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Bucketlist Bri

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What Is Slow Travel & 7 Reasons Why You Should Do It

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 ¡ Slow Travel

Slow travel is becoming a popular buzzword. But what does it really mean? For years, I have slowly traveled around the world and never labeled it as such, until I realized the importance of it.

By talking about slow travel and what that implies, hopefully, more people can become aware of its significance and how it can impact you as a traveler and responsible tourist, impact the diverse cultures you explore and also impact the environment around you.

Discover what it means to slow travel below!

Also Read — How We Became Full-Time Slowmads (& How You Can Too)

Table of Contents show
What Is Slow Travel?
7 Reasons Why You Should Become A Slow Traveler (& Why You’ll Love It)
1. Slow Travel Opens You Up…
2. It Brings More Meaning to Your Travels
3. Slow Travel Rejuvenates, Not Exhausts You
4. Your Sense of Awareness Spikes
5. Slow Travel Has a Lower Environmental Impact
6. You Get to Experience Raw Travel Moments
7. You’ll Leave a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The Importance of Slow Traveling

What Is Slow Travel?

digital nomad overlooking the city of Guanajuato in Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Slow travel, for me, combines aspects of sustainability, mindfulness, awareness, and responsible travel to foster deeper connections with a place and its people.

On the one hand, slow travel means connecting with a place on a deeper level.

By slow traveling, you can soak up rich and exciting cultures and take away a more comprehensive understanding of the people, places, and particulars of a way of life different than your own.

On the other hand, slow travel implies physically-slow travel.

Slowing down your pace to be present with where you are, instead of rushing around to see the top-recommended attractions and calling it a day. Slow travel in this regard can also imply slow traveling through a country for more periods of time than a 2-week vacation.

Not everyone has the opportunity to slow travel for a couple of months in one place, but that’s why slow travel doesn’t have a time limit, necessarily, either. You can slow travel even if your vacay is limited to a few days or one week.

Finally, slow travel usually implies a sense of responsible tourism coupled with sustainability.

Sometimes I call this slow travel, mindful travel, responsible travel, or sustainable travel. Not everyone will mush together these terms like this, but for me, they all touch upon similar aspects.

It means being more aware of your impact while you travel.

And I don’t just mean the carbon output difference of whether you hire a personal taxi or whether you take the bus or carpool.

I also mean how you interact with others, how you consume, and how ethical you choose to be along your travels (i.e. not paying to see captive wildlife, buying fairtrade and supporting local, etc.,).

7 Reasons Why You Should Become A Slow Traveler (& Why You’ll Love It)

So to break this down further, here are 7 reasons why you should slow travel!

Slow Travel Mexico Temazcal | Bucketlist Bri
Living in Mexico for a year opened us up to experience a Mexican Temazcal (steam bath) Ceremony.

1. Slow Travel Opens You Up…

…to new cultural experiences, to a deeper understanding of those experiences, and to learn more about yourself and others. Simply, you “broaden your horizons” — a term commonly used to say you’ve learned more about the world and your place in it!

Stretching your mind can be beneficial by adopting a more open mind. Even if that simply opens your heart to different ways of living, or opens your mind to worlds that are totally opposite to your own.

Slow travel is the best way to chip away at preconceived biases and judgments.

2. It Brings More Meaning to Your Travels

It’s those nitty-gritty moments during travel, the ones where you’re lost, pushed outside your comfort zone, or in a deep conversation with a stranger, that bring more sustenance and life-long lessons to your travels.

Connecting with a place and its people will ultimately be more rewarding than if you were to spend your travel days just chilling out poolside at your all-inclusive resort.

girl on gigantic troll hand at Hobbitenango eco-park near Antigua Guatemala
Slow traveling and living in Guatemala

3. Slow Travel Rejuvenates, Not Exhausts You

Feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation? Yeah, I’ve said that before too! Sometimes traveling can be exhausting. And I often notice that I’m more exhausted when I’m traveling in a hurry.

Slow travel can take that away by forcing you to slow down and travel in the present moment.

Often, when we’re practicing mindfulness — being present — we can notice more things around us, observe at a deeper level, and therefore not be pushed around by the constant rat race that seems to consume our society.

4. Your Sense of Awareness Spikes

With that said, slow travel increases your awareness.

Whether it’s awareness about yourself, your failures or successes, awareness about the state of the world, its interlinked processes in politics or environment, or awareness about a social issue or belief system that’s unfamiliar to you.

Slowing down and traveling with a purpose increases awareness. And awareness of something is hardly ever a bad thing.

Slow Travel Nepal | Bucketlist Bri
Slow traveling in Nepal for a year raised our awareness about many social issues while exposing us to diverse cultures and belief systems. Here’s Paul receiving festive Holi powder from a small child.

