Slow Travel Guide: Myths Debunked (& Is It For You?)

Given how the limited vacation time available in recent decades has dictated how much (or how little) we can travel, itineraries have—at some point along the way—become packed with activities. Trying to cram as much as possible into a trip has become the norm, resulting in overwhelming and stressful experiences. We set off for our destination already tired and return home completely exhausted. Phrases like "I need a vacation to recover from my vacation" have become a lighthearted way to describe a trip that—let’s be honest—was likely overloaded with plans.

When we have only a few days to travel, it is natural to want to make the most of them. But at what point did rushing from place to place to stick to a tight itinerary become the accepted way to spend our free time? Is "being busy" at our destination really any different from "being busy" at home? Where is the time to soak up the culture, savor a meal, or quietly watch the sunrise? Since when did "slow travel" become the enemy? In fact, traveling at a leisurely pace might be exactly the solution we all need.

There are many myths and misconceptions about slow travel. It is often dismissed as laziness or a waste of time and resources; it is viewed as boring and a poor use of vacation days. Well, I am here to show that all these ideas are mistaken. Of course, if your preferred way of traveling—regardless of the circumstances—is to fill your itinerary with activities, that is a different story. Do whatever makes you happy! But if you pack your trips simply because you feel you must include everything logistically possible, I’m going to present some solid arguments for why it doesn't have to be that way.

Shall we begin?

What is "slow travel"?

Before addressing the myths surrounding this way of exploring, let’s establish a definition. According to *The Good Trade*, "slow travel means staying in one place for a longer period. If you have nine days to travel, instead of hopping from one city or country to another, consider spending all nine days in a single destination. It can also involve choosing off-the-beaten-path locations and taking the time to appreciate the small details that make a place beautiful" (source).

In a *Forbes* article, travel blogger Christa Adams stated: "Slow travel isn't just about taking things easy in the places you visit; it’s also about immersing yourself in them with the intention of having more meaningful experiences, far removed from the usual tourist circuits" (source). Meanwhile, an article in *Condé Nast Traveler* defines this approach as "setting aside our innate and conditioned obsessions with time, allowing the world to move a little more slowly so we can truly perceive it." They go on to explain that slow travel is, first and foremost, a mindset (source).

And they are all right. Slow travel is, above all, a state of mind. You need to adopt this philosophy to put it into practice. If your mind is set on rushing through every day and every experience, the trip will be difficult. It isn't about having more time, either; it’s about making more intentional use of the time you already have. If you have a week to travel and spend three of those days getting to your next destination, how much time do you really have to fully experience the journey? Let’s delve a little deeper...

Myth #1: Slow travel requires a lot of time.

This way of traveling can be adapted to any duration. It isn't about how many days you have, but rather how you make the most of each one. Take, for example, the nine-day trip mentioned by *The Good Trade*. Imagine a nine-day itinerary covering three countries. Usually, the first and last days are consumed by travel. If you subtract another two days for transit between locations, you are left with a maximum of two full days per destination without having to worry about heading to the next spot. When you think about it, that is a very limited way to get to know a place. This doesn't mean you can't fully enjoy certain destinations over a weekend; it simply illustrates how time is lost when trying to cover too much ground.

Slow travel is an intentional, thoughtful, and unhurried practice. It is an opportunity to slow down. It leaves room for rest, pleasure, immersion, and exploration. Imagine enjoying a nine-day trip in a single destination. The possibilities for exploration become endless, and you no longer have to sacrifice rest during your travels. There is time to spend a whole day at the beach sipping fruit cocktails, reading, and enjoying the occasional nap. There is time for a day trip to a nearby town to wander through the open-air market and local shops. You don't have to rush through that museum you wanted to see or choose between attending a show and taking a guided tour. You can stay up late without worrying about an early start the next day, or enjoy a quiet, unhurried morning without fearing you’ll run out of energy for dinner. And yes, nine days is a long trip for most people, but the concept remains valid even if you only have three days. It all comes down to intention.

