Slow travel: a different way of exploring the world
TÓM TẮT
Find out what slow tourism is and why you should embrace this travel philosophy at least once in your life
Reading time: 11 minutes
Slow travel is a different approach to the idea of travel that prefers “going deep” instead of “going far“. It is a slow movement to search for unique destinations, itineraries, details and peculiarities that often escape the eyes of the careless traveler.
Visiting many different places in a rather short period of time, sometimes you can miss the mindfulness of the trip.
Slow travel is about the journey itself, not the destination.
The concept of horizontal movement, constantly searching for breathtaking places to take pictures, is slowly giving way to a concept of vertical tourism where the focus is on the slowness of the experience, as well as the emotions and considerations that arise from it.
Paths little beaten by mass tourism can offer unique experiences and genuine emotions through details observed with the right slowness.
Slowing down the pace and leaving out the tourist destinations can awaken all the senses and open up new horizons.
Slow tourism is often compared to hiking or trekking but the trend is changing. Taking long routes by bicycle or on foot are real trips and this has become a real alternative to the use of “fast means of transportation”.
The choice of slow travel is not dictated by economic reasons to reduce expenses, but to support a philosophy and a lifestyle that moves away from rush and consumerism attitude.
Slow travel allows an in-depth knowledge of the place, traditions, art, cuisine, natural beauty and culture. An extraordinary human and spiritual experience.
Travel Vs Trip
Taking a trip is not synonymous with traveling.
When talking about vacation, there is usually a predefined itinerary to follow, inspired by the “what to see in”, “what to do” guides. These often include the most popular tourist attractions.
Many journeys of this kind reflect the hustle and bustle of everyday life in planning and creating a precise and detailed travel program. Holidays simply become an escape from everyday life where expectations often do not correspond to reality. Returning home often brings back a sense of disappointment and nostalgia.
When planning a holiday, most of the time the destination and places to see have the biggest priority and transportation takes up a great part of our time.
WHAT TRAVELLING REALLY MEANS
Traveling is quite different from going on holiday. It means living the experience all-round. You have the opportunity to immerse yourself completely in the environment and in the culture, as being part of it. Unexpected events could happen and they can leave emotions, memories and lessons of life.
Rather than the final destination, the journey is inside yourself and you can experience emotions along the path. The most authentic pleasure lies in the discovery of life, culture, habits and thus appreciate the differences.
In slow travel what matters is not so much the destination but the way you reach it. Read our post “The analogy of the backpack and the usefulness of things“.
Moving from one place to another is no longer stressful, but a part of the journey. An opportunity to live rich and authentic experiences.
In a fast-paced society characterized by constant changes and transformations, we are free to move and go anywhere in a short time. It’s just in this context that the new way of slow travel was born. A way of taking life more calmly, without rushing, and enjoying the present to get in touch with the surrounding environment, the population, the history and the culture.
SLOW TOURISM AS A MINDSET
Slow travel is not just an experience, it is an attitude in life and a different mindset. It is a hymn to “non-organization” and letting go.
When you travel slowly, what really matters is the possibility to reflect, to deepen the experience mindfully and not allow control and prejudice to take over.
Observing with new eyes, breathing the life of the places and getting in touch with the local population is fundamental. The choice of means of transport has also greatly influence: trains, bicycles, walking on foot and riding horses, all kinds of slow vehicles that can give you slowness to perceive strong emotions.
It is a concept of living that reflects many travelers’ dreams.
A GUIDE TO SLOW TRAVEL
- Move overland instead of using the plane. The deep meaning of travel is the way you move, not just the destination. You might be interested in the post “The benefits of walking in nature“
- Follow your own pace without haste and pressure, these are the best moments.
- Don’t plan your experience according to the travel guides, you are your own guide.
- Leave something to chance and enjoy your freedom instead of planning everything down to the smallest detail.
- Explore the places near home with your backpack and a camping tent: why going far when the beauty is so close?
- Take a few photos and focus on the moment you are living: the best memories will be impressed in your mind. Discover our 12×50 mm monocular to admire the beauty of the world up close.
VALORIZE AND SUSTAIN YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Slow travel is a way to get to know and promote the territories, the villages, the paths, the landscapes through memories, knowledge and craftsmanship of past years.
In every country, there are villages isolated that are difficult to reach by means of transport, often abandoned by the local population who moved somewhere else for job opportunities. Yet it is precisely in these villages that an immense cultural heritage,great historical wealth and their own identity is hidden.
Reaching these villages through paths allows you to help the local economy and promote the requalification of the place. They can also give visitors authentic experiences and the discovery of the truest culture of a place.
Encouraging innovative travel experiences also means protecting the environment and investing in eco-sustainable development. This goes far from the stereotypes of traditional hospitality and consumerism.
The slowlier pace allows you to live the journey, to have time to observe, to think, to admire and live the experience of a place, to listen to its history. This is why slow travel is increasingly appreciated. It can offer a human and spiritual experience in respect of the environment, culture and above all the well-being of people.
CHOICE OF ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TRANSPORT
The choice of means of transport is influenced by environmental questions and relaxed paces. Instead of driving the car, you can backpacking, tie your boots, dust off your bicycle from the garage, take trains or ride a horse.
All these choices lead to a less beaten path. It is precisely for this reason that there are authentic paths among the unspoiled nature and enchanting cultural attractions.
This summer treat yourself to a different journey to discover nature and enchanting paths. Royal Eagle Road will be by your side with a backpack suitable for your travel and your needs.
Read our guide “How to choose a backpack” and discover our Brigante 28 liter, Santiago 45 liter and Himalaya 65 liter models.
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