slow travel

Apr

2023

What Is Slow Travel: Sustainable Tips For Mindful Trips

In today’s whirlwind world, travel often resembles a blur of landmarks and rushed exchanges. But what if there was a way to truly immerse yourself, forge genuine connections with local communities, and tread lightly on our planet? Enter Slow & Sustainable Travel – a revolutionary approach that reshapes the very essence of exploration. But, what is slow travel exactly?

Slow travel, an emerging trend that emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the journey, encourages travelers to forge a deeper connection with the places they explore.

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What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel isn’t about ticking off bucket lists or maximizing sightseeing photo ops. It’s a mindset shift, a conscious decision to savor the journey, not just the destination. You ditch the rigid itineraries and embrace the unexpected. You trade whirlwind tours for lingering conversations with locals, learning their stories, and immersing yourself in their traditions. You prioritize experiences over possessions and authentic connections over fleeting encounters.

For me – slow travel is a mindset centered around sustainability, being present, being open, and trusting the flow of life. I believe when you allow the flow of life to happen without force or pushback, it takes you exactly where you should be.

We’ve all heard of Slow Fashion and Slow Food – the movement away from low-quality, mass-produced products towards sustainably sourced goods. It’s time we adopt the same perspective for how we spend our time and travel.

"Slow travel may mean different things to different travelers, but I define it as staying in one place for longer and going deeper into the local culture. It’s taking the time to make real connections with locals versus jam-packing a schedule full of tours. It’s staying in Kyoto at a Ryokan instead of city hopping throughout Asia."

Paul Jacobs - VP of Kayak

Slow Travel = Sustainable Travel

As you travel around the world – or even at home – you will become aware of the current state of the natural world. You will see species disappear from a region, extreme changes in weather, and plastic waste sprinkled through an otherwise natural landscape. It’s unfortunate, but it’s also inevitable.

However, when you take a step back and think about the whole picture of why that is, you start to see how every human decision is linked to one uniting system. Nothing in this world happens in a vacuum, especially when it involves traveling to the other side of the planet!

When you travel fast, you take quick emission-intensive flights, to arrive at a resort on land that was taken from local people, and go on manicured excursions to ‘see the sites’.

Alternatively, if you allow yourself more time to move around, you open more possibilities to navigate the world. You use public transportation, you stop by local shops and restaurants simply because you can, and you stumble on hidden gems that most people are too busy to stop at.

You become a conscious traveler, mindful of the impact your presence has on the environment. This deliberate approach paves the way for a more sustainable future for tourism and the communities it affects.

When you feel more aware and connected to the world, you feel more driven to protect it. By getting in touch with the world, you think about your actions and decisions with consideration to the world.

Fast Travel

Strict plan to optimize time
Stressed thinking about the next plan
No time to meet locals
Does what all other tourists do
Doesn’t usually make lasting connections
Expensive splurge of sight-seeing
No time to rest, time is limited and planned
Emission-intensive transportation
Enjoys comfortable travel
“Tourist” = Sees a place

Slow Travel

Flexible plan to enjoy time
Ability to be present in each moment, no stress
Pursuit of conversations with locals
Receives off-the-path suggestions
Makes intimate and lasting connections
Well-paced adventures, without huge expenses
Time for rest and reflection
Slow transportation = less emissions = cheaper
Enjoys authentic travel
“Traveler” = Experiences a place

Who Is Slow Travel For?

Slow travel seems to be emerging as so many people find remote work opportunities. It is also well-timed with a new generation of people entering the workforce – a generation filled with dreamers and doers who can’t stop asking big-picture questions and trying to find the meaning behind life.

I felt it myself – I was working a stressful Corporate Sustainability job for years, and while I felt my role had a positive impact, I was sacrificing a lot of my time and freedom. I gave up a part of myself, and at 26 years old, I felt that the next 40 years of that wouldn’t be satisfactory for me.

There is so much to see in the world, and while I was fortunate enough to travel full-time in a very slow way, anyone can do it, even if you still work in the office! In short, slow travel is for remote workers, new families, people working 9-5 jobs, people in a gap year, retirees, teachers on summer break… everyone!

