In today’s world, we’re all familiar with the hustle and bustle of modern travel—high-speed trains, budget flights, and apps designed to get us from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Time is money, after all, and who has time to waste when there’s so much of the world to see? But in the race for efficiency, have we lost something important? The answer is yes—slow travel, a delightful, immersive way of exploring the world, has slowly been eclipsed by the rush of fast travel.
In this article, we’ll take a step back in time and explore slow travel, its roots, its benefits, and why it deserves a comeback. Think of it as time travel, but in real life—without the need for a TARDIS or a DeLorean. Instead of whizzing through places, why not take your time, savour the journey, and discover the world the way 19th-century explorers and Victorian adventurers once did?
1. What Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is exactly what it sounds like—a more leisurely approach to exploring the world. Instead of rushing to the next destination, jumping on planes, or cramming your itinerary with as many activities as possible, slow travel is all about taking your time and embracing the journey.
It’s about moving at the speed of life, whether that’s walking through a city, taking a long train ride, or enjoying the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Imagine a world where trains are your primary mode of transport, and you’ve got days to reach your next destination, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the countryside as you go.
Slow travel can mean:
- Travelling by train, bike, or boat rather than planes
- Staying in one place for an extended period to immerse yourself in the culture
- Focusing on quality of experiences rather than quantity
- Leaving the rush behind, and rediscovering what it’s like to savour the small details
2. Slow Travel in the 19th Century: The Golden Age
Slow travel is by no means a new concept—indeed, it’s the way most people travelled before the 20th century. If you think about it, the 19th century was essentially the golden age of slow travel. The expansion of the railway network, the age of steamships, and the growth of guided tours opened up new horizons for explorers, but travel was still, by modern standards, a drawn-out affair.
- The Rise of Railways: The Victorian era saw the birth of railways, making travel more accessible and affordable. However, trains in the 1800s didn’t zoom around at the speed of light. A journey across the United Kingdom could take several hours (or days, depending on the route), allowing passengers to soak in the scenery, reflect, and have deep conversations with fellow travellers.
- Steamships and Ocean Voyages: Taking an ocean voyage on a steamship to reach places like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or even India was a slow, methodical process, often lasting weeks or months. But for those who could afford it, these long journeys were also a way to unwind, relax, and immerse themselves in the cultures they were visiting.
- Victorian Tourists: Travel was still somewhat of a luxury, and it was an occasion for personal reflection. Victorians often took the time to absorb the grandeur of the landscape or the architecture of cities without the pressure of having to rush through a packed itinerary.
3. The Benefits of Slow Travel
In a world dominated by jet-setting, fast-paced holidays, slow travel offers a chance to slow down and take a deeper look at the world around you. The benefits are numerous:
- More Meaningful Experiences: With slower travel, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, try local foods, and truly experience a destination beyond the surface-level tourist attractions. You’re not simply passing through—you’re living and breathing the place.
- Reduced Stress: We’re all familiar with the stress of getting to an airport, rushing through security, and cramming ourselves into a tiny seat for hours. With slow travel, the journey becomes part of the experience. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely train ride or strolling through cobbled streets, slow travel encourages you to relax and embrace the moment.
- Environmental Impact: Flying is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Slow travel methods, such as train journeys, cycling, and walking, are far more environmentally friendly. In addition, slow travel often involves staying in local accommodations, supporting smaller businesses and making a positive impact on the local economy.
- Fewer Crowds: Let’s face it—travel these days can often feel like an overcrowded circus. Fast travel can push many popular tourist spots to the brink of over-tourism. Slow travel often involves visiting lesser-known destinations or staying off the beaten path, meaning fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience.
4. Slow Travel Today: Embracing the Old World Charm
While fast travel has become the norm in the 21st century, slow travel is making a comeback. As more and more people seek mindful and sustainable ways to travel, slow travel is rising to the forefront as the antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life.
- Train Travel: The rise of high-speed rail in countries like Japan, France, and the UK is giving a modern twist to the age-old tradition of train travel. But in recent years, travellers have rediscovered the charm of classic routes—think of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Glacier Express in Switzerland. These luxury trains allow you to travel slowly while soaking in some of the most spectacular views in the world.
- Cycling and Walking Holidays: If you’re seeking even more immersive experiences, cycling and walking tours have become increasingly popular. From Camino de Santiago in Spain to bike tours through the vineyards of France, these forms of slow travel allow you to experience a destination from the ground up—literally.
- Long-Term Travel: For some, slow travel means simply spending more time in a destination. With the rise of digital nomadism and remote working, many are embracing the opportunity to live in a place for an extended period, immersing themselves in the local culture and building connections in a way that a two-week holiday simply doesn’t allow.
5. The Modern Slow Traveller’s Checklist
If you’re keen to jump into the world of slow travel, here are a few things to consider before embarking on your next journey:
- Choose your transport wisely: Opt for trains, buses, or even bikes. These modes of travel not only give you a more relaxed pace but also allow you to witness the scenery and meet locals.
- Embrace the local culture: Slow travel is about immersing yourself in the culture of the place. Take part in local festivals, visit independent shops, and try foods that are part of the local identity.
- Stay longer: Spend a week, a month, or even longer in one place. The slower you travel, the more you can connect with the destination.
- Don’t over-schedule: Let the journey unfold organically. Rather than rushing to tick off a checklist of sights, leave space for wandering and discovering hidden gems.
What to Know More?
If you’re interested in learning more about slow travel and how it connects to the deeper cultural and historical aspects of exploring the world, here are a few resources to dive into:
- The Art of Slow Travel by Catherine McNamara
- Slow Travel: A Journey Back to Simplicity by Carl Honore
- The Slow Road: Why Taking Your Time Can Lead to the Best Journey by Susan Moore
- Slow Travel and Sustainable Tourism by Hannah Green
