The antithesis of environmentally and socially damaging whistle-stop tours, slow travel is a recent trend that encourages travelers to take fewer trips for longer durations. It also champions more intimate itineraries based around one or two locations and calm experiences away from the overcrowded tourist trail.
Embracing this trend will give you a deeper insight into the authentic culture of your chosen destination and help support local communities in rural areas neglected by the tourist industry. It’s also more eco-friendly, requiring less transport and reducing the impact of overtourism. Discover the different ways you could adopt this transformative trend in 2025.
Choose a one-center tour
Forgo a full-country tour where you move on every other day for a one-center vacation instead. Eradicate the idea that you need to see all of the main tourist attractions in one trip: choosing a region abundant in what you’re most passionate about, whether this is wildlife, history or cuisine, gives you access to unique tailored experiences and is more rewarding in the long run.
For example, Italy trips based in one region range from walking and wine in Tuscany and hiking in the Dolomites to art and architecture in Florence and luxury beach relaxation on the Amalfi Coast. Each country has diverse regions which are themselves rich vacation destinations.
Ditch the driving
If staying in one place doesn’t appeal, ditch the driving and opt for sustainable transport between each location. This reduces your carbon footprint, preserves precious landscapes and gives you an intimate understanding of the country’s authentic culture outside the tourist traps.
Hike a picturesque trail which covers contrasting areas from cities to unspoiled countryside. You might not go far, but you can be sure of many things to do and see on your journey. Cycling your destination allows you to cover more ground and blend road travel with rural trails for greater diversity. Most destinations also have decent bus links between the area’s major stops.
Take a great train journey
One of the most leisurely ways to explore further afield in one trip is to take a train journey.
Ranging from mammoth railways running through mountains to short but spectacular rides in the lap of luxury, the world’s greatest rail rides reveal the best of destinations in a wonderfully restful way. Simply sit back and turn your gaze to the window, tranquil in the certainty that nothing can distract you from the sensational scenery.
Stay at a wellness retreat
Sometimes vacations are about looking inwards rather than exploring the wider world. Take a moment to catch your breath and reset next year with a stay at a wellness retreat.
Often boasting eco-values such as locally sourced vegetarian cuisine and respect for nature, wellness retreats are the ultimate place to slow down and unwind. Indulge in a range of detoxifying treatments such as massages and clear your mind with meditation.
Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.