If you already know this lifestyle is for you, explore the steps you need to plan your slow travel journey! But, if you’re not sure why you should change the way you think about travel, here are a few reasons.

1. Deeper Connections

Traveling with a focus on awareness and being present inevitably will slow you down. It is too much for someone to see a dozen things in a few days, and be able to be fully engaged with all of them. You will never be able to see everything in the world, and even if you could, would you truly experience them?

You can think of slow travel as reducing the radius one tries to ‘see’, and instead focusing on thoroughly experiencing the few things that are done in the given time. If someone is focused on seeing it all, then they will be so concerned with what they think should be seen, that they miss everything in between.

Engaging in mindful and slow travel creates opportunities to develop deeper connections with the world, yourself, and the people you meet along the way.

You foster genuine relationships with local communities, becoming more than just a tourist passing through. By slowing down, you become a guest, not just a spectator, learning their stories, traditions, and challenges. This cultural exchange fosters understanding and empowers you to be a responsible ambassador for sustainable tourism.

2. Personal Transformation

Slow travel strips away the busyness and demands of daily life, allowing you to reconnect with yourself. You discover new passions, challenge your comfort zone, and learn to be present in the moment. You return home richer in experience and perspective, with a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life. It is not even possible to put into words how this opens your perspective and shifts your thoughts about what it means to be a human. Our understanding of life is shaped by what we are exposed to, and slow travel allows you to develop a deeper appreciation and broaden your perspective on alternative ways and values.

3. Authentic Exploration

Rather than putting your time and money toward catered experiences, you have the chance to enjoy the realistic way a region exists. You delve into responsible travel practices, supporting ethically run accommodations, choosing eco-friendly activities like wildlife safaris led by local guides or guided hikes that focus on conservation efforts, and respecting local customs and natural resources. You become a champion for responsible tourism, paving the way for a more sustainable future for travel and the destinations you visit.

4. Environmental Stewardship

Your awareness of your environmental impact is inevitable when you travel intentionally. You see the impacts that people and land have from a more resource-intensive way of living, and you inherently change your personal choices.

Suddenly, you minimize your carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses that prioritize ethical practices, and reducing waste. You become a conscious traveler, mindful of the impact your presence has on the environment. This deliberate approach paves the way for a more sustainable future for tourism and the communities it affects.

Maybe you even get involved and volunteer locally to help communities globally combat their climate threats!

5. More Mindful, Less Stressful

When you limit your time, you inevitably put stress on it – to experience everything, to enjoy it all, and to see enough. However, when you travel slowly, you take all the stress out of traveling since you allow yourself time to get comfortable and go with the flow. Think about when you go on a 2-week vacation to a foreign country. You have to think about the customs and cultures, the food they eat, the dangers that may exist, the weather, the cost, and the people… I’m already overwhelmed! Instead, when you have a few months, you allow yourself to move at a pace that is comfortable for you, and you don’t put too much pressure on planning!

6. Save Money with Slow Travel

Racing around to do everything there is to do can be both tiring and expensive. When you travel slowly, you’re less concerned about seeing the ‘must-see’ places in an area, because you learn that there is so much to see that isn’t what everyone else is waiting in line for. Traveling at a slower pace can be a more budget-conscious option. By spending more time in one location, you can often find better deals on accommodations and take advantage of lower-cost local experiences. There are also potential cost savings with transportation. When you travel slowly, you aren’t in a rush to get somewhere as quickly as possible. This opens the doors for other transportation options than carbon-intensive flights, like trains or boats which are much more enjoyable! Food is also a major part of cultural significance, which you can explore more when you travel slowly. Instead of going to the closest restaurant, which is probably targeted at tourists, you can explore the local cuisine at a much more affordable price.

Tips To Make The Most of Slow Travel

1. Research, Don't Plan

While it is great to be aware of what is around you, you shouldn’t lock yourself into any official plans right away. If you let yourself go with the flow, you may find things that you would never find on TripAdvisor or Google Maps. Check out what things there are to do in an area so you know what other opportunities might exist too! Allow yourself to let go of the need to see and do everything. Instead of creating a rigid itinerary, focus on a few experiences that genuinely interest you and allow yourself the freedom to explore without a rigid schedule.

