Slow travel: why the rush no longer appeals
How leisurely trips are becoming the new luxury of modern travel
If your vacation feels more like a race than a rest, it might be time to slow down. Slow travel is a new approach to exploring the world – one that prioritizes the quality of the experience over the quantity of sights seen. It’s about truly feeling the places you visit through flavors, rhythms, people, and culture. It’s not about ticking off destinations on a checklist, but about meaningful moments, like a heartfelt chat with a local grandmother who shares her homemade jam recipe, or sipping morning coffee in a quiet café where neighbors pause to exchange news.
Slow travel is part of the broader slow living movement – living without hurry, where the focus is on real emotions, a sense of time, and a connection with a place.
Europe has embraced this lifestyle beautifully. For example, in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, lies Villa Cozzano (@villacozzano) – a historic villa nestled among hills and vineyards. The scenery is straight out of a painting: sunset wine tastings, walks through olive groves, and warm conversations with the family that has lived there for generations. You don’t just stay here, you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and traditions. Spend your evening tasting wines, and your day getting lost in the endless vineyards.
Japan offers a unique type of travel that perfectly embodies the philosophy of slow travel. The Shinkansen trains pass through mountainous regions, allowing passengers to enjoy a continuous flow of changing landscapes. You move at a gentle pace; everything unfolds in its rhythm, and Japan reveals itself from a different perspective – through majestic mountains and charming little villages.
France also offers its own perfect version of slow travel. Cycling routes through Provence or the Loire Valley, weaving between historic villages, are a wonderful way to experience the most picturesque French landscapes and stay in charming rural farmhouses. The scenic paths, frequented by locals, offer the chance to truly feel the essence of authentic France.
And of course, Uzbekistan. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are cities that are perfectly suited for slow travel. These are places where you want to pause, wander through narrow streets, sit in a teahouse, and chat with locals. For example, in Bukhara’s old town, you can easily strike up a conversation – the locals are more than happy to share stories about themselves and their city.
In Samarkand, take a stroll through the Muborak Mahalla, where you’ll discover hidden gems, from a historic synagogue to vintage shops like Haydar’s Antique Shop. In Khiva, don’t miss the Central Bazaar – among spice and carpet sellers, you’ll not only find authentic goods but also hear fascinating tales that add richness to the experience.
If you’re craving solitude in nature, consider hiking with Let’s Hike (@lets.hikeee). This group organizes treks through some of Central Asia’s most scenic spots: from alpine lakes to lush mountain passes and wild valleys. Their programs include both day hikes and multi-day camping adventures under starry skies. It’s simple, soulful, and breathtaking – a kind of travel that brings real rest and reminds you of the beauty in disconnecting from the chaos of city life.
