Life is fast paced and we as consumers tend to value instant gratification. Not all conveniences in this digital age are inherently bad, but we would benefit from learning to slow down a little.
How we spend our leisure time is a good way to practice living in the moment, without moving on to the next thing on our to do lists. The Slow Travel Movement urges you to take time to process the sights and sounds of your destination, before rushing to the next place.
Slow Travel is inspired by the Slow Food Movement, which began in Italy in the 1980s in response to increased consumption of convenience foods, the loss of local culinary traditions, and hurried mealtimes.
Here’s how to do Slow Travel and some ideas to get you started.
If there were rules on how to do Slow Travel, not packing too many destinations or activities into one trip would be the number one rule.
The goal is to really absorb your surroundings and not feel numb to the experience because of sensory overload. If you are visiting a renowned museum, don’t dart between every gallery. Study and linger in front of the works that speak to you.
Instead of planning an itinerary full of tourist attractions, sample a bit of local culture. Head to annual festivals enjoyed by the locals. Hang out at the favourite coffee house, ice cream shop or pub in your host neighborhood. Practice your language skills and ask where to get authentic cuisine or for the location of the best, less-traveled hiking or biking trails.
Slow Food and Slow Travel are the perfect match. Imagine strolling through the streets of Rome and you come across the perfect, quaint cafe to stop for lunch. You try the special of the day and the dessert recommended by your server, and you laugh with your travel companion over drinks, instead of heading across town before the next attraction closes.
Travel on your own steam. Walking and biking or getting around in another way that allows you to ditch cars, is the best way to soak in your surroundings. You’re more likely to catch the scent of fresh cooked pupusas from a food cart or see the most perfect shoes in the window of a boutique. Think of all you’ll miss if you speed by on a busy street!
You may have heard the phrase, "I need a vacation from my vacation.” We tend to feel exhausted and overwhelmed at the end of our trip if we crammed too many activities into a short period of time. We get it, it’s tempting to want to see and do everything because you fear missing out. But if you travel slowly, you will feel more fulfilled.
If you are relaxing and staying in one place for a while, it only makes sense that you would enjoy locally grown and prepared cuisine. Sounds better than hitting a drive-thru in the car on the way to a theme park.
Slow travel reduces carbon footprints because it calls on us to explore a single city or region instead of darting between faraway sites. And if you are walking and biking around your destination or taking the train instead of flying, you’re further reducing your environmental impact.
Slow travel encourages spending and interaction with local businesses, artisans and restaurateurs. Extended stays in one place also means more local spending. Explore local street markets. Take tours with local guides and avoid chain restaurants.
Your slow travel plans aren’t complete if you don’t purchase travel insurance. You should know that your Canadian government health insurance plan may not fully protect you if you experience a medical or dental emergency outside of your home province. Emergency medical and dental coverage by Allianz Global Assistance can help you fill coverage gaps.
Our Trip Cancellation and interruption benefits may also reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed for a covered reason, such as illness or dangerous weather.
As one of the world leaders in travel protection, Allianz Global Assistance helps Canadians annually answer the call of adventure with confidence every year. Millions of travellers rely on us for help when they need it most. Let us be there for you too.
Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.
