Slow travel is an exceptional way to see the world and enjoy everything each area has to offer. You get to replace rushed schedules with a slow absorption of the place you’re exploring, making memory after memory without a care in the world. Of course, there are ways to make even more out of this amazing way of traveling. That’s right – this dreamy way of seeing the world can be even more exceptional if you follow these tips:
- Don’t Sacrifice Your Health
In some places, it is much cheaper to cook your own food than eat out. When you are cooking for yourself, make the most of all those new local culinary ingredients by arming yourself with high-quality non-stick cookware and other equipment you feel comfortable using.
This tip can save you money, help you cook like a professional, and ensure you’re always able to enjoy healthy meals. Even if you’re traveling in a camper van, you’ll be equipped to quickly create food before heading out on a day’s adventure.
- Avoid Tourist Burnout
Tourist burnout is when you get exhausted from rushing around trying to see and do everything before you go home. Though this is antithetical to slow traveling, you can still slip into tourist burnout if you’re not careful.
So, operate a one-day on, one day off policy where possible. This schedule will ensure your time is balanced between making the most of the location and restoring your energy. When it’s go-time again, you’ll always be feeling 100%.
- Learn Some Local Lingo
More than 40% of people in the world are bilingual, around 20% are monolingual, and the rest speak multiple languages. Speaking other languages enhances your ability to learn new things, gives you a broader range of exciting job opportunities, and helps you embrace new perspectives.
When you are slow traveling, knowing the local lingo also gives you a greater chance of getting to know people. You can embrace the culture and learn about secret bars, eateries, and other local spots. In short, you will absorb a greater depth of culture and enjoy your time in each location even more.
- Safely Move Out of Your Comfort Zone
Some estimates suggest that only 2% of us regularly venture outside our comfort zones. While the rest of us stay cozy, that 2% have adventures, take (measured) risks, and try new things. Joining this tiny minority is the key to making the absolute most out of slow traveling.
As long as you know how to be as safe as possible in the country you’re traveling in (every country has guidelines and specific risks), you can and should move out of your comfort zone. Talk to strangers, do activities you always felt you couldn’t, wear clothes you love and never dared to wear – you’ll find that as your memories of the place grow, you grow as a person too.
- Consider Online Work
If remote work is funding your slow travel adventures, that’s great. However, the nomadic lifestyle can be lonely, and you may find yourself alone more than you want. Consider working in shared offices with other remote workers or even applying for a work visa so you can get a local job.
Working in the community is a fantastic way to learn more about the area, meet new people, and earn some extra money. Just ensure that you abide by the tax laws in your home country and current country of residence.
With the slow travel tips above, you have a world of adventures ahead, in your own time, at your own pace. So, where will you head off to next?
