What is slow travel?

A gentle travel guide for slow living

I’ve never been one for super glamorous holidays.

All-inclusive 2-week trips to luxury hotels abroad have never been part of my life.

Instead, my childhood memories consist of tiny cottages and caravans nestled within different rural locations in the UK. With myself and my 3 brothers to pay for, trips abroad became very expensive quickly.

We did try once or twice with trips to France. My memories of those were fun (Disneyland!) but slightly scarring (my parents trying to deal with foreign train times leading to a buggy being shoved through closing train doors…!).

My fondest memories are of exploring fascinating rockpools, finding the perfect tree to climb/make my new home, and befriending all the local animals, including a sheep that got its head stuck through a fence. Twice. It was freed by my dad, don’t worry!

These experiences have shaped how I chose to travel now. As I’ve become more aware of myself and conscious of my impact on the planet, I’ve decided that a slow, simpler, and more sustainable holiday is the far better option for me.

I’ve recently come back from a birthday trip to the west coast of Scotland, so I thought I’d share some principles that help me slow down my travel and truly cherish these adventures.

Planning vs spontaneity

The idea of spending my holiday lying in sun loungers has never appealed to me. Nor has the idea of packing as many ‘must-see’ sights as possible into my itinerary. I prefer to find a middle ground.

I am a planner at heart, so I always take some time to research an area before I arrive. I generally pick a handful of things that I would truly value experiencing. Ignoring the popular ‘sights’ if they don’t appeal to me, as I’m uncomfortable in large crowds anyway.

I like to leave some time open for spontaneity. Perhaps some interesting places to stop en route. On our recent trip to the west coast, we stopped at what turned out to be an epic wildlife hide that we would have just sailed by if we’d had an overly restrictive itinerary.

As a more sensitive introvert, I also leave time in my schedule for quiet moments, especially if I’m going to be around people a lot. No matter how relaxed the holiday is, I will always need a day or two at home to adjust from this overstimulation, so I make sure to schedule this too.

Kind travel

I’m always conscious of my carbon footprint when I plan to travel.

I don’t go away often. I find a lot of comfort in being at home and there are so many wonderful day trips in the Highlands that I don’t often feel the need for a break.

I rarely go abroad for these reasons. I find airports stressful and am uncomfortable when crammed into crowded planes. I prefer to stick to the UK. There are so many areas I haven’t seen and I’m really excited to explore more Scottish Islands.

If I can, I try and travel by public transport. I really enjoyed my train trip to York this autumn. A relaxing journey with plenty of time to read. Ideal!

Support local

For most of my life, I’ve lived in tourist locations. This means I’m acutely aware of the importance of supporting small, local businesses and have made this a priority whenever I travel.

I think this is the best way to get to know an area. I shun the chain cafes or supermarkets for independent tea shops and grocery stores. I adore exploring local gift shops and learning all about the beautiful items.

We stayed in a gorgeous shepards’s hut owned by a local family on our trip to the west coast. I was touched by the birthday bunting (eco!) they had left out for me. I will be sure to leave them a much-deserved glowing review.

It’s the small things that can really make a difference.

Time away from social media

My recent holidays were the first I have enjoyed since coming off Instagram.

I no longer felt the need to document every moment. Taking numerous pics for that ‘perfect’ selfie or insta-worthy spectacle.

I have a much healthier relationship with my phone now. My hand has stopped unconsciously reaching for it in quiet moments. Instead, I was able to mindfully enjoy my surroundings.

Although I still documented my trips, I made memories for myself first, not for social media. I felt so much more refreshed for it.

Not overconsuming

My holidays are always on a budget. Carefully planned and saved for, so that I don’t spend unnecessary money that I would regret later.

We often chose to cook ourselves, preferring accommodation with this option and bringing food with us. Usually fruit and veg on its last legs! We stick to having tea and cake out instead. Still a treat and supports locals, without breaking the bank.

I’m not a fan of souvenirs. As a seasoned minimalist, it’s rare that I make an impulsive purchase. Something has to really have meaning for me to buy it Not including the odd gift or two, for upcoming celebrations, I usually come home empty-handed. Apart from the odd pinecone or seashell of course…

In essence, slow travel, like slow living generally, is about taking your time, making intentional decisions, and making sure you remain authentic to your values.

For me, this really is the best kind of holiday.

Feel free to share your holiday memories or slow travel tips below. I’d love to read them.

Until next week,

Molly xx

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