Marguerite Hanley, a native Californian living in Amsterdam, is a traveler who has recognized the importance of our actions on a global scale, including the impacts of COVID and human encroachment on habitats, as well as how we treat others in our community. In light of this, Hanley has decided to scale back her ambitious honeymoon plans in Africa to focus on supporting conservation and local communities in Botswana. By staying longer in fewer locations and reducing her carbon footprint, Hanley hopes to make a positive impact while also embracing the principles of slow travel, which parallels the slow food movement in its emphasis on sustainability, localism, and artisanal traditions. The enduring appeal of walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain has been attracting more travelers recently for various reasons. These include seeking solace in social distancing, avoiding flight-shaming, finding meditative moments, or practicing caution inspired by the pandemic. These slower, more mindful trips involve visiting fewer places and traveling at a slower pace by car, train, bike, foot, or canoe. Slow travel prioritizes the experience over a packed itinerary, focusing on intentionally choosing to do less in order to experience more. Instead of rushing through activities, slow travel is focused on finding a balance in pace and leaving room for spontaneity. The pandemic has inadvertently led many people to embrace a slower lifestyle, which has contributed to the rise of the slow travel movement. Environmental improvements observed during the pandemic have influenced individuals like Julia Douglas to opt for more sustainable travel options, such as walking or taking a train instead of flying. Despite a decline in commuter train ridership, long-distance train travel has seen a resurgence, with Amtrak Vacations reporting a 47 percent increase in bookings compared to 2019. In Europe, the European Union has declared 2021 as the European Year of Rail to emphasize sustainable transportation, leading to a resurgence in long-distance train travel. Night train networks are making a return, and Midnight Trains, a new startup, 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 result of the pandemic, has allowed many to extend their travels. Airbnb reported a 10 percent increase in stays of 28 days or more in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Exclusive Resorts, a membership home rental service, saw a 550 percent growth 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 travel. Before the pandemic, travelers would often visit multiple countries in one trip, but now many are opting for single-country safaris due to COVID-19 testing and flight disruptions. Getting a COVID-19 test before returning to the United States is a necessary step that slows things down. In response to the complications of travel, some companies are recommending clients to add extra days at the end of their trip to handle testing requirements. This shift in travel behavior is not only due to practical reasons, but also a change in mindset towards more relaxed and flexible travel experiences. There is a soothing appeal for travelers who may be feeling overwhelmed after a year of coexisting with the coronavirus. Up Norway, a luxury travel company, has started offering the concept of "kos," a Norwegian term for peace and gratitude that is experienced when one takes their time to travel and appreciate the simple joys of culture and nature. This is in contrast to the typical rushed sightseeing trips to major tourist attractions, as people are now seeking more remote and peaceful locations for longer stays. According to Denise Ambrusko-Maida, a travel adviser, travelers are moving away from crowded tourist hotspots in Europe and Asia. Rebecca Werner, a travel adviser based in Chicago, recently arranged a train trip to Glacier National Park for a family from Wisconsin who enjoy the show "The Queen's Gambit." This trip allowed them to bond with their children, enjoy the scenery, and play chess on the train. Instead of focusing on a traditional bucket list, travelers like David Demers of Naples, Florida, are now prioritizing their personal interests when planning trips. Demers, who recently sold his health care company, is working with a bespoke travel agency to organize two month-long trips to Israel and the Mediterranean next year, allowing him ample time to explore his passion for history, theatre, food, and art. The pandemic has taught many travelers the value of slowing down and focusing on what truly matters. To cater to this new mindset, travel company Sojrn has launched monthlong trips centered around educational themes, such as philosophy in Athens, wine in Italy, or Spanish language in Colombia. Travellers choose to 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 adopting a more spontaneous approach during her upcoming trip to Italy with Sojrn, as she continues her work for a nonprofit. Another traveller, Donna Hetrick, a potter from Pittsburgh heading to Africa, values slow travel as a means to reduce her environmental impact. Instead of a short safari, Hetrick plans to spend several months biking in Africa starting in 2022 with TDA Global Cycling, aiming to lessen her carbon footprint, immerse herself in the culture, and form connections during her extended journey. “When you’re riding a bicycle, you are more open to interactions with people,” she explained. Slow tourism, which emphasizes responsible travel practices like exploring lesser-known areas, engaging with local communities, and supporting small businesses, is seen as a solution to overtourism, the issue of overcrowding in popular destinations like Dubrovnik. Martha Honey, an expert in sustainable travel, believes that slow tourism is more sustainable because it encourages visitors to spend more time in a location and disperse the benefits of tourism. She describes slow travel as a positive experience for both the traveller and the destination, and attributes the rise in popularity of slow tourism principles to the recent focus on supporting local businesses during the pandemic. Honey also highlights that slow tourism is less disruptive and more economically beneficial overall. According to a recent survey by Flywire, a payment-processing service, the popularity of destinations like Alaska and Montana this summer shows that travelers are seeking uncrowded places. For eco-conscious travelers looking for a unique experience, Responsible Travel has introduced an 11-week trip around the world by train and cargo ship, allowing for a deeper connection with different cultures and environments. For those who prefer a slower pace, human-powered travel like hiking, biking, and paddling provide a closer connection to nature and the small details often missed at higher speeds. Kristi Growdon, a personal golf trainer from Seattle, emphasized the unique perspective gained from cycling slowly compared to driving. VBT Bicycling Vacations has almost sold out all domestic trips this year. The Maine Island Trail Association saw a 23 percent increase in membership last year, offering access to information about a route across over 200 undeveloped islands along the Maine coast. Sea Kayak Stonington, owned by Michael and Rebecca Daugherty, provides rentals and guided trips to islands on the trail, offering a perspective on the intertidal zone that larger boats cannot access. Michael, an artist, and Rebecca, have paddled 625 miles along the Maine coast, resulting in their 2020 book "Upwest & Downeast." Michael emphasized the importance of taking time to truly see and appreciate a place. During my 55-day trip, I realized that the pace was not slow enough for me. Tour operators are now offering more relaxed vacation packages in response to this trend. Backroads, an active travel company, recently introduced a new division called Dolce Tempo, which allows travelers to enjoy a more leisurely pace. The 2021 trips have already sold out, and for 2022, they plan to add 100 new Dolce Tempo departures both domestically and internationally. Some of the upcoming destinations include Scandinavia, England, and along the Danube River. While it only takes about 5 1/2 hours to drive from Denver to Moab, Utah, travelers can now opt for a more scenic two-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado starting in August. The newly popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route has been expanded due to high demand, with the inaugural season now extended to Nov 19. Notably, 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 the Dixie National Forest, past the hoodoos of Red Canyon, and near Bryce Canyon National Park. Jared Fisher, owner of Escape Adventures in Las Vegas, created the Aquarius Trail Hut System over five years to make bike-packing more accessible by providing food and bedding, reducing the need for extensive gear and planning. Fisher, a passionate bike-packer, has traveled across the United States three times. He shared that he appreciates the freedom and peace of mind that comes with biking, as well as being able to fully experience and connect with nature.