By slowing the pace of your travels, you have the time to experience a destination more deeply. You’ll have the opportunity to soak up more of the culture, admire more of the natural scenery, and forge stronger connections with local communities. It can be better for the environment, too.
Choosing to reduce your plane travel and get around instead by train, bike, car, boat, or on foot is one way to slow down, giving you a greater appreciation for your surroundings. Another is to stay a while longer in one place, uncovering the authentic side of each destination you visit through carefully chosen experiences with expert guides.
Our specialists can suggest ways of doing both as part of your trip, whether you’d like to venture into Australia’s outback on a luxury train journey, drift gently along Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, taking in rural life beside the water, or hike the quieter route to Peru’s Machu Picchu on a multi-day trek.
Best destinations for slow travel
From the incense-wreathed temples of India to the sprawling savannas of South Africa, these are our specialists’ favourite destinations for slow travel.
Our top slow travel trip ideas
Wherever you choose to go, our specialists can craft a trip that delves into your passions, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Here are some of their suggested trip ideas to spark inspiration.
Slow travel guides, written by our experts
Our specialists have experienced the best of slow travel on their own adventures across the globe, and they’ve documented their experiences in the guides below.
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Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific ![The Ghan, Darwin]()
Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific
Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific
Australia by train? Yes: the country hosts two of the world’s greatest routes, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. But, what are the differences between them? Our specialists explain. Either way, expect Outback scenery and great on-board dining and hospitality.
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Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it) ![Osa Peninsula]()
Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)
Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)
Mark from our Costa Rica team shares his experience exploring Costa Rica from behind the wheel, explains why this country is well-suited to driving trips, and offers tips for how to make the most out of your rental car.
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River cruises in India ![Varanasi, India]()
River cruises in India
River cruises in India
Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favourite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.
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New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes ![Queenstown, South Island]()
New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
Audley country specialist John explains why, for him, self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand. He recommends three very different routes, from mountain passes in the South Island to forest roads in the North Island.
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Driving in Japan: the logistics ![Drive through Shiretoko]()
Driving in Japan: the logistics
Driving in Japan: the logistics
In this how-to guide, our Japan specialist Toby explains what it’s like driving around Japan. We’ve asked him some practical questions about traffic, navigation and the quirks of Japanese motoring.
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Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise ![Juneau, Alaska]()
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.
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Train journeys in South Africa ![Rovos Rail]()
Train journeys in South Africa
Train journeys in South Africa
Watch the scenery unfold as the clackety-clack of rail tracks pass beneath you. A trip on the famous Blue Train or Rovos Rail in South Africa are two of the great train journeys of the world.
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