Slow Travel: Why I Loved Not Roaming

There are many reasons why I travel: To discover a new culture, to escape, to see the world through new eyes, but most of all – for adventure. As an explorer at heart, an all-inclusive resort is typically not my kind of vacation, and I prefer to run around and experience new places. I could be a typical tourist who crams everything into one trip and one who obsesses over their bucket list. Sound familiar?

But this season of my life has been filled with wedding planning, work, events, etc. When I had the opportunity to go to Dreams Natura in Cancun and Riu Hotel in Jamaica, I said, heck ya! I knew these trips would be fun no matter what, but I didn't know how much I would love not roaming.

I happily chose restful retreats versus active adventures. Both trips helped me destress and decompress from my daily routine and regain a sense of balance. I practiced yoga on the beach, got massages near the ocean, and literally stopped to smell the roses. Overall, they renewed and re-energized my spirit and gave me a wave of gratitude. I focused on the needs of my well-being rather than jumping on a quick tour.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to "slow travel."

I often forget the power of slow travel because I am always on the "go, go, go." While I would usually book a 4-day trek to one of the world's seven wonders, there's nothing like slow travel when you've been going at a hundred miles per hour.

For those who are new to slow travel like me, here are a few things to try and keep in mind:

Set an intention for your next trip, and use it as your compass. What would you like to get out of this trip? What would you like to learn and bring home with you?
Don't make the mistake of trying to see everything on your list, or better yet, don't make one.
Have meaningful conversations with locals and those around you.

If you desire a balanced itinerary where you can pace yourself and avoid the stress of racing around, try slow travel. It's purposeful and immersive, allowing you to delve deeper into what is most important to you while on the road. It's conscious and connected – to yourself, others around you, and the rest of the world.

While I will always love to check off the "top 10 things to see and do," I will consciously decide to pace myself more in my future travels. Who wouldn't want to avoid feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation when you get back home?