The one lesson this year has taught us is to slow down / slow travel and somewhat appreciate what we have at the moment. So recent travel trends show that for a work-cation, staycation, or a weekend getaway, travelers are gravitating towards a more immersive travel experience. More and more people now prefer to have a travel itinerary which gives them the time to explore peacefully and eliminates the stress of rushing around too many places.
What is slow travel?
Travel is supposed to renew and reenergize us, yet what it does is drain us of energy. Slow traveling means taking time out to experience one place for longer. It lets you experience the local culture first-hand and soak in the vibe of your surroundings better than in a quick tour.
Another highlight of slow travel is that it helps in supporting the local economy, as you will be staying with local residents and eating local foods.
Here are some ideas:
1. Taking the road
A good road trip forces you to slow down, take the road that might be traveled less (to avoid traffic), and lets you enjoy the experience of driving to your destination. The plus side of traveling by car is that you can stop anywhere you want and just enjoy the view and be present in the moment. A lot of people have taken to traveling by road due to COVID-19 as it is the safest possible transportation.
2. Renting cycles
You can rent cycles or scooters in most Indian cities and go sightseeing around. It allows for a great experience. It connects you to nature and also puts you in a better position to meet some locals, chat for a while and ask them for directions, or just observe them going about their day. There are many cycling work tours conducted around India.
3. Staying in an Airbnb
Staying with locals, hanging out, and dining with them is the best way to do immersive travel. Renting an Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or staying in a cultural homestay brings a local feel to your slow travel by giving you time to get to know people. You get exposure to the culture and cuisine of that place. Most importantly, you make human connections who can even guide you around the tourist spots.
4. Wine tours and handicraft tours
If you love seeing what local artists are crafting, weaving, or creating, or you like to try local food and drinks when you travel, food and wine, or handicraft tours would be a good experience. Meeting the chefs, farmers, and producers is a good way to find what’s fresh and made locally and will give you a glimpse into the process of making local wine and beer. You can also learn how traditional jewelry is crafted. A visit to the Sula or Zampa vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra, or the Grover vineyards of Karnataka would be a good idea.
