We live in a fast-paced world where everything happens at high speed. Quick and easy access to all kinds of information distracts us from the really important things going on around us. This is also the case when we travel. So what is slow travel?
The new trend is slow travel, or the philosophy of unhurried travel. It teaches us to disconnect, to slow down. We make the most of our holidays and the people we meet on our travels.
The culture of slow travel focuses more on the quality of the trip. It changes the way we fill up our lists of cities and places. Defending this new form of slow travel, a new mechanism that invites us to share more with local people, in peace and harmony with the environment.
What does slow travel offer?
Europe is the birthplace of the "slow travel" trend. It promotes the idea that travelling and getting to know a country means taking the time to explore its regions, culture and language. And understanding its traditions, way of life, cuisine and products.
This new way of travelling has become a fundamental pillar in the defence of sustainable tourism. It is an argument used by those at the forefront of the fight for environmental commitment, campaigning for respect for the environment and a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability. It leads us to the defence of the diversity of customs, gastronomy, folklore and language. For example discover Galician culture and its exceptional cuisine. At the same time, recharge your batteries with a yoga class or an introduction to surfing.
Where does this new way of travelling come from?
This movement emerged in the late 1980s as a protest against the frenetic pace of city life. It was a movement against standardised, fast food that ran counter to the values of local gastronomy.
And so slow food was born, an association that advocates local tradition, good food and getting to know a place through the palate. Little by little, the movement spread and was not just used to oppose the tyranny of hamburgers and fast food. It has become a way of life and not far from being an alternative approach to travel.
Slow travel, the quiet, comfortable way to travel slowly
When you return from holiday, you don't have to feel any more exhausted than when you left. Now, during the summer and winter holidays, on long weekends or during your days off, you can look for towns, hotels and houses that offer slow travel and enjoy a few days of peace and comfort. Just as you can in Canada's best nature parks, where you can disconnect.
How about taking a few days off to enjoy a good chat and a typical meal prepared by the locals using local produce? This can be a very tempting way to travel, but it also takes time, which is why we suggest a minimum stay of 3 days.
Sometimes going on holiday feels more like a competition to 'miss nothing' than a few days off to enjoy the hours.
Travelling, living and feeling
One of the pillars of this philosophy is to change the perception of travel. It's not about doing nothing, but simply appreciating the moment, valuing the little things that make a place unique. Watching life go by, understanding the way of life of the people there, knowing where they come from. Deepening the conversations we have with our fellow travellers.
The movement is growing in strength, driven by its environmental proposition, and more and more platforms are organising this form of travel based on experiences with low environmental impact and high value for those interested in travelling.
Making the most of the environment
It's all about long walks, getting to know the people around you, showcasing your own product and craft. Imitate the journey, the culture and the landscape. Allow yourself to enjoy without feeling like there's a goal to achieve. Stop collecting stamps and collect moments.
To find out more, go to the mode in Belgium website 🌈
