Slow Travel 101
While the pandemic changed how we view travel itineraries and sightseeing, a slow travel experience offers an alternative to endless to-do lists. This travel trend, inspired by the slow food movement, encourages meaningful connections with local people and the discovery of hidden gems. Our travel guide celebrates slow tourism, offering travel tips for exploring local cultures at your own pace, helping you turn bucket-list destinations into deeper experiences. 🌍
We connect travelers with local photographers who capture authentic moments during fun photo shoots worldwide. Through Flytographer, you get both a unique experience and beautiful photos to remember your journey. Our local photographers have contributed to this guide, sharing insights on embracing slower tourism. Ready to slow down and smell the flowers? 🌺
TLDR
Photo: Bayu in Bali for Flytographer. Nicole and partner capture memories in Bali with a couples photoshoot at the Tegalalang Rice Fields of Ubud.
1. What is JOMO travel?
You’ve heard of FOMO, the “fear of missing out,” that travel anxiety that kicks in when you’re bombarded with endless social media posts and an overwhelming list of must-sees. Think about it, though — shouldn’t your holiday be a time to relax? 🤔
JOMO travellers are masters of flipping the script. They embrace the “joy of missing out,” happily skipping some (or even a lot) of activities. Even if it’s their first time visiting a destination, they’re not afraid to leave things off the list. That means more time for deeper understanding of local culture and authentic experiences.
And here’s the best part: JOMO travellers head back home with rich stories, unforgettable memories, and photos that truly capture their authentic moments of love, joy and connection. 👌
Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Paige and partner capture memories together in Maui with a couples photoshoot at Kapalua Bay on the West Shore.
2. Principles of Slow Travel
Slow travel means stretching the amount of time you spend in one place and soaking up its essence as much as possible. There’s no set rule about how long you should stay; it’s about spending enough time to connect with the local community and embrace their daily rhythm.
Maybe it’s returning to the same charming cafe where the staff starts to recognize you, or shopping at the local market like a regular. Even better if it’s a family-run spot where you can swap stories with the owner and leave with a little piece of their world. 🌍
The benefits of slow travel can be felt all around and the practice naturally lends itself to sustainability. With time on your side, you can opt for trains or boats instead of planes, and wander through town on foot or public transportation rather than zipping around in taxis. Less carbon footprint is better for the planet and longer journeys are way better for your soul. 👍
This slower pace often leads to more mindful photography, capturing moments like a mom-and-pop cafe that seems frozen in time, the wonders of the world framed through a train window, or breathtaking landscapes viewed from a boat crossing. 🚢 Slow travel isn’t just about going somewhere — it’s about truly being there.
Photo: Alfredo in San Francisco for Flytographer. Lily and family capture memories together with a family photoshoot at Crissy Field.
3. Perfect Destinations for Slow Travel
Tuscany, Italy
Seeing the Colosseum in Rome or the Bridge of Sighs in Venice is amazing, but slow travel often favours small towns with shorter to-do lists. In Europe, where everything is close by, you can flip the script again: instead of taking day trips to the countryside, base yourself in a charming town and take occasional day trips to major cities. This will do wonders for your travel budget as well. 😉
That doesn’t mean compromising on the “wow” factor. Take Italy’s Tuscany, for example. It’s so packed with picturesque, character-filled towns that choosing just one might be a challenge. But remember — no FOMO! Focus on food, wine, and authentic experiences.
Fly tip: take a cooking class and explore the local markets to discover fresh produce. Then, perfect your newfound cooking skills back at a cozy rental, where every day feels like a homemade Italian feast. 🍝
Photo: Sara and Matteo in Tuscany for Flytographer. Eric and partner celebrate their engagement with a surprise proposal photoshoot in Pienza.
Provence, France
Much like Tuscany, France’s Provence is a treasure trove of charming small towns where you can dive into village life and soak up the beauty of the countryside. These picture-perfect towns also make ideal bases for quick road trips to breathtaking lavender fields and vineyards. And don’t worry — Provence has just as much art and culture as any big city. 🎨
What the small towns have that big cities don’t, though, are the Provençal markets — absolute foodie havens brimming with local delights like cheeses, olive oils, honey, jams, and all things lavender. 🧀 🫒 Can you imagine a better way to immerse yourself in Provençal culture? Neither can we!
Photo: Andrea in Provence for Flytographer. Casey and family capture memories together with a family photoshoot at Moustiers Sainte Marie.
Kyoto, Japan
If there’s one place that truly invites you to slow down, it’s Japan — the land of minimalism and Zen culture. 🎍 While not necessarily off the beaten path, Kyoto, Japan’s imperial city, is a dreamlike destination filled with stunning temples and gardens that inspire quiet contemplation.
The city transforms with every season, making it the perfect place to embrace the Japanese tradition of reverence for nature and observing the ever-changing landscape, a reflection of the cultural tendency to savour the moment. 🍂
Skilled artisans beautifully captured this spirit in local crafts, from the careful arrangement of ikebana to the serene ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony — both exquisitely choreographed blends of precision, mindfulness, and tranquillity. Observing such practices will truly make you forget the world outside. 😌
Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Rachel and partner capture memories together with a couples photoshoot at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
4. How to Plan a JOMO-focused Trip
Wondering how to plan a JOMO-inspired trip? We’ve got some tips for you. 👇
Accommodation
Choose Airbnb rentals or serviced apartments instead of traditional hotels. These often come with great deals for longer stays and, more importantly, feel like an actual home — complete with living rooms for downtime and kitchens to put those global cooking skills to the test. 🧑🍳
Homestays are another fantastic option. Staying with a local family means enjoying authentic home-cooked meals, engaging conversations, and knowing that your travel budget directly supports the local economy in the best way possible. It’s another step toward sustainable travel. 🍃
Photo: Taena in Maui for Flytographer. Lauren and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at their rental home in Lahaina.
