Everyone’s Into Slow Travel Now

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Slow travel – you heard of it? Like the sound if it? Well, you’re far from the only one.

With the weather the way it is here in Ireland and the sun a confirmed scarcity, it’s no surprise that more and more of us are booking more and more holidays each year.

And while a lot of people may like heading away, visiting multiple cities, and seeing as much of the world as they can, a lot of people are doing the opposite and connecting with the idea of slow travel – a way of holidaying that’s intentional and appreciative.

Cathy Burke, Managing Director of Travel Counsellors Ireland, says that slow travel is all about educating yourself while you visit another country, and ensuring the trip leaves “a lasting impression long after the holiday ends.” 

“Instead of packing five cities into two weeks, more and more of our long-haul clients are choosing two or three bases and asking how they can really get under the skin of each destination,” she says.

“Slow travel has moved from niche to normal, particularly for big-ticket trips where people want richer, more meaningful experiences. Sustainability sits at its core, encouraging travellers to shop and eat locally, use public transport, and develop a deeper appreciation of host cultures and traditions.”

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Slow travel isn’t just for couples or groups – in fact, it’s becoming ever more popular with solo travellers, and the Irish. This way of seeing the world is about immersing yourself in a place and culture, but also about respecting that culture as much as possible.

This includes making environmentally conscious travel choices, like only flying when necessary, and making sustainable choices on your holiday.

Cathy says that even though most travellers will need to fly to leave Ireland, there are still plenty of ways Irish people are becoming more sustainable – and slow – on holidays.

“Irish people are very aware of environmental issues. However, as an island nation, flying is unavoidable and continues to increase,” she says.

“That said, airlines are becoming more conscious, with sustainability and environmental programmes now firmly in place, as is the case with ocean and river cruise operators.

“Our Irish customers are also particularly ethical when it comes to issues such as animal welfare, and we have a clear policy in this area. They also value experiences that support local communities and allow them to engage more meaningfully with the places they visit.”

So, you’re interested in slow travel. Where should you start?

There’s a good few destinations that are proving popular this year when it comes to slowing down and taking in your destination.

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Vietnam

For a slower East Asia experience, travellers are heading to Hoi An and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for countryside cycling, cooking with local families, and slow boat days in the Mekong or Lan Ha Bay.

Bali & wider Indonesia

Enjoy a slow stay in Ubud or quieter coastal areas with a morning market shop and temple visits accompanied by a local guide. Indulge in Balinese wellness traditions, or take rice terrace walks with local farmers to learn about the country’s agricultural industry. 

South Africa

South Africa doesn’t have to be all cities. Opt for longer stays in the Winelands or Garden Route towns and enjoy farm-to-table dining, local winemakers, and conservation focused safaris.

Peru

Peru is becoming and more and more popular with slow travellers, as visitors are booking Slow Sacred Valley stays. Here, they’ll enjoy homestyle lunches, market visits, and train travel rather than rushed day‑trips. There’s a lot more to Peru than just Machu Picchu.

Australia & New Zealand

Skip the cities Down Under and book a boutique home stay and vineyard lodge for a slower look at Aus and NZ. Take indigenous led tours, coastal walks with local guides, and enjoy farm to table dining with local producers. Divine.