2. Choose Sustainable Transportation

Select eco-friendly transportation options whenever possible. Utilize public transportation, walk, and look for ferries instead of flights. Not only will this reduce your environmental impact, but it will also allow you to take in the sights of the area at a more leisurely pace.

When you move slowly, you also open the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. Enjoy the journey, and make that a part of the experience. It’s not just about the destination!

3. Stay in Local Accommodations

To further immerse yourself in the local culture, choose small, locally-owned accommodations such as guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, or homestays. These options often provide a more personal experience and can offer unique insights into local life.

There isn’t a better way to practice the language, understand the values and traditions, and connect with an area than staying with a local family. Not only do you learn, but you also help support locals.

Check out Booking.com or HostelWorld for homestays. No matter where you look for your accommodation, check out the host, are they local or a foreign investor?

4. Travel in the Off-Season

If you go to a major tourist destination in the middle of peak season, you may find that tours are booked and accommodations are limited, which makes planning essential. If you travel in the off-season, you skip the massive crowds of stressed-out travelers, and you get to move more freely.

Similarly, challenge yourself to get off of the beaten path. Explore new less explored areas. This can lead to unique and unforgettable experiences that you might otherwise miss. Just because you don’t see it as a trendy place on Instagram (yet), it doesn’t mean there aren’t new places to explore that will be more authentic and memorable.

5. Talk to Locals

There are no better people to connect with than locals. I’m guessing you didn’t travel to the other side of the world to connect with people who are from the same state/country as you. When you’re out to eat, ask the server if they know of any good viewpoints. Talk to shop owners about what they’re selling and be open to learning about local crafts and traditions.

These conversations will open so many doors for you – you never know who knows where the best waterfalls are, tricks to avoid tourist traps, or offer genuine connection!

6. Be Adaptable

Part of adopting a slow travel mindset involves being open to change and spontaneity. Be prepared to adjust your plans as needed and embrace the unexpected. This is where a lot of growth develops in you, as you learn to trust yourself in unknown situations.

You are capable and intuitive. Trust your instincts, and prioritize your safety, but also allow yourself to be uncomfortable and challenged. You never know what opportunities are out there until you’re open to them.

Summary - Slow Travel; Mindful Tips For Sustainable Trips

Slow travel offers a refreshing alternative to the typical fast-paced, checklist-driven approach to exploring the world. By embracing this mindset, you can deepen your cultural understanding, reduce your environmental impact, and create meaningful connections with the people and places you encounter. By following the tips outlines in this article, you can begin to adopt a slow travel mindset that aligns with the principles of sustainable and responsible travel.

So, on your next adventure, remember to take a step back, slow down, and truly savor the journey.

Jan

2023

Why You Need To Visit Croatia

Croatia is a small country in the south-eastern Balkan region, filled with rich history, stunning architecture, magical beaches, and a coastline that never ends. If you’ve been before, you know what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t, keep reading to see what you’ve been missing! These are the top 8 reasons why you need to visit Croatia this year!

1. Beautiful Landscape

Croatia is a European oasis – known for its Adriatic Sea coastline and breathtaking inland waterfalls. Almost 10% of the country’s land is preserved and protected, with 8 National Parks you can visit anytime in the year!

The country has low mountains and rolling hills covered in vineyards, forests, and agricultural land. Since the country follows the Adriatic coastline so much, you can get to the coast with ease and jump into the sea at one of the many beaches – most of which have stairs and ladders built right onto the rock you can conveniently swim whenever you want!

2. Blue Water

Croatia has over 1,000 islands that run along the coast and are easily accessible by boat with many options for tours. Many of the islands are scattered with ancient ruins, old towns that are still inhabited, and hidden gems. These alone are a major reason to visit Croatia this year.

Along the coast, you can find sea caves, coral reefs, and shipwrecks if you’re into Scuba Diving, and if you’re not yet – Croatia is a great place to learn! The water is a beautiful turquoise blue year-round, and although much cooler in the winter, it is still enjoyable! We went out on Sea Kayaks in mid-December, which was one of our favorite things to do in Pula!

