Savor the Journey: The Mindful Moments of “Slow Travel”

By Jeanne O’Brien Coffey On my first trip to Florence, Italy, my husband and I visited the same small wine bar every afternoon at 3 p.m. to recall the day’s adventures over a glass of Sangiovese. On our second day there the server recognized us. On the third he offered us samples of his favorite cheeses and wines. And by the fourth day he greeted us as old friends. View the Winter 2024 issue. More than the beauty of the Uffizi Gallery and the splendor of the Duomo, those afternoons stuck with us as treasured memories. And while we did not see all the sights in Florence, we felt just a little bit like locals. We didn’t know it then, but we were embracing “slow travel”—a practice that prioritizes mindful experiences over checking off tourist attractions. As the post- pandemic “revenge travel” trend of over-the-top bucket-list trips fades away, more people are looking for meaning when they vacation. It could be simple, like eschewing highways for meandering byways, or as challenging as a multiday bike ride. The real goal is to invest the time to immerse yourself in a new destination and to experience it in a way that has genuine meaning for you. “Slow travel fundamentally changes the way we connect with the world,” says Ruth A. Hargrave, founder of Thrive Voyager, a web-based directory of “transformational” travel experiences. “This intentional, unhurried exploration of destinations allows for authentic experiences that can truly enrich our lives.” FORGING A DEEPER CONNECTION Like the slow food movement, which prioritizes local ingredients and preparation, slow travel seeks to explore what is unique about a destination. “Slow travel encourages a deeper connection with the places we visit, highlighting an immersive exploration of culture, history, and culinary traditions, rather than a mere checklist of tourist attractions,” says Carl Broadbent, an entrepreneur, travel writer, and founder of the website Travelspock. Despite its name, the concept of slow travel doesn’t require a months-long trip. “Imagine spending a weekend unraveling the secrets of a single neighborhood. You might be surprised to find that it gives you a richer, more rewarding experience than spending a week hastily hopping between attractions,” Broadbent explains. At its core, slow travel is not merely a type of travel but a mindset, says Jens Johansson, a Swedish travel expert and founder of Airport Information, a website that offers news and live flight information. “It is about immersing oneself in the local environment, getting to know the culture, and taking the time to appreciate the details.” If you look closely, you’ll find myriad possibilities for deeper connections everywhere from Long Island to L.A. Here are a few creative ways to explore the slow lane. Over the river, through the woods, and off the beaten track: A horse-drawn sleigh gives visitors to Aspen a unique way to see Colorado ski country. (Photo: CHRIS COUNCILC2 PHOTOGRAPHY) ASPEN, COLORADO Skiing spectacular slopes might be the classic approach to enjoying this mountain paradise, but Johansson suggests cutting a more leisurely path through the snow: Rent a pair of snowshoes from Ute Mountaineer and walk the Rio Grande Trail, a picturesque route that meanders along the banks of the Roaring Fork River. Or take to the skies to enjoy a new perspective on the mountains with a hot air balloon ride. “Soaring above the snowcapped Rockies at sunrise is a slow travel moment you’ll never forget,” he says. Just outside the city limits, Johansson suggests Ashcroft Ghost Town, a well-preserved former mining village that you can explore on foot, snowshoes, cross- country skis, or even a horse-drawn sleigh, depending on conditions. Follow that with a locally sourced meal at Pine Creek Cookhouse, a beautiful rustic spot steps from the abandoned town. The slow travel philosophy rejects packed itineraries in favor of quieter pleasures. (Photo: JACOB LUNDADOBE STOCK) Slow travel meets wellness tourism in a seaside spa treatment in Turks & Caicos. (Photo: ERIC STRIFFLER) AUSTIN, TEXAS In a city pulsating with culture, visitors would do well to explore the music scene. Hargrave suggests checking out intimate local favorites like the University of Texas’s Cactus Cafe or South Austin’s Saxon Pub. Or stroll along Sixth Street, which “teems with colorful entertainment venues and restaurants, encapsulating the vivacious spirit of Austin.” Absorb the thriving visual arts scene by spending a day at the Blanton Museum, home to Central Texas’s largest art collection. Juxtapose this with a stroll past the city’s renowned street murals in the Congress Avenue area. Hargrave also suggests a day trip to the charming towns of Wimberley, known for its wineries and lavender fields, or Johnson City, hometown of former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson. Or explore natural wonders like Enchanted Rock and Hamilton Pool Preserve. HAMPTONS, NEW YORK The eastern end of Long Island has a reputation as a playground for affluent New Yorkers, but Broadbent delights in a less publicized side of this seaside community. “East Hampton has this old-world charm and a great community of artists,” who taught him about the town’s creative roots, he says. You might take a watercolor or polymer clay class at Art Studio Hamptons in Westhampton Beach, join a historian-led tour of Montauk Point Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in New York), or sign up for a cooking class at Loaves & Fishes in Sagaponack, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients. If you really want to immerse yourself in art, Broadbent suggests staying at the East Hampton Art House, which is owned by a pair of painters who enjoy discussing their work with guests. Resident proprietorsartists Rosalind Brenner and Michael Cardacino’s Art Studios are located in the expansive villa, and guests are welcome to tour the studios anytime. Keys View perches on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, offering a magnificent spot to contemplate the California desert scenery. (Photo: LYONSTOCKSHUTTERSTOCK) GREATER LOS ANGELES Steep yourself in the history, food, and culture of L.A. with a tour of the Original Farmers Market with Melting Pot Food Tours, Johansson suggests. You’ll learn about— and taste—in-season California produce from the diverse merchants who have kept this spot buzzing for nearly 100 years. Winter is an ideal time to explore nearby desert areas. Visit Joshua Tree National Park to hike, stargaze, or simply enjoy its stark desert beauty. “Don’t miss the Keys View lookout for a stunning panorama of the Coachella Valley,” Johansson advises. Then head into the valley, where the Desert X art exhibition integrates works by contemporary artists into the landscape. SOUTH FLORIDA Rent a bike and pedal through Miami Beach’s vibrant Art Deco District at a comfortable pace, soaking up the unique 1920s architecture, advises Hargrave. If you crave a pick-me-up, stop to savor strong, aromatic Cuban coffee at Versailles. Nearby, both Coconut Grove and Coral Gables “can also be seamlessly explored on two wheels, allowing you to absorb the relaxed bohemian charm and tree-lined streets,” she says. Even the Everglades can be explored on two wheels. Rent a bike at the Shark Valley Visitor Center and cycle the 15-mile loop trail, which typically takes two or three hours, depending on how many stops you make to observe herons, egrets, and possibly alligators.