Don't fit too much into too little time!

To us, "slow travel" isn't about moving at a snail's pace or spending weeks in one destination. It is simply avoiding the urge to cram in as much as possible into a short period of time...possibly preventing one of those "happy accidents" of travel. This picture of us was taken in the small town of Czesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.

We understand why people feel like they have to squeeze so much into a visit, but let's really think about this:

-Every time you move locations, you have to get up, pack, grab breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station, go through security, wait for your flight or train, fly or rail to the next destination, possibly fight immigration & customs, wait for your luggage, transfer to the next hotel, check-in, find your room and throw your suitcase on the bed. All you really want to do at that point is take a nap! But you can't, you have to hurry out the door to see everything that awaits in your new location...because you only have 2 days here!

-Figure that each move also has a price tag attached for transfers, checked luggage fees, the cost of your train or flight, taxis and expensive junk food you pick up in the airport or train station. It can add up quickly.

-Most importantly, you will burn out. You will be exhausted with no memories of your vacation except for the photos on your iPhone. The faster you go and the more you do, the less you experience.

Slowing down and enjoying your surroundings also opens you up to the possibility of experiencing one of those "happy accidents" of travel. Like the time you start talking to a café owner and end up sharing a bottle of wine and laughing the afternoon away. Or take a left turn off the hiking path because that mountain looks like one that needs to be climbed. Or stop by your favorite bar when you embark on your cruise to the Bahamas, only to run into a couple who you met on your last vacation. Those are the memories you will always treasure!

So slow down. Spend less time in train stations and more time in the café getting to know the local people. Duck into that book store that looks fascinating. Destinations are more than check marks on a "bucket list". Instead of seeing thing quickly, why not experience them deeply?