Ditch the itinerary… this is why slow travel feels so good

When did travel start feeling like a race? A rush to tick off landmarks, snap a pic, make an Insta reel and then hurry on to the next thing as fast as possible…

Sure, you’ll have the pictures and videos to prove you were there, but did you actually feel it?  Did you feel the sun on your skin as you wandered through the bustling streets, and the breeze carrying the smell of sweet treats from a nearby cafe? Did you taste the rich, warmth of a dish you couldn’t quite pronounce, shared with strangers who became friends by the end of the night?

Slow travel lets you experience the world as it is, not just as something to check off your list. It means ditching the itinerary and letting your trip unfold naturally, without pressure or plans.

Slow travel isn’t about seeing everything, it’s about truly soaking in what you do see. 

And sure, there’s a time and place for checklists and plans – of course, you want to make the most of your adventure. But there’s also something to be said for planning “unplanned” days to let a new, exciting adventure unfold. 

It’s often the unplanned, unexpected moments that stick with you the longest. The moments you’ll tell stories about later – not because they were on a checklist, but because you were so grounded and present as they happened. 

Tips for slow travel

Ok, so you want to try some slow travel but you’re a stickler for a planned trip. Don’t stress – here’s how you can get started with slow, mindful travel:

• Keep your plans loose and book the essentials – your flight, a place to stay etc… and leave the rest open. Wander without a map. Let curiosity (or your stomach) decide where to go next.
• Instead of hopping between cities, settle into one spot. Get to know its quirks. Find your favourite corner café. Learn the names of the streets by heart.
• Skip the must-sees (yes, skip them). Not all of them, maybe, but don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing. Often it’s the hidden corners where the magic happens.
• Travel like you live there –  go to the markets, cook a meal, or take a morning walk with no goal in mind. You’ll feel more connected to a place when you’re living in its rhythm instead of rushing through it.

At the end of the day, slow travel doesn’t only change the way you see a place – it changes the way you feel while you’re there.

So, ditch the schedule. Forget the bucket list. Let yourself wander, linger, and get a little lost. You might not see everything, but what you do experience? It’ll stay with you forever.

Love,
Nakie HQ