5. Slow Travel Has a Lower Environmental Impact

People who practice slow travel (responsible travel, mindful travel, etc.,) tend to be passionate about the environment and its well-being. It’s hard not to be!

Once you slow travel and open your eyes to the state of the world, it’s hard to deny that tourism can have negative impacts on people, wildlife, and the natural world.

For example, heavily-visited parks result in trampled soil and trails which results in a loss of biodiversity and local fauna and flora. By slow traveling, you can mitigate, where possible, your impact.

Being a more mindful traveler might mean you don’t buy single-use plastic when traveling if you can avoid it, you carry your own bags when you go shopping, you purchase from ethical suppliers, you book eco-friendly tours, and avoid seeing performances of wildlife in captivity, or perhaps you take the bus instead of hiring a private taxi.

Your action can be big or small, it just matters that you give it your best effort.

Also Read: 25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

6. You Get to Experience Raw Travel Moments

Slow travel truly opens up new doors to those funny, memorable, crazy moments that happen during travel.

Not to say you can’t have these moments at any given time during any type of travel.

But typically, slow travel does increase your chances of meeting someone inspiring, listening to insane adventure stories, or embarking on that spontaneous mini-trip with a new group of friends just because you can and you feel open to that.

Slow travel invites opportunity.

Those moments are the travel moments to seek. Otherwise, the travel quote “It’s about the journey, not the destination” wouldn’t be such a hit!

7. You’ll Leave a Traveler, Not a Tourist

Tourists often get a bad rap.

Sadly, tourists are often negatively perceived because they come in hoards with a “me mentality” often leaving a place worse than when they found it.

Most tourists rarely attempt to connect to the locals, they might promote—not diminish—stereotypes, and they just might not truly grasp the place they’re in.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to do tourist things like check off that bucket list you made.

Remember though that slow travel exists beyond just seeing the top attractions; it exists in those travel moments in between that can make the difference.

Also, if you’re at a top attraction, you can be a responsible tourist and lead by example by following the local rules and laws.

This might include not trespassing behind a rope when a trail section is closed off, and not stepping off-trail to get the Instagram shot in the delicate flower field… You get my drift!

Slow Travel Netherlands | Bucketlist Bri
Living for 6 months in The Netherlands connected us to local farmers and also enabled us to ride our bikes everywhere – both eco-friendly lifestyle choices.

The Importance of Slow Traveling

Traveling slowly combines aspects of sustainability, mindfulness, awareness, and responsible travel to foster deeper connections with a place and its people.

And in an ever-changing world, it’s important to be open and adopt more ethical and sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives. Especially when it comes to traveling!

That’s why adopting slow travel, responsible travel, mindful travel — whatever you want to call it — is so important.

It bridges connections between people and destinations while educating and raising awareness about ethical tourism in order to protect and preserve cultures, languages, wildlife, and the natural environment that we all share.

So, will you incorporate these aspects of slow travel on your next trip? What about this way of travel do you find appealing?

Drop your thoughts and comments with me below or reach out by email if you want to chat more. Thanks for reading!

xx Bri

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Slow Travel: What Is It and 7 Reasons Why You Should Practice It | Bucketlist Bri www.bucketlistbri.com #slowtravel #responsibletravel #travel #sustainabletravel
Slow Travel: What Is It and 7 Reasons Why You Should Practice It | Bucketlist Bri www.bucketlistbri.com #slowtravel #responsibletravel #travel #sustainabletravel
Slow Travel: What Is It and 7 Reasons Why You Should Practice It | Bucketlist Bri www.bucketlistbri.com #slowtravel #responsibletravel #travel #sustainabletravel
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By: Bri ¡ In: Slow Travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise says

    March 27, 2022 at 11:02 am

    I’ve been naturally changing my travel style to slow travel and I can relate to what you describe here. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  2. World of Lina says

    December 1, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    This is super interesting! I’m usually a person who wants to see everything possible in a short time. I should definitely start to travel slower ☺️

    Reply
    • Bri says

      February 5, 2020 at 8:12 am

      I can be the same ya know! But even on a shorter trip, adopting the ‘slow travel’ mindset can really change the way you experience a vacation.

      Reply
  3. Taylor Deer says

    November 28, 2019 at 7:03 am

    This is definitely a goal of mine this upcoming year! Great article Bri!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 28, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      Glad to hear it! Thanks, Taylor!

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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My travel blogging journey 👇✨ I started my f My travel blogging journey 👇✨

I started my first travel blog online in 2013 when I moved to France for 14 months as part of my undergrad study abroad program. It really was just a diary-style online journal recounting my cultural and outdoor adventures. 

Then, in 2015, I started another blog inspired by my adopted cat, Yoda, who was just one year old back then and was about to move across the world to Nepal with me. It was there, while living in Kathmandu that I bought my first travel blog domain, which evolved into what you now know as Bucketlist Bri (bucketlistbri.com). Slowly, through trial and error, I learned how to navigate SEO, monetization, and beyond.

