Independent Slow Travel Versus a Guided Tour

Some people like to take a tour or a cruise, especially when traveling to another country. It’s the safe way to go. Everything is taken care of for you: all the reservations, the accommodations, where you’ll be eating and what sites you’ll be visiting. All you have to do is get up at the crack of dawn, climb on board the bus, sit back and take photos. One stop follows another, and another day, another city, another country. If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium, right? The week goes by in a hazy blur of sights and sounds and suddenly you’re back on the plane.

It’s not my idea of a vacation or a European adventure. Perhaps if I visit Morocco or Thailand as a solo traveler, it might be nice to have the security of a guided tour. But traveling Europe? There’s a better way. A way of traveling that leaves you with more rewarding and more memorable experiences. And all it takes is a little pre-planning and a sense of adventure.

It's called slow travel. Slow travel means spending more time in one place and immersing yourself in the culture and day-to-day life. It means being your own tour guide and having control over when and where you’ll go. You don’t have to wake up at dawn — unless you want to. Slow travel is my preferred way of seeing Europe. Not only does it offer a more meaningful travel experience, but slow travel can also save you money.

I call slow travel the thinking person’s vacation for a couple of reasons. First, it takes more thought and planning before you take off. Secondly, while traveling, you have to figure things out along the way. But trust me, it’s worth the extra effort, and here’s why.

Slow travel lets you set your own itinerary

Planning your own itinerary requires research, imagination and thought, but you are in control and can create a trip that meets your exact needs and desires. You can reduce your amount of travel planning by only choosing one or two locations. This will allow more time to soak in the local culture and really get to know a place. Then you’ll only need to book two accommodations, your flight there and back, and train transportation or a rent-a-car if you’re not staying in a major city.

Next, research the area and find the attractions that interest you the most. Remember, the goal is not to see every tourist attraction, but to thoroughly enjoy the ones you do see. You may want to buy tickets online for events that are in high demand. Or book a half-day or full-day tour. But don’t overload your schedule. Leave plenty of free days with no other itinerary than wandering and exploring. It’s the best way to discover out-of-the-way places. Or spend an afternoon at a sidewalk café people watching. It's one of my greatest pleasures when I visit a European city.

Slow travel builds confidence

When you arrive at your destination, no one will be there to greet you at the airport and lead you by the hand. This can seem scary at first, but with good pre-planning and a cellphone data plan, you’ll find your way. You’ll figure out how the parking lot machines work, and how the train and mass-transit systems operate. These are all things you’ll never learn on a tour. But you are more than capable of figuring them out. And once you do, you’ll be more prepared for your next European adventure.

Slow travel stimulates your mind and creates more memorable experiences

Traveling on your own can be stressful at times. But that’s because you're challenging yourself, and you're using your noggin. As you figure out how the gas pumps work and master the self-checkout machines in the grocery store, you’ll realize you’re more capable than you thought. And because you are more mentally engaged, and in the moment, you’ll be more mindful, which means you’ll remember more of the sights and sounds you experience.

Slow travel saves you money

Staying in one location for a week or more costs less than moving from city to city. Weekly rentals are often at a discounted rate, and you cut down on transportation costs. If you book an apartment or house instead of a hotel, you can shop the local markets and cook some of your meals in your home away from home. And by not having to eat every meal in a restaurant, you’ll be eating a more healthy and balanced diet.

When eating out, you can go to the restaurants of your choosing — hopefully those fabulous small restaurants tucked away on a side street — instead of a restaurant servicing large tour groups. All in all, slow traveling independently can save you big bucks over a guided tour.

Slow travel brings you closer to the local culture and customs

Because you’re staying in one place for a longer time, you’re not just learning about the local culture, you’re living it. You’re experiencing what life is like on a day-to-day basis in that city, village or rural location. Rather than only interacting with fellow Americans on your tour, you have the opportunity to meet locals. This can be an especially enriching experience if you learn a few key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. You’ll be able to ask a local for a restaurant recommendation or where to find the closest pharmacy. And you might even make a new friend.

In summary

I don’t mean to imply all tours and cruises are bad. Sometimes they are exactly what you and your family need. I’m only asking you to consider breaking out of your comfort zone and giving slow travel a try. While it takes extra time to research a destination and make travel plans, you are in control and can create an itinerary that satisfies your needs and desires. Slow travel might seem scary at first, but you’ll build knowledge and confidence with every trip. And you are sure to have unique and memorable experiences along the way.

Look for my post next month when I share tips on how to break out of your comfort zone and build slow travel confidence.