Thinking of Trying Slow Travel? Here's Your Complete Guide

More people are becoming interested in slow travel, including families who want their holiday to be authentic, eco-friendly and rejuvenating. This form of travel has benefits for family members of all ages, as well as for the environment and local communities in the destinations you may travel to. But what exactly is the slow travel movement? Discover everything you need to know about slow travel.

Slow travel, also known as “slowcation”, is partly about itinerary and partly about mindset. Instead of having a packed itinerary that crams in lots of famous sightseeing spots, slow travellers have a more relaxed schedule, leaving room for spontaneous experiences. Transport is also a big part of the idea, with leisurely train journeys and cycling taking the place of flights and long drives. The movement was inspired by the slow food movement that originated in Italy, going back to the roots of culinary traditions in place of fast food. In some ways, slow travel goes back to the roots of exploration, as you’ll find something undiscovered when you try this form of travel.

By making space for unexpected experiences without being tied to a hectic schedule, you’ll get to discover fascinating parts of the local life wherever you choose for your destination. Finding authentic experiences and embracing the depth of a culture takes time because true hidden gems are not front and centre in travel guides. You’ll need to make time to find them for yourself, which is possible with slow travel.
 

This kind of unhurried travel will also encourage you to get off the beaten track where the pace of life is slower. You’ll have time to savour the little things that your schedule at home might not allow, like a laid-back morning coffee or mindful eating. Those leisurely breakfasts and lunches turn into simple but memorable family time that might be elusive during your normal routine.

People who enjoy slow travel often embark on serene train journeys. Along with incredible landscapes outside the window, the train itself is an experience, rather than transportation being just a way of getting from A to B quickly. Examples of slow travel by train include the Royal Scotsman, which takes in stunning highlands and heritage castles... and even has a spa on board! This train departs from Edinburgh, where you could begin your trip at Novotel Edinburgh Centre.
 

Cycling routes across the UK and Europe are also a big part of the slow travel trend. Heading into rural areas makes for a tranquil journey because nature has a way of slowing everything down with its serenity, timeless landscapes and sheer size. Families can reconnect without any of the usual distractions of daily life. When you come across small towns and villages on your travels, seek out enriching experiences such as a local concert. Even small events are often noted online, or better still – ask local people what’s going on!

• Explore the lochs, castles and mountains of the Scottish Highlands
• Walk some of the 600-mile South West Coast Path along the coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset
• Linger over tea at a farm cafe in the Yorkshire Dales near Leeds
• Travel by ferry from Southampton and discover Isle of Wight cycling routes that are easy enough for families 
• Explore Welsh castles, beaches and protected natural areas close to Cardiff

Cycling or taking trains contributes to low-impact travel, which will help to make your trip more eco-friendly. You can also lower your carbon footprint by seeing fewer places. Food is always a major consideration when thinking about sustainability, so why not choose local if you’re cooking. You could try visiting small farm shops instead of supermarkets, and these small shops are exactly the kind of place you might get chatting with local people about unique events going on in their area.
 

Another bonus of slow travel is that it expands the range of destinations that people travel to. Well-known tourist spots may eventually become less overrun, while the economies of less-visited locations will benefit from new visitors. If you’re planning a trip to the coast, consider rocky beaches that may be less crowded but offer opportunities for exploring rock pools, taking invigorating walks and spotting wildlife.

Changing the way we travel can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. The relaxed pace of slow travel should help everyone in the family unwind, and you’ll even have time for good sleep and healthy eating when you’re not rushing to get anywhere fast. Hopefully, slow travel will help you to improve mindfulness and unclutter your schedule even after you get home.
 

Slow travel and being out in nature encourage healthy activities like cycling and walking, which in turn improve mental wellbeing. You don’t need to be far from major cities to find idyllic countryside, like the Novotel Domaine de Maffliers-Demeures de Campagne, less than an hour from Paris. The hotel is set on 35 hectares and offers opportunities for horse riding through the forest. Taking a digital break, which reduces screen time so you can focus on family and experiences, will also help everyone in your family with their mental detox.

• Plan slowly! Give yourself plenty of time to plan your holiday
• Try slow travel closer to home before you book a big trip
• Leave plenty of time in your itinerary, with fewer stops
• Get in the right mindset by taking a digital break
• Use transportation with a low carbon footprint 

If you’re inspired to try a slow travel holiday, sit back, relax, and start by enjoying the planning. Have fun browsing your destination!