Activities
A little planning is good, but it’s better to prioritize depth over quantity. Keep your schedule flexible to leave room for serendipitous discoveries, like a cozy bookshop you’ll fall in love with or a hidden shop you’ll want to visit again. 📚
There are plenty of platforms that connect you with local guides for unique experiences, but sometimes the best finds come from simply asking your host or the barista at a neighbourhood cafe. Many vacation rentals even include local guidebooks packed with invaluable insider tips!✌️
Photography
At Flytographer, we love taking photos, but above all we treasure the moments between shots. Don’t spend your entire trip behind the camera; take time to truly soak in your surroundings. The best shots often come from unplanned moments. Focus on cultural details, everyday scenes, and those unexpected gems — not just the big tourist attractions. 😁
Photo: Mariana in Guanacaste for Flytographer. Esther and partner capture memories together with a couples photoshoot in Costa Rica.
5. Practical Tips for Embracing Slow Travel
Here’s the lowdown on slowing down your next trip:
Balance Must-See Sights with Slow Travel
Of course, you’ll still want to check out some major attractions, but it’s a good idea to prioritize the ones that truly align with your interests. Leave room for flexibility, spontaneous exploration, and even a few lazy days where you do nothing but enjoy a gelato in a charming square or feel the sea breeze on your face — at an extremely leisurely pace. 🍨
Switch Off to Tune In
In this tech-savvy age, smartphones are essential for navigation, translations, and photos. Still, constant connectivity can yank you out of the moment and back into “real life” before you know it. Set boundaries for phone use, like limiting screen time or switching to airplane mode when you’re not actively needing it. 📵
Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Sarah and family capture memories in the Oltrarno Neighbourhood in Florence on a family photoshoot.
Documenting Your Journey Thoughtfully
Instead of uploading every single photo in real time, try this: limit your social media updates to once every couple of days. Carefully curate your photos and focus on telling a meaningful story rather than just flooding the internet with snapshots.
For a more analog twist, carry a notebook and try travel journaling. ✍️ Some days, you might jot down vivid details; other days, just the highlights. Either way, these notes will capture memories that no photo can replicate. Bonus points for keeping tickets, stamps, and entry slips to glue into a scrapbook. These souvenirs not only come with an entry fee but also carry priceless memories! 🎟️
Heads Up! If you’re going for a full digital detox, let friends and family know ahead of time how to reach you. Relaxing is great, but no one wants their loved ones panicking about their whereabouts! 🤯
Photo: Joanna in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Heather captures memories in Amsterdam with a solo adventure photoshoot.
Connecting with Local Communities
We’ve already talked about staying local and building relationships, even if they’re brief, with the people you meet along the way. Beyond homestays and local guides, you can look for markets, workshops, or local events to engage with the community. 🤝
Worried about language barriers? Learning a few basic phrases in the local language goes a long way. It shows curiosity and effort, earns you serious respect for embracing the culture, and breaks the ice immediately. 🗣️
Photo: Juan A. in Cartagena for Flytographer. Aly and partner capture memories together in Colombia with a couples photoshoot.
FAQ
What is the meaning of slow travel?
Slow travel is an approach to tourism that emphasizes spending more time in fewer locations, focusing on deep cultural immersion rather than rushing between attractions. It involves staying in one place long enough to develop genuine connections with local communities, understand daily rhythms, and experience authentic aspects of the destination.
How do you practice slow travel?
Slow travel typically involves booking longer stays (usually a week or more) in one location and prioritizing local experiences over tourist attractions. This means choosing to stay in residential neighborhoods, shopping at local markets, learning basic phrases in the local language, and taking time to develop a daily routine similar to locals.
What is the slow travel trend?
The slow travel movement emerged from the slow food movement of the 1980s and has gained significant momentum as travelers seek more meaningful and sustainable ways to explore destinations. This mindful approach to travel emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging travelers to reduce their carbon footprint while developing deeper connections with places and people.
What are the rules for slow travel?
While slow travel doesn’t have strict rules, its core principles include choosing environmentally conscious transportation when possible, staying in one location for an extended period, and prioritizing local businesses and communities. The emphasis is on being present in the moment and allowing spontaneous discoveries rather than following rigid itineraries.
Photo: Idsara in Phuket for Flytographer. Monica and partner capture memories together in Thailand on Surin Beach.
Capturing Slow Travel Memories
Looking for a thoughtful way to capture beautiful memories, connect with a local who loves their city, and perhaps uncover some hidden gems along the way? Book a photoshoot with Flytographer. Our photographers are in over 350 destinations worldwide, and this is a chance to not only take intentional photos but also experience a destination through the eyes of someone who knows it deeply. 📸
Slow travel has a way of changing how you see the world. 👀 Once you begin, it’s hard to imagine travelling any other way. This year, why not embrace the joys of JOMO and create meaningful, lasting memories with the trips we’ve suggested above? 💙
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“Coo was very friendly and a delight to work with. He recommended places for us to do our photoshoot that met our desires to shoot in the historic streets of Kyoto but avoided the crowds that are typical of the higashiyama district. When my husband casually mentioned that he was a coffee lover, Coo not only gave us great recommendations but also went through the trouble of checking the store hours for us. All in all, Coo took really good care of us and the pictures came out great.”
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