Slow travel and tourism

It seems quite timely as we rush towards Christmas I've been asked by a US magazine for my thoughts on slow travel and tourism....

1. What exactly is slow travel?

Slow travel, like the slow food movement is based around the idea of savouring what the local area has to offer. In the case of tourism, that may mean food, but it also refers to the local culture and environment too. It's about searching out beautiful, small scale, locally owned accommodation (that has been built by local people with local materials and designed to complement the areas natural and cultural environment) that supports local people, rather than staying in large and anonymous overseas owned chain hotels. Rather than rushing from place to place in a few days the slow traveler visits fewer places (often with a guide from the local community) but really gets to know each of them, in this way they get a deeper travel experience. In England we are amazed by US visitors that ‘do’ England in 4 days, before moving onto the rest of Europe. I’m sure many UK visitors to the US are in the same hurry – this is the antithesis of slow travel.

2. Can slow travel be as much fun as fast travel?

Slow travel is about more authentic travel which is ultimately more enjoyable and rewarding. It leaves you with a greater understanding of local people and places, and leaves you more rested, fulfilled and relaxed – which are after all many of the reasons that we travel in the first place. The slow traveler broadens his or her mind, sees their lives through others eyes, and gains new perspectives. They return home with experiences that have shaped their values.

3. Slow travel can mean exploring places closer to home. Any advice about how to enjoy the true spirit of adventure while not journeying so far?

Realize that when you have formed a set opinion about a place or a culture you cease to be a real traveler. This is the danger with places closer to home. The way to real discovery is to remain curious and to go on experiencing and learning. As soon as you've made up your mind about a place or local culture you become an observer viewing the world through your beliefs rather than a participant creating new experiences with local people.

To see more about the book pictured click here