ByTazim Damji Updated on

The Benefits of Slow Travel: Why Less is More

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In today’s fast-paced world, travel often mirrors the rush and pressure of our daily lives—packed schedules, whirlwind sightseeing, and little time to truly engage with the places we visit. But with so many benefits of slow travel, what if we approached travel differently?

As a certified holistic nutritionist and permaculturist, I’ve spent years practicing and teaching the importance of mindfulness, balance, and sustainability—principles that also apply to how we travel. Slow travel is a conscious decision to travel with intention.

It offers travellers the chance to immerse themselves deeply in a destination, live like a local, and embrace flexibility, all while reducing their environmental impact and improving their well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore what slow travel is, its many benefits, and how you can start embracing it on your next adventure. You’ll also find practical tips on adopting slow travel habits, along with a free resource to guide you through this mindful journey.

So, why should you choose slow tourism over traditional travel?

Here are the benefits of slow travel that can significantly enhance your travel experiences:

1. Deeper Cultural Immersion

By living like a local, slow travel encourages you to connect meaningfully with the community. From staying in local neighbourhoods to shopping at nearby markets and asking local people for suggestions, you’ll experience the destination in a way that typical tourists rarely do.

These small, personal interactions lead to authentic connections and unforgettable moments.

Tour the First Nations Community of Wendake in Québec City, Québec, Canada

2. More Flexibility, Less Stress

One of the best parts of slow travel is its flexibility. You’re not tied to a rigid itinerary, so you can adapt to the moment. If you find a charming café or stumble upon a local festival, you can take the time to enjoy it without feeling rushed. You can have a slower, more mindful morning to start your day well.

This lack of pressure enhances the overall enjoyment of your journey and reduces travel-related stress.

3. Better Well-Being

Slowing down while travelling gives you the opportunity to fully engage with your surroundings and practice mindfulness.

Whether you start your day with a peaceful walk, meditate, or simply enjoy the moment, slow travel naturally fosters mental clarity and relaxation. It allows you to do what you want to do rather than feel obligated to follow a predetermined plan.

4. Sustainability

Staying in one place for a longer period reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to engage in more eco-friendly practices.

Using public transport, walking, or cycling as your primary means of getting around ensures that your travel experience is more sustainable. You’re also more likely to support small, local businesses, fostering a positive impact on the community.

5. The Art of Slow Travel Includes:

  • Travel with intention: Instead of rushing through a checklist of attractions, slow travel invites you to engage meaningfully with each experience.

    Whether it’s learning about local traditions or connecting with people, you travel with the purpose of building deeper connections.
  • Be flexible with your plans: Allow spontaneity to guide your adventures. While it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want to do, slow travel thrives on flexibility.

    This creates room for unexpected discoveries and joyful moments that a strict schedule might miss.
  • Get off the beaten path: Slow travel often involves exploring places that aren’t in the guidebooks. By staying longer in one location, you have time to venture into less-touristed areas and discover hidden gems that reflect the true essence of a place.
  • Embrace cultural differences: Slow travel encourages you to learn from the people and customs around you.

    It’s about appreciating the unique cultural differences, whether it’s through trying local foods, engaging in traditions, or learning the language.

Slow travel transforms your experience from sightseeing to genuine exploration, where every moment offers an opportunity to connect with the place and people around you.

Ready to embrace the art of slow travel? Download my free guide, “Slow Down and Connect: Your Guide to Nature Travel,” and learn practical tips to help you slow down, immerse yourself in local cultures, and create more meaningful travel experiences. Start your mindful travel journey today!

Tazim hiking in British Columbia
Tazim Quartier Petit Champlain

Backpacking Through India: A Slow Travel Story

In my mid-20s, my best friend and I embarked on a six-month backpacking trip across India. With no rigid itinerary, we let India’s train schedule determine where we would go next.

This was our exploration of slow travel, as we embraced the philosophy of simply enjoying being there, allowing ourselves to absorb each place fully rather than rush through.

One of our most memorable experiences was at an ashram, where we practiced daily meditation and mindful eating. Slowing down in both travel and life allowed us to be more present and enjoy each experience deeply.

The ability to change our plans based on what felt right in the moment added to the richness of the journey. We connected with locals, explored smaller villages, and uncovered hidden trails that we wouldn’t have found on a typical tourist path.

By getting off the beaten path and being open to new experiences, we discovered the true essence of India—its people, landscapes, and vibrant traditions. These moments, unplanned and spontaneous, became the highlight of our trip.

Tazim Damji Vancouver Travel Writer and Photographer

How to Embrace Slow Travel: Practical Steps for a Meaningful Journey

If you’re ready to embrace slow travel, here are some practical ways to get started:

Stay Longer in Fewer Places

Slow travel encourages extended stays in one location. This allows you to settle into the rhythm of the area and enjoy a more immersive experience. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to stay for 3 – 6 months in one location. I know this isn’t possible for most people. But can you choose fewer stops and spend longer at each location?

Be Flexible with Your Plans

Rather than adhering to a tight schedule, allow room for flexibility. Don’t book every moment in advance. Instead, let your curiosity lead the way, and don’t be afraid to follow locals’ suggestions—they often know the best spots that aren’t on the map.

Get Off the Beaten Path

Don’t limit yourself to popular tourist attractions. Wander the streets, visit local shops, and explore the outskirts of a city. I like to find thrift stores when I travel and also local coffee shops. This is where you’ll find the real heart of the place.

Embrace Cultural Differences

Rather than sticking to what’s familiar, immerse yourself in the local culture. Try new foods, attend cultural events, and engage with people who can offer a unique perspective on life in that area.

Simply Enjoy Being There

What is slow travel? Slow travel is about being present. Take the time to savour the little moments—whether it’s enjoying a meal, watching a sunset, or having a conversation with a local. You’ll find that these small moments are often the most meaningful.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Slow Travel

At its core, slow travel is about focusing on quality over quantity—staying longer in fewer places, travelling at a relaxed pace, and fully immersing yourself in the local culture.

Unlike traditional bucket list tourism, which aims to see as many sights as possible in a short period, slow travel encourages you to live like a local, adapt to the natural rhythm of a place, and simply enjoy being there without the pressure of a packed itinerary.

The benefits of slow travel are that it is a journey of intention, mindfulness, and connection. It allows you to experience the world in a deeper, more fulfilling way.

By slowing down, you’ll discover that travel isn’t about how much you see but about the quality of your experiences. Whether it’s through engaging with local culture, embracing spontaneity, or simply enjoying the moment, slow travel invites you to explore the world with more presence and purpose.

Are you ready to slow down? Download my free resource, “Slow Down and Connect: Your Guide to Nature Travel,” packed with tips on how to incorporate slow travel into your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-term journey, this guide will help you create more meaningful and enriching travel experiences.

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Tazim crafts engaging content that inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and adventure. As a 40-something South Asian woman based in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, she brings a unique perspective to her explorations of new cultural experiences, connections with nature, and savouring delicious plant-based food.

Tazim was born in Metro Vancouver in 1980 and has lived there for over 20 years total. She spent her childhood in Calgary, Alberta and Houston, Texas. She is a certified Whistler expert from her time working for Whistler Blackcomb and currently works in the tourism industry.