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Slow Living on your travels

Yes, it is possible!

Most of us love to plan holidays and yet when we come back from one we are absolutely knackered + overwhelmed and often dreaming of another vacation. Often, its because we end up doing too much too quickly… too many brunches, overpacked itineraries and too many days out sightseeing. You know we’ve all been there. This is why I have been reading, talking to people to try and find ways to bring the joy back into travel.

Here are some tips that I have incorporated along the way.

  • Instead of cramming 5 cities into a ten-day vacation try and do justice to one city. Don’t use the guidebooks but ask locals for their recommendations on where to eat and what to see.
  • Be Mindful. Whether it is making mealtimes a no-gadget zone or staying away from your devices when you wake up, incorporating mindfulness into your trip is key. Being mindful will help you appreciate the present moment. Another thing that helps ground you, promote restful sleep is a short guided meditation (I do mine on insight timer).
  • Travel can be unpredictable and delays, cancellations, overbookings and scheduling errors are all possible even outside of the #mercuryretrograde. Prepare yourself for these things and have plan B in place or carry a book or two while you wait for your next train or bus.

  • Don’t overly attach yourself to a fixed plan or a strict itinerary. Allow some leeway for exploration and this way maybe you will be able to spend more time on things that you enjoy and less on those you don’t.

“If there’s one thing that I’ve repeatedly and rather foolishly forgotten to schedule into my life it is to create times where it’s not scheduled.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough

  • Support local businesses and try and plan your travel during the off-season months for your destination.
  • Pick guesthouses and small hotels run by local residents over big chain properties. This way, you can ask the owner to help you with long-stay requests and recommendations on what to do and where you should go out to eat. Please be respectful when you stay in guesthouses or homestay accommodation because you are staying in someone’s home. Clean up after yourself, don’t go playing loud music until the wee hours of the morning and remember to leave the place better+cleaner than when you entered it.
  • If you end up travelling with friends or your family, try and rent a villa or an apartment with a kitchen. Going out to buy groceries and check out the local produce is a great way to get to know a place and your body will thank you for all the home-cooked meals.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and appropriately particularly near places of worship or in the main town area
  • When you are at a restaurant, resist the urge to do takeaway and enjoy your meal/ cuppa at leisure instead. Slowing down will help you relax a bit and we all know we could use do with fewer takeaway cups/cutlery. This way it’s a win-win for everyone involved and you get to take tiny steps to help the planet too.e

  • Be curious enough to try the local coffee shop instead of going to a fast-food giant for your daily cuppa. Support local brands and grocers instead of large international chains. This way, in your own small way, you will be supporting the local economy.
  • WALK EVERYWHERE. Walk as often and as far as possible because one of the best ways to explore and find your bearings in a new place is on foot. Plus, it will keep you alert and healthy without having to splurge on a gym membership.

  • Do your RESEARCH> READ blogs, articles, guide books and ask insiders in that area to see how you can contribute to the local community.
  • Try and minimize your screen time as you miss a lot when you are staring down at your phone. Resist the urge to incorporate geo-tagging to every story you post because most places could do without more tourists.  Don’t post real-time and you’ll find that you’ll enjoy being able to enjoy the present moment with your eyes rather than fidgeting with your gadgets.

Revel in the beauty of the transient + ephemeral nature of life. The truth, is nothing lasts forever and this life is precious. Instead of pouring yourself over the phone and toying with your gadgets, choose to spend it in the company of loved ones (family or fellow travellers). There is no substitute for face to face interactions and Instagram will be fine if you don’t log on right before you go to bed.

While we are at it, let’s resist the urge to pick up our cameras and smartphone at every opportunity. Let’s all try it together, please?

What about you? How do you travel slow?

Photo Credits: Unsplash

Jia Singh

ABOUT ME

I am a Delhi-based nutritionist, food & wellness consultant and freelance features writer. I write for a variety of different magazines and websites in India and overseas on restaurants, travel, wellness and food.

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4 thoughts on “Slow Living on your travels

  1. Katharine says:

    Dear Jia
    I found your article on giving up caffeine very useful.
    I’m just like you were with coffee and I am terrified of giving up and withdrawing from the effects.
    I don’t even know if I can start, but the insomnia is terrible.

    Thanks anyway

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