When it comes to holidays, many travellers are hitting the brakes on jam-packed itineraries, choosing to follow the slow travel route – a mindful approach to holidays and tourism that is gaining traction among seasoned globetrotters and local adventurers.
In an age where everything is instant, from instant meals to messages, and having just about anything on demand, we’ve grown accustomed to living life in the fast lane. But there is no need to holiday in fast-forward mode. Try slow travel for a meaningful, enriching experience.
what is slow travel?
“Slow travel is about the journey, not just the destination. Many tourists are moving away from whirlwind tours, prioritising experience over haste and preferring to linger at and savour the places they visit, fostering deeper connections and more meaningful exploration of local culture,” comments Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts. “It’s a shift from seeing everything to choosing fewer experiences that resonate more.”
the upside of slow travel
Slow travel emphasises quality over quantity, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in the essence of each location, exploring the surrounds of your environment, learning the history, discovering the hidden gem of a restaurant down a side street, taking meanders off the beaten track or striking up a conversation with a local.
“We’ve noticed a shift in guest behaviour at some of our resorts and hotels, with some showing a definite interest in experiencing more local attractions and staying for longer periods,” Lamont adds. “We are also seeing more people who attend conferences at our properties choosing to stay on afterwards just to relax and take in the sights.”
disconnect and reconnect
Lamont says that in our hyper-connected world where we’re constantly bombarded with information and rushing around, slow travel offers a much-needed respite.
“This trend in travel allows tourists to disconnect from the digital noise, reconnect with themselves and literally take things slower,” he explains. “The future of travel is not necessarily about ticking off every ‘must-see’ tourist spot or destination on a list. Many people are investing in authentic travel experiences to gain a genuine understanding of the world around them. That’s why slow travel is also known as ‘mindful” travel’.”
Slow travel is being recognised as a balm for our mental wellbeing too. A slower pace allows for relaxation and reflection, more time to chill and unwind, plus it reduces the stress often associated with travel.
Read our article on how to have a hassle-free holiday.
win-win
Slow travel also brings various benefits. By staying longer in one place, it reduces the need for frequent transportation, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. Supporting local businesses also contributes to sustainability practices through locally sourced goods and services.
“Its impact is particularly significant on the economies of the relevant communities,” Lamont explains. It creates a mutually beneficial situation: tourists immerse themselves in authentic local experiences while the relevant communities receive much-needed and sustained economic support.”
local sector response
South Africa, with its stunning yet varied landscapes and rich diversity, is an ideal destination for slow travel, and our local tourism sector is adapting to cater for this movement.
Lamont says hotels are curating experiences that showcase local culture, while tour operators are designing more flexible, immersive itineraries.
embrace the shift
“Slow travel is a shift that’s changing not just how we travel, but why we travel,” he concludes.
So, next time you are planning a trip, why not embrace this slower approach. Stay a little longer, wander a bit further and open yourself to unexpected adventures while making magical, lasting memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
By taking time to explore, connect and create special memories, travellers can enhance their experiences and enjoy a more enriching journey.
