Why You Should Consider Slow Travelling On Your Next Trip

Do you catch yourself going on whirlwind trips, rushing in and out of destinations every few days? Do you spend hours making bucket lists and end up visiting overly crowded, touristy spots? And by the time you return home, are you so burnt out from your trip, you need a vacation just to recuperate? If this sounds familiar, it’s time for you to slow down – and slow travel instead.

What Is Slow Travel? 

Slow Travel is among the latest trends in the tourism industry that has created a buzz on the internet, with #slowtravel and #goslow running viral on TikTok and Instagram. Skyscanner’s APAC Travel Trends revealed that the rise of slow travel among Asian travelers has been evident since 2020, while earlier this year Forbes mentioned that “jam-packed vacation itineraries” have become a thing of the past. 

When a foreign fast-food chain was launched in Italy in the 90s, it sparked widespread protests as people sought to protect traditional farming and local cooking. It led to the advent of the slow food movement to educate tourists and locals alike about the importance of preserving the authentic food of the region.

Slow travel is the same. It encourages you to explore a place as a local, not a tourist – and at your own pace (generally speaking it is at least a month per location).  It urges you to enjoy longer stays, soak in the environment and immerse yourself in the true culture of the community. It focuses on holistic, experience-oriented traveling rather than simply ticking off destinations from your itinerary, 

Everyone has their own style but here’s why we love slow travel. Continue reading to find out more. 

1. It’s Cheaper 

A big advantage of slow travelling is that it helps you save a significant amount of money. Hotels and food chains tend to be expensive without even offering the authenticity and charm of a local stay. 

Instead, you can opt to slow travel and enjoy longer stays. You can book an apartment, and experience how the locals live.  Extended stays also mean better deals and discounted rates.  Plus, if you’ve a kitchen, you won’t need to spend money at restaurants. You can find local ingredients and whip up your own meals. 

Additionally, slow travel can also help you cut down the expense of frequent flights and train rides that you may end up taking if you keep hopping from one place to another. Instead, why not consider staying in one place for a month or so, taking the time to explore all that it has to offer? Go on leisurely strolls, enjoy hiking trails or cycle throughout the city. 

2. You Can Work Remotely

Well..let’s not forget that as digital nomads we have to work while we travel. Remote work demands realistic expectations for you to meet deadlines and attend meetings. Slow travel is great for this. You get ample time to explore a place, while also maintaining a work-life balance. 

Plus, with subscription living you’ll have access to stays with high-speed Wi-Fi and modern, work-friendly amenities. 

3. Making Friends In A New Place Gets Easier 

While slow travelling and working remotely, you can also operate from local co-working spaces, attend cultural and networking events and visit work friendly cafes. These places usually have a friendly environment and are often frequented by expats and fellow digital nomads who’re keen to meet people and make new friends. 

If you stay for a prolonged period, you’ll have a better chance of getting closer to the locals. You can learn the basics of the language they speak and actually soak in the culture of every destination. 

4. It’s More Sustainable  

As the number of tourists flying by air continues to increase, the environmental damage caused by it has become a topic of serious concern. One way to reduce this is by slow travelling, where you’ve more time to opt for more sustainable modes of transportation like overland travel. By taking a bus or train, you can minimize your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet.

5. You Can Have A Routine 

Short, rushed trips often involve constantly packing and unpacking. It can be easy to let your routine slip away when you’re living on the go. However, slow travel allows more time to prioritise self-care and maintain a schedule. 

You can set a morning routine, sign up for a fitness class or enjoy daily runs by the beach. You can cook healthy meals in your very kitchen, have designated workstations and plan your day well in advance. You can also establish a travel routine and have dedicated slots for your outings every day.   

6. Subscription Living Comes In Handy 

You can opt for subscription living plans for a hassle-free slow travel experience. It’s an easier alternative to traditional renting, where you can pay a fixed monthly rent for your entire stay – and live, explore and travel to different locations. 

You can choose your own starting date, enjoy remote-friendly facilities and fully furnished apartments in some of the best destinations in the world. From work-friendly studios to spacious pet-friendly apartments, you’ve the freedom to pick the type of accommodation that works best for you. All of our apartments come with Wi-Fi, work-friendly spaces, kitchen and washer. 

Still in two minds? How about you try one of our preset bundles for a shorter stay at a fixed monthly rent first? Our bundles are curated by our expert team and by talented creators, focusing on a specific lifestyle with a set starting date, duration of stay, sequence of locations and apartment type. If you’ve special requirements, we also offer tailor-made bundles to cater to your specific needs. 

Also, our accommodations are intentionally selected to support remote work. We recognize that many travelers require co-working spaces, hence we offer the option to include co-working access in your travel package for an additional fee. 

When you opt for subscription living, you can explore a new destination every month, take in the local culture and make connections for a lifetime.