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Somewhere after I passed 40 years old, I realized I didn’t want to race from landmark to landmark anymore — chasing “must‑see” lists like I was collecting badges. I wanted travel to feel like briefly living in a different place, not sprinting through a checklist. I wanted time for the little things: the cafe you stumble into twice because the espresso is that good, the park bench that becomes your nightly sunset spot, or the museum you revisit because you actually want to.

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The only problem? I’ve learned this lesson … but I’m still trying to convince my husband.

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He’s 6'3" and I’m 5'4", which means he can “casually” power‑walk and somehow leave me in the dust like we’re auditioning for a travel‑fitness commercial. Meanwhile, I’m trailing behind him at my slow pace, practicing the slow travel philosophy before I learned the term: pause, breathe, look around, enjoy the moment.

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If you’ve noticed how travel changes as you age, slow travel — longer stays, fewer stops, deeper experiences — might be the shift your body and brain have been craving too. 

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What slow travel means

Slow travel grew out of the slow tourism movement, which pushes back against mass tourism and hectic itineraries. Instead of squeezing absolutely every possible activity into each day, slow travelers choose one place, take their time, and make it feel like home away from home. Think:

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• Staying in one town instead of jumping among multiple cities

• Renting a neighborhood apartment instead of a hotel by the highway

• Filling your days casually with morning markets, leisurely walks, repeat local spots, and “we’ll decide later” afternoons

 

It’s not “doing nothing.” It’s doing what matters, at a pace that actually feels good.

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Why the way we travel shifts over time

Aging doesn’t take away our desire to explore — we just start exploring differently.

Travel among older adults has been strong. Around 37% of all travelers were older adults in 2024. Many older travelers are increasingly prioritizing comfort, safety, and flexibility. At the same time, many travelers say they’re:

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• Avoiding crowds

• Traveling longer but less often

• Choosing ease and connection over speed

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These preferences line up perfectly with slow travel.

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Travel might even support healthy aging

One of the most intriguing recent findings: Positive travel experiences may support healthy aging.

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A 2024 study out of Edith Cowan University suggests that travel — when it includes positive experiences like movement, social interaction, and stress reduction — could help slow some signs of aging through benefits tied to physical and mental wellness.

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Slower, more intentional trips naturally build in:

• Walking instead of rushing

• Time outdoors

• Social moments with locals and fellow travelers

 

These are exactly the kinds of activities that tend to feel better as we get older.

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Why slow travel fits this stage of life

When we’re younger, travel can be a sport: early alarms, packed itineraries, late nights, and repeat.

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As we get older, energy becomes something we protect and spend more intentionally. Slow travel supports that by design:

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• Fewer transitions: less packing, fewer check‑ins, and fewer logistics

• More recovery time: rest days without guilt

• More comfort control: your own kitchen and your own rhythm

• Less crowd pressure and milder weather: especially during shoulder season

 

And slow travel aligns with what many travelers say they want: authentic, local experiences.

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One large U.S. survey about the slow travel trend reports that many people find slow travel appealing, especially for cultural immersion and enjoying scenery at a slower pace.

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How to choose a slow travel destination (without overthinking it)

Slow travel works almost anywhere. The bigger question is: What kind of “easy” do you want?

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Here’s what I look for now (aka, how travel changes as we age in practical terms):

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• Walkability or simple transportation options

• Access to food you like and the ability to cook sometimes

• A comfortable home base that’s quiet, safe, and predictable

• Weather that won’t drain you because heat and humidity hit differently now

• A pace that matches your energy

 

And if you’re considering a long stay or move somewhere, slow travel is an underrated “test run.” A few weeks can tell you more than a whirlwind weekend ever could.

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A few planning habits that make travel better as you get older

Your goal? Don’t plan every minute. Create a trip that still feels good on day 10.

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• Check weather patterns so you pack for reality, not hope

• Plan laundry so you don’t overpack (and don’t forget laundry detergent sheets)

• Bring meds in original bottles, and research international rules if needed

• Build “nothing” afternoons into your schedule

• Keep a short list of must‑dos and leave the rest open

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Tips to slow travel

If you’re like me and want to slow travel, but you’re traveling with someone who loves to GO‑GO‑GO, try this:

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• Pick one anchor city and plan day trips from there

• Book one key activity per day max

• Choose an accommodation with a kitchen and laundry if you can

• Add “buffer days” after travel days — no big plans

• Repeat one place (same café, same walk, same park)

• Make peace with skipping things because you have an excuse to come back

• Use the “split up and regroup” method. Your companion power‑walks to the cathedral, you wander around the square, and you regroup for gelato.

• Build in slower transportation when possible, e.g., take a train vs. a plane

• Travel in shoulder season for fewer crowds and easier pacing

• Leave space for the best part of slow travel — the unplanned moments

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What do you think?

Hop in the CJ Community and let us know your thoughts about slow travel. Is it for you? Where would you go to test it out?

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Photo credit: Carrie enjoying a coffee in a classic Vienna cafe between landmarks.