Marguerite Hanley, a native Californian living in Amsterdam, has chosen to slow down her ambitious honeymoon plans in Africa due to the realization of the impact of our actions on a global scale, particularly in light of COVID-19. Instead of a whirlwind trip, she has decided to focus on supporting conservation and local communities by spending more time at a few camps in Botswana. This decision aligns with the principles of slow travel, which values sustainability, local traditions, and reducing one's carbon footprint. The enduring appeal of walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain has been attracting more travelers in recent years for various reasons such as seeking solace from social distancing, avoiding flight-shaming, finding a meditative break, or practicing caution inspired by the pandemic. These more mindful trips involve visiting fewer places and moving at a slower pace, whether by car, train, bike, foot, or canoe. Kyle Kowalski, the founder of Sloww, a website dedicated to slow living, explains that slow travel is not about a packed itinerary, but intentionally choosing to do less in order to experience more. Instead of rushing through activities, slow travel emphasizes balance and a slower pace, allowing for flexibility and spontaneity. The pandemic has led to a slower lifestyle for many, which has contributed to the growth of the slow travel movement. Environmental benefits observed during the pandemic have inspired individuals like Julia Douglas to opt for walking or taking a train instead of flying, in an effort to continue reducing pollution. While commuter train ridership has declined, long-distance train travel has seen an increase in popularity, with companies like Amtrak Vacations reporting a 47 percent rise in bookings compared to 2019. In Europe, 2021 has been designated as the European Year of Rail by the European Union in order to emphasize sustainable transportation. As a result, long-distance train travel has experienced a resurgence, with night train networks making a comeback. One new company, Midnight Trains, is planning to introduce luxury sleeper cars on routes from Paris to over 10 cities starting in 2024. The ability to work from anywhere, a trend that emerged during the pandemic, has allowed many people to extend their travels. Airbnb reported a 10 percent increase in stays of 28 days or longer in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, Exclusive Resorts, a membership home rental service, saw a 550 percent increase in bookings of 21 days or more in 2021 compared to 2019. The current travel requirements, such as testing and entry applications, are causing delays in the travel process. In the past, travelers would visit multiple countries on a single trip, but now they are opting for single-country safaris due to COVID-19 testing and flight connection issues. For example, travelers are choosing safaris in Kenya, Uganda, or Zambia for their variety of experiences and reliable international access. The need for a COVID-19 test before returning to the United States acts as a natural obstacle. Travel experts suggest adding extra days near the departure point to easily handle testing requirements before flying home. In addition to practical concerns, there are other factors slowing down travel. Travellers who have been feeling overwhelmed due to the coronavirus pandemic for over a year are finding a sense of calm in the idea of "kos," a Norwegian term that represents peace, harmony, and gratitude. Up Norway, a travel company, is offering 28-day stays in remote areas of the country where travellers can take their time to appreciate the culture and natural beauty. This experience is a departure from the typical quick visits to popular tourist destinations like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Roman Colosseum. According to Denise Ambrusko-Maida, a travel adviser in New York, people are now seeking more meaningful and less crowded travel experiences away from tourist hot spots in Europe and Asia. Rebecca Werner, a travel adviser in Chicago, recently arranged a train trip to Glacier National Park for a family from Wisconsin who enjoy playing chess and are fans of "The Queen's Gambit." The family prefers to focus on their personal interests rather than ticking off items on a bucket list while traveling. Similarly, David Demers from Naples, Florida, is planning extended trips to Israel and the Mediterranean next year to indulge in his passions for history, theatre, food, and art. Both travelers have learned from the pandemic that it is important to slow down and focus on what truly matters while exploring new destinations. In response to this trend, the travel company Sojrn now offers monthlong trips centered around specific educational themes, such as philosophy in Athens, wine in Italy, or Spanish language in Colombia. Travelers stay in local apartments and take part in weekly dinners and events, allowing for plenty of free time to work and explore. Cara Wright from Apple Valley, Minnesota, is looking forward to not overplanning her trip to Italy with Sojrn in October, as she has done in the past. Donna Hetrick, a potter from Pittsburgh, sees slow travel as a way to lessen her environmental impact. Rather than opting for a short two-week safari, Hetrick plans to bike around Africa for several months starting in 2022 with TDA Global Cycling. In addition to reducing her carbon footprint and gaining a deep understanding of the places she visits, the long journey provides a sense of connection. She stated that being on a bicycle makes you more approachable to people. Slow tourism, which emphasizes sustainable travel practices such as exploring lesser-known areas, connecting with local communities, and supporting locally owned businesses, is seen as a solution to overtourism issues. Martha Honey, a sustainable travel expert, believes that slow tourism is more sustainable as it encourages visitors to spend more time in a destination and spread out, benefiting both the traveler and the destination. She attributes the rise of slow tourism to the recent buy-local movement during the pandemic, which helped support local businesses and minimize disruption while providing economic benefits. According to a recent survey by Flywire, a payment-processing service, the trend of travellers seeking uncrowded destinations continues, with three-quarters of respondents indicating a preference for less populated areas. Responsible Travel has responded to this demand by offering an 11-week trip around the world by train and cargo ship, providing a unique and environmentally friendly travel experience. This type of travel allows for a deeper connection with the surroundings and a greater appreciation for the cultural and environmental connections between countries. For those seeking a more human-powered experience, activities such as hiking, biking, and paddling offer a slower pace that allows for a closer connection to nature and the small details often missed at higher speeds. Kristi Growdon, a personal golf trainer from Seattle, emphasizes the unique perspective gained from traveling slowly on a bicycle rather than in a car. VBT Bicycling Vacations has experienced high demand for domestic departures this year. The Maine Island Trail Association has seen a 23 percent increase in membership, providing access to trail information for over 200 undeveloped islands along the Maine coast. Michael Daugherty, co-owner of Sea Kayak Stonington, highlights the advantages of sea kayaking in exploring the intertidal zone and the dynamic nature of the experience. Daugherty, along with his wife Rebecca, has paddled 625 miles along the Maine coast and published the illustrated book "Upwest & Downeast" in 2020, reflecting their artistic and adventurous endeavors. During my 55-day trip, I realized that it was not slow enough for me. Tour operators are now offering more relaxed vacation packages to cater to this trend in travel. Backroads, an active travel company, recently launched a division called Dolce Tempo which offers a less ambitious pace for travelers. The demand for these trips is high, with nearly all 2021 trips already sold out. In 2022, the company plans to add 100 new Dolce Tempo departures both domestically and internationally, including destinations such as Scandinavia, England, and along the Danube River. While it typically takes about 5 1/2 hours to drive from Denver to Moab, Utah, riders of the Rocky Mountaineer train can now cover the route in two days starting in August, with a scenic ride and an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The new Rockies to the Red Rocks route has become very popular, leading the company to increase capacity and extend the inaugural season until Nov 19. It is worth noting that there is no Wi-Fi available on board. In southern Utah, the new Aquarius Trail Hut System features five backcountry huts made from recycled shipping containers and powered by solar energy along a 190-mile biking route from Brian Head Peak to Escalante. Cyclists ride through Dixie National Forest, passing through Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park. Jared Fisher, owner of Escape Adventures in Las Vegas, spent five years developing the Aquarius Trail Hut System to make bike-packing more accessible by providing food and bedding, reducing the need for extensive gear and planning. Fisher, who is passionate about bike-packing, has traveled across the United States on three different occasions. He finds joy in the independence and mental clarity that comes with biking, as well as the opportunity to fully experience nature with all his senses.