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.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
Few destinations offer as much to discover as South Africa, and recently, a group of Travel Counsellors experienced just how varied a journey here can be. From the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route to unforgettable safari moments in Kruger National Park, time spent with local tourism partners, and a deeply moving visit to Soweto, the trip offered the kind of first-hand insight that helps shape more personal, meaningful holidays for customers. It was a reminder that South Africa isn’t only about big-name sights; it’s about the people, places, flavours, and small moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Spain takes on a slightly slower, softer rhythm in September. The peak summer crowds have eased, the evenings still feel made for long dinners outside, and there’s enough warmth left for beach days, city strolls, and countryside escapes. From island coves to wine country and elegant northern coastlines, these five Spanish destinations all come into their own as summer gently gives way to autumn.
