What is Slow Travel?

Do you want to travel mindfully, discover a country and its people in an authentic way, while respecting the environment? Then slow travel is made for you. According to Europ Assistance's Holiday Barometer 2025, 64% of Swiss people would be fans!

This travel style, which literally means "slow travel," promotes slowness and conscious experience, far from overcrowded itineraries and tourist-packed attractions. With slow travel, you set your own pace. You focus on a few carefully chosen destinations and take the time to explore them deeply. No more Bolivia in 7 days or Thailand in 5... Of course, our vacation days are often limited, but that’s not an obstacle to slow travel: by embracing this approach, you simply limit the number of places you visit and focus, for example, on one specific and smaller region of a country.

This way, you’ll discover hidden places that don’t appear in guidebooks and experience local culture up close. Whether you're learning to cook in an Italian village, hiking with locals through Croatian vineyards, or recharging in a Swedish forest cabin – slow travel offers a fresh perspective on the world. In this article, we’ll share some destination ideas for traveling at a slower pace, practical tips for planning your trip, and activities that perfectly match this travel style.

Quality over quantity: the philosophy of slow travel

Less is more.

This idea perfectly captures the spirit of slow travel. During your vacation, you intentionally give up the urge to check off as many tourist sites as possible. Instead, you gain deeper experiences in the places you visit. The quality of the moments matters more than the number of attractions seen. Spontaneous conversations with locals, discovering authentic cafés and restaurants with regional specialties, or learning a traditional craft – these genuine moments leave lasting impressions and make your trip truly unique.

Slow travel: the essential characteristics

All-inclusive vacations and crowded beaches aren’t your thing? Slow travel offers a different way to explore: off the beaten path and away from standardized packages. You choose your own pace, without being guided by tourist clichés or Instagram trends. It’s about experiencing a place with all your senses and creating authentic memories.

Here are the four core principles of slow travel:

Travel mindfully

• Focus on a single region.
• Plan to stay 7 to 10 days in each location.
• Book only your accommodation and leave the rest open to spontaneity.

Travel sustainably

• Take the train for long-distance travel.
• Choose scenic backroads over highways when driving.
• Explore your destination on foot or by bike.
• Stay in family-run accommodations.
• Buy local products.

Fully experience the destination

• Wander through residential neighborhoods away from tourist zones.
• Learn a few words of the local language.
• Eat where the locals eat.
• Discover local events and markets.
• Ask locals for hidden gems and insider tips.

Stay relaxed

• Be flexible with your plans.
• Take time to observe.
• Enjoy unplanned moments.
• Let the surroundings inspire you.

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The benefits of slow travel

Taking your time while traveling helps reduce stress, as you're not rushing from one attraction to the next. You save money by choosing local options and avoiding expensive tourist traps, and you travel more sustainably by using public transportation and consuming local products.

But the greatest benefit of slow travel is the authenticity of the encounters. You discover hidden places that don’t appear in guidebooks, develop a deeper understanding of local culture, and return home with memories far richer than just photos: genuine human connections, unexpected discoveries, and the feeling of truly knowing a place.

Top Destinations for Slow Travel

These countries offer ideal conditions for slow travel – their culture, infrastructure, and mindset encourage a slower, more mindful way of exploring.

Travel slowly in Sweden

In Sweden, taking your time is part of the culture. The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) allows you to move freely in nature and camp almost anywhere. Thanks to an excellent rail network, even remote regions are easily accessible. The Bohusleden hiking trail runs along the west coast through charming fishing villages. On the island of Gotland, you can explore medieval church ruins by bike. In the Dalarna region, you’ll find traditional red cottages by Lake Siljan. A unique experience: take a night train to Lapland, where you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The mystical Tiveden National Park is perfect for hiking.
 

Away from the crowds in Croatia

The Dalmatian coast enchants with over 1,000 islands – an ideal setting for slow travel, far from the crowds. On the island of Vis, stay in a traditional stone house to experience authentic island life. The Pelješac Peninsula invites you to visit local wineries and taste native grape varieties. In Mljet National Park, hike through untouched nature and explore two unique saltwater lakes. The historic town of Trogir reveals its true charm especially during the off-season.

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Alone in the world in Bhutan

This small kingdom nestled in the Himalayas protects its culture by limiting the number of visitors. With local guides, you can explore the Paro Valley and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Plan at least three days for this experience. In the remote Bumthang Valley, you can witness Buddhist ceremonies in centuries-old monasteries. The Haa Valley invites you to hike from village to village. In Thimphu, discover traditional crafts, while in the Punakha Valley, you can stay with farming families and share in their daily life.

Immersed in nature in Costa Rica

The motto “Pura Vida” (pure life) is reflected in every aspect of life in Costa Rica. In an eco-lodge in Monteverde, in the heart of the cloud forest, you are surrounded by nature. In the Orosi Valley, discover traditional coffee-growing methods. Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast, charms with its relaxed atmosphere and cultural diversity. In Tortuguero, you can observe sea turtles laying their eggs. On the Nicoya Peninsula, discover authentic surf camps, and in Corcovado National Park, explore the jungle with local guides.

Slow Travel Activities: Slowing Down by Fully Living the Moment

With the right activities, your trip becomes more relaxing. It’s all about the how: slower, more consciously, more sustainably. Whether you prefer active adventures or peaceful moments, these ideas will help you enjoy enriching experiences:

• Silent Monastery Retreat: Find yourself in stillness. At Arenberg Monastery in the Rhineland or the Wat Metta Buddhist Monastery in California, you can join guided silent retreats. Learn meditation and discover the value of silence – it doesn’t get more slow travel than this.
• Beach Yoga: Connect body and mind in an inspiring setting, such as the beaches of Goa in India, the Greek islands, or Rügen on the Baltic Sea.
• Beekeeping Workshop: In Provence or the Black Forest, learn about the fascinating world of bees with local beekeepers and harvest your own honey.
• Hiking with Alpacas: These gentle animals encourage you to slow down. In the Black Forest or the Alps, take a guided hike with an alpaca by your side.
• Pottery in Portugal: In the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, join multi-day workshops to learn the basics of ceramics and create your own pieces.
• Grape Harvest in the Palatinate: Help with the traditional grape harvest in autumn. Many wineries offer on-site accommodation. Experience the full process from vine to wine.
• Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Italian cuisine from local chefs. In San Gimignano or Lucca, combine cooking classes with market visits and wine tastings. Discover regional products and traditional techniques while taking the time to savor every moment.

Travel with Peace of Mind Thanks to Europ Assistance Travel Insurance

Slow travel also means traveling with peace of mind. With Europ Assistance travel insurance, you’re well protected. Whether it’s an unexpected illness, lost luggage, or a trip interruption, our single-trip or annual insurance plans allow you to fully enjoy your journey with confidence. Reliable coverage is especially important for remote destinations.

Travel Peacefully with Slow Travel and the Right Insurance

Slow travel offers a new way to explore – authentic, sustainable, and serene. To fully enjoy it, the right travel insurance is essential. Especially when traveling to remote areas, it provides the security you need. That way, you can focus on what really matters: deep experiences, meaningful encounters, and truly living the moment.

>> Calculate for free your insurance premium for your next trip <<