In Part 2 of the Notes for Slow Wanderers series, I’m taking a bit of a deeper dive into how you can become a wanderer when you travel, rather than a tourist.
1. Explore on foot.
Wanderers get out of their cars frequently.
Exploring a new place helps you discover hidden gems and local favorites that reveal the true spirit of the community. These discoveries tend to happen more frequently when you are on foot.
2. LET YOUR CURIOSITY LEAD YOU.
Allow yourself to be led by your curiosity, rather than a guide book. Plan time for simply strolling through vibrant streets with no particular destination, discovering charming cafés and hidden art galleries.
3. ADOPT A LOCAL MINDSET.
Live like a local. Strike up conversations with local shopkeepers. Attend local festivals. Engage with the locals to absorb their local customs and way of life.
4. ENJOY AUTHENTIC LOCAL FOOD.
One of the greatest joys of travel is the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine. As you explore,let your tastebuds guide you to neighborhood eateries where dishes are crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Picture yourself savoring a fragrant bowl of soup of a meticulously prepared dish that tells a story of its origin. Every meal becomes an adventure, offering a delicious entry point into the region’s heart.
5. VISIT LOCAL MARKETS.
Whenever my husband and I find ourselves in a new place one of our favorite things to do is find and visit the local markets. Wandering through the local market area, exploring the shops, talking to the local shopkeepers, wine makers, and artisans about their wares are wonderful ways to immerse yourselves in the culture.
Don’t forget to listen.
6. Make Connections.
All slow roads lead to new connections and authentic experiences. Interact with local shop owners, innkeepers, and residents to learn about their culture, their values, and their way of life. Interact. Share. Listen.
7. reflect and DOCUMENT YOUR EXPERIENCES
Anyone can return from a trip with pictures of famous landmarks, often including plenty of other tourists taking pictures of the same landmark. These are postcard photos and there is nothing wrong with them, but they are unlikely to be unique and, often, they are not particularly meaningful.
Carve out time at the end of each day for you and your fellow traveler to reflect on the day’s adventures, your thoughts flowing like the coffee in your cup. Documenting your authentic experiences preserves the memories and allows you to reflect on how they’ve shaped your perspective.
The image at the left is one of my favorite pictures we took on our last trip to Italy. It seemed to capture the essence of our experience wandering through some of the small villages. Not a landmark in sight.
Happy wandering!
With love and warmth,
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