Myth #2: Slow travel means wasting time

Reflection: Time is only wasted if you regret how you spent it. Or, as Marthe Troly-Curtin said: "Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

Claiming that slow travel is a waste of time is a generalization that overlooks the very essence of this way of traveling. The irony of this myth is that slow travel actually allows you to immerse yourself in the destination or the experience. And how can time be considered wasted when you are fully enjoying the moment? As I mentioned earlier, it all comes down to intention. What sensations do you want to experience on this trip? What stories do you want to bring home?

What is the purpose of the trip? To visit a new place? To relax and recharge? Are you traveling to get to know a particular culture? Perhaps its cuisine? Is there an art scene you’ve always wanted to explore? Is the trip centered on a specific interest or activity—such as wine tasting and vineyard visits, or touring historic architectural sites? Do you simply hope to spend quality time with your partner? Or perhaps reconnect with a group of friends? The purpose of the trip should set the course, not the amount of time you have available. As long as you dedicate your days to living in alignment with that intention, it doesn’t matter if you spend the day resting on the beach or walking the city streets.

Myth #3: Slow travel means you aren't planning properly.

Without wishing to repeat myself, the concept of "slow travel" actually entails more intentional planning; in other words, there is no wrong way to organize the trip. One argument I have heard against this approach is the fear of missing out on specific attractions, activities with set schedules, or points of interest. Slow travel does not mean you cannot make reservations, buy tickets in advance, or schedule activities for a specific time. In fact, having a dinner reservation or tickets for an attraction at a set time helps you organize the rest of your itinerary with greater flexibility around those commitments. This prevents you from feeling rushed or running late. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to fully enjoy the experience for as long as you wish—whether that is a long time or a short one. By traveling slowly, you eliminate the need to rush from place to place. It is not about spending hours on every single activity, but rather dedicating the time you deem necessary to feel that you have truly made the most of the experience.

Myth #4: Slow travel means avoiding tourist hotspots

Traveling at a leisurely pace doesn’t mean you have to avoid crowds at all costs. Including popular attractions and landmarks in your trip is perfectly fine; in fact, you might even enjoy them more. Tourist sites have peak times, and when you’re following a tight itinerary, you often end up visiting them at the same time as everyone else. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt let down by the crowds 🙋‍♀️. We’ve all been there. Or what about wishing you had more time? Or wanting to visit a site at a different time of day, when the sunlight was perfect for that ideal photo?

Slow travel allows you to visit tourist hotspots whenever it suits you best. Want to visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset? Done. Want to be first in line at the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa before the crowds arrive? Done. Want to spend a whole afternoon exploring the Uffizi Gallery? Easy. Slow travel doesn’t discriminate or judge how you spend your time; it’s about prioritizing quality over quantity.

Myth No. 5: If you aren't an introvert, you won't enjoy the experience

Your level of sociability has absolutely no bearing on your ability to enjoy "slow travel." In fact, this style of travel offers more time to interact with people; far from being a drawback, it presents a wonderful opportunity for extroverts. It is hard to strike up a conversation with the people at the next table in a café on the Champs-Élysées when you only have fifteen minutes to finish a croissant and an espresso. And what if you meet locals while browsing a market and decide to spend the day with them, discovering some hidden, special spot? There is little chance of making new friends when rushing from place to place on a tight itinerary. Slow travel invites us to foster conversation and take the time to connect with others.

Myth #6: Slow travel means sacrificing things you want to see or do.

Or does it actually make you prioritize what matters most to you? Let’s be honest: no matter how packed your itinerary is, there’s a limit to what you can cover in a single trip. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t get to know it deeply in just one. Slow travel, however, gives you the space to fully enjoy the aspects of the trip that matter most to you. A packed itinerary has its merits, but what’s the point of visiting the Louvre if you just take a quick lap to see the *Mona Lisa*? A leisurely itinerary offers time and flexibility; if you truly love something on your list, you can devote more time to it. And if a place was nice to visit but didn't make you want to linger, that’s perfectly fine, too.

The essence of slow travel is immersing yourself in the destination. It’s about leaving room to make changes based on how you’re feeling or if something sparks your interest more than expected. You might not want to adopt this style of exploration for every trip, but it’s worth trying at least once or twice to see if—just maybe—we’ve been doing it wrong all along. But, as I said before: you decide how to do it, girl 😉