisine plays a huge role in local culture, and there is absolutely no world where I don’t tell you to visit the local markets.
These places are full of insights about how people live, eat, and drink. Plus, this is often a great way to save some money.
Secondly, you are volunteering, and your host provides food. Well, don’t think much about it. No one says no to free meals. If you need any tips to get local food for a low price, I can only recommend using TooGoodToGo. They aim to limit food waste by giving you surprise packs for discount prices at the end of the day.
Ultimate Slow Travel Experiences
Slow Travel dream: Sail the World
The dream of every Slow Traveller: sailing the world, guided by the winds and the expertise of your crew. Sailing is the climax of Slow Travel, where the journey is as worthy as the destination. This unique form of transportation offers an unparalleled travel experience, merging adventure, connection, and sustainability. With its low environmental impact, sailing is an option of this Slow Travel Guide you should consider.
To set sail, you first need a crew. Depending on your style of travel, you can choose between a spontaneous approach or a more structured plan. The first consists of wandering at the marina and asking everyone to join their boat or if they know someone going to your destination.
For the other options (which I advise), many sites exist like FindaCrew, Crewseekers, Oceancrewlink, or Labourseauxequipiers. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a novice willing to learn, these platforms can help you find the perfect match for your seafaring aspirations.
Have you ever heard the saying, “The journey is just as important as the destination”? It’s not just a cliché, it’s a way of life and one of the most important Slow Traveller’s mantras.
Fast travel robs you of the rich cultural shifts, changing landscapes, and subtle traditions that unfold when slowly moving between places. Essentially, you miss many opportunities to travel by rushing from point A to point B.
Choosing slow travel transportation transforms every mile into an adventure. Instead of just teleporting yourself, you immerse in the journey, embracing spontaneity and flexibility. These slower modes of transport often lead to serendipitous moments and unexpected experiences, the kind you couldn’t plan even if you tried.
"I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea."
- Alaine Gerbault
So, if this incredible adventure seems tempting, dive into the guide How to Sail the World to get precious insights, tips, and testimonies about my personal and other travellers’ stories. Taking to the sea might seem impressive, but I wonder if there is a better way to understand freedom.
So, if this incredible adventure seems tempting, dive into the guide How to Sail the World to get precious insights, tips, and testimonies about my personal and other travellers’ stories.
Taking to the sea might seem impressive, but I wonder if there is a better way to understand freedom.
A classic: Walk the best Trails
I call it a classic, but many people have forgotten the beauty of walking. Nothing is simpler than putting one foot in front of the other. Bonus points? It will probably cost you nothing except some muscle sores while being sustainable.
There are plenty of tracks in the world to be discovered. Some are the best walking trails worldwide or simply lesser-known paths leading to great adventures. Whether on the high Alps mountains, the infinite Mongolian prairies, or the Mexican coastline, there is one to fit your taste.
Pro tips: Pack a lightweight tent and, if possible, plan your trip during the ideal season. By doing so, you offer yourself memorable shows, sleeping beneath the stars with nature all around as your loyal companion. The best way to disconnect?
I call it a classic, but many people have forgotten the beauty of walking. Nothing is simpler than putting one foot in front of the other. Bonus points? It will probably cost you nothing except some muscle sores while being sustainable.
There are plenty of tracks in the world to be discovered. Some are the best walking trails worldwide or simply lesser-known paths leading to great adventures. Whether on the high Alps mountains, the infinite Mongolian prairies, or the Mexican coastline, there is one to fit your taste.
Pro tips: Pack a lightweight tent and, if possible, plan your trip during the ideal season. By doing so, you offer yourself memorable shows, sleeping beneath the stars with nature all around as your loyal companion. The best way to disconnect?
Hitchhike - How to meet locals
Looking to meet locals and uncover exclusive recommendations? Don’t hesitate! Stick out your thumb and give hitchhiking a shot! It might just be all you need, though adding your destination on a piece of cardboard can be a game-changer.
