Travel Fast or Slow?

Go Fast, See Much; or Go Slow, See Deeply?

The title brings up another basic difference of travel philosophy.  I'm sure it also causes some disagreement and complaints between travelers.  What does this have to do with Mindfulness?  You can travel at break-neck speed, but there's a lot you'll miss. If your travel is as frenetic as your normal life, it won't be very relaxing.

1. See as Much as Possible One "Travel Camp" says: "I'm never going to come this way again, so I could see as much as I possibly can." That does have some validity. There are must-see sights that are absolutely non-negotiable -- you'd regret missing them. Depending on your own personal or work situation, you may not have lots of free time to travel. In addition, your health or age may not allow numerous opportunities for travel.

(Now in the time of Covid-19, people may consider the possibility that they might not be able to re-visit countries if the miss certain sites and experiences.  My wife and I are SO glad we did lots of travel before this 2020!)

2. Comfort and Deep Immersion
The other Travel Camp says: "I don't want to pay a lot of money to travel to be exhausted and miserable.  I want to savor the location."  For this camp, there are other goals of travel. For some, comfort and relaxation are a non-negotiable condition. Others prefer to take the time to developing an authentic, deeply immersive experience of a different culture.

A Compromise?
Personally, my rule is to Avoid Regret. My Philosophy is I would hate to say I went to "X" country but I didn't see "Y" site.  But my wife often has said: “It will give you a reason to come back. We can see it on another trip.”  From my experience with independent travel, there needs to be a balance.  My tendency is to do lots of research and figure out all the places I would like to see.  Then I prioritize them, in case the pace of travel is unrealistic, or I have to cut some stops. 

For a couple or group, you must think flexibly.  There are many time my wife has needed to rest, or wanted to enjoy something on board the boat.  She walks slowly, but I can cover lots of ground on my own.  I've spent lots of solo time climbing a castle or prowling a historic old town.  Other times, we've done a city bus tour together for an easy overview.  Afterwards, I then hiked or took the Tube or Metro to explore at my own pace.  I think my wife and I have been an ideal travel team because we travel together, but can split up to enjoy different things and paces. 

Slower Travel Style
My wife prefers to take in the countryside such as the Cotswolds or smaller towns such as Chester in the UK, or Zermatt in Switzerland (photo, right).  The towns are more accessible, the people are less rushed, and there is more space.  They are my favorite "slower travel" places also.  I have to admit taking more mindful time has deepened my appreciation of places.  Travel is not simply how many sites I've "collected."

Balancing Needs
As with anything, there is no right or wrong answer.   People's health, stamina, and interests all need to be considered.  It's a matter of priorities and philosophy for each person.  Travel gets complicated anytime there are more people in a travel party.  But with enough pre-trip planning, you can discover lots of options for everyone.

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Coronavirus Disclaimer

Of course, in these days of Wuhan Covid-19, I don't suggest booking travel immediately. Be "mindful" of risk factors (State Department Advisory). Once the Coronavirus caution has passed, you will again remember your bucket list of lifetime goals and want to travel again.

(If you haven't see my previous post on Covid-19, take a look.  I continue to monitor multiple sources: State Department, CDC, and many Travel Industry sites.)

Eventually ... you will again think about travel. Please visit my website: https://sites.google.com/view/mindfultraveler/