What is Slow Travel — and How Do You Actually Do It?
It feels like everyone and their grandma have been raving about “slow travel.” We're told to take it steady, drink slower, walk longer – all in the promised pursuit of deeper connections, and apparently, more fulfilling experiences. For skeptics and seasoned travelers, this trend raises questions. Is slow travel the new secret to profound experiences? Or have we been traveling this way all along?
Where Did It Come From?
Travelers have been choosing trains as a form of slow travel for centuries.
At its core, slow travel is an age-old concept of mindfulness. Sometimes, that means staying longer in a destination. On other occasions, this might involve traveling overland rather than flying, or planning activities rooted in cultural exchange — like a cooking trip through Southeast Asia.
Yes, there are new ways to unplug. However, many travelers have been pioneering slow travel for centuries; just look at the world’s most famous train journeys.
Has this Concept Been Newly Branded by AI?
Recently, there have been discussions about why Claude is repeatedly telling users to “go to bed.” It’s entirely possible that chatbots are pushing slow travel as part of their programming to promote rest and wellbeing.
Whether AI has been perpetuating an existing desire for disconnection is another story. The whole debate is rather “chicken and egg," even amongst industry experts.
BBC Travel reported quietcations as a rising trend in 2026, adding that we’d see increased reliance on AI amongst travelers. In contrast, Condé Nast Traveller reported that travelers would turn towards human intelligence to avoid AI hallucinations; an equally solid rationale, given that chatbots have been sending tourists to an “Eiffel Tower” in Beijing.
Instead, Conde Nast Traveller highlighted a rise in ancestry tracing, luxury trains, and trips with grandparents. Notably, all driven by authentic connection and slow travel.
The Best Destinations For Pausing the Clock
Italian coastlines are known for their slow-paced evenings and long dinners.
The origins of the term might be divisive, but slow travel is still a beautiful experience. Humanity has spent centuries bundled onto train carriages, slowly treading pilgrimages, and connecting with strangers over cuisine.
These destinations are perfect for the snail-paced traveler — pause the clock, and embrace that change in pace.
1. Scotland
In Edinburgh, the Greyfriars Bobby pub is named after the legend of a Skye Terrier.
Best For: Legendary Tales and Cozy Pubs
Scotland has a talent for dropping a gear. From grey-skied mornings in Edinburgh, sipping coffee from pastel-colored cafes on Victoria Street, to tackling the Highlands by rail or spending days on remote coastal walks, Scotland’s atmospheric quality encourages a slower pace. Cities like Inverness, Stirling, and Edinburgh are steeped in historic architecture and legendary tales. While the blustery weather is an excuse for regular breaks next to pub fireplaces, or cafes serving steaming drinks.
2. Italy
Best For: Long Dinners
Dining in Italy means stepping away from the clock. When a country’s food is traditionally cooked from scratch — from hand-rolled pasta to closely-guarded recipes for the finest pizza dough — it's no surprise that tourists are encouraged to slow down. There is a culinary shift towards quality over quantity, especially in rural regions like Tuscany.
3. Bhutan
The trail to Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan's most famous monastery hikes.
Best For: Monastery Hikes
Located in the Eastern Himalayas, 98% of Bhutan is covered in mountains, and 75% of its population is Buddhist. The country has some stunning monasteries, including Tiger’s Nest, which is dramatically perched on a mountainside, accessible via a jaw-dropping trail. For those with a head for heights, Bhutan is good for the soul.
4. New Zealand
Best For: Scenic Road Trips
Peter Jackson, the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, chose to film countless scenes in New Zealand, and it doesn’t take long to realize why. The scenery in New Zealand feels otherworldly; it’s ridiculously well-suited to the realms of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Planning a road trip through New Zealand is a scenic way to embrace slow travel. From Arthur’s Pass to Milford Sound, and the ice-capped monstrosity of Mount Cook, it’s a beautiful backdrop for drivers.
5. Australia
A bright morning on the coastline in Australia, with surfers testing their skills on large swells.
Best For: Coastal Communities
Australia is the darling of slow travel, having enticed young people on working holiday visas since 1975. The lifestyle is hardly a tough sell. There is Melbourne’s laneways and coffee culture, and Sydney’s surfing communities and coastal trails. Tasmania offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, while Adelaide is a peaceful place for wine-tasting. Tempted to secure permanent residency after your visit? Don’t blame us.
6. Ireland
Best For: Remote Culture
Dublin might be a flashy entry point, but Ireland is dotted with remote communities that cater perfectly to slow travel. Central counties, like Offaly, have stories of chieftains and boardwalks across precious boglands. The Wild Atlantic Way, a 2600km route down the windswept west coast, is the definition of an unplugged road trip. Off the mainland, communities like the Aran Islands still speak Gaelic and swap cars for horses and traps. Ireland is a nation that rewards those who wander off the beaten track.
7. Patagonia
Horses grazing against glaciated peaks in Torres del Paine National Park.
Best For: Outdoor Adventure
Let’s be honest: the glaciated peaks of Torres del Paine National Park could have sprung from a film set in Hollywood. Patagonia is known for its outstanding natural beauty. Tap into that by extending your time outdoors, planning expedition-style horseback tours alongside traditional Argentinian gauchos, or braving multiple days of backcountry kayaking. Patagonia is a chance to connect with nature.
Is Slow Travel Possible Anywhere?
The street food in Bangkok is perfect for slowly immersing yourself in Thailand's culture.
Some destinations are naturally aligned with slow travel. Beautiful scenery, established rail routes, or cultures centered around connection — be that cuisine or monastic pilgrimages — are recipes for a laidback experience.
Ultimately, the secret to slow travel is thoughtful itineraries. Even the chaos of overstimulating cities, like Bangkok or New York, dissipates with a conscious itinerary of homestays and cooking lessons. Stay curious and open-minded; relaxation is found in the most unexpected places.
