The Benefits of Slow Travel for Introverts

It’s as much about the Journey, as it is about the Destination

Early one Saturday morning, I was sipping a small noisette (double espresso with milk) at the Café de Commerce, watching the world go by on the way to the weekly fresh food market. I was savouring a still hot-from-the-oven croissant that I had just picked up from my favourite boulangerie, Chez Aloïs et Mallaury, when I overheard a discussion at a neighbouring table.

At the table were seated 5 people talking about the gites (self-catering accommodation) that they rent out to holidaymakers during the summer.

One of the chaps was holding forth, in French: “We have received an inquiry for 2 week booking, right in the middle of the summer season…”

“Strange thing was, ” his wife (I think) interrupted, “They wanted to know if any children would be around during those two weeks. As we only have the one gite, I said “No…”

“The woman said they were looking for peace and quiet. She said they were “slow” travellers and that they absolutely can’t cope with never-ending noise…” her husband replied. “As you know, where we are, it’s as quiet as it can get in the countryside. So what is this new trend? Any of you had inquiries from slow travellers?”

Everyone around the table said that they had, and that it was happening more and more frequently.

In an age of fast-paced living, where everything seems to be a race against time, the concept of slow travel has emerged as a refreshing alternative. This is great news for introverts, especially those who want more meaningful connections with their surroundings. For introverts, in particular, slow travel offers a unique way to explore the world that aligns perfectly with their preference for solitude, reflection, and deliberate, quiet living.

“Wherever you are, be all there.” – Jim Elliott

So why are more and more potential guests making inquiries about conditions suitable for Slow Travelers?

The benefits of Slow Travel, especially for Introverts, are varied. It can help you to:

1. Mindfully Connect with Your Environment

One of the most significant advantages of slow travel for introverts is the opportunity it provides to connect with the environment. Unlike whirlwind trips where the goal is to see as much as possible in a limited time, slow travel encourages travellers to linger in one place, allowing them to fully absorb the sights, sounds, and sensations of their surroundings. During my Next Chapter retreats, my guests use walking meditation as they walk parts of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to practise noticing their environment.

Introverts, who often feel overwhelmed by constant stimulation, find solace in the slower pace. Whether it’s wandering through a quiet village, spending an afternoon reading in a local café, or taking a long walk through the vineyards, slow travel allows introverts to engage with their environment in a way that is both relaxing and rejuvenating. The slower pace gives them the time to recharge their batteries and truly savour the experience.

2. Explore Different Cultures

For introverts, the superficiality of typical tourist experiences can be exhausting. Slow travel, however, offers the chance to go beyond the surface and engage with the local people in a more meaningful way. By staying in one location for an extended period, travellers can learn the nuances of the local language, participate in traditional customs, and form genuine connections with the people they meet.

Introverts often prefer smaller, more intimate groups, and slow travel provides the perfect setting for this. Rather than being bombarded with a constant stream of new faces, introverts can take their time to get to know a few people well, resulting in more rewarding and authentic connections.

3. Reduce Stress and Overwhelm

I usually find travelling an exhilarating but also exhausting experience, as I need time to process and decompress. The hustle and bustle of airports, crowded tourist attractions, and jam-packed itineraries can quickly drain me. I find that slow travel, with its emphasis on fewer destinations and more downtime, reduces the stress associated with constantly being on the move.

By giving myself permission to travel slowly, I can enjoy my journey without the pressure to go everywhere and see all that there is to see (and do.) I can take breaks when needed, indulge in solo activities, and create a travel experience that feels balanced and responsible. This approach not only makes travel more enjoyable but also more sustainable, ensuring that I return home feeling refreshed rather than depleted.

4. Find Time for Reflection and Introspection

For many introverts, travel is not just about discovering new places but also about discovering or re-discovering themselves. I go to great lengths to make this possible for my retreat guests. Slow travel provides ample opportunities for introspection, allowing introverts to process their experiences in their own time. Whether it’s travel journaling in a quiet corner, meditating in the woods, or simply enjoying the solitude of a solo retreat, slow travel facilitates personal growth.

This introspective aspect of slow travel can be particularly valuable for introverts who seek purpose in their journeys. Not always, but I often do, and so do most of my Next Chapter retreat guests. The time spent alone in a new environment can lead to profound insights and a better understanding of one’s values, goals, and desires. In this way, slow travel becomes not just a way to explore the world, but also a path to inner exploration and self-discovery.

To inspire you to travel slowly, I have created this journaling prompt for you: Imagine spending a month in a single destination, a place that you always wanted to visit. What is it about this place—the sights, sounds, or atmosphere—that allows you to truly slow down and savour the moment? What would you do differently compared to a typical tourist trip, and how do you think this would impact your overall experience?
This prompt encourages you to think about the ways you can integrate into a community and make the pace feel like home, rather than just a quick stop on your journey. Reflect on how you could create a rhythm that allows you to connect deeply with your surroundings and truly benefit from your time there.

5. Enjoy Authentic Experiences rather than get caught in Tourist Traps

I mostly shy away from crowded tourist hotspots, preferring instead to seek out more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Slow travel allows for this type of exploration, as it gives me the time and freedom to discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by the typical tourist. I find joy in the small, quiet moments that make a place unique. Whether it’s stumbling upon a local market, finding a secluded hiking trail, or experiencing the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal, slow travel has opened the door to authentic experiences that resonate deeply with my need to find meaning in my experiences.

Conclusion

In a world that often values speed and efficiency, slow travel offers a welcome respite, particularly for those of us who thrive on solitude, reflection, and intentional living. By setting a slower pace, we can travel in a way that aligns with our natural tendencies, leading to more meaningful experiences. Slow travel is not just about getting from one place to another; it’s about savouring the journey and connecting with the world around us.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Louis Charles Fougeret de Monbron

In addition to the Your Next Chapter retreats that I host at my little French farm near Bordeaux, I have also created a couple of online courses, ex. Determine your Life Purpose as you start your Next Chapter – each course is available with or without one-to-one coaching. To receive warning of last-minute and early-bird specials on all of the above, I invite you to subscribe to my Savoir Vivre Vignettes newsletter which gives immediate access to my free Manifest a Stress-free Life e-course.