In a previous post, Embracing the Joy of Slow Travel, I wrote about the beauty of slow travel, or what I have come to think of as wandering. Wandering is less about itineraries than it is about allowing experiences to unfold. Wanderers experience new places through exploration, not through a guidebook.
Wanderers, unlike tourists, take time to enjoy a breathtaking view, breathe in the crisp air, or admire a stunning mural on a building. They listen to their bodies and allow themselves to rest when needed, whether it’s curling up with a good book at a cozy cafĂ©, taking in a beautiful sunset, or taking a stroll along a scenic route. They understand that embracing their own rhythm enables them to appreciate the journey more deeply.
No one wants to come home for a long vacation feeling exhausted. Here are a few ideas to help you join the slow travel movement by becoming a wanderer. This is part one of a series.
1. Take Your Time getting there.
Wandering starts with the journey. Always keep in mind, you are in no particular hurry to get there. Choose trains when available. Take a bus, rent a car, or ride a bicycle to discover more off-the-beaten-path places. If you see a tourist or a big-name hotel, wander on. You’re not there yet.
2. stay longer.
Ditch any plans that involve hopping from one spot to the next. Instead, stay longer in one place. Spending more time in fewer places means you can build deeper connections and create lasting memories. Even short trips can be more fulfilling with moments to relax.
3. Avoid Hotels.
Opt for local inns or Airbnb accommodations wherever possible. You’ll find they are considerably cheaper than hotels and will lead to more enriching experiences. Many of the best places you wander to will not have a big hotel. That’s a good thing! Embrace it.
The place on the right is Fairygreen Cottage on Dunsinnan Farm in Perth, Scotland. My husband and spent a wonderful few days there as we wandered through Scotland this spring.
4. soak it all in.
Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings fully. Wanderers get lost in the beauty around them, rather than rushing through it.
5. embrace moments of stillness.
Wanderers embrace moments of stillness. These can be as simple as sitting on a park bench, watching the world go by while the sun sets in brilliant hues. When you leave open slots in your plans, you invite the unexpected and create space for serendipitous moments.
6. Prioritize quality over quantity.
As you wander about a new place, focus on doing fewer activities but experiencing them more deeply. Allow yourself to spend a leisurely afternoon in a historic neighborhood, roaming down cobblestone lanes, admiring intricate architecture, and stopping to chat with locals. Perhaps you’ll visit a quaint bookstore that smells of old paper and leather or stumble upon a musician playing soulful tunes in the square. By focusing on just a few experiences, you will likely forge unforgettable memories that last long after the trip.
See: Notes for Slow Wanderers, Part Two
Look for future posts on my upcoming travel adventures.
Happy wandering!
With love and warmth,
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