When we book a vacation to a new destination, we can feel a pressure to tick everything off a long to-see list, and sometimes we come back from holiday more exhausted than when we left. Whilst exploring and seeing new parts of the world is important and exciting, there are also times when we need to pause and relax. Some people are terming this ‘slow tourism’, as a movement which encourages you to stop and really take in a place. This can be done in a variety of ways and there are no hard and fast rules, but here are three ways to relax and focus on enjoying your immediate surroundings when you’re on holiday.
Surround Yourself In Nature
Whether you’ve gone for a mountain hiking trip or you’re spending time in a busy city, find a space where you can relax and notice nature. It may be beside an Alpine lake, or sat in a pretty city park. Allocate half an hour to sit and look at the nature around you – consider how the trees are different to those you might see at home. Is the wildlife noticeably different? How does the air smell and feel on your skin? Even if you hop straight back on the subway and tour every museum in the city straight after this break, it will provide you with a sense of calm and an opportunity to enjoy being in this new place.
Try A Slow Activity
Why not book yourself an artisanal cookery class, led by a local expert, or a watercolor landscape painting session? Lots of opportunities like this are available to book through sites such as Airbnb, and they will give you an opportunity to meet a local and discover more about the place you’re holidaying. Taking your time over a task, whether you’re crafting authentic pizza or trying to capture the blue skies of Spain, will also let you appreciate this destination and all that it has to offer.
Try A Walking Tour
There are many ways to get around cities, and some tours are conducted on bikes, scooters, buses and even segways. But if your mobility is OK and you have the time, a walking tour can be a great way to experience a place more fully. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask an expert questions you may have, and you can share ideas and experiences with other people on the tour.
Everyone has their own way to do a vacation, but if you tend to try and cram in as much as possible, leave a few gaps in your itinerary so you can experience some slow tourism and take a moment to relax.