As humans, our lives are often defined by a constant rush from one thing to the next. We strive for efficiency, speed, and convenience in all aspects of our lives, including travel. Yet, in our quest for instant gratification, have we lost sight of what traveling is truly about? Perhaps it’s time to slow down, immerse ourselves in new places and experiences, and connect more deeply with the world around us. In this editor’s letter, we make the case for traveling slower and deeper, and explore the benefits of taking a more mindful approach to our journeys.
Travelers have been taking on the term “revenge travel” and attempting to recover lost time by ticking off as many “bucket-list destinations” as possible upon the lifting of border closures and travel restrictions. However, many have refused to fall for the trend, choosing instead to delve deeper into and learn more about specific countries, viewing travel as a search for understanding rather than a trophy hunt. This transformation in travel can be attributed to more than just changes in the nature of work, which have allowed for a more flexible lifestyle. A more significant factor is a growing global reconsideration of the very purpose of travel.
Catherine Heald, cofounder and CEO of Asia-focused luxury travel agency Remote Lands, explains that “The pandemic produced more slow travelers because people had time to reflect on what is really important to them in life—including mindfulness and meditation and meaningful travel.” Her recent clients have included an emergency-room doctor in Cleveland who took a two-month sabbatical to immerse herself in Balinese culture, spirituality, and wellness. Additionally, a San Francisco couple embarked on a four-week deep dive into Vietnam more than four decades after the husband spent his early adulthood protesting the war there.
In response to this shift in travel, Condé Nast Traveler released a package titled “How to Slow Down Now,” detailing eight travel experiences aimed at deepening your travel experience in addition to two dozen trip ideas from renowned specialists like Catherine Heald. The Condé Nast Traveler website features a full list of their 2023 Top Travel Specialists. They encourage travelers to reach out to one of these specialists to help shape their next slow-travel adventure for a more meaningful and fulfilling travel experience.
This sentiment is echoed by comedian and TV show host, Trevor Noah who says “If there’s one thing you’ll never waste your money on, it’s traveling.” He believes that exploring different cultures is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer, and a truly transformative means of growth and learning.
The pandemic has undoubtedly created unexpected bubbles of change, and travel is no exception. The trend towards more mindful and meaningful travel is a shift towards slow travel, allowing travelers to build a deeper relationship with a single location, to truly immerse themselves in the culture, and to acquire a greater appreciation for the world around us. The pandemic has provided an opportunity to reflect on what is really important in life and to value experiences over material possessions. As a result, travel is no longer solely viewed as a means of ticking items off a list but rather as a means of meaningful self-exploration and growth.
