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Should Families Try “Slow Travel” Instead of Package Holidays?

Should Families Try “Slow Travel” Instead of Package Holidays?

Many families book package holidays because they are easy to plan, quick to book, and everything is arranged. You pick the hotel, the meals are included, and you follow a schedule. It’s simple.

However, travellers have started embracing the idea of slow travel, something that lets them really enjoy the experience rather than just rushing through the activities. Instead of hopping from one tourist attraction to the next, you stay longer and explore more.

Image: A photo of a family relaxing by the pool, with the woman and the kids on sun loungers, watching the man standing nearby as he arranges flowers.

What Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is all about how deeply you experience a place. Instead of trying to see everything in a short amount of time, you spend longer in one location so you can settle in, relax, and even understand the local way of life. You don’t feel pressured to jump from one attraction to the next. You let the trip unfold naturally.

When you travel slowly, you live more like a local. You use local transport, walk through everyday streets, and discover the small things that regular tourists miss. You might shop in local markets, chat with people in cafés, or find a favourite bakery simply because you had the time to wander. You also get to enjoy real, local food at small restaurants, street stalls, and family-run places where it's fresh and simple.

You get to explore neighbourhoods instead of only tourist spots and spend more time relaxing, not scheduling.

Why Families Should Try Slow Travel?

Less Stress, More Relaxation

Package holidays often come with fixed plans. Breakfast at 8, pool time at 10, a tour in the afternoon, a show in the evening, etc. It sounds fun, but sometimes, it can feel like you are constantly rushing from one thing to another. It can get overwhelming, making the whole trip feel more like a timetable.

Slow travel removes this pressure. You move at your own pace. If you need an extra hour of sleep, no problem. If you want a lazy morning in your room or a slow walk after lunch, you can. You don't have to worry about “missing something”. You take each day as it comes, making the trip more relaxed.

Better Quality Time

When holidays are packed with activities, families often end up spending more time watching the clock. With slow travel, you get more real time together, making true memories. A slow travel day might start with a relaxed breakfast, cooking together in your apartment, or even just sitting at a park while the kids play.

Learn More About the Local Culture

Many package holidays keep you inside the hotel or resort, where everything is designed for tourists. You don’t always get to see how people in that community really live. But slow travel changes this completely. You can shop in local markets, try local foods, use public transport, and explore small streets and areas that tourists often skip. You also get to learn new words and see different traditions.

It Can Be Cheaper

Slow travel doesn’t mean luxury. In fact, it often costs less. Staying longer in one place can reduce accommodation costs because many rentals and guesthouses offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. Cooking some meals at home instead of eating out every day also saves even more money.

Similarly, public transport is usually much cheaper than taxis or organised tours, and exploring neighbourhoods is mostly free. You avoid pricey tourist traps by spending more time in local areas, where things are more affordable, stretching your budget much further without trying too hard.

Image: A photo of a pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas by its side, surrounded by green trees and vegetation, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.

Conclusion

Slow travel is about living fully during your travel. For families who want meaningful experiences, deeper connections, and more relaxed days, slow travel can be an excellent option. It lets you enjoy simple moments, meet real people, and explore a place without feeling rushed.

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