Booked your summer holidays yet? There\u2019s a reason why airlines have sales in winter \u2013 as our corner of the planet tilts further from the sun, we\u2019re easily tempted by sunny getaways. <\/p>\n
Social media feeds won\u2019t show it, but air travel can bring unique stresses \u2013 airport parking, early-morning flight times, security queues, delays, baggage anxiety, seat selection snaffles, plane-rage and lost luggage to name a few. <\/p>\n
You plan like the clappers to get everything packed for the flight, it takes two days of the holiday to wind down and recover from the dawn departure, then you spend the final day preparing to go home again. <\/p>\n
Flying can be pricey and time off is precious, so we can spend a lot of time researching overseas destinations and trawling reviews. There can also be pressure to book \u201cthe right\u201d holiday. Social media is awash with images of exotic locations, action-packed with activities. Generating bling content and brag-worthy anecdotes can be all part of the holiday booking brief. <\/p>\n
Slow, meaningful travel by contrast sounds pretty relaxing. This is a form of holiday that prioritises a relaxed pace, deeper immersion and, ultimately, a reduced environmental impact. <\/p>\n
In contrast to fast-paced tourism, slow travel encourages using slower transport such as buses, the ferry or trains instead of planes, and maybe staying closer to home. This reduces your carbon footprint or can make the journey itself a part of the experience.<\/p>\n
Slower, more mindful travel can mean going less frequently too, staying longer or going on a single-destination vacation to a less-visited place. It can mean getting to know the locals and living like one. <\/p>\n
[\u00a0DJ Annie Mac is boarding the UK slow-travel movement to save the planet and Ireland should follow suit<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n Slow travel can be about allowing time to absorb each experience rather than rushing through a list of attractions. Instead of packing in lots of activities, it means a slower rhythm, with fewer activities, and more outdoor nature-based activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming. <\/p>\n
![\"Kilmacthomas](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/RDM62XKG5RE5LD5YQG4OFA7BSA.jpg\")
Kilmacthomas viaduct on the greenway between Waterford city and Dungarvan <\/p>\n