We live in a world of instant everything – instant messages, instant meals and in fact, just about anything on demand. We’ve grown accustomed to living life in fast-forward but when it comes to holidays, shouldn’t we be hitting the brakes instead of the accelerator? Enter the concept of slow travel – a mindful approach to holidays and tourism that is gaining traction among seasoned globetrotters and local adventurers alike.
“Slow travel is about the journey, not just the destination. A worldwide movement, many tourists are moving away from whirlwind tours, preferring to linger at and savour the places they visit and forming deeper connections with them,” comments Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts in South Africa. “It’s a shift from seeing everything to choosing fewer experiences that resonate more.”
The Upside of Slowing Down
So, instead of rushing from one tourist destination to another as you tick boxes off a must-see list, slow travel is characterised by quality over quantity and true relaxation. It’s about immersing yourself in the essence of the place you’re visiting, learning the history, discovering the hidden gem of a restaurant down a side street, taking meanders off the beaten track, or striking up a conversation with a local.
“It involves a deliberate approach and meaningful exploration,” says Lamont. “We’ve noticed a shift in guest behaviour at some of our resorts and hotels, with some showing a definite interest in experiencing more local attractions and staying for longer periods,” he adds. “We are also seeing more people who attend conferences at our properties choosing to stay on afterwards just to relax and take in the sights.”
Lamont notes this was especially evident at the Group’s Bushman’s Nek Resort in the Southern Drakensberg. “Before the hotel tragically burnt down in August, guests were opting for longer stays to fully explore the area’s hiking trails, fly-fishing spots and San rock art sites.”
Disconnect and Reconnect
But why is slow travel gaining momentum? Lamont says that in our hyper-connected world where we’re constantly bombarded with information and rushing around, slow travel offers a much-needed respite.
“This trend in travel allows tourists to disconnect from the digital noise, reconnect with themselves and literally take things slower,” he explains. “The future of travel is not necessarily about ticking off every ‘must see’ tourist spot or destination on a list. Many people are investing in authentic travel experiences to gain a genuine understanding of the world around them. That’s why slow travel is also known as “mindful” travel.”
In fact, slow travel is being recognised as a balm for our mental well-being too. A less hurried pace allows one time to chill and truly unwind, combating the stress that can often accompany travel.
Win-Win
Slow travel also brings various benefits. By staying longer in one place, it reduces the need for frequent transportation, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. Supporting local businesses also contributes to sustainability practices through locally sourced goods and services.
“Its impact is particularly significant on the economies of the relevant communities,” Lamont explains. It creates a mutually beneficial situation: tourists immerse themselves in authentic local experiences, while the relevant communities receive much-needed and sustained economic support.”.
Local Sector Response
South Africa, with its stunning yet varied landscapes and rich diversity, is an ideal destination for slow travel, and our local tourism sector is adapting to cater for this movement.
Lamont says that hotels are curating experiences that showcase local culture, while tour operators are designing more flexible, immersive itineraries.
“Slow travel is a shift that’s changing not just how we travel, but why we travel,” he concludes.
So, next time you are planning a trip, why not try slowing things down? Stay a little longer, wander a bit further and open yourself to unexpected adventures while making magical, lasting memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
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