9 Best Slow Travel Experiences Worldwide from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel
Vacations often feel too short, even with ample time off. We rush to pack in countless sights and activities, spending just days in destinations that deserve weeks. There's a better way: slow travel. In this excerpt from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel, discover nine immersive ways to unwind, connect deeply, and extract even more from your journeys.
Campervan Around Australia
Image by Alex E. Proimos
Embark on one of the most leisurely yet rewarding adventures: a fully equipped campervan journey around Australia's vast continent. Stick to the coastline for over 14,000km of stunning beaches, remote rainforests, and major cities, parking wherever you please for meals and rest. For the full experience, detour into the rugged outback. Allow ample time; if shorter, focus on one state or territory.
Cruise the Fjords, Chile
Image by MUJER CHILENA
Chile's southern coast boasts dramatic fjords carved by glaciers, perfect for immersive cruises through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy close encounters with sheer cliffs, advancing glaciers, and pristine waterways. Depart from Puerto Montt or Punta Arenas; highlights include the vast fjord of Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
Cycle Around Amsterdam, Netherlands
Image by Amsterdamize
Amsterdam's narrow, canal-lined streets—many car-free—are made for cycling, a tradition locals embrace daily. Dedicated bike lanes buzz with riders enjoying the fresh air. Join them on a leisurely pedal from Vondelpark, past iconic museums, to a cozy brown café.
Moped Along the Riviera, France
Image by Rennett Stowe
The glamorous French Riviera stretches from Toulon to the Italian border along the Côte d’Azur. Fly into Monaco, rent a scooter, and cruise at your pace through chic spots like Cannes and Nice. Spot the beautiful people, then head west to Marseille's vibrant edge and Nîmes’ ancient Roman amphitheater.
Tramp the Milford Track, New Zealand
Image by almassengale
New Zealand's South Island hosts the world-renowned 53.5km Milford Track, a premier four-day hike from Lake Te Anau through rainforests to Mackinnon Pass. Detour to Sutherland Falls, New Zealand's tallest, then follow a wild river to Milford Sound's fjord. Daily permits are limited November–April; book early.
Wine Cruise Down the Canal de Bourgogne, France
Image by Thib M
Burgundy's 242km Canal de Bourgogne winds through France's premier wine region, dotted with locks. Join well-stocked barges for tastings of exceptional wines and local produce. Options range from short wine-and-cheese cruises to seven-day catered voyages with winery visits. (Bluelist suggestion from Marlon Kobacker.)
Dog Sled in British Columbia, Canada
Image by www.metaphoricalplatypus.com
Glide effortlessly through British Columbia's snowy backcountry on a dog sled pulled by Siberian huskies. Skip snowmobile noise or skiing effort while learning to command a team. Outfitters across the region offer guided, serene excursions.
Slow Boat Down the Mekong, Laos
Image by Allie_Caulfield
The Mekong River meanders through Laos toward Cambodia and Vietnam. Hop on slow ferries for a relaxed drift; the popular two-day stretch from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang's French-colonial charm beats speedy héua wái boats. Embrace the pace. (Bluelist suggestion from Louise182.)
Camel into the Sahara, Morocco
Image by Jean-Baptiste Bellet
From Merzouga, ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes into Algeria's Sahara fringes. These dawn or dusk treks reveal shifting sand colors; extend for overnight desert camping. (This is a Bluelist suggestion.)
