To move slowly, to take in your surroundings, to worry less about the time it takes to get from A to B; these are pleasures in their own right, but in addition to simply savouring the joy of a leisurely pace, there are the environmental benefits of slow travel to shout about, too. With the increasing awareness of the impact of travel on the planet, we as a society are becoming ever more conscious of travelling with a conscience. This is where the quintessential mode of slow travel - the train - comes in. With tracks across the world connecting some seriously cool destinations via some seriously scenic routes - and all with a fraction of the carbon footprint of a flight - getting to where you're going has never been more elegant, or guilt-free.
When it comes to practising slow travel to a far flung destination, you could take the purist route and train, sail, cycle and walk your way around the world (which would make for a truly incredible sabbatical, if you ask us), or, more likely, take your flight (also guilt-free with our Carbon Off-setting programme), and we'll organise all sorts of incredible slow adventures once you arrive.
Top Five Slow Travel Experiences
- E-biking through the Dolomites - bike your way from high-altitude town to mountaintop restaurant, exploring epic scenery on two wheels (minus the sore legs afterwards)
- Hiking in Chile - take to your feet to traverse the diverse landscapes of Chile, whether you prefer the seemingly endless deserts of the north or the mountainous region of Patagonia in the south
- Kayaking in Croatia - island hop and explore the waters of Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian Coast in a kayak for a new perspective on this Mediterranean gem, either alone or with an expert guide and with plenty of refuelling stops for delicious food along the way
- Horseback safaris in Kenya - take an expert-guided ride through the wildlife-rich African bush in search of everything from giraffes to rare birds, all with spectacular landscapes as a backdrop
- Trekking in Bhutan - the wonderfully green 'Carbon Sink' that is Bhutan is the ideal destination for trekking-lovers of all kinds. Choose from almost 30 designated trekking routes that range from gentler single-day to 30-day adventures, crossing through dense forest and lush valleys, hopefully spotting some local fauna as you go.