Looking for a slow travel holiday this year? Head to these top destinations for a mindful break

Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 11:35 GMT by Euronews
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Cornwall's peaceful beaches, dramatic natural landscape and range of cuisines has attracted more slow travellers in the last few years.View on euronews

Embracing Slow Travel: Why It's the Perfect Holiday Choice and Where to Head Next

In an era where travel often feels like a whirlwind of checklists and Instagram-worthy snapshots, slow travel emerges as a refreshing antidote. This mindful approach to exploration emphasizes immersion, sustainability, and genuine connections over hurried itineraries. Instead of racing from one landmark to another, slow travelers linger in destinations, savoring local cultures, cuisines, and landscapes at a leisurely pace. The concept isn't new—it's rooted in the slow food movement pioneered in Italy during the 1980s—but it's gaining momentum as people seek respite from the stresses of modern life, especially post-pandemic. Slow travel encourages unplugging from digital distractions, reducing environmental impact through fewer flights and longer stays, and fostering deeper personal growth. It's about quality over quantity, transforming a vacation into a transformative experience that lingers long after you've returned home.

At its core, slow travel involves choosing destinations that reward patience and curiosity. Imagine wandering through quaint villages, cycling along scenic paths, or simply sitting in a café watching the world go by. Experts highlight how this style of travel benefits mental health by lowering stress levels and promoting mindfulness. It also supports local economies more effectively, as travelers spend extended time patronizing small businesses, farms, and artisans rather than chain hotels and tourist traps. For families, couples, or solo adventurers, it offers a chance to build meaningful memories without the exhaustion of packed schedules. Environmental advocates praise it for minimizing carbon footprints—opting for trains over planes, or even walking and biking as primary modes of transport.

If you're ready to embark on a slow travel adventure, several destinations stand out for their ability to facilitate this unhurried lifestyle. One prime spot is Tuscany, Italy, where rolling hills dotted with vineyards and medieval towns invite languid exploration. Rent a villa in the countryside near Florence or Siena, and spend days hiking through olive groves, joining cooking classes with local nonnas, or picnicking with fresh produce from nearby markets. The region's agriturismo farms provide authentic stays, allowing you to wake to the sounds of roosters and participate in harvest activities. Tuscany embodies slow travel through its emphasis on seasonal eating and timeless traditions, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and gastronomy.

Venturing further afield, the Scottish Highlands offer a dramatic backdrop for introspection and adventure at a gentle pace. With its misty lochs, ancient castles, and rugged trails, this region encourages multi-day hikes like the West Highland Way, but without the pressure to complete it in record time. Stay in cozy bed-and-breakfasts run by locals who share stories of folklore and wildlife. Kayak on serene waters, forage for wild berries, or simply gaze at the Northern Lights during longer autumn stays. The Highlands' sparse population and vast wilderness promote a sense of solitude, perfect for recharging amid nature's grandeur. Slow travel here often involves sustainable practices, such as supporting eco-friendly lodges that prioritize conservation.

For a tropical twist, consider Bali, Indonesia, but steer clear of the crowded beaches of Seminyak. Instead, head to the central highlands around Ubud, where rice terraces cascade like emerald staircases and spiritual retreats abound. Engage in yoga sessions at dawn, learn batik weaving from artisans, or cycle through villages to witness daily Hindu rituals. Slow travel in Bali means immersing in the island's philosophy of balance—Tri Hita Karana—which harmonizes humans, nature, and the divine. Opt for homestays with Balinese families to experience authentic meals and ceremonies, fostering cultural exchange that mass tourism often overlooks. This approach not only enriches your journey but also helps preserve Bali's fragile ecosystems by reducing overtourism's strain.

Closer to home for some, the Provence region in France is a slow travel haven with its lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, and charming hilltop villages. Base yourself in a gîte (a self-catering cottage) near Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, and dedicate weeks to meandering through markets brimming with cheeses, olives, and artisanal breads. Join wine tastings at family-run estates, hike the Luberon trails, or paint en plein air inspired by Cézanne's legacy. Provence's slow rhythm aligns with the Mediterranean lifestyle, where long lunches and siestas are the norm, allowing travelers to sync with the seasons—perhaps visiting during the summer bloom or autumn harvest.

To make the most of slow travel, practical tips can enhance the experience. Start by selecting accommodations that encourage lingering, like eco-lodges, farm stays, or boutique inns rather than large resorts. Pack light to embrace spontaneity, and prioritize public transport or rentals like bicycles and electric cars for eco-conscious movement. Disconnect digitally by setting boundaries on social media, and instead keep a journal to reflect on daily discoveries. Engage with locals through language classes, volunteer opportunities, or community events to build authentic connections. Budgeting for longer trips might mean fewer destinations per year, but the depth of experience far outweighs the breadth.

Critics might argue that slow travel requires more time and money, potentially excluding those with limited vacation days. However, even shorter getaways can adopt slow principles by focusing on one area intensely. For instance, a weekend in a rural English countryside village could involve nothing more than pub lunches, woodland walks, and stargazing—proving that slowness is a mindset, not just a duration.

Ultimately, slow travel isn't just a trend; it's a philosophy that redefines how we interact with the world. By choosing to slow down, we honor destinations' true essence, nurture our well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're drawn to Italy's sun-kissed hills, Scotland's wild moors, Bali's spiritual serenity, or France's fragrant fields, these places beckon those willing to trade frenzy for fulfillment. As travel evolves, embracing slowness might just be the key to unlocking the most rewarding holidays of all. (Word count: 928)

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Looking for a slow travel holiday this year? Head to these top destinations for a mindful break

Embracing Slow Travel: Why It's the Perfect Holiday Choice and Where to Head Next