3. History & Architecture

Croatia’s history is among the oldest in the world, like most of Europe, with roots in the Roman and Ottoman Empires and an Austro-Hungarian influence from the 1800s. The traces of heritage can be experienced in the towns and ruins that cover the landscape just waiting to be explored.

The city of Split was constructed into a Palace for Roman Emperor Diocletian, where he spent his retirement in 305 AD. Meanwhile, further North, the city of Pula on the Istrian Peninsula is home to a Roman Arena where gladiators fought to the death in the 1st century (but now you can explore it for only 9 Euros!).

It felt like every town had a prominent center with a massive bell tower overlooking the region – a true testament to the old culture of worship and community that still emulates in the region today.

4. Affordability

Croatia has been known as a perfect budget destination, and while that may have been true 5 years ago, tourism has picked up and the prices have followed. You can still get a good meal in town for around 10 euros, and a day excursion to an island may cost you 25 euros.

Although the prices have gone up in recent years, it is still more affordable than its comparable neighboring countries like Italy or Greece where things are definitely on the expensive side. With the adoption of the Euro, it is expected that prices to continue to climb, so you should get to Croatia before it is as visited as some of its Western Europe rivals!

Check out this Detailed One Month Budget In Croatia For Travelers to see for yourself!

5. Ease Of Travel

Croatia is a great place to start your travels if you’re looking to get away from the Western Europe lifestyle but are not ready to fully send it into Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It is at the crossroads between the two continents, and surrounded by so many countries! Some are in the Schengen, while others are outside that political border so you can manage your 90-day ‘Schengen visa‘ accordingly!

Since Croatia is a popular tourist destination, which accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP, it was designed to support the needs of travelers. There is regular and reliable public transport in major cities, and plenty of tours and excursions to get out and explore!

In January 2023, Croatia joined the European Union, adopting the Euro and joining the Schengen Region. This is both a great thing and a bit of a bummer for those of us traveling on a budget. Croatia has gotten more expensive in recent years, which will likely continue on this trend with the adoption of the Euro, but it is also super easy to not deal with another exchange rate as you move throughout the rest of the EU.

Croatia has a lot of options for public transport within the country like trains, buses, and ferries! Skip the planes and see more of the country with a lower impact.

6. The People

Croatia has a dynamic influence from the surrounding cultures that have infiltrated the borders over the years. The north-western region is very Italian-influenced, while the southern and inland regions are more influenced by Western Europe.

Locals speak Croatian, which isn’t a language you’ll be able to pick up in a few short weeks, luckily over 80% of the population speaks English. However, Croatians appreciate using their native tongue, and when tourists show a clear effort.

Croatians are known to have a bit of a shell to outsiders, but after a little bit of conversation and mutual respect, they will open up to you like you’re family. Croatians can be the most hospitable people, and they have a strong sense of nationalism! We were there when Croatia made it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2022, and the people gathered in the streets to celebrate and support their country.

7. The Food

Croatians have a diet rich in seafood, meats, and grains. It has a Mediterranean influence and some of the best fresh seafood caught right in the Adriatic. One of the most well-known dishes is a black risotto with squid, or a delicious sea urchin, however for a more budget dining option, try their cevapi! It is a combination of beef, pork, and veal in a sausage, and is common in southeastern Europe.

Due to Croatia’s Italian influence, their pizza is phenomenal. Most pizza restaurants have an item or two that includes truffle oil, which is a delicacy in most of the world, but a lot of the world’s truffles are found right here in Croatia!

If you have the chance to take any of the awesome day trips from Pula, be sure to fit in a truffle hunting experience with the locals!

8. Game of Thrones

If you’re like most of the world and have been sucked into the HBO series Game of Thrones, then visiting Croatia will remind you of what went down in King’s Landing and the City of Meereen (with a little bit of CGI of course). Klis Fortress was one of our favorite things to do in Split!

