Read on to discover the secret magic art of slow travel!
Whether it’s juggling work, family time, social life and whatnot, it’s no surprise that our schedules are always so packed. In a world where 77% of people suffer from stress that affects their physical health, we must find time to relax and wind down.
Every year, we set new intentions and goals. Whether starting a healthier lifestyle, being more active or getting that promotion at work, it's all about bettering ourselves. Improving yourself happens from within, and as much as it's essential to keep our bodies healthy, it's vital to prioritize our mental well-being.
Mindfulness might be a trendy topic at the moment, but few people actually understand its essence. It's about practising the art of slowing down and being present, enjoying the moment.
But what does it mean to truly relax? Watching TV on the couch, shopping or having a drink with a friend? These are all activities that will probably make you feel good, but do they genuinely allow you to wind down? Do they help to connect with your inner self and your surroundings, making every moment feel like it could last an eternity? This is what slow travel can do for you.
Keeping a sense of mindfulness when travelling is at the core of slow travel. Your journey is a pleasure, and you truly connect with the places you are visiting.
Slow travel is based on the idea that a trip should educate and inspire both the participants and the local community while considering sustainability and the impact on the environment.
We usually feel exhausted and unrelaxed in the aftermath of our usual travels and trips abroad. We often focus too much on how many things we can squeeze into our short breaks rather than concentrating on the quality of what we do.
The traditional way of travel tends to follow a schedule that has a never-ending to-do and to-see list. Slow travel is different, it focuses on being present and creating lasting memories. After a trip like that, you return fully relaxed and ready to smash your goals.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city life
A great way to practice slow travel is away from the busyness of the city. What better place to do that than paying a visit to the beautiful Lake District. The tranquil lakes and peaceful scenery, combined with the fresh air and range of mountains, combines for a recipe to sucess. As everyone can get bogged down with day to day life, the escapism that the Lake District provides is second to none and we are a proud catalyst to your adventures.
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Enjoy the journey
Getting from point A to B doesn't have to be yet another chore. You should embrace every moment and start winding down from the minute you start your journey. Simply choose a greener option like a train or a bus to get to our departure point, and then leave all the driving to our driver-guides. They’ll regale you with stories, show you hidden gems and sit behind the wheel, so you can have a snooze or just enjoy the views. This means you do not have to navigate the mountain passes yourselves, as the best bit about them is the views, meaning you can see these in all their glory.
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Connect with people
Following a tight schedule on holiday and figuring out your logistics can leave you staring at your phone and disconnected from people. But when you’re not in charge and relax a bit, you’ve got more space to notice others and talk to them. Our mini-buses only take 16 passengers, so you’ll get to know travellers from all over the world within hours.
We love the sense of community and togetherness on our tours with our passngers, because the driver guide is the orchestrator to a warm and friendly atmosphere, where everybodys best interest is to witness and learn as much as possible.
The magic of slow travel also comes from staying and eating locally. Your bed and breakfast owner, a waitress in a café, or a local in a pub; they’re always happy to chat with a curious traveller. If you are lucky enough, they’ll even share their insider knowledge with you.
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Look after the local communities
Slow travel is a more sustainable way of exploring the world. You look for authentic experiences, so you choose a cosy guest house, a small restaurant or a food market over chain companies. And when you do this, your money benefits the local economy.
Also, choosing a more sustainable means of transport like a mini-coach reduces your carbon footprint and cuts traffic on the roads. This is especially needed in destinations that are as visited and well known as the Lake District, where the infrastructure, community and environment are under a lot of pressure.
Slow travel is all about building a deeper connection with a place and its people. We hope that we’ve inspired you to try it and reap its benefits by joining us on a tour of the wonderful Lake District.