Having hitchhiked across various European countries, Mexico, and Morocco, and even covered 2,500 kilometres from France to Spain, I’ve learned a thing or two about this unique way of travelling. Let me share the truth with you.
The keyword here is uncertainty. Sometimes, you’ll find a ride in 10 minutes; other times, you might wait hours. It all depends on the right person passing by at the right moment. But one thing is certain: every person who gave me a lift was incredible.
Hitchhiking is hands down one of the best ways to travel on a budget, connect with locals, and embrace the spontaneity of this Slow Travel guide.Worried about safety? Completely valid! The fear of the unknown is natural.
Start by diving into the Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide for tips to minimise risks while staying cautious yet open to adventure. Trust me, it’s worth it, and now you can’t say you didn’t know better!
Looking to meet locals and uncover exclusive recommendations? Don’t hesitate! Stick out your thumb and give hitchhiking a shot! It might just be all you need, though adding your destination on a piece of cardboard can be a game-changer.
Having hitchhiked across various European countries, Mexico, and Morocco, and even covered 2,500 kilometres from France to Spain, I’ve learned a thing or two about this unique way of travelling. Let me share the truth with you.
The keyword here is uncertainty. Sometimes, you’ll find a ride in 10 minutes; other times, you might wait hours. It all depends on the right person passing by at the right moment. But one thing is certain: every person who gave me a lift was incredible.
Hitchhiking is hands down one of the best ways to travel on a budget, connect with locals, and embrace the spontaneity of this Slow Travel guide.Worried about safety? Completely valid! The fear of the unknown is natural.
Start by diving into the Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide for tips to minimise risks while staying cautious yet open to adventure. Trust me, it’s worth it, and now you can’t say you didn’t know better!
Explore by train and bus
In this Slow Travel guide, one of the most accessible and less intimidating options remains travelling by train or bus. Take Europe, for example, displaying an impressive rail network, making almost any destination easily reachable. On other continents, the journey might take longer or be more challenging, but it’s feasible.
Travelling by bus or train offers a unique glimpse into local life. You’ll watch the landscape shift at a human pace, creating a truly immersive experience, especially if you opt for local transport providers. Asia, for instance, is renowned for its comfortable night buses, contrasting with the European options.
Of course, I understand it might sometimes be pricier or harder to find information about local transportation services. That’s why, I recommend exploring this article on the best discounts and tips for local bus or train companies. You will surely find a hidden gem!
In this Slow Travel guide, one of the most accessible and less intimidating options remains travelling by train or bus. Take Europe, for example, displaying an impressive rail network, making almost any destination easily reachable. On other continents, the journey might take longer or be more challenging, but it’s feasible.
Travelling by bus or train offers a unique glimpse into local life. You’ll watch the landscape shift at a human pace, creating a truly immersive experience, especially if you opt for local transport providers. Asia, for instance, is renowned for its comfortable night buses, contrasting with the European options.
Of course, I understand it might sometimes be pricier or harder to find information about local transportation services. That’s why, I recommend exploring this article on the best discounts and tips for local bus or train companies. You will surely find a hidden gem!
Bicycle - Ride the world on two wheels
Coming soon, adventure in the making! Stay Curious 🙂
Coming soon, adventure in the making! Stay Curious 🙂
Try the Van Life experience
Coming soon, adventure in the making! Stay Curious 🙂
Coming soon, adventure in the making! Stay Curious 🙂
Best Slow Travel destinations in 2025
2025 might be your year to embrace the art of Slow Travel. But where should you go? Are some destinations better suited for this mindful way of exploring, or is it all about perspective? While any destination can be appreciated through a Slow Traveller’s lens, some places naturally lend themselves to this philosophy more than others.