The city of Dubrovnik is the main filming location for King’s Landing, where the city walls still stand today. Although you can’t see silk traders sailing in and out of the bay, you get the feeling that you’re somewhere in Westeros. GOT filming locations are all over the place in Croatia, and it’s no wonder since the architecture was constructed around the time when Game of Thrones takes place.

WHEN You Should Visit Croatia

Now that you know why you need to visit Croatia, when is the best time to go? Croatia has recently become a hotspot as a European destination, especially in the months of June-August when parties and beaches are packed with tourists. While that is a ton of fun, it’s also much more crowded, and expensive and you may miss out on the serenity the country has to offer.

Luckily, the weather in Croatia has the benefits of the Mediterranean, where it is warm between April – October. Between October – April, the coast gets quite rainy and overcast while inland may experience some snow. That’s why the shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Croatia to get great weather, without getting the drunk and crowded tourism season. Most attractions have a discounted rate in the off-season as well, so you will save a lot more than if you visit in the middle of summer!

Be fully prepared for your Croatian travel with the top Things You Need To Know before you go!

Summary- Why You Need To Visit Croatia

Croatia is a top destination for its Mediterranean climate, beaches surrounded by warm blue water, lush waterfalls, and breathtaking architecture. The history and heritage in Croatia run deep where the people are proud and the food is fresh. Croatia is a perfect place to visit for anyone new to Europe travel that wants to dip their toes in the water, while also saving a bit of money.

For the best experience, visit Croatia in April-May or September-October when tourist crowds are low, and so are the prices!

Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Europe!

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A stone doorway in Croatia leading to a sun-lit courtyard

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Historical buildings in the city of Split, Croatia

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January 11, 2023

Nov

2022

Guide To Your Slow Travel Life

The only thing keeping you from a dream life of slow travel is that you haven’t started the process of making small changes to get there! Or better yet, you don’t know where to start.

If that’s the case, you’re in the right spot. This post explains the major steps and considerations to make a life of long-term travel a reality for anyone. You’re probably tired of seeing people living your dream life, while you’re feeling stuck with the same rhythm you’ve been in for too long.

I’m here to share how I quit my corporate job, left on a one-way ticket to put my bucket list items on the calendar, and started living for experiences. What are you waiting for? Your dream life of slow travel and adventure is ready for you to take!

Learn more to understand exactly What is Slow Travel, and why it's right for you.

Setting yourself up for a life of slow travel takes a few months of preparation, but you will thank yourself in the long run for the work you put in to set yourself up correctly!

Of course, this depends a lot on where your life is before going into this transition, how much you currently own, what you want to experience on your travel, your budget, and your adaptability. This section breaks down some of the best starting points so you’re ready to tackle specific plans with more space on your plate.

Shed What You Don't Need

First, start assessing what you currently have in your life, in your space, in those boxes in the garage you haven’t touched for months. Now think about what you don’t need, and what you could get rid of before you even think about travel.

Making space in your life physically will allow you more space mentally to take on new goals and projects.

A big decision that will need to be made is what to do with your current living situation while you’re abroad. Does it make sense to keep paying rent for the months you will be away? Are you in a good place to move out entirely and save on the rent expenses? Or maybe you will want to sublet your place on Airbnb to make some passive income while you’re abroad!

Look for sustainable ways to get rid of things - Post it on a community Buy, Sell, Trade site. Donate it to a local thrift store. Gift it to a friend. Recycle it! Try to avoid sending anything to the landfill!

Get Ahead Of Your Health

In the early stages of preparing to pivot towards a life of travel, set yourself up for less stress down the line and check in with all of your health needs before you have something major on the other side of the world. We all know how long some doctors can take to get in for an appointment, so do yourself a favor and get in early.

Make a point to get a routine dental cleaning, get a routine physical, update on any recommended vaccinations, visit your gynecologist, and whatever else in your mental and physical health needs attention.

Budget

Budgeting is a crucial step in the beginning phase of planning for your travel as it will determine the plans you go with in later steps. You will have a lot of options for accommodation, transport, food, and excursions, so get yourself to a reasonable starting goal (that you can adjust later).

Be realistic with yourself and what you can afford to do, which will help you in the next steps as you ‘Take The Leap’ to full planning mode. Check out the full list of travel budgeting tips so you can cut back your costs and have a good expectation of the costs associated with a nomadic life. And in the meantime, save as much as you can!

