People often want to see and experience as much as possible during a holiday. But now there is a counter-reaction, which instead promotes slow travelling. It's about stopping and doing less - and thus experiencing more.
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ShareTravelling slowly
I just read an article in SvD discussing the issue of travelling slowly, and I recognised some of the thoughts. Every time we take a holiday, we have limited time. Whether you have one, two or four weeks, you often feel that you have to hurry a bit. You want to see both Rome and Paris. And you've decided to go swimming, go on a boat trip and eat at that famous restaurant.
Longing for a long journey
We've always liked the idea of a motorhome because we want to experience what's on the road, between the planned destinations. The Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum in all honour, but in retrospect it is perhaps the meeting with the nice people at the local café that we remember best. The motorhome helps us with this, but time still limits us. And maybe that's why we want to embark on a real long journey ...
Time is more exclusive than money
We imagine that it is easier to experience what is happening in the present when you have time on your side. You can be open to unexpected encounters, stay longer than expected and have time to reflect. Travelling slowly also allows you to be more respectful of the environment.
But even if many people like the idea, slow travel is unlikely to become a major trend, according to the article. It is simply too difficult to find the time to put it into practice. For many, time is more exclusive than money.
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Znogge says:
The road is worth the effort 😉 My trip to Brazil was probably the best trip I've made. Partly because I got to meet the son, partly because I lived a whole everyday life. Tourist attractions in all honour but everyday life is also nice!
11 May 2014 - 11:24
Lennart says:
Retirement means more time, wonderful to not have to fit in time or have any obligations!
You just need a little more time!
One day it will be your turn!
11 May 2014 - 11:52
BP says:
Put it this way - if you wait until you retire, slow travelling is definitely a goal - or could be.
I mean, if you have a full-time job, long journeys are a luxury unless you have a few million in the bank. Then you can take a year or so off. But you are still limited to coming back and working again...
11 May 2014 - 12:38
Veiken says:
We like both types of travelling. Sometimes you get to experience a lot in a short time, other times you dig a little deeper into life where you are! For us, one does not exclude the other. Ugh what Swedish with you probably understand anyway! 😉
11 May 2014 - 16:30
Ditte says:
A mixture of both ways of travelling works best for us. If I'm going on a long trip outside Europe, I like to have time. There are often a lot of "new things" to take in. And the distances are also long. But one does not exclude the other.
However, I would not "do the USA, from west to east in a couple of weeks or go through KIna in that time. Then I think I would definitely miss the experience and just transport myself.
11 May 2014 - 18:17
admin says:
Znogge, I understand that this trip was special! I think the best trips are when you get to experience some everyday life. Always best to have a "guide" in someone you know!
🙂
Lennart, that's true. We shouldn't rush it, but we hope to have a retirement period when we are healthy and can travel!
BP, it's true. Now that you're working, time is the hardest thing to get right.
Veiken, I understand exactly. And we probably agree, one does not exclude the other!
Ditte, as I just wrote to Veiken, one does not exclude the other. And I can agree that it depends on where you are, and the purpose of your trip.
11 May 2014 - 18:36
scottish moments says:
Oh... I read it too! Really liked the example of the guy who travelled by freighter to Scotland instead of flying hihi. Took him 26 hours one way. Maybe I have to try it next time I go to Sweden hihi.
13 May 2014 - 20:57
admin says:
Scottish Moments, if you are not in a hurry it is perfect to travel like that! You get into a different rhythm when you travel slowly, I think. I had that experience when we travelled on the Trans-Siberian Railway to Beijing (7 days) and when I went by boat to Iceland (40 hours from Norway).
14 May 2014 - 6:55