In a world that moves at breakneck speed, slow travel offers a refreshing alternative to the rushed itineraries that leave travelers exhausted rather than rejuvenated. The philosophy behind slow travel is simple yet profound—spend more time in fewer places, immerse yourself in local cultures, and truly connect with your surroundings.
Here is a list of 15 destinations perfect for those looking to embrace the unhurried pace of slow travel.
Portugal
Portugal captivates with its laid-back Mediterranean charm and welcoming locals. The country has experienced an economic resurgence in recent years while maintaining its authentic character and consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement due in no small part to its high level of safety.
Take time to savor a coffee at a local café in Lisbon, wander through the narrow streets of Porto, or relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve. The country’s compact size makes it perfect for slow exploration, whether by train, car or on foot through historic villages.
Italy
Italy practically invented the concept of ‘la dolce vita’—the sweet life. Far from the rushed tours of Rome and Florence, slow travelers can rent a farmhouse in Tuscany or an apartment in a small coastal town.
Tuscany, renowned for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards, offers an opportunity to savor its natural beauty and cuisine and to experience the warm hospitality of the Italian people. Take cooking classes with local chefs, participate in grape harvests, or simply spend afternoons people-watching in village squares.
Japan
Japan offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Moving beyond Tokyo’s frenetic energy, discover rural Japan, where time seems to slow down.
Osaka is one of the most open-minded and dynamic cities in Japan, with world-class museums and delicious cuisine that includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Stay in a traditional ryokan, practice mindfulness at a Buddhist temple, or explore the lesser-known islands like Ine, which is described as ‘Japan’s most beautiful village’ and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on the waters of Ine Bay with over 200 boat houses (locally named ‘funayas’).
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Slovenia
This small European gem remains relatively undiscovered compared to its neighbors. Slovenia stands out as one of the safest countries in the world due to its impressively low crime rate, well-organized law enforcement, and high-quality healthcare system.
From the picture-perfect Lake Bled to the charming capital Ljubljana, Slovenia offers pristine nature, excellent food, and genuine hospitality. The compact size allows for unhurried exploration of alpine landscapes, vineyard regions, and the short but stunning Adriatic coastline.
Morocco
Morocco dazzles with its vibrant colors, exotic scents, and magnificent architecture. Rather than racing between imperial cities, slow travelers can spend weeks getting lost in the labyrinthine medinas of Fez or Marrakech.
For travelers seeking “quietcations” that promote relaxation and mindfulness, the High Atlas Mountains offer a serene location to unwind. Consider staying in a traditional riad, learning to cook tagine, or taking language lessons to connect more deeply with this fascinating culture.
Bhutan
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan focuses on Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product. Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its culture and environment makes it an exceptional destination for slow travel in Asia.
Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and witness vibrant cultural festivals. The country’s managed tourism approach naturally encourages thoughtful, unhurried travel—a perfect match for those seeking meaningful experiences over photo opportunities.
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New Zealand
New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes deserve to be savored rather than rushed. The country’s excellent infrastructure makes slow travel easy, whether you’re hiking through national parks, cycling between vineyards, or exploring coastal towns.
The TranzAlpine train offers a scenic slow travel experience that takes you from the South Island city of Christchurch, through the heart of the Southern Alps, to Greymouth on the West Coast. New Zealand’s friendly locals and strong café culture make it easy to settle in and feel at home.
France
France elevates slow living to an art form. Beyond Paris lies a diverse country waiting to be discovered at leisure. Provence is a paradise for those seeking a slow travel experience, the perfect place to take your time and enjoy the finer things in life, thanks to its charming villages, sprawling vineyards, and rich cultural heritage.
Rent a cottage in the countryside, shop at local markets, and enjoy long meals that celebrate regional specialties and world-class wines.
Vietnam
Vietnam offers an intoxicating mix of natural beauty, complex history, and delicious cuisine. Hue, a charming city in Central Vietnam, offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture where slow travelers can stroll around the palaces, pavilions, and gardens of the Imperial City or take a boat ride along the Perfume River.
Escape the tourist trail and spend time in smaller towns where you can connect with locals, learn about traditional crafts, and savor authentic food.
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Greece
Greece invites travelers to slow down and embrace the relaxed Mediterranean pace. Island hopping doesn’t have to mean changing locations every other day. Instead, pick one or two islands and truly get to know them.
Rent a house on Crete or Corfu for a month, learn about olive harvesting, take sailing lessons, or simply enjoy extended afternoons at seaside tavernas engaging with locals.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica combines natural beauty with a philosophy of ‘pura vida’ (pure life) that perfectly aligns with slow travel ideals. Budget slow travel in countries like Costa Rica can work well for people who dream of exploring the world with limited money.
Stay in eco-lodges surrounded by rainforest, volunteer with conservation projects, learn Spanish, or simply embrace the unhurried rhythm of beach communities.
Cornwall, England
While not a country, this distinctive region of southwest England deserves recognition for its slow travel potential. Travelers can stay in a cozy cottage in one of Cornwall’s many charming villages or opt for a glamping experience on a working farm.
Walk sections of the South West Coast Path, discover hidden coves, engage with the thriving artistic community, and savor the region’s increasingly renowned food scene.
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Lithuania
This Baltic state offers surprising diversity for its size. Lithuania epitomizes conservation and sustainability, having been named the European Green Capital of 2025. Its capital, Vilnius, is 61% covered in green spaces, and the country features protected forests, lakes, and sandy dunes along the Baltic Sea.
Explore the baroque old town of Vilnius, cycle through national parks, stay in traditional homesteads, and discover a culinary heritage that remains relatively unknown to most travelers.
Mongolia
For those seeking wide-open spaces and a truly different pace of life, Mongolia offers an unparalleled slow travel experience. Black Tomato has curated a 10-day immersion into the lives of Mongolia’s nomadic communities where travelers venture into remote deserts and national parks, ride horses over mountain passes, and raft on the Tuul River.
Stay with nomadic families to learn about their ancient way of life, attend traditional festivals, or simply marvel at the vastness of the steppes.
Laos
Landlocked Laos moves at its own gentle pace. Laos now has a newly-launched, high-speed international rail connecting its sedate mountainous plains with China’s southwestern Yunnan Province, giving travelers an affordable, efficient and sustainable way to traverse the region’s cultural and natural wonders.
The spiritual center of Luang Prabang provides a perfect base for extended stays, with its beautiful temples, French colonial architecture, and morning alms-giving ceremony. Venture into the countryside to discover traditional villages where time seems to stand still.
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A Different Way to Experience the World
Slow travel isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about changing how we experience the world. That breakneck speed of checking destinations off a list is no way to truly experience a destination. Instead, slow travel presents an alternative to the see-every-country ethos, telling us to accept that we won’t experience the entire world in one lifetime.
When we travel slowly, we reduce our environmental impact, support local economies more directly, and return home with genuine connections rather than just digital souvenirs. By embracing this mindful approach to travel, we transform from tourists into temporary locals, gaining insights that rushed itineraries could never provide.
The memories created through slow travel—a conversation with a shopkeeper, mastering a local recipe or watching the same view change through different weather—often become the most treasured souvenirs of all.
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