To me, slow travel means staying in a location long enough to truly enjoy the area, not just follow the well-worn tourist path. In this post, I’ll share some of the advantages to slow travel, as well as some tips we use to enjoy each destination.
Advantages to slow travel:
- Save Money – Many RV parks offer weekly and monthly rates.
- Avoid Travel Fatigue – Traveling slowly and establishing a temporary base is much more relaxing. It gives you time to explore the area at your own pace, rather than rushing to see everything you can in just a few days.
- More Memories – Taking the time to get to know a place and explore some “off the beaten path” areas, provides richer experiences than following the tourist path.
This doesn’t mean we won’t visit tourist attractions. Obviously they are popular for a reason. But it does mean we won’t have to rush from one to the next without time to enjoy the moment or catch a breath.
Tips for Enjoying a Destination
- Don’t over-schedule your days. Leave time for wandering, people-watching, and exploring side streets. In most places, you won’t be able to see everything in a month, much less a week. Don’t stress about it, just pick a few spots for your “must see” list, the relax and allow yourself to discover the joys of relaxation while visiting a small park, taking a walk on the beach, or eating a meal at a local restaurant.
- Act like a local. Don’t plan all your activities from a guide book. Instead, act like a local. Go to a small market, wash your clothes at the laundromat, take a picnic to a city park. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the local community and see the city from their point of view.
- Talk to people. Whether you meet other tourists or locals. Traveling gives you the opportunity to chat with some really interesting folks. Whether you just learn another’s story or come away with some tips for enjoying the local area, you will come away, richer for it.
What is your travel style? Tell us about it in the comments below.
I like this style. Usually 1 week is good for us in smaller places and 2 weeks for bigger places. It really depends on the place though. 1 month in Houston was almost unbearable. If it weren’t the joy of seeing family we would have left after a couple days. We enjoy the countryside though!
I’m a fan of slow travel. We usually set our RV specific GPS to avoid highways. The “backroads” can present some challenges, but it’s usually worth it. I always try to ask the locals where to go and what to see, especially for meals if we are going to eat out. We are going to be here in Lone Oak (population 598) for 3-4 months, so we’ll have plenty of time to explore.
Enjoy your view on things.
Thank you!