Some additional costs that should be considered with a life of travel will be discussed more below, and include:

Storage Unit for personal belongings at home
Travel Insurance Coverage
Renter’s Insurance
Mobile Phone
Accommodation
Food
Public Transportation
Visas / Passport Renewal

Income

Long-term slow travel is only possible while the funds last. If you’re planning to take a leave from your job and travel for a while off your savings, then go ahead! Just make sure to focus on your budget, and be ready to say goodbye to a life that you’ll fall in love with 😉

“The answer will always be no to the questions you never ask”

If you’re ready for a full change, think about how you can make money remotely. Maybe you have a great digital skill that you can do freelance? Maybe you will incorporate your travel into your work, like with travel photography or a skills instructor at resort destinations (surfing, yoga, cooking)?

Get creative and be your biggest advocate! This is the chance to take a dream and make it a reality with a little bit of work and commitment.

At this stage, you’ve got the ball rolling in the right direction, but with no real commitments made, you can still turn back to the life where you’ve cleared your space and belongings, prioritized your health, and assessed your budget, without any major time or money put into the real traveling planning. And that’s great if that’s where it ends!

But, if you are excited and ready to continue moving forward with the journey, it’s time to take the leap and start getting into some of the specific plans that need to be considered, like where you’ll be exploring, accommodation options, documentation, insurance coverage, banking, phone plans, and packing!

Choose Your destination

Throughout the weeks, months, or years of dreaming of a life traveling, maybe there has been a bucket list place you know you want to start, which is awesome! But if not, you’ll need to start focusing on a destination that you can build your plans around, and the time of year to plan on going.

Destination

The world is a big place, and you will never be able to see it all. Luckily there are ways to get to every corner of it, so don’t worry, you’ll be able to explore wherever you want along the way, but you do need to start somewhere.

Think about the destination as a region, rather than a place. Once you can focus on a broader region, the rest will fall into place with some research.

Focus on traveling slowly, so you can fully experience a place in the day-to-day, rather than focusing on plans and logistics of travel. Moving slowly will mean you stay somewhere for a longer period, get enriched in the local culture, meet people more regularly, and spend more time being than being on the move.

When To Go

Be aware of the tourist fluctuations for the destinations you’re considering, especially if you’re on a budget. Travel in the shoulder seasons to save money in so many ways! There will be more accommodation and transport options, smaller crowds, and lower prices for excursions. Another benefit of off-peak travel, is you get a more authentic experience and meet some locals!

My partner and I arrived in Split, Croatia in mid-October, when we had plenty of summer days left to enjoy the coastline swimming in the sea, but without the crowds of other tourists!

Accommodation

Where you stay is completely dependent on your budget and the experience you’re looking to have.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are free options where you trade work for food & accommodation. This includes WWOOF, WorkAway, WorldPackers, and Trusted Housesitters.

If you’re about to spend a bit, but still with a reasonable budget, check out month-long stays with Airbnb! This has been our top choice of accommodation, so we only have to pick 1 place for a whole month, it allows us time to settle in, and we get to fully immerse in a community. Stays over 28 days often have a long-term discount, so we save a ton vs. the nightly costs for a hotel or hostel.

If you’re doing more frequent travel and can’t commit to a month somewhere, hostels and hotels are an easy option, and Booking.com has a lot of options all over the world!

Documentation

Depending on the timeline of when you hope to leave, start thinking about the validity of your Passport and any Visa requirements for the region you will want to go.

These processes are the most out of your control, so it’s better to get them started sooner rather than later so they won’t hold you up, or force you to return home after a year to update, like I did!

Based on where you want to go, there are different requirements for entry that you need to check out! Some countries require a Visa depending on your country of origin, vaccination records, accommodation plans, bank statements, and even your confirmed plans of exit!

Knowing what your destination countries require will allow you to plan accordingly so you can avoid any bumps in the road (which are usually much more expensive to navigate on the spot).

