The Slow Travel Guide

Slow travel is all about doing less, but experiencing more. It’s a mindful approach to exploring the world that prioritises connection, comfort, and conscious choices. Instead of frantic packing, airport stress, and racing through tourist hotspots, slow travel invites you to enjoy the journey, travel with intention, and immerse yourself in each place you visit.

With smart packing tips, streamlined travel capsules, and thoughtful planning, slow travel makes your trip easier and more enjoyable—so you can focus on making meaningful memories, not ticking off to-do lists.

I hope my guide to slow travel helps you feel more confident about exploring the world in a way that aligns with your values. From capsule wardrobe guides and pet-friendly stays to vegan-friendly eats and eco-friendly adventures, everything here is designed to help you travel lighter—both physically and mentally.

Because travel should feel good—for you, your companion, and the planet.

What is Slow Travel?

In today’s world of cheap flights and weekend getaways, it can be tempting to rush through trips, cramming in as many sights as possible. But slow travel encourages us to slow down, and embrace a more meaningful way to explore.

Slow travel is a mindful approach to exploring the world that focuses on quality over quantity. It means taking your time, staying in one place longer, and connecting with local culture in a more meaningful way. Rather than rushing through packed itineraries, slow travel encourages you to move at your own pace, enjoying every part of the experience.

It’s not just about where you go, but how you go. It’s about travelling with intention by choosing low-impact transport, supporting small businesses, and packing light to keep things simple. Slow travel makes space for joy, spontaneity, and intentional choices so your trips feel less stressful, more sustainable, and a lot more fun.

Why Slow Travel?

Slow travel is all about ditching the hectic rush and swapping it for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience. By staying longer in one place and embracing a slower pace, every moment feels more meaningful. You get to soak up the atmosphere, uncover hidden gems, and connect with people and places—without rushing from one tourist spot to the next.

But it’s not just about what feels good for you. Slow travel supports local communities and helps the planet by cutting down on your environmental impact. Thoughtful choices make your trip richer, kinder, and more meaningful—creating memories that stick with you long after you’ve unpacked.

Slow Travel FAQ

What is fast vs slow travel?

Fast travel focuses on ticking off as many destinations and sights as possible in a short time, leading to rushed experience. Slow travel, on the other hand, encourages staying longer in one place, immersing yourself in the local culture, and making mindful, sustainable choices. While fast travel is about quantity and trying to fit in as many locations or activities as possible, slow travel prioritises quality, connection, and meaningful experiences.

Is slow travel sustainable?

Slow travel is sustainable because it reduces your environmental impact by minimising flights, favouring local experiences, and supporting small businesses. By travelling less frequently but more intentionally, slow travel helps lower carbon emissions, reduces over-tourism, and encourages eco-friendly habits that benefit both people and the planet.

How do you plan a slow travel trip?

To plan a slow travel trip, pick one destination and give yourself enough time to explore it without rushing. Focus on what genuinely interests you, not what you've be told you should do—and skip the packed itinerary. Book longer stays in locally owned accommodation, and choose eco-friendly activities. Leave room for spontaneity and make intentional choices that create a more meaningful, enjoyable, and sustainable travel experience.

Sustainable Travel: Making Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainable travel is about being a responsible and compassionate traveller. That means making thoughtful choices that support local communities, protect the environment, and avoid harm to people, animals, and culture. From choosing low-impact transport to avoiding exploitative attractions, every decision affects the footprint you leave behind.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing better. Whether it’s learning a few local phrases, choosing eco-conscious tours, or saying no to animal exploitation, small efforts make a big difference. Travel should feel good—for you and the places you visit. So slow down, spend mindfully, tread lightly, and be curious, respectful, and kind. Because the most rewarding trips are the ones that give something back.

Tips for Sustainable Travel:

Travel less, stay longer: Take fewer trips but make them count by opting for slower, more immersive travel.

Pack light and smart: Take only what you need, avoid "just in case" extras, and skip single-use items.

Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Book eco-conscious stays that prioritise sustainability, like family-run guesthouses or hotels energy-efficient practices, and eco-friendly amenities.

Choose low-impact transport: Whenever possible, opt for slower forms of transportation like trains or buses instead of flying.

Support local businesses: Instead of chain restaurants and large tour companies, eat local, shop indie, and choose community-led tours and experiences that support the local community.

Reduce waste: Bring a reusable water bottle, eco toiletries, and your own cutlery to avoid plastic. Avoid single-use plastics by carrying reusable bags and straws.

Choose ethical experiences: Look for tours that give back to the community and avoid “poverty tourism.” As well as avoiding attractions that exploit animals.

Packing Light: Essentials for Every Trip

Packing light is one of the simplest ways to make travel more enjoyable. Instead of cramming your suitcase last minute and stressing over “just in case” items you’ll never use, packing minimally encourages intentional choices that make your trip smoother, lighter, and far less overwhelming.

Embracing a slower, more mindful approach to travel means focusing on what you actually need—so you can spend less time worrying about what to wear and more time soaking up the experience. If your bag won’t close or you come home with unworn outfits—you’ve overpacked. With a checklist, outfit planning, and a keep-it-simple mindset, you’ll be able to travel lighter, both physically and mentally.

