Have you ever come home from a holiday feeling more tired than before? The trip was supposed to be a relaxing break from your busy days at work, but it turned out to be more stressful than your everyday life.
Feeling completely drained-out after a holiday is more common than you think. We leave with heavy luggage filled with unnecessary stuff. We then buy more unnecessary stuff. Next to this we travel from place to place to just take a picture there and leave. No, that is not how it is supposed to go. It's way better to visit a place and learn about it. Instead of just showing your picture there, you can tell your friends the beautiful story of that place. This is what makes travelling a rewarding experience. Forget about your hectic planning to the last minute, it's time for a truly relaxing break.
The solution to end your stressful holidays is slow travel
What is slow travel? Slow travel is about leaving the place better than you found it. No rush, less intensity, more in-depth experiences of the place you're visiting. This is not only helping you get a relaxing and valuable holiday, but it also contributes to the destination and its people. Your slow travel holidays are mindful, sustainable, and meaningful. And it's even easier to plan! We prepared some tips that will help you out with your first slow travel holiday to finally get the rest you deserve.
Tip one: longer holidays
Slow travel is when you take longer holidays, and instead of experiencing the place as a tourist, you start living as the locals. The idea is that you explore each destination at a slower pace, to be able to experience all that the place has to offer. Take your time to learn more about the history of the region, meet the locals, be part of their traditions, explore the nature and wildlife in the area... There are so many meaningful activities you can do that you wouldn't even think about before. Culture, nature, people, you get a close touch with everything. And you don't have to plan everything in advance. Don't even read about all the attractions in the region - just ask people on the streets what you should visit, they know the place best.
Tip two: sustainable accommodation
A big difference between slow travel holidays and your usual vacations is that you live in a holiday rental instead of hotels and the all-inclusive accommodations. Think about gites, huts, cottages, agriturismos. The accommodation will be your home away from home. It's so much more authentic when you stay in a local home. Another positive thing is that you actually pay the locals, instead of the big hotel chains. Take your money to the people who make the destination what it is.
Tip three: avoid mass tourism destinations
Aren't you fed up with the overcrowded touristic places? It's not only you! The locals in those places are also tired from the tourists. You can never truly enjoy a destination if you are constantly surrounded by hundreds of people who are also trying to do the same thing. Go to a less popular destination to discover the hidden treasures of a region. Holiday rentals are often far away from the masses, and they give you a homey and comfortable feeling. You can shelter yourself from all the noise and annoying people, isn't this what you actually expect when you go on a holiday?
Sustainable holidays
Slow travel is the best way to have a sustainable holiday. Next to all the personal benefits of this type of stay, you also make a positive contribution to the environment and the locals! Travelling for a longer period means you will probably have less journeys in a year. Quality over quantity. Fewer trips mean less CO2 emissions. It is also advisable to choose a destination that is closer to home, and use a trail for your journey. It's more fun than you imagine, believe me.
A great place to start with your slow travel vacations
Already excited to get started with a new, healthy way of travelling? It can seem rather daunting if you've never planned a slow travel trip before, but we're here to make it easier for the beginners. The company Nature.house - https://www.nature.house/, offers just the right conditions for a slow travel holiday. A holiday rental with sustainable homes in nature, in remote places away from the mass tourism. And the best part is that they plant trees for every night booked on their platform! That's actually estimated to be the most effective and efficient way to fight climate change. If you are looking for beautiful holiday homes in the European nature, Nature.house is your best choice. You can find adventurous accommodation like safari tents, yurts, and caravans. Or more traditional homes like villas, cottages and chalets. Check out the nature houses in the Italy, France, and the Netherlands, if you want to get inspired for your next holiday.