Especially after the pandemic, global travel requirements are constantly changing, so make sure that the research you do is updated and accurate to when you plan to travel. Check out the Government websites on Entry Requirements to make sure you have everything you need before you go!

Insurance

Insurance coverage is a big one to tackle and can get a bit complicated if you don’t know what to look out for, and to be honest there are a lot of options! You can have a combination of health insurance, travel insurance, and renter’s insurance to make sure you and your investments are protected. Learn more about the types of insurance and the best options for you.

While traveling with a limited amount of things in a foreign place, knowing that you have support in the worst-case scenarios will offer you some peace of mind that you’re covered, so keep in mind these helpful tips to get started:

Check your credit cards for travel insurance coverage
Read the fine print for health insurance to check the exclusions (especially if you plan to do any type of physical activity)
Invest in Renter’s insurance to protect all of the things you will be traveling in the event it gets lost or stolen

Banking Smart

This step can be very easy if you already bank with someone who makes it easy for long-term slow travel, but chances are your bank will charge you ridiculous foreign transaction fees and ATM fees, which are easily avoidable!

The following list is the 3 biggest things you’ll want to set up for a safe, cheap, and easy way to travel:

Credit Card that has 0 foreign transaction fees so you can use your card for all purchases without fear of fraud
A Checking Account that has unlimited foreign ATM withdrawals with no added fee
A way to budget and manage all of your finances so you can stay on top of it

Phone Plan

An easy way to feel overwhelmed as soon as you land in your first destination is not having any connection to the internet, or a basic phone plan to get you settled. Before you go, understand everything you need to know about an international phone plan so you can stay connected and save money.

You have a few options to stay connected if your current plan doesn’t already work where you’ll be traveling to, including:

Planning to use WiFi with no phone plan (which is unreliable and I definitely don’t recommend)
Switching to a local provider via physical SIM when you arrive so you don’t have any international fees
Installing an eSIM on your phone so you have connection when you land (best option!)
Getting a travel plan with your current provider (which is ridiculously expensive in some cases)

Don’t forget to have your friends and family back home get set up on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger so you can stay in touch without accidentally incurring international call/text rates!

Packing

While all of the plans listed above are in motion, you’re well on your way to making your dream life a reality!

Now for the fun part, think through what you want to bring with you and how you’re going to move it all around. What you bring will be carried with you to every new destination, so do yourself a favor and only bring what you need, making space for things you didn’t know you needed until you arrive, and making sure to choose luggage that is comfortable and works for you.

By packing smart, you will incur fewer baggage fees (if any at all), save space and weight on transport which improves its efficiency, and also align more with a minimalist lifestyle! Learn the best packing hacks to stay organized while traveling.

This part can be daunting depending on your lifestyle and slow travel style, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier to select what you will bring, and less stressful once you start your travels!

Pack Light (10 Days)
Use what you Already Have
Favor Functionality over Style
Versatility is Everything

Now that you have everything you need together, you’re ready to take off and make your dreams a reality as you take on this new lifestyle! But the key to traveling sustainably is making sure you can do everything you want, without breaking your budget or making wasteful decisions when you’re in a crunch.

Sustainable thinking has been important to get you to this point, but it is essential to keep you on this path so you can travel affordably and feel good about it! While you’re on your journey, the major areas of consideration include your transportation, what you eat, and making sure to record these memories that will last a lifetime!

Transport

The First Trip

The first step in transportation is how you get there, which is most likely going to be by plane unless you’re staying closer to where you live. Traveling by flight is not sustainable, but sometimes it is the only choice to travel. Check out how to book the cheapest flights, and learn about CO2 offsets.

Budget flight apps like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Hopper can be great to save, but be aware of what it might cost. These options usually have an extra fee for luggage (including carry-ons), long layovers, and risk of missed flights. Skyscanner and Kayak are search engines, whereas Hopper is a booking agency. If you book a flight (or hotel) through the Hopper App, there aren’t as many guarantees as what you’ll book when going through Skyscanner and Kayak.

I also use Google Flights (in incognito mode) to check for the lowest dates, and compare this with a search on Kayak. I’ve found the most affordable options through these 2 methods, especially when you factor in the hidden costs that get tagged on the cheap flights.

