What is Slow Travel?

What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel: a different way of traveling

Directly inspired by the Slow movement (page in English), a movement that advocates a cultural change to reduce the hectic pace of today's life, Slow travel is a state of mind that favors the qualitative aspect of travel to the detriment of number of sites visited. In a world where speed is king, whether at work, in transport and even in leisure, this movement advocates the discovery of a country or a region at a slow pace and taking care to be attentive to the environment.

 

What means of transport to use?

 

Slow tourism is a concept that includes travel among the pleasures of discovery, as well as visiting interesting sites. This explains why one of the preferred means of transport for Slow travel is the train . The railway is quite comfortable these days and allows you to relax during the journey and admire the passing landscapes. In addition, it has a low ecological impact compared to aircraft which are considered heavy polluters.

 

The car or motorbike are also good options for some trips, because having your own means of transport gives you the freedom to modify your itinerary according to your desires.

 

Cycling, walking, horse, donkey or camel are means of transport associated with this slow tourism. Indeed, they are not fast, which allows the traveler to appreciate the landscapes and to stop to discuss with the population or to admire a particular site. In addition, they do not reject carbon, which helps preserve the environment of the region or country visited.

 

What accommodation and what catering to choose?

 

Slow travel attaches particular importance to the integration of the traveler into his environment when he arrives at his destination. That's why he advocates choosing a specific city or region for the vacation instead of visiting a large number of sites during a set period. Take the time to slow down and stop, such is the philosophy of Slow tourism. He therefore recommends that vacationers opt for renting a house or a studio instead of the traditional hotel room.

 

This solution is economical, especially since the recommended minimum length of stay for a “slow journey” is one week. Home exchange solutions also allow you to benefit from a home, without paying a single euro. It also happens that the person who welcomes you introduces you to his friends or neighbors, which allows you to integrate quickly.

 

In addition, this type of accommodation gives you the opportunity to shop at the market and cook for yourself, which puts you in close contact with the locals. You have, therefore, the opportunity to familiarize yourself with local customs, the culinary art of the region, and even to learn the language and dialects of the territories visited.

 

As far as restaurants are concerned, the slow tourist traveler prefers restaurants that offer products from the region and does not hesitate to venture into the establishments preferred by the locals, outside the tourist areas.

 

The environment, a key point of Slow travel

 

Slow travel is not just for people who are passionate about ecology and environmental protection. It allows all travelers to appreciate the fauna, flora and culture of a destination by discovering them at their own pace and without constraints. Traveling through the countryside on foot, by bike, on the back of a donkey or on horseback helps to better understand the fragility of the local ecosystem and contribute to its preservation by reducing the environmental impact of the visit. at the bare minimum.

 

Take the time to breathe fresh air, converse with the inhabitants as you meet them, eat local food , get to know the local baker or fishmonger, these are, among other things, the opportunities offered by Slow tourism. Blending into the environment and being part of it is the bet addressed to those who go on a slow travel.

 

If you want to stop to breathe and avoid the hustle and bustle of popular sites during your vacation, Slow travel is a concept that will please you. Instead of running to see as many sights as possible, you will restrict your movements to stay in an area and enjoy discovering the surroundings at your own pace. Likewise, this system represents an excellent opportunity to get to know the local population better.

 

Slow tourism is above all a discovery of the other, but also of another facet of yourself, your adventurous side and your ability to slow down, manage and improvise according to your encounters and your cravings.

 

And you, have you ever done slow tourism? You have loved ? Tell us about your experiences in the comments to this article.