You are going to get a clear idea of what is Slow Travel and the benefits of slow travel if you read this article.
Slow travel has been gaining popularity over time. This may affect you as an accountable tourist, as well as the cultures and locations you visit, including their environment.
What is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is a method of travelling that prioritises connection and interaction with the local population, traditions, culture, cuisine, entertainment, and art. It centres on the fact that travelling ought to teach as well as make an impact on one’s emotions whilst being beneficial for local populations and their environment.
Slow travel definition includes sustainability, mindfulness, knowledge, and accountability in order to develop more meaningful connections with the location and the inhabitants.
Eco-friendly travel allows one to pace oneself and invest time in being engaged in significant matters.
Now that you know what is slow tourism, it is sure to have plenty of benefits for the traveller, the location, and its community. Some of the slow travel advantages are mentioned below.
Following are 10 Benefits of Slow Travel
Break out of your comfort zone
Slow travelling has the ability to push you to be confident that you will be able to figure out any kind of obstacle or that everything will work out. This way of travelling will present you with plenty of moments and experiences that might make you anxious but will teach lessons that are beneficial for your future.
You might face differences in culture, language barriers, and different kinds of people, navigate unfamiliar public transport systems, and try new activities. But these are sure to grow you into a knowledgeable individual or traveller while giving you a whole new global perspective.
Reduced Stress
Travelling at a quick pace may be challenging and stressful granting very little opportunity to relax and actually appreciate the experience as a whole. Travellers return from their getaways feeling considerably more exhausted than previously.
Slow travel permits you to settle at a slower pace, which reduces anxieties and feelings of stress. You can find joy in being spontaneous, relaxing, and appreciating the splendour of the present moment. This method of travelling leads to a more calming, stress-free and pleasant travel experience to different destinations.
Local Connections
Slow travel allows you to slow your pace and enjoy extended periods in the same place. You will gain the opportunity to make significant connections with the locals as well as fellow travellers. These connections can lead to long-lasting friendships or, at minimum, some truly wonderful memories to treasure.
Learn the basics of the local language before travelling to converse with locals and learn about local beliefs, stories, what is popular among the local people, their traditions, and so on. This could inspire you to see things differently, acquire knowledge that can benefit you in later life, and more.
Personal Growth
Slow travel also encourages personal development by challenging you to try new experiences, interact with diverse individuals from various cultures, as well as experience life in ways you are not accustomed to. It will boost your sense of worth, give you greater freedom, and build a deeper feeling of compassion for others. This type of travelling will make you appreciate all that you currently have.
Existing in an unknown environment pushes you to address your fears and vulnerabilities, which is difficult but eventually helps you grow as a human being by building resilience and teaching you brand-new abilities such as problem-solving, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and creative thinking.
Health and Well-being
Slowing down and engaging with things that involve prolonged walks, practicing yoga, hiking, trekking, cycling, or meditation can make you rejuvenated because they are all various forms of workouts. This keeps one energised and active.
Furthermore, using this opportunity to minimise your screen time and engage with nature can assist you in reconnecting with yourself. This will have a beneficial influence on your mental well-being because you will be avoiding social media and other forms of negativity, as well as the damaging blue light emitted by electronics.
Cost Savings
Slow travel can potentially be a more affordable option than standard mass tourism. Spending longer time in each place allows you to locate less pricey housing choices, such as vacation homes or guest houses.
Popular dining and hotel options tend to be more costly, and they often lack the charm and authenticity that a local establishment would provide. When you go on a slow travel trip and get to understand the area, you will be aware of where to explore and what scams to avoid.
You may also buy ingredients from regional markets and stores to make your own dishes, lowering the cost of food. Lastly, slow travel has lower transportation expenditures as you will have a greater opportunity to wander about or take public transportation, which cuts down on cab fares.
Photographic Opportunities
Slow travel provides people with another benefit that almost everyone struggles with. It offers you ample time for photography. You will not be surrounded by large groups of tourists at some of the popular sightseeing locations, as you will be able to travel the roads less traveled, exploring a place for what it truly is.
This will help you stay off crowds and explore uniquely beautiful places. Thus, it enables you to capture the charm, essence, and true beauty of the destination.
Less Crowds
You can schedule vacation days during the off-season. Travel during these times because most individuals do not go on long vacations at that time.
To enjoy a less crowded experience at the location you are visiting, avoid travelling during any of the holiday seasons. Off-season appointments are also frequently less expensive as well as more convenient.
Sustainable Travel
Slow travel adheres to a number of sustainability standards. It entails preferring environmentally friendly forms of transportation, such as buses and trains, instead of high in carbon airplanes. You have the potential to significantly lower your carbon footprint by travelling slowly. Additionally, you can use your bags instead of single-use plastic ones, plan eco-friendly trips, and so on.
This form of travel allows you to understand and appreciate the regional culture, products, and assets more effectively, and it also lets you truly absorb and enjoy the culture or way of life of a certain place. Thus, slow travel is a way of mindful travel that helps you lower your negative impact on the environment of different locations as much as possible, contributing to the well-being of the world.
Appreciation of Nature
Nature is incredibly essential to us humans, and has a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being. Going outside to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and ground oneself is important at times. Slow travel allows you to spend a longer time at a location, allowing you to truly slow down and absorb the nourishing freedom of the world’s natural landscapes.