Packing Tips for Slow Travel:

Stick to the essentials: Create a detailed travel checklist tailored to your destination and planned activities. Bring only what’s versatile and necessary.

Plan Travel Outfits: Build a travel capsule wardrobe by planning outfits ahead of time. Aim for around 15 versatile pieces that mix and match well, creating multiple outfit options.

Maximise your shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space, so choose a versatile pair that can work for different occasions. Only pack a second pair if absolutely necessary.

Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes will maximise space and keep your bag tidy. They also help separate clean from dirty laundry and protect fragile items.

Minimise Toiletries: Bring only essential toiletries in travel-sized containers or multi-use products to save space, or simply buy them when you get there.

Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Travel is meant to be an enjoyable adventure, but packing often turns into a stressful juggling act between essentials and outfit choices. Limited luggage space can easily lead to overpacking—a headache no one needs before a trip. That’s where a travel capsule wardrobe comes in, simplifying the packing process and making holiday prep stress-free.

A travel capsule wardrobe typically includes around 15 to 20 versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits, tailored to the length of the trip, destination, and personal style. This approach makes it easy to pack light without sacrificing variety or comfort, allowing for over 40 different outfit combinations with just a handful of carefully chosen items.

How to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe:

Pack For the Destination: Think about where you’re going, the climate, and planned activities. Tailor your travel capsule wardrobe to fit the destination, climate, and planned activities.

Prioritise Versatility: Choose clothes that can easily mix and match. Neutral basics, classic cuts, and lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics maximise outfit options while keeping your luggage light.

Choose a Colour Palette: Stick to a cohesive set of complementary colours to simplify outfits. Classic base shades like black, navy, and beige work well and can be dressed up with jewellery.

Plan Outfits: Test your capsule wardrobe by trying on outfits in advance. This helps ensure every item works well for your destination’s climate, activities, and dress codes.

Know the Best Packing Tips: Use packing cubes and travel-sized containers, wear your bulkiest items while travelling, roll clothes to prevent wrinkles, and place heavy items at the bottom for better weight distribution.

Travel Guides: Vegan-Friendly Travel with Your Dog

There are plenty of travel guides online, but many cover the same popular destinations, attractions, and common tips. These guides often miss the mark for travellers seeking something different—especially those who want to explore with a companion while staying true to a vegan, eco-conscious lifestyle.

My travel guides focus on vegan-friendly slow travel with your dog, offering carefully curated advice to help make every trip sustainable, enjoyable, and perfectly suited to both you and your four-legged friend.

Vegan-Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling as a vegan might feel challenging at first—navigating new places, languages, and routines can be overwhelming enough without worrying about where to find plant-based food or cruelty-free experiences. But it doesn’t have to mean missing out. With a bit of pre-planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy delicious meals and stay true to your values no matter your destination.

Do Your Research: Before booking, look for recommendations before you go. Create an offline map of vegan-friendly options near where you’ll stay to avoid last-minute stress.

Book Self-Catering Accommodation: Opt for places with facilities to prepare your own meals. This not only saves money but makes it easier to cook your own meals using local, seasonal ingredients.

Download Helpful Apps: Apps like Google Translate can help navigate language barriers, identify ingredients, and find vegan-friendly options.

Pack Snacks: Bring your favourite snacks, supplements, and cruelty-free toiletries so you’re prepared wherever you go.

Learn To Communicate: Learn key phrases like “I’m vegan” and how to say no to animal products in the local language. This helps make ordering food less stressful and more enjoyable.

Dog-Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling with a dog is one of the most rewarding ways to fully embrace the spirit of slow travel. It invites a slower pace, encourages exploring at a comfortable rhythm, and deepens the connection between you, your companion, and the places you visit. While it does require thoughtful planning to accommodate your pet’s needs—like finding dog-friendly routes, accommodations, and activities—the effort pays off in unforgettable shared experiences.

Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Always book somewhere that welcomes dogs with outdoor spaces or nearby parks for easy walks.

Pack the Essentials: Bring essentials like food, water, bowls, a leash, poop bags, favourite toys, and a blanket or bed.

Plan Dog-Friendly Activities: Find parks, trails, beaches, and cafes where dogs are welcome so you can explore together.

Respect Local Rules and Other Travelers: Follow local rules, keep your dog leashed where required, and always clean up after them.

Stay Flexible and Patient: Traveling with a dog may require extra time and adjustments, so go with the flow and prioritise your dog’s comfort and safety above all else.

Travel with Purpose and Style

Slow travel is so much more than just reaching a destination, it’s about enjoying every moment of the journey, making genuine connections with people and places, and leaving a positive, lasting impact wherever you go. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe, and experience the world around you without rushing or stressing over the little things.

This way of travelling encourages thoughtful planning—like packing smart with a practical capsule wardrobe that reflects your values, minimises waste, and keeps your luggage light. Plus, when travelling with your dog, this approach means prioritising comfort and wellbeing for both of you, so no one’s left overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

In the end, slow travel isn’t just a style of movement, it’s a mindset that honours ease, sustainability, and joyful connection, making every adventure unforgettable.

A Considered Life