Why Slow Travel Works Everywhere (Yes, Even NYC)

Travel today often feels like a race—packing as much as possible into every itinerary, checking destinations off a list, and rushing from one landmark to another.

But what if you could approach travel differently? Slow travel prioritizes depth over breadth, encouraging a more meaningful connection with the places you visit. Here’s how to plan a slow travel experience and why it might just be the best way to explore.

Why Slow Travel Is the Best Travel Style

Slow travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how people want to experience the world. According to a recent report by Booking.com, travelers are looking for more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and slow travel is the perfect way to achieve that. By spending more time in fewer places, you’re not just a visitor; you become part of the local rhythm.

Other benefits of slow travel include:

• Less Stress: You’re not rushing to fit everything in, which allows for more relaxation and flexibility.
• Sustainability: Slow travel often relies on public transport, walking, or cycling, reducing your carbon footprint.
• Stronger Connections: Whether it’s chatting with locals at a market or revisiting your favorite café, slow travel fosters genuine interactions.

Some destinations naturally lend themselves to this travel style. For example:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Known for its laid-back vibe, Chiang Mai offers cooking classes, long temple visits, and peaceful mountain retreats.
• Tuscany, Italy: Perfect for savoring long meals, exploring villages, and enjoying wine tours.
• Kyoto, Japan: With its quiet gardens, tea ceremonies, and historic neighborhoods, Kyoto is ideal for travelers looking to slow down.

But here’s the thing—you don’t need to visit a remote destination to embrace slow travel. People live their lives everywhere, and every destination has the potential for meaningful, immersive experiences if you know what you’re looking for.

Slow Travel in Big Cities: Yes, It’s Possible

Even in fast-paced cities like New York or Tokyo, you can adopt the principles of slow travel. It’s all about mindset and planning. Here’s how:

1. Stay in One Neighborhood: Instead of trying to see all five boroughs of New York City, pick one—say, Brooklyn—and explore it deeply. Walk its streets, eat at local restaurants, and visit its parks.
2. Limit Your Daily Plans: Instead of cramming your day with multiple attractions, focus on one or two. For example, spend the morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the afternoon people-watching in Central Park.
3. Embrace Local Transit: Ride the subway, take a bus, or walk. Slowing down your pace often reveals hidden gems you’d miss in a taxi.
4. Engage With Locals: Sign up for a neighborhood tour, chat with shop owners, or join a local workshop—these moments can be as memorable as the landmarks.
5. Follow Your Interests: If your heart beats for a big city like NYC, slow travel means indulging in its essence. On the other hand, if you need to escape the bustle, find nearby retreats or quieter neighborhoods that resonate with you.

Staying in Koh Klang, Thailand

On a trip to Thailand, I stayed in Koh Klang, a small island just a short boat ride from Krabi. The locally-run resort where I stayed offered a wonderful chance to immerse myself in the community. Meals were prepared fresh using local ingredients, and each dish reflected the region’s flavors and traditions. The simplicity of the experience made it unforgettable—biking through the island’s quiet paths, hearing the rhythmic sounds of daily life, and watching skilled artisans.

One of the highlights was connecting with locals who welcomed me into their way of life. Whether it was chatting during a weaving demonstration or stopping for a drink at a roadside stand, these moments reminded me that slow travel is about relationships as much as the destination itself. Koh Klang also served as a perfect base to explore nearby southern Thailand destinations, allowing me to combine traditional travel experiences with a slower, more immersive approach.

This experience taught me that slow travel isn’t about skipping the highlights—it’s about engaging with a place on a deeper level. You don’t have to choose between checking off bucket list items and embracing slow travel—you can do both.

How to Plan a Slow Travel Experience

Planning is key to making slow travel successful. Here’s how to get started:

1. Research Your Destination

Look beyond the top ten lists. Research the culture, history, and customs of your chosen destination. What’s the pace of life like? What do locals enjoy doing? This information will help you align your itinerary with the slow travel ethos.

2. Choose Meaningful Accommodations

Opt for stays that reflect the local culture. A family-run guesthouse, a small boutique hotel, or even a homestay can offer insights into daily life. Extended stays in one place—whether a week or a month—can help you settle in and feel less like a tourist.

3. Create Flexible Itineraries

Don’t over-plan. Give yourself free time each day to explore spontaneously or revisit places you’ve enjoyed. Slow travel is about letting go of rigid schedules.

4. Learn a Few Basics of the Local Language

Even a few phrases can go a long way in creating connections. Being able to say “please,” “thank you,” or “how are you?” in the local language makes interactions more meaningful.

5. Support Local Businesses

Eat at local restaurants, shop at small markets, and hire local guides. This not only supports the community but also provides a more authentic experience.

6. Travel Slower

Choose trains over planes, walk or cycle instead of driving, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Experience More

Slow travel isn’t about doing less; it’s about experiencing more. Whether you’re wandering the streets of New York City or relaxing in a Tuscan villa, the principles of slow travel remain the same: take your time, connect with the culture, and savor every moment. With some planning and a mindset shift, slow travel can transform how you see the world—and how it sees you.

Slow travel also doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice traditional experiences. Whether you’re ticking off bucket list items or finding hidden gems, it’s about finding balance and exploring in a way that feels authentic to you.

So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider slowing down. The journey might surprise you.

Slow Travel at Its Finest: The Longest Train Journey Across Two Continents

10 Best Slow Travel Destinations to Savor Every Moment

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / RDNE Stock project.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.