From the Editor

It was happening before COVID. This desire to slow down and really immerse ourselves in a destination. Where once travel was about frantically ticking off the list (10 countries in 10 days!), we now understand that to truly appreciate the essence of a place, sometimes you have to stand still.

For some, it’s about carving out time to completely integrate into the location. Who hasn’t dreamt of spending a month in an Italian village? Getting to know the stallholders at the local market and traipsing down in the morning to buy produce for that night’s dinner. One day, it might be gorgeous bunches of basil and tomatoes that have been ripened in the sun; the next, zucchini flowers begging to be served with pine nuts, currants and homemade pasta.

But time is not always on our side. For my part, I have to be strategic about how I slow down and discover the spirit of a place within a couple of weeks.

I remember one idyllic holiday in Provence. We found a local biking company, which organised accommodation for us at charming auberges. They ferried the bags and all we had to do was ride from village to village. It wasn’t arduous, maybe 30 kilometres a day.

It was at the very tail-end of summer and the days were long and bright. We pedalled through fields and down country lanes, stopping at small towns to pick up baguettes, ham and cheese – and a bottle of regional wine that we kept cool in our pannier. Each day, we’d find the perfect location for lunch. By a stream. Under an old oak tree. In a meadow.

We waved at farmers, talked to locals. Didn’t go very far. But during that short trip, I lived and breathed Provence. It was a simple holiday that will always remain one of my favourite travel experiences.

Have a great month.