The art of slow travel

Kerstin Devine likes to issue guests with a warning before they visit Scotland – she cautions them against falling head over heels in love with the place. She knows only too well that once you set foot in this country, it can be hard to get away! As she says: "Scotland takes a hold of you, with its mesmerising beauty, fascinating history and amazing people".

This was certainly Kerstin's experience, when she arrived in Scotland to work as a technical translator with an engineering company. The plan was to stay for a maximum of two years – but 32 years later, she's still here, sharing her love of the country she calls home with visitors from all over the world.

Slow travel is a growing trend in tourism, and it's a key part of Kerstin's travel philosophy. We had a fascinating discussion around the subject, with lots of great comments and questions from the audience (thank you!). If you're feeling the FOMO at having missed it, don't worry – you can watch the replay here. And, as usual, I've attempted to summarise the main points of our discussion below.

Slow travel means that it is a meaningful travel experience. It allows the person who practices slow travel to get to know the culture, the local culture, and the heritage of the country they are visiting.

What is slow travel?

We kicked things off by defining the term, 'slow travel'. For Kerstin, it's all about meaningful travel experiences which allow travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and heritage. Unlike traditional tourism, which often involves rushing from one attraction to another, slow travel moves at a relaxed pace, allowing travellers to connect more deeply with their surroundings.

Engaging with locals is a key part of slow travel as well. Kerstin gives the example of stopping to chat with a local who might be outside, tending their garden. Building in time for these meaningful interactions (instead of constantly herding people off to the next must-see landmark) is a fundamental element of slow travel.

I always say that when I'm out with my guests, they might not necessarily remember my name, but they will remember how I made them feel or how the whole tour made them feel and that's something they can cherish for a long time.

A rejuvenating experience

Slow travel has many benefits. It fosters genuine interactions with locals, often leading to lasting memories and a strong personal connection to the visited place.

It's also more relaxing than traditional tourism. Unlike the exhaustion that can accompany fast-paced tours, slow travel offers a rejuvenating experience that can make travellers eager to return. Kerstin has noticed how fatigued travellers can be at the end of a 'box ticking' tour. She says: It's a shame because [...] all that they can remember at the end of it is [...] how exhausted they felt coming back. And that gives them a negative kind of point to the whole experience.'

Last but not least, slow travel is sustainable as it supports local communities and minimises environmental impact.

Slow travel strategies

• Balancing Interests: Kerstin stresses the importance of managing different visitor expectations within a group, suggesting that free time allows individuals to choose their pace and activities, enhancing satisfaction.
• Small Group Dynamics: Optimal group sizes for slow travel are small, typically between 6 to 10 people, which allows for better management and more personalised experiences.

Kerstin's Tour Pro Tips

• Know Your Area: Understanding the local environment and its offerings is crucial for crafting slow travel experiences.
• Start Small: If you want to dip your toe into slow travel, begin with short, local experiences to gauge interest and effectiveness.
• Engage Local Resources: You'll probably have lots of useful contacts you can bring in to your slow travel experience. Working with local artisans, guides, and businesses not only enriches the travel experience but also supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint.
• Feedback and Adjustment: Elicit feedback from your clients and take it on board. This will help you refine offerings to better meet their needs and expectations.

Huge thanks to Kerstin for this really informative session. Kerstin is a veritable mine of slow travel inspiration so do follow her on Instagram and Facebook - check out her website too.

To find out more of the art of slow travel and how you can practice it in Scotland make sure to subscribe to Kerstin's weekly newsletter for more tips and details.

Hi, I'm Genevieve. ?? I help tour guides and tour operators write confident copy, grow their audience and make more money. Interested in a Copy Boost session with me? Visit my website or DM me to find out more.