The advent of many travel buzz phrases like cultural immersion, authenticity, locavorism and agrotourism came out of the slow travel movement. But what is slow travel? It’s a thoughtful way to visit and vacation; an attitude that encourages relaxation, skipping the rush and really connecting with the local people, their distinctive traditions and food. From a calming journey and an eco-friendly trip to local food and Indigenous discovery, here are five slow travel destinations worth lingering at a little longer.
Mindful Meditation in Japan
When you think of Japan, you may think fast and furious — the bullet trains, the revved-up nightlife of Tokyo, the insta-food from ubiquitous vending machines. Yet those same trains on one of the world’s premier rail networks can transport you to places that go at a slower, more immersive pace. Kyoto, known for its temples, traditional geishas and proximity to ancient forests and mountain trails, is a garden-lover’s dream. Meditative Zen grounds are legendary here (serenity is Ryoan-ji Temple and its rock garden), with designs that focus on simplicity without distraction; and “strolling” gardens invite just that – a walk in a park or a bamboo forest that’s been purposely cultivated to calm the mind and visually delight from season to season.
A Softer Footprint in Switzerland
This alpine country is well-known for a few things in life that we can’t help but slow down and savour. Chocolate, for one, and cheesy fondue, another. Like Japan, Switzerland is renowned for its railways, which run with the precision of a Swiss watch. The country’s hiking trails are as groomed as those tracks, with strategically placed, functional mountain hiking huts — where hikers can stop and refuel or stay the night — dotted along the paths etched into the hillsides. One direction might take you near Zermatt along the 5 Lakes Trail, past a pristine pond with the sparkling reflection of the Matterhorn (the inspiration for those pointy-shaped Toblerone bars). In another direction, a two-week traverse on the easy-does-it Jura Crest Trail connects Zurich to Lake Geneva.
Rivers Run Through France
Sure, the bustle of Paris gives us a frisson of excitement, but slow travellers can try a river cruise that goes deeper into the heart of France. Taking the river Seine due west from the City of Light allows travellers to stop at Monet’s house in Giverny, light a candle at Rouen Cathedral, and pay respects to the fallen heroes at Normandy. The Loire, France’s longest river, will take you into Jules Verne’s steam-engine era France, from Nantes and its Dukes of Brittany legacy to UNESCO Heritage protected vineyards and stunning châteaux dotting the landscape. Speaking of wine, sailing the Moselle offers Riesling-lovers a chance to sip at the source.
The Culture of New Zealand’s First Peoples
Māori people and their language and traditions are woven into the fabric of the everyday here. Traditions such as the Haka — a war dance — often open sporting and cultural events. Most of the Māori population lives on the North Island, where the country’s largest city, Auckland, and the capital Wellington (and the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand) are. From Auckland’s harbour, take a ferry to the diminutive Waiheke Island, to try some of the best wines, including from the Māori-owned Tūāpae Vineyard, or take a Māori-led tour to learn about natural medicine and healing. Back in the city, book a table at The Māori Kitchen for traditional Hāngī cuisine (cooked in underground ovens). For further cultural immersion, make your home base Rotorua, where natural geothermal springs and authentic Māori-led experiences are the main events.
Stewards of Locavorism in Peru
Peru should be on every slow foodie traveller’s list. Lima, the country’s capital, has two of the world’s top 10 restaurants according to The World’s 50 Best list: Maido, at number one, and Kjolle at number nine. Asian fusion from more than 100 years of Chinese and Japanese immigration is a major influencer. Nikkei cuisine, an amalgamation of Japanese techniques mixed with Peruvian ingredients, is unique to Peru. But they grow nearly everything here: Chefs countrywide work fresh fish into citrusy ceviche; stir-fries of lomo saltado (beef, onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, with rice and French fries), and the layered potato dish causa, are staples worth savouring. All the better to fuel you up for the hike up the Inca Trail to the marvel that is Machu Picchu.
Quality time. We talk about it, we covet it, but do we actually take it? Go ahead and take it slow. It’s more than a travel movement — in this fast-paced world, slow travel is a way of experiencing the world in a more meaningful, sustainable way.
SLOW AND STEADY
Learn more about how to become a slow traveller in AMA Insider’s Fall 2025 edition. Visit amatravel.ca to start planning your own slow adventure.