TRAVEL SLOW TRAVEL
Will be 2024’s biggest vacation trend — and it might change tourism forever
A few years ago, Australian adventure photographer and travel blogger Jackson Groves led a trip of like-minded travelers to Lombok, Indonesia. They surfed, hiked, and camped on mountains high above the clouds. But the pinnacle of the trip, he says, embodied the essence of what he considers to be “slow travel.” In this case, it meant connecting with residents of the island-helping to fund a pair of pop-up schools in the northern region that had been devastated by an earthquake. It was the unanimous highlight of the trip.
“Slow travel has really gained momentum in recent years,” says Grove. “It’s all about stepping away from the usual tickbox tourism and focusing on more profound, immersive experiences. In Lombok, it wasn’t a speedy circuit of tourist attractions that made the trip. Rather, it was about being part of a community, aiding in its recovery, appreciating its resilience-and taking the time to fully absorb those moments.
Slow travel is a bit of a broad term. For some, it involves elements of volunteerism, while others interpret it as trips that aren’t overly scheduled so that organic connections and experiences can unfold. At its core, travel experts agree, it’s all about slowing down to actually enjoy the journey-and not feel as though you need a “vacation from your vacation” when you return home.
In a way, slow travel builds on the grassroots slow food movement that began in 1989, which pushed back on drive-thrus and quick microwavable meals to embrace timehonored cooking traditions and high-quality, healthy food that’s locally available. Slow travel embodies the idea that travelers are hungry for more substantive trips.
A 2023 study from American Express revealed that 85 percent of respondents want to visit a place where they can truly experience the local culture, and 78 percent are interested in going on vacations that support local communities.
Meanwhile, travel companies say they’re beginning to reconfigure itineraries to suit those who want to go at a more leisurely pace, and hotels have begun offering longer-stay packages to travelers who want to immerse (more slowly) in the local culture.
Ahead, therapists explain how slow travel can actually help you get more out of your trip. Here’s how to