You can take yourself for lengthy strolls, swim in the lakes and rivers, wander aimlessly in a forest, trek a mountain route, lounge in the sun, and enjoy more. The slower pace of adventure also allows you to spend more time connecting with nature, understanding, enjoying, and respecting our natural environment.
How to Slow Travel? Some Slow Travel Tips!
Below are a few practical steps to travel slowly and make the most of the trip while gaining some authentic experiences along the way.
Choose Fewer Destinations
It is vital to select fewer destinations. Since it would not be possible to visit and do everything in a single trip. Simplify your bucket list while leaving some things up to fate. These types of surprises are often the most special and memorable.
When each moment is well planned, there is no space for amazement or chance. Welcome to anything the journey holds in store ahead of you and enjoy it without worrying about missing out on anything.
Use Local Transportation
Local or public transportation options are frequently more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. When travelling around cities and between locations, take advantage of buses, trains, trams, or subways. You may also explore urban centres and rural regions by using a bicycle for transportation or by walking.
This not only cuts emissions but also makes it much simpler to get off the typical track, completely involve yourself in nature, and seek out your unique kind of adventure.
Make an effort to connect with local people
Connecting with locals at a place is also key to making slow travel even more advantageous. You may engage more closely with the local communities by conversing with people, volunteering, or participating in activities like traditional festivities, language lessons, cooking, and so on.
Connecting when travelling involves reconnecting with oneself and establishing the necessary mental space for going back home with an entirely new viewpoint. Connecting with others can help you improve your global perspective and get insight into a variety of life issues.
Travel Solo or with a Small Group
Slowing down and travelling alone through a place helps you become aware of the design and architecture, natural environment, sounds, music, people’s habits, food, street artworks, and more. This allows you to develop a better understanding of the environment, its people, and yourself.
Additionally, slow travelling in a group will give you a whole new experience as well. Here, you will gather some of the most special memories with the group. It will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the people you are with and appreciate their existence along with your own.
Don’t over-schedule your days
It is best not to over-schedule your days while on a slower pace travel because you will not be able to explore and experience the places you are visiting to the fullest.
Additionally, over-scheduling is sure to stress you out and disappoint you because, most of the time, it is not possible to explore everything in one trip. Hence, it is best to keep the list short to truly experience and enjoy the charm and beauty of those places.
5 Best Slow Travel Destinations in India:
Below are some of the amazing slow travel destinations where you can start your journey.
Alleppey In Kerala
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is also widely referred to as ‘The Venice of the East’. This picturesque location is the centre of Kerala‘s backwaters and is home to an extensive structure of backwaters and over a thousand houseboats, making it one of the greatest tourist destinations in Alleppey.
The coir industry, beaches, marine items, and boat races are among its many attractions. Kuttanad, Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Marari Beach, St. Mary’s Forane Church, and other places are popular must-visit sites.
Shillong In Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong, an enchanting city encircled by pine woods. This hill station, which rises to a height of 1496 metres, is renowned for its climate, gorgeous settings, traditions, and culture. This destination is also called the “Scotland of the East”.
The thrilling mountain peaks, waterfalls, sparkling lakes, breathtakingly gorgeous golf areas, cafes, and museums are a few of the most significant attractions in Shillong. Shillong is home to a number of well-known destinations, including Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons, Don Bosco Museum, Sweet Falls, and many others.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of Indian islands. It has palm-fringed beaches with immaculate expanses of white sand, an unbroken presence of tranquillity, and absolutely beautiful blue waters in all directions. A sizable group of around 300 islands is held by the location.
Some of these islands are now commercialised or advertised as tourist destinations; the remainder are deserted, free of human intervention, and the epitome of pure nature. There are several popular visiting places nearby, including Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Elephant Beach, Baratang Island, Neil Island, and more.
Jaisalmer In Rajasthan
A well-known vacation spot in India’s Rajasthan state is Jaisalmer. Due to its golden sand dunes and castles covered in golden honey sandstone, it is referred to as the “golden city.” Lakes, elaborate Jain temples, and havelis are all present in Jaisalmer. You can explore the desert and head to a campsite where you can camp beneath the stars.
Additionally, there are a lot of locally made handicrafts with traditional designs available as well. Some of the popular places to explore include Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, Nathmal ki Haveli, Kuldhara Village, and more.
Ooty
Ooty, also referred to as Udagamandalam, is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu that is a favourite among vacationers. It is surrounded by the Nilgiri Hills and is filled with picturesque tea estates, tranquil waterfalls, meandering rural lanes, and exquisite colonial structures. This location was originally considered the East India Company’s summer headquarters.
Some of the famous must-see spots here include Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Pykara Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, Avalanche Lake, Tiger Hill, and more.
Conclusion
Slow travel is significant because it combines elements of sustainability, awareness, mindfulness, and responsible travelling to develop more meaningful connections with a place and its residents.
It connects people and places while teaching and increasing awareness about ethical travel. Slow travel factors can be included in your next trip for an unforgettable experience.
The post What is Slow Travel? 10 Benefits of Slow Traveling appeared first on Maverick Wander.
