Take it Slow!

We all yearn for an escape from the frantic pace of our lives. To help you with your quest for an escape, our UNIGLOBE experts introduce you to the upcoming trend of ‘slow travel’. Right from the what, the why, the where and the how, this article is packed with all the information you need to take your next vacation slow.

What is Slow Travel?

According to UNIGLOBE experts, slow travel is making the most of each moment of your vacation. Rather than attempting to squeeze as many sights or cities in your itinerary, the slow traveler takes the time to explore each destination thoroughly and experience the local culture. It can mean renting a cottage for a week and exploring the local surroundings or driving along back roads instead of taking the highway or taking a bike tour from one village to the next.

Benefits of Slow Travel

Traveling more slowly allows you to feel much less rushed. With a "slow" itinerary, you won't experience the stress of attempting to visit every site in your guidebook. Instead, you'll stay in one place long enough to form a stronger connection to the place you're visiting, recognize your neighbors, shop in the local markets and patronize a local coffeehouse. Not to forget that slow travel is often easier on your budget by way of reduced transportation costs, cost-efficient vacation rentals that allow you to cook your own food instead of eating out for every meal.

Where Can You Travel?

UNIGLOBE experts recommend Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Canada and the U.S. as ideal destinations for slow travelers. This is owing to the fact that in these regions vacation rentals are plentiful, public transportation systems are efficient, historic attractions are relatively close together and English is widely spoken.

How to "Go Slow"

Follow these simple tips from our experts to make the most of your slow travel experience!

Accommodations:  Be sure to book your vacation rental well in advance and keep in mind that many properties, especially in Europe, must be booked from Saturday to Saturday.

Meals: Seek out local ingredients and experience the regional cuisine of the place you're visiting. Join the locals at the fish market first thing in the morning to pick up a fresh catch for dinner, or patronize locally owned cafes and restaurants.

Transportation: Traveling by rail can be a relaxing and often luxurious way to see the countryside.  During road trips, take the back roads instead of the highways, and stop often to soak in the local life. You can even go biking, walking and running.

Expert Advice and Special Programs: Planning your own trip might be great idea. However, our special programs and a little advice from UNIGLOBE experts can go a long way in enhancing your overall slow travel experience. For instance, our ‘UNIGLOBE Local Cousin’ program connects you with vetted local experts from the destination you’re visiting. These specialists possess a treasure trove of knowledge on the local culture and its nuances, acquired overs years. They work with you closely to plan your customized itinerary that not only matches your interests but sets you up for a truly local experience!

Ready to take your next vacation slow? Get in touch with our UNIGLOBE expert now!