The Joys of Slow Travel

“Slow travel is being in a place long enough to experience it without having a strict itinerary. It isn’t about seeing everything but experiencing the soul of a place.” Bhavana Gesota, The Art of Slow Travel: See the World and Savor the Journey On a Budget

Rolling fields and vineyards stretch towards the distant mountains under a vast, cloudy sky in the picturesque landscape of the Luberon.

Why Slow Travel Feels Impossible (But Doesn’t Have to Be)

If you’re an American, chances are you’ve felt the pressure to squeeze every possible experience into your vacation. With limited PTO, long-haul flights, and an ever-growing list of must-see destinations, slow travel can feel like a fantasy—something for retirees, digital nomads, or the lucky few with unlimited time and resources. But what if I told you that slow travel isn’t about the length of your trip, but about how you experience it?

The American Hustle & Vacation Burnout

As a former travel agent, I spent years helping clients craft their dream trips. And more often than not, I found myself having the same conversation: “You don’t have to do it all.” Americans, in particular, are notorious for jam-packing their itineraries with back-to-back tours, early morning wake-up calls, and frantic dashes from one attraction to the next. The goal? To maximize every single moment, ensuring no landmark, museum, or restaurant goes unchecked.

But here’s the thing—when you travel like this, you’re not actually experiencing the place. You’re just skimming the surface. And by the time you get home, you need a vacation from your vacation.

The Secret to Slow Travel (Even with Limited PTO)

Slow travel isn’t just about taking month-long sabbaticals in Tuscany (though, if you can swing that, I highly recommend it). It’s a mindset shift. Instead of treating your trip like a checklist, it’s about embracing the idea that you’ll be back. When you remove the pressure to see and do everything in one go, you make space for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

Here’s how to do it, even on a one-week trip:

• Pick a home base. Instead of hopping from city to city, plant yourself in one location and explore from there. This approach not only allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture but also saves you the time and stress of repacking your suitcase after every destination. With a single base, you can enjoy a more relaxed travel experience, focusing on discovering your surroundings rather than worrying about logistics.

• Prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than rushing through five attractions in a day, pick one or two and soak them in.

• Say yes to spontaneity. Leave room in your schedule for long lunches, unexpected detours, and quiet moments.

• Immerse yourself in the local culture. Rather than viewing a destination from a tourist's perspective, attempt to experience it like a local—explore markets, spend time in cafés, and interact with the residents. Don't be afraid of getting; it's often where the best experiences are found.

A narrow cobblestone street winds through the historical architecture of Avignon, enveloped by towering stone walls and a serene archway overhead.

How Maison d’Amies Embraces Slow Travel

At Maison d’Amies, I’ve designed every retreat to reflect this philosophy. Our itineraries are curated to give you immersive, unforgettable experiences without the rush. Yes, we’ll explore, sip wine in sun-drenched vineyards, browse bustling markets, and indulge in exquisite meals. But we’ll also have time to savor—to take in the beauty of a place without feeling like we’re running a race.

The magic of travel isn’t in how much you see, but in how deeply you experience it. And when you embrace the idea that you’ll be back, you stop traveling with urgency and start traveling with intention.