What is Slow Travel?
Slow Travel believes, instead of rushing around the usual “five cities in one week” kind of vacation, you should stay in one location for a longer period of time (at least a week), and dive more deeply into the local culture - enjoy a drink at the local watering hole, make friends with the locals, take time to take in the local rhythms.
You become a temporary resident instead of a tourist. Instead of feeling this is a once in a lifetime trip, and you need to cram(v.填满)in as much as possible, Slow Travel believes you should know there will be more trips. Even getting there should be leisurely - instead of being crammed into a plane and subjected to ridiculous security, why not take a train, car or a boat?
When traveling, I always love planting myself away from the tourist path and taking in things as a local. When I visited a friend in Germany recently, one of my favorite things to do was wander(v.漫步) around the local grocery stores and cafes to see what Germans like to eat (LOTS of breads, and boy are they into their sweets!)
How can you make your next trip a slow trip?
--Stay in a local rental.
--Stay in a place that is non-touristy. Better yet, go to your destination in the off-season(n.淡季) .
--Stay out of cars. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place that supports walking (or biking), forsake(v.放弃) a rental car, and hoof(V.[俚]步行) it around your neighborhood.
--Get out among the locals. Make it a point to relax at a local cafe or bar, even if you’re traveling solo.
--Ask the locals. Instead of consulting guide books on what to do and where to eat, ask the locals.