Written by Chris Harley, Mental Health Specialist
Chris Harley is passionate about improving the lives of others through his work and enjoys sharing advice around mental health practices.
We live in a world that is constantly in motion; our day-to-day lives are full to the point of bursting, our work consumes us, our phones distract us and our weekends just about entertain us. For many, a vacation can be the one, and only, opportunity to get some serious rest and recuperation before returning to the mayhem.
So why, with this one opportunity to relax, do we allow mayhem to be a part of our holiday?
We get up in the early hours, hustle to the airport to rub shoulders with thousands of others, sit and wait for a delayed flight, cram ourselves into a tiny plane, struggle through customs, grab a taxi from the airport and arrive at our holiday destination totally exhausted and ready for bed.
It’s what we know, but it’s not the only way.
Finding calm in the journey, not the destination
With the fast-paced action and general stress in our lives, it should come as no surprise that mental health is becoming a growing concern around the world; in fact, in 2022 an estimated 60 million Americans were suffering from some kind of mental health issue.
This is where the benefits of slow travel come into the equation.
Imagine a holiday without the awful, crowded and stressful travel days; a holiday where your journey is quite literally a part of the vacation.
Slow travel sees people using their journey to explore, instead of simply travelling, and the options for slow travel are becoming more and more available; from those travelling via train or road tripping to those enjoying luxury cruises or short haul flights, slow travel is on the rise.
Slow travel and mental health
The link between vacations and our mental health should be clear to all of us. We need time to recover, reset ourselves, enjoy some relaxation, and strengthen those family bonds, all of which can be provided by our holidays.
But, if we had the chance to improve on the formula for our vacations, we should be grasping it with both hands.
Slow travel is the answer for many adventurous Americans looking for something a little different; it removes those pesky, stressful travel days and makes an occasion from every moment of your trip.
The link between our wellbeing and vacations is something we have all experienced, that moment of decompression, the deep breath that means you have a week of fun and relaxation ahead of you; imagine having that feeling from the very first second of your very first day.
Slow road trips: The scenic route to mental wellness
One of the main ways that people decide to experience slow travel is by road-tripping to their destinations; it’s an option that makes an awful lot of sense in a country with great road networks and minimal traffic like the USA.
Whether you have always driven to your annual vacation destination in one big hit, or are choosing to for the very first time, factor in some adventure along the way instead of doing the journey in one.
The key to a great road trip is twofold: first, give yourself the time. It’s called slow travel for a reason. Break up your drives into smaller chunks and give yourself enough time to see all the things you want to see.
Secondly, have an itinerary in mind. Do some research on alternate routes, stop off in small towns and patronize local businesses, and find some tourist attractions along the way; sprinkle in as much adventure as you can and you will feel yourself destressing, letting go of anxieties, and recovering some of your mental wellness as you go.
Train travel: A relaxing journey through time
Train travel is becoming more and more popular for those looking for new adventures, slow travel breaks and fresh experiences. In destinations like Europe, it really is the ultimate way to get around due to the simply stunning rail network connecting every major city, attraction and destination you can imagine.
As you head to your destination, you can stop off for a jaunt around an ancient market town, visit a historic castle, stay in a boutique hotel and experience the vibe and culture of countless different cities as you go.
Travel can be its very own type of therapy and if you ensure you’re travelling in the correct way you can allow yourself the time to heal, experience new things and enjoy the adventure.
Imagine reflecting on your thoughts and feelings whilst travelling on the famous Pacific Surfliner on the way to see some gigantic and ancient redwoods, with the mighty Pacific on your left and the rolling mountains on your right; that seems a little more enticing than the inside of an airport!
Slow travel sustainability: Eco-friendly stays for mental clarity
Not only will slow travelling to your destination allow you to experience more cultures, visit more places, and allow you to feel even more relaxed on holiday, you’ll also unlock the ability to travel in an eco-friendly way.
The carbon footprint of a train journey as compared to a flight is estimated to be 80% less per person travelling for a similar journey, and of course this changes drastically if your flight is not full.
When you arrive, be sure to opt for hotels that promote sustainability and are run by small and private businesses; you’ll reap the benefits of a much more personal service level, as well as having the peace of mind knowing that you’ve reduced your carbon footprint.
Climate anxiety is a real part of today’s world and the damage we are doing is so prevalent with the younger generation, so be a part of the change we want to see and travel slow.
Digital detox: Disconnecting for mental reconnection
One of the key components of slow traveling for many people is unplugging from technology. A digital detox can be the perfect way to not only enjoy your trip to the fullest, but to learn the art of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present, being aware of your surroundings and truly experiencing the world around you as it happens. It’s not something that comes easy to everyone and does not always involve simply putting your phone down; in fact, it’s all about engaging with the world around in an authentic and meaningful way, something that goes hand in hand with slow travelling.
Absorbing culture, meeting new people, pushing your experiences outside of the usual are all things that slow travel encourages so it really is the perfect place to practice being mindful. Imagine having the ability to be truly present, leaving your phone in your hotel room, and authentically experiencing the moments that come across your path, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Take advantage of phone-free travel and leave the anxieties of the real world behind, give yourself a chance to recover and be sure to experience everything to the fullest.
How to get started with slow travel
If you’ve never planned a slow travel trip before it can be decidedly overwhelming.
Going from one long drive on a main road, to multiple days of driving on back roads, multiple hotel bookings, lots of attractions and plenty of food choices can be a lot to organise.
Start small by turning a long drive into a two-day road trip with some nice attractions and sights sprinkled in for good measure. Don’t overload your itinerary with everything activity you can possibly find, take it easy at first. Opt for accommodations that encourage relaxed check-ins, maybe stay for a few extra days in one location and be sure to get into nature and the local communities as much as you can.
Embrace the slow and improve your mental wellbeing
Slow travel is the new thing in the travel industry and we hope it finds a permanent home. It’s the ideal way to enjoy more experiences, elongate your holiday, avoid airport misery and give your mental wellbeing the best possible chance to regenerate.
By slowing down, disconnecting from your phone and truly appreciating the world around you, you might just find yourself returning to a level that promotes healing and leaves you feeling more rejuvenated than ever during your next vacation.
Read more from Chris Harley
Chris Harley, Mental Health Specialist
Chris has a background in clinical psychology. When Chris isn't researching the latest holistic and wellbeing therapies, he's spending time with his two cats, usually curled up on the sofa and reading a murder mystery book.