Over 8% of global carbon emissions are from aviation alone. Try to take other transportation options like train, ferry, or bus to get between destinations! If you can't cut back on flights, where can you cut back your carbon emissions?

Continued Transport

Once you get to your destination, unless it is in a very rural area, you will find public transport to be much more accessible and reliable! Thankfully this is almost always the cheaper option, and way better for the environment for so many reasons.

You won’t always be able to get exactly where you want to go the second you want it as you would with a car, but immersing in public transport is a great way to get the local experience, meet people, save money and see more of the country than you would on a major interstate highway.

For transport in between destinations, it is a great time to kick back, reflect, catch up on some sleep, or see the landscape. Trains are the most efficient means of transport, and often more comfortable than long-haul buses, but do be aware that almost all long-haul transport will have baggage fees which should be incorporated into the pricing (another reason to limit to 1 backpack)!

Food

No matter where you plan to travel, food and nutrition are major necessities but how you do it can be impactful to both your budget and the planet. Unless you’re doing a work exchange program where food is provided, you have the options of either eating out or cooking at home, both of which will give you a taste of the local cuisine and have their pros and cons.

Ultimately, grocery shopping and cooking at home will likely be your best option for your budget, but you can find some amazing deals around the town or city you’re staying that will cost you the same, get you out meeting locals, and prevent all the dishes you would have to do otherwise.

If you have any dietary restrictions, respect those as needed and make sure you know what the words are in the native language to prevent a reaction. Food is a major cultural aspect, so I encourage you to lean into the local cuisine as much as possible.

For some, this may be easier said than done. I was a vegetarian for the greater part of 12 years and I got very used to this diet, especially living in California where everyone seems to be an organic, GF, vegan-only type of person.

Memories

At this stage, you put in all of the work and you made it to the other side. As much as you’ll want to disconnect and just be, these are moments that you will look back at with fondness as you share your experiences with friends and family for the rest of your life!

Take some time to reflect and record the places you go, the things you do, the people you meet, and everything you’ve learned (and unlearned). Take a small envelope/packing cube to keep memories stored while you are on your journey. You never know what you’ll want to bring with you, whether it’s the local currency, photos, tickets, coasters, or shells. And as beautiful of an area you’re in, don’t forget to get some photos with you in them as well!

Summary - Slow Travel - Guide to Long Term Travel

Like any long-term goal, the end may feel far from where you’re at. Start the journey now with small steps every day, week, and month, and you’ll get to your goals in no time. Start with the small bites of addressing where you’re currently at, and make some space for the new. As you free up some mental and physical space, you’ll be able to tackle specific planning of where you’re going and make sure your basic needs will be covered. Most of all, be proud of yourself for making the jump and doing what you’ve always dreamed of.

This is your one shot at life, what do you want to do with it?

Table of Contents

What is Slow Travel?

Slow Travel = Sustainable Travel

Fast Travel

Slow Travel

Who Is Slow Travel For?

1. Deeper Connections

2. Personal Transformation

3. Authentic Exploration

4. Environmental Stewardship

5. More Mindful, Less Stressful

6. Save Money with Slow Travel

Tips To Make The Most of Slow Travel

1. Research, Don't Plan

2. Choose Sustainable Transportation

3. Stay in Local Accommodations

4. Travel in the Off-Season

5. Talk to Locals

6. Be Adaptable

Summary - Slow Travel; Mindful Tips For Sustainable Trips

Table of Contents

1. Beautiful Landscape

2. Blue Water

3. History & Architecture

4. Affordability

5. Ease Of Travel

6. The People

7. The Food

8. Game of Thrones

WHEN You Should Visit Croatia

Summary- Why You Need To Visit Croatia

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Table of Contents

Where To Start

Shed What You Don't Need

Get Ahead Of Your Health

Budget

Income

Take The Leap

Choose Your destination

Destination

When To Go

Accommodation

Documentation

Insurance

Banking Smart

Phone Plan

Packing

On The Journey

Transport

The First Trip

Continued Transport

Food

Memories

Summary - Slow Travel - Guide to Long Term Travel

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