Incorporating ‘Slowcation’ Elements Into Your Next Trip

In a busy world where life sometimes feels like a whirlwind, finally having the chance to take a relaxing vacation shouldn’t leave travelers feeling exhausted upon return. After the pandemic, a trend dubbed “revenge travel” had vacationers excessively packing their itineraries and booking more frequent trips in hopes of making up for lost time during quarantine, but ultimately left travelers feeling tired and burnt out.

Revenge travel for the purpose of making up for lost time is slowly on the decline, but old habits die hard, and travelers continue to fill up their schedules without incorporating any downtime for relaxation. To help curb the compulsion of overbooking activities and operating on tight schedules, “slowcations” have been an underrated method of travel in recent years, giving travelers the opportunity to personalize a vacation while offering a much-needed reprieve. 

What Is a Slowcation?

As the name implies, slowcations prioritize stress-free and flexible itineraries that allow travelers to connect to the destination and local communities around them. It’s also a way to ditch conventional travel by providing more authentic experiences. The needs of every traveler to make the most of their slowcation will look different and that’s the beauty of it, but to spur some thought, we’ve gathered some of our favorite elements to consider incorporating on the next big trip.

Wellness

Since the goal of a slowcation is a little R and R, prioritizing self-care is key. Maybe it’s choosing a hotel that instead of putting a drink in hand upon arrival, offers all-natural health shots instead. It could also be taking a dip in local geothermal hot springs, signing up for a yoga retreat, hiking in a remote location or working those stresses out at a nearby spa. Regardless of what activities a traveler chooses, it should help them feel rejuvenated and relaxed, not overwhelmed. After all, the point of a vacation is to get away from the chaos of everyday life, so why add more to the time that’s supposed to be spent decompressing?

Outdoor Excursions

For some, this may go hand in hand with the wellness aspect, but outdoor excursions can be a great way to take a step back and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the rest of the world. While slowcations certainly emphasize connection to yourself, they also promote connection to the natural world. Biking on an outdoor trail, stargazing away from city lights, kayaking on a serene river or even taking a leap with the polar plunge are ways to explore the nuances of a destination without the pressure to get from one activity to the next. Moving the body not only feels good but can also be a rewarding experience when visitors stumble upon a hidden gem they wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Sustainability

Often times and especially on longer trips, travelers will move from city to city or even country to country, relying on planes as the quickest mode of transportation. With a slowcation itinerary, not only are travelers staying in places for an extended period of time to fully soak in the destination, but they’re also choosing scenic and environmentally friendly routes for transport. Instead of paying for a taxi to get to the next activity, a flexible schedule means travelers can take the time to bike or walk there instead. It’s a win-win situation — visitors can save some money on transportation and choose more sustainable options.

This type of travel could also mean supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy. Because there isn’t a need to get from place to place quickly, travelers can slow down and accurately assess their options for restaurants, bars and shops as opposed to choosing one that is popular or appears most comfortable. Branching out provides travelers with authentic experiences, connection to the local community and an opportunity to show support for the destination’s economy.

Giving Back

A slowcation is all about taking time to appreciate the destination, and there’s no better way to show some love to local communities than by giving back. Volunteering at a local shelter, signing up to clean up trash off the beach or spending the day building eco-friendly infrastructure are a couple of ways visitors can get involved and make a difference when traveling. Not only does this contribute to a more meaningful experience and allow travelers to connect with their personal values, it’s also a benefit to the communities who show continued support for the tourism industry.

About the Author

Samantha Anderson is the editorial intern for VAX VacationAccess. A communications and journalism major at Carroll University, Samantha can always be found on the soccer field or with her nose in the latest book. New to the industry, she is excited to write travel content and is looking forward to what next big adventure awaits!