It wasn’t until late 2019 that I decided to take travel blogging seriously, as in, pursue it as my career. Up until then, to keep me afloat while getting my master’s degree abroad, I worked as a freelancer writer on Upwork.com. Meanwhile, I was starting to publish more frequently on my travel blog.

I don’t have to explain what happened in 2020 to the travel industry, but what I can tell you is that I didn’t give up on my travel blog.

Now, three years later, and TEN years after I first started publishing online, I am a fully self-funded travel blogger. 

That means I don’t need to land brand sponsorships or grow my Instagram (although, tourism boards are a lovely addition and warmly welcomed), nor do I need to write for others/publish freelance pieces, or work in an unflexible 9-5 to fund my nomadic travel lifestyle. 

I cannot understate that I did not have this vision for myself in 2013. Or 2015. Or even in 2019. It wasn’t until I started to commit myself to the work, the hustle, the dream, that I even saw the dream unfold. Still unfolding. 

I believe your life leaves you clues. Some of those won’t work out, but some will. 

And in those that do, there’s a common thread that, ultimately, weaves a beautiful tapestry (but that you might not see until much later and those that do are very fortunate). 

I know in my heart that I was always supposed to write. That’s my common thread. I just didn’t know it looked like blogging. 

(Continued in the comments!)

#travelblogging #travelbloggerlife #mystory
Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez 🦭

1. Paul finishing his last dive to complete his PADI Open Water certification!! 🥳

2. A curious sea lion pup coming to play with us! 🥹 

3. Sea lions soaking up the sun on the rocks of Los Islotes ☀️ 

4. The arch of Los Islotes, which we dove under! 🤿 

5 & 6. After our first dive, these humpback whales surfaced right by the boats! This was our first time seeing these beauties up close — just amazing! 🐋 

7. You can see Paul’s nerves and excitement all in one here as he listens to his awesome dive instructor, Gus! @thedivegurusmex 

8. Dolphins followed our boat as soon as we left the marina on day 1. On day 2 of our dives, a huge pod of dolphins put on a show for us just off Espíritu Santo Island! 🐬 
 
9. My pure joy and excitement after my first encounter with the sea lions of Los Islotes 🥲 (sound on)

10. Divers will have an idea of what Paul is doing here before he suits up 😂 💀 

Still can’t believe we got to see all of this amazing marine life in one weekend! La Paz/the Sea of Cortez was named one of the top dive destinations in the world for a reason — have you added it to your bucket list yet?! 💛 

#padi #diving #scubadivers #sealions #losislotes #islaespiritusanto #humpbackwhale #dolphins #marinelife #seaofcortez #lapazbcs #natgeowild #wildlifeplanet #paditv #bajacaliforniasur #vivamexico
The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, we were told by two tourists in our Airbnb, “Two people we know were mugged by dudes on motorbikes just a couple of months ago. Don’t walk at night!”

Our reaction went something like: “Oh, yikes, okay... Thanks for letting us know.” 😳 

That same night, Paul and I went out to grab food and were extremely anxious. I swear I jumped at every moving shadow—and I felt guilty about it!

At that point, I had lived in Mexico on and off for nearly three years. The Mexico that I know is pretty safe for tourists regardless of what the media portrays. 

But this sudden heeding of danger dug its claws into my core and made its nest in my stomach.

For the next two months, Paul and I walked back to our local apartment—a 10–15 minute jaunt outside of the historic center in a no-tourist neighborhood—multiple nights a week after getting dinner or drinks.

And I’m happy to share that we felt very safe. 

Apart from that first night, we felt safe the entire time in Oaxaca City, even at night (and, most importantly, despite the scary warnings of “true stories” from those tourists).

Of course, could we have gotten lucky during those two months and escaped danger? Yes, absolutely. 

But luck is not the whole reason, nor the point! 

Mexico is safer than most people have been told or taught, and my hope is that one day you will experience this lovely, welcoming, beautiful country for yourself! 🧡

Read the blog for more details about safety in Oaxaca + Mexico on my blog @bucketlistbri .com

#mexico #oaxacadejuarez #oaxacalotienetodo #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #nomadadigital #mexicosorprendente
Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure bucket list!! 

Literally a dream come true to be in the water with these playful pups 🦭✨🤿

Just watch your head and fingers, they like to nibble 😂 

📍 Los Islotes, Baja California Sur
🤿 w/ @thedivegurusmex 

Would you do this!?! Send to someone who would!🦭🥹

#divinglife #losislotes #lapazmexico #bajacalifornia #scubadivingmag #padi #divemexico #bajasur #seaofcortez #sealions #espĂ­ritusanto #mexicoadventures #ecotourism #ecoblogger #adventureblogger #wildlifelover
Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
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