Slow tourism is, first of all, a travel philosophy. A way of traveling and experiencing the territories in a different and deeper way that is combined with the concept of sustainable tourism and the desire to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life. To live the days more slowly, to enjoy the beauty of the area and really enter the culture and traditions of a place. But also to relax, immersing yourself in nature, respecting the environment.
The beauty of enjoying a journey in total relaxation
Organized trips are still very popular and include dense programs, with set times, to accompany tourists to visit a multitude of places in a short time. In this way, however, the traveler is unable to fully immerse themselves in the experience and grasp the true local essence. For this reason, more and more people are looking for a different type of travel, which allows them to live in contact with nature and fully enjoy every place explored. The “slow” tourist prefers uncrowded places immersed in the local culture, to learn about the traditions, customs and traditions and to live intensely every single moment of their journey.
Traveling respecting the environment: sustainable tourism
This new travel philosophy invites tourists to travel in a slow, conscious and sustainable way to discover destinations while respecting them and preserving the value of the heritage and riches they have to offer. A "slow" journey is planned in such a way that it is sustainable from the earliest stages, to ensure that every detail is designed with respect for the environment. One of the most polluting elements of the tourism industry is transport: for this reason, Slow Tourism tends to favor sustainable means such as the train or bicycle, which become an integral part of the experience, allowing tourists to admire the beauty of the surrounding area.
What is the goal of slow tourism?
Slow Tourism aims to leave tourists with an indelible memory of the places they visit, enriching their experience with unforgettable emotions and sensations. Once back home, travelers will feel enriched and satisfied, as well as more relaxed and at peace with themselves, because traveling "slow" allows them to live their adventure in a more sustainable way, in stark contrast to the frenetic pace at which we are used to, every day and in full respect of the environment that surrounds us.
What are the types of trips that can be considered as slow tourism?
For example, cycle tourism, trekking, river tourism, horse riding and birdwatching, an activity that consists of identifying and observing with binoculars, during long stalking, the birds in their natural environment, while you are taking a walk in the mountains. The most suitable structures to stay in are the widespread hotels obtained by recovering old houses of ancient villages and rearranging them to accommodate strangers as if they were local inhabitants, but with hotel treatment, campsites (now glamping is also so fashionable), the huts, bed and breakfasts and farmhouses (on Airbnb you will find many, perhaps taking advantage of this Airbnb coupon that will allow you to save a few tens of euros). All accompanied by local food and wine because a self-respecting journey cannot ignore flavors.
Slow tourism offers authentic experiences, and there are many unique places little beaten by mass tourism in Italy, from north to south.
Slow tourism is good for the heart, body, soul and economy of small businesses, because it brings well-being to the territories without damaging the environment but contributing to their prosperity. That's why we should treasure it and take it into consideration before planning our next vacation.