It’s easier to travel slowly within Europe, Asia, or Africa rather than heading across the Atlantic. With 195 countries and over 900,000 islands on our planet, there are endless possibilities. Still, a few stand out as the perfect Slow Travel destinations. Here are three destinations of this Slow Travel Guide that will have you slowing down and diving deeper into their unique rhythms:
2025 might be your year to embrace the art of Slow Travel. But where should you go? Are some destinations better suited for this mindful way of exploring, or is it all about perspective?
While any destination can be appreciated through a Slow Traveller’s lens, some places naturally lend themselves to this philosophy more than others.
It’s easier to travel slowly within Europe, Asia, or Africa rather than heading across the Atlantic. With 195 countries and over 900,000 islands on our planet, there are endless possibilities.
Still, a few stand out as the perfect Slow Travel destinations. Here are three destinations of this Slow Travel Guide that will have you slowing down and diving deeper into their unique rhythms:
France
France is a haven for Slow Travellers, offering a diverse landscape collection, several still-alive traditions, charming villages, and world-famous gastronomy.
Whether sipping wine in Provence, learning about French cuisine, or wandering the lavender fields, you’ll find moments to savour everywhere. Its well-connected yet leisurely transport options make exploration relaxed and immersive. Start to Slow Travel in France!
France is a haven for Slow Travellers, offering a diverse landscape collection, several still-alive traditions, charming villages, and world-famous gastronomy.
Whether sipping wine in Provence, learning about French cuisine, or wandering the lavender fields, you’ll find moments to savour everywhere.
Its well-connected yet leisurely transport options make exploration relaxed and immersive. Start to Slow Travel in France!
Italy
Italy invites you to pause and live la dolce vita. Discover its timeless beauty through the cobblestone streets, locally-owned trattorias, wild hand gestures, and rolling Tuscan hills.
From Venice’s canals to Amalfi’s coastal trails passing by the majestic Dolomite mountains, it is the ideal playground for those craving soulful, unhurried adventures. Start to Slow Travel in Italy!
Italy invites you to pause and live la dolce vita. Discover its timeless beauty through the cobblestone streets, locally-owned trattorias, wild hand gestures, and rolling Tuscan hills.
From Venice’s canals to Amalfi’s coastal trails passing by the majestic Dolomite mountains, it is the ideal playground for those craving soulful, unhurried adventures. Start to Slow Travel in Italy!
Morocco
Morocco’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes make it a Slow Traveller’s dream. Wander through the colourful souks, sip mint tea, and explore the Sahara’s endless dunes or Atlas mountains.
There, every corner tells a story, inviting you to linger longer and embrace its rich traditions. Start to Slow Travel in Morocco!
Morocco’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes make it a Slow Traveller’s dream. Wander through the colourful souks, sip mint tea, and explore the Sahara’s endless dunes or Atlas mountains. There, every corner tells a story, inviting you to linger longer and embrace its rich traditions. Start to Slow Travel in Morocco!
Final Words from your Slow Travel Guide
The journey towards Slow Travel isn’t about going further but going deeper. With this Slow Travel guide, you have the tools to embrace curiosity, sustainability, and authentic connections. Whether you’re walking the best trails, exploring by train, or sipping tea with locals, Slow Travel can transform every moment into a meaningful experience.
Be ready to naturally ditch planning, giving space to your mental and physical health, and create the best travel experiences you ever had. Wherever your path takes you, the key lies in savouring the process, not just the destination. You are now a Slow Traveller. Welcome, and be proud of it!
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
The journey towards Slow Travel isn’t about going further but going deeper. With this Slow Travel guide, you have the tools to embrace curiosity, sustainability, and authentic connections. Whether you’re walking the best trails, exploring by train, or sipping tea with locals, Slow Travel can transform every moment into a meaningful experience.
Be ready to naturally ditch planning, giving space to your mental and physical health, and create the best travel experiences you ever had. Wherever your path takes you, the key lies in savouring the process, not just the destination. You are now a Slow Traveller. Welcome, and be proud of it!
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
