Okay, so I’ve been trying this “slow travel” thing, and let me tell you, it’s been… interesting. I’m used to cramming everything into a short trip, rushing from one place to another, you know, the usual tourist drill. This time, I decided to do things differently.
Picking the Place
First, I picked a place I wanted to really see. Not just hit the highlights, but actually live in, for a bit. Ended up choosing a small town.
Settling In
I found a little apartment rental instead of a hotel – wanted to feel like a local, even if just for a few weeks. It had a tiny kitchen, so I could cook my own meals sometimes.
- Unpacked everything. Made the place feel like home, not just a temporary stop.
- Wandered around the neighborhood. Found a local market, a bakery with amazing bread, and a small park.
- Started a routine. Morning coffee at the same cafe, evening walks, just like I would at home.
The Slow Part
This is where it got different. No packed itineraries. No rushing. I spent whole days just… being.
I sat in the park and read. Watched people go by. Struck up conversations with locals at the cafe. Learned a few phrases.
I took a day trip to a nearby village, but instead of rushing through, I just walked around, ate at a local restaurant, and enjoyed the scenery. I even helped a farmer with something one of the days.
The Result
It wasn’t always exciting. Some days were pretty quiet. But I started to notice things I never would have if I’d been rushing. The way the light hit the buildings in the afternoon. The different kinds of birds. The little details of everyday life.
I felt more connected to the place, more… present. It was a totally different way of traveling, and I think I actually got more out of it than I usually do.
I am not sure if I’ll always travel this way, but it’s definitely something I’ll try again. It’s a good way to recharge and see things from a different perspective.
