Slow travel is all about letting go of checklists and immersing yourself in the everyday moments that make a place truly special.

In a time where travel often feels like a race to tick off landmarks, slow travel offers a refreshing alternative. It’s about moving at a relaxed pace, appreciating the little moments, and immersing yourself in local culture without a packed itinerary. Whether it’s lingering over coffee at a quiet cafe, wandering through charming streets with no set plan, or simply soaking in the beauty of a place, slowing down makes every journey more meaningful. If you’re craving a trip that’s less about schedules and more about experience, these slow travel destinations invite you to take it easy and truly savour the moment.

Here Are Top 7 International Destinations For Slow Travel:

1. Kyoto, Japan

If there’s one place that truly honours the art of slowing down, it’s Kyoto. While Tokyo buzzes with energy, Kyoto is all about quiet lanes, wooden machiya houses, and the occasional geisha sighting in Gion. Spend your mornings strolling through bamboo forests in Arashiyama, take a moment to appreciate the stillness at one of the city’s many temples, or simply enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal that stretches over hours. Kyoto teaches you that time isn’t meant to be rushed.

2. Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone away. Monks in saffron robes walk the streets at sunrise, French colonial buildings line the riverbanks, and the Mekong flows lazily alongside it all. Mornings are best spent watching the alms-giving ceremony, afternoons call for long lunches by the river, and evenings are perfect for catching golden-hour views from Mount Phousi. No one’s in a hurry here, and you won’t be either.

3. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy is practically designed for slow travel, and the Amalfi Coast is proof. Picture pastel-hued villages perched on cliffs, lemon groves scenting the air, and the Mediterranean sparkling under the sun. The only real way to experience this region is to move at its unhurried rhythm — long lunches with a glass of limoncello, meandering walks through Positano’s staircases, and hours spent just watching the waves. Trust the Italians, they know how