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Embracing Slow and Mindful Travel:

A Path to Meaningful Journeys

By Kimberly Kephart

Planning your next big vacation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Have you considered embracing slow and mindful travel? You might be thinking, “Kimberly, I hate to break it to you, but I want to see all the things!” Trust me—I get it. That urgency to fit in as much as possible is real. But here’s a little secret: slowing down and traveling with intentionality might be the refreshing approach you didn’t know you needed.

Slow and mindful travel is about savoring the places you visit and immersing yourself in their culture, people, and environment. It offers an opportunity to connect deeply with destinations, creating meaningful memories while making more sustainable choices. For military families like ours, juggling constant moves and daily stress, this approach can be a way to recharge and strengthen bonds.

Interestingly, a recent Booking.com survey found that 61% of travelers are seeking trips that help them experience local culture more deeply, while 55% want their travels to leave a positive impact on the environment. These figures highlight a growing desire for a travel philosophy that aligns perfectly with the principles of slow and mindful travel.

And when I think about taking it slow, places like the Dolomites in Italy often come to mind. I remember hearing a guide once say, “The Dolomites aren’t a place to rush through. They’re a place to linger, to watch the light change over the mountains, and to feel time slow down.” That sentiment perfectly captures the essence of slow travel: being present in the moment and embracing the beauty around you.

Let’s explore how these two travel philosophies can transform your journeys.

Fast vs. Slow Tourism

Fast tourism often involves cramming as many destinations into a short time as possible. It’s rushing from one landmark to the next, snapping photos, and moving on. This approach can be exhausting and leaves little room to truly experience a place—not to mention the environmental impact of frequent flights or long car journeys.

Slow tourism, on the other hand, prioritizes quality over quantity. By spending more time in fewer places, you can develop a deeper understanding of a destination. Instead of ticking off top attractions, you can explore markets, take a cooking class, or join a festival, fostering meaningful connections with people and places. As a bonus, it’s more sustainable, encouraging walking, biking, or train travel instead of constant air travel.

The Principles of Mindful Travel

Mindful travel goes beyond slowing down. It’s about intentionality and care for the people, places, and cultures you encounter. Here are some key principles:

Prioritize Sustainability

The environmental impact of travel is a growing concern. Mindful travelers can:

Choose eco-conscious accommodations that prioritize renewable energy and waste reduction.
Opt for trains or buses over a flight when possible.
Pack sustainably, using reusable containers and avoiding single-use plastics.
Look for certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck to ensure you’re supporting genuine sustainable practices.

Engage With Local Communities

Supporting locally owned businesses and participating in community activities can enrich your travel experience. Look on the local Tourism webpage and see what they offer and how they often connect to local businesses. Often times when you book through platforms like GetYourGuide, a percentage of your money doesn’t go to the tour operator. Find out if the company has its own website and book from there.

Take cooking classes, explore markets, or join cultural events to gain hands-on experience and foster genuine connections. Ethical choices, such as avoiding exploitative activities, further show respect for the places you visit.

Reflect on Your Intentions

Before your trip, consider what you hope to gain. Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, or personal growth? Aligning your plans with your intentions ensures a more fulfilling journey. Always think before posting on Social Media. What will this take from the community and what will it leave behind? How do your intentions create ripples?

Why Slow and Mindful Travel Is Worth Considering

Deeper Cultural Connections

When you slow down, you create space to engage with a destination in ways that rushing doesn’t allow. Whether it’s chatting with a vendor at a local market, learning to make pasta from an Italian nonna, or crafting kimchi with a Korean chef, these experiences deepen your cultural understanding.

Less Stress, More Joy

Life is stressful enough—why add chaos with a packed itinerary? Slow travel embraces relaxation, offering peaceful moments like sipping coffee at a quiet café or strolling through a serene neighborhood. By ditching the rush, you’ll feel more connected to your surroundings.

Sustainability and Supporting Locals

Spending more time in one place reduces your carbon footprint and directly supports local economies. Dining at family-run restaurants, staying in small guesthouses, or shopping at markets ensures your travel benefits the community.

Building Stronger Relationships

Staying in a single place allows you to form relationships—with both people and the destination. Imagine a week in a village where the barista knows your order, or chatting with a neighbor who shares local tips. These personal connections can turn trips into cherished memories.

Budget-Friendly Adventures

Slow travel isn’t just sustainable—it’s often more affordable. Longer stays can mean discounted rates at accommodations, and many slow travel activities, like hiking or attending local festivals, are free or low-cost. Cooking your own meals with fresh, local ingredients saves money while offering authentic flavors.

Tips for Embracing Slow and Mindful Travel

Stay Longer in One Place: Trade whirlwind itineraries for longer stays to experience daily life and culture.
Focus on Local Experiences: Seek activities that immerse you in the community, like cooking classes or exploring markets.
Travel Slowly: Embrace walking, biking, or train travel to soak in the scenery and reduce your environmental impact.
Be Open to the Unexpected: Leave room in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries and chance encounters.
Unplug and Be Present: Limit screen time and focus on your surroundings to enhance your connection with the destination.

Looking Ahead

Slow and mindful travel is more than a trend—it’s a way to connect deeply with the world around us. For military families, it’s an opportunity to explore areas near duty stations meaningfully and sustainably. For all travelers, it’s a chance to create lasting memories while leaving a positive impact.

As you plan your next adventure, consider taking it slow and traveling mindfully. The rewards—deeper connections, less stress, and a lighter environmental footprint—are well worth it. Let’s make this the year of meaningful journeys. Where will your adventure take you?

About the Author

Kimberly Kephart is a freelance travel writer and destination content creator, collaborating with global brands and destination management offices. Currently, she is based in Vicenza, Italy, and was stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea from 2020-2023. Kimberly is passionate about exploring the globe and sharing her insights through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, and on Instagram at @kimberlykepharttravels. As she pursues her Travel Coach Certification with the Travel Coach Network, Kimberly continues to craft comprehensive travel resources that inspire and empower fellow military spouses and solo travelers to embark on meaningful, sustainable journeys.

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