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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.

Best destinations for slow travel

From the incense-wreathed temples of India to the sprawling savannas of South Africa, these are our specialists’ favorite destinations for slow travel.

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.

    6 min read

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  • 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.

    8 min read

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  • 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.

    8 min read

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  • 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.

    10 min read

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  • 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.

    7 min read

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  • 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.

    8 min read

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  • 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.

    4 min read

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