The era of package tours, visiting 20-countries-in-10-days and ticking off monuments from a to-do list is so pre-pandemic. One of the most recent trends (that is here to stay) amongst travellers post-pandemic is “slow traveling”. But what is this new hip and trendy movement and why is it relevant? And in Boundless terms, how does one “slow travel” with kids?
Slow traveling essentially slows down your travel plans and allows you to stay in one place for a longer period of time. It gives you and your kids the opportunity to live like locals and connect to that particular destination and its people. It also means forgoing the usual list of places that are constantly shown on popular travel sites and in movies and instead choosing a destination that sparks a real interest in you that you may have read about in a book!
Instead of the everlasting and tiresome flying and commuting from one destination to another, slow traveling means staying where you are for a few months or even up to a year, allowing you to reconnect with the world at your own pace. And while slow traveling probably sounds good for just you on your own, imagine bringing your family to a new country without worrying about keeping track of everyone’s passports, packing and unpacking belongings, and the abundance of expenses that come along with family vacations!
There are many benefits to this type of travel and here’s to name just a few:
Culture
Slow traveling allows you to dig deeper into the culture of that specific destination.
- You will get to try not one but plenty of different restaurants, especially the hidden gems, and really get to taste the authentic local food
- You will learn about the history through numerous tours, museums and art gallery visits and by listening to stories from the locals on your own time
- You may even be able to learn a whole new language if you put your mind to it
- You will embrace a new genre of music and probably even end up downloading your favourite trending songs of that city in that particular year
- You will pick up on new traditions, belief systems, and lifestyles
By not rushing through the culture but really taking your time with the learning process, slow traveling has a significant educational impact on you and your family.
Wellness
Slow travel means less travel, and less travel means less stress. With fewer flights, less packing and unpacking, and little worry about boarding planes, buses, and/or trains, it takes the pressure off you and your family and gives you more free time to enjoy! In hopes of cramming a lot of trips in one vacation at a strenuous pace is downright exhausting and can leave one feeling extremely overwhelmed. With slow travel, you can take your time, relax, and plan ahead to eliminate travel anxiety and it also allows you and your family to have a routine. Having a routine influences your quality of rest. Your sleeping habits directly affect your mental sharpness, performance, emotional well-being and energy levels. When traveling at a slower pace, your family is able to plan ahead which results in better health. It also eliminates the feeling of “travel burn-out” which is a real thing!
Sustainability
Fortunately, slow traveling goes hand in hand with sustainability and has actually been named the most responsible travel option. With fewer flights and commute rides involved, the obvious benefit is that it reduces your carbon footprint and does not put pressure on our beloved planet. By sticking to exploring one destination instead of flying around to multiple destinations in a short period of time, you also get to live like a local and contribute to the local economy.
Affordability
While traveling pre-pandemic may have sounded like an expensive option, with the remote work on the rise the term digital nomad has become somewhat of a global phenomenon. You can now work during your stay and still enjoy the benefits of living in a beautiful country without such a tight schedule. There are less expenses for flights and commute, and you can actually maintain a regular budget. It may even cost less than living at home depending on the destination! By staying longer in one place you can book long-term accommodation with companies like Boundless and save.
In conclusion, having a slow mindset when it comes to travel allows you to take a step back from those vigorous to-do lists and simply embrace the local culture and community of a completely new destination. Instead of taking the Instagram-worthy photo ops by hitting all the “hot-spots” outlined in movies and travel guides, you can focus on a much more authentic experience.
And while slow traveling in general is great, slow traveling with Boundless Life is a whole other ball game because it also means you don’t have to worry about uprooting your children’s education or waiting for the summer to travel. We provide a full education program that is modern, forward-thinking, and impactful!
If you’re thinking about slow traveling with Boundless, contact us here!
.avif)
