If you like to avoid the tourist traps and enjoy an authentic experience of your destination then slow travel could be for you. This ever-growing trend looks set to replace the need to tick off as many items as possible from a person’s bucket list and instead emphasizes connection with the people and cultures that you meet along the way.
Slow travel is based upon the idea that travel is supposed to educate people and deliver an impact that sits with them long after the holiday has finished. It also has the idea of sustainability at its core, as it involves shopping and eating local, utilising public transport, and gaining an appreciation for host cultures and traditions.
In recent years, the trend for slow travel has grown steadily, before accelerating rapidly post pandemic. Many people have linked its growth to the increased interest in sustainability and seeing travel as an opportunity for some self-care
By spending extra time in each destination, it allows you to feel a little more relaxed and gives you the time to wander off course, experiencing off-the-beaten-track locations and seeing the world through a local’s eyes. A traditional family-owned bakery serving regional delicacies, a tranquil walking trail through lush meadows, and authentic music and dance displays that have survived through the generations; these are some of the hidden gems that you can come across when you slow things down.
Winter sun doesn't have to mean the same destinations year after year. Whether you're dreaming of tropical islands, unforgettable wildlife encounters, bustling cities, or beaches that stretch for miles, there are plenty of destinations that come into their own during winter. If you're already thinking about your next escape, here are five winter sun destinations worth adding to your travel wish list.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
