By slowing the pace of your travels, you have the time to experience a destination more deeply. You’ll have the opportunity to soak up more of the culture, admire more of the natural scenery, and forge stronger connections with local communities. It can be better for the environment, too.
Choosing to reduce your plane travel and get around instead by train, bike, car, boat, or on foot is one way to slow down, giving you a greater appreciation for your surroundings. Another is to stay a while longer in one place, uncovering the authentic side of each destination you visit through carefully chosen experiences with expert guides.
Our specialists can suggest ways of doing both as part of your trip, whether you’d like to venture into Australia’s outback on a luxury train journey, drift gently along Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, taking in rural life beside the water, or hike the quieter route to Peru’s Machu Picchu on a multi-day trek.
Our top slow travel trip ideas
Wherever you choose to go, our specialists can craft a trip that delves into your passions, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Here are some of their suggested trip ideas to spark inspiration.
Slow travel guides, written by our experts
Our specialists have experienced the best of slow travel on their own adventures across the globe, and they’ve documented their experiences in the guides below.
-
Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific ![The Ghan, Darwin]()
Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific
Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific
Australia by train? Yes: the country hosts two of the world’s greatest routes, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. But, what are the differences between them? Our specialists explain. Either way, expect Outback scenery and great on-board dining and hospitality.
Read this guide -
Top 5 European river cruises ![Musée d'Orsay, Paris]()
Top 5 European river cruises
Top 5 European river cruises
These five European river cruises combine the best of all worlds — you’ll get to indulge in luxe accommodation and only unpack once, while still visiting out-of-the-way villages and far-flung vineyards. You’ll also get to choose from a wide menu of guided tours.
Read this guide -
River cruises in India ![Varanasi, India]()
River cruises in India
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
Read this guide -
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes ![Queenstown, Queenstown]()
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes
Audley country specialist John explains why, for him, self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand. He recommends three very different routes, from mountain passes in the South Island to forest roads in the North Island.
Read this guide -
Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide ![Shinkansen]()
Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
Japan has long been celebrated for its high-speed train innovations. Japan specialist Phil explains why, for him, Japan’s bullet trains are an ideal way to see the country. He shares his experiences riding the trains through Japan and how to incorporate them into your trip.
Read this guide -
Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations ![Machu Picchu, Peru]()
Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations
Machu Picchu plus one: tried-and-tested South American combinations
Did you know that thanks to ever-improving flight connections, you can easily combine Machu Picchu with other South American destinations such as the Galapagos and Argentina — without the need to extend your trip drastically? Our specialists explain how.
Read this guide -
Train journeys in South Africa ![Rovos Rail]()
Train journeys in South Africa
Train journeys in South Africa
Watch the scenery unfold as the clackety-clack of rail tracks pass beneath you. A trip on the famous Blue Train or Rovos Rail in South Africa are two of the great train journeys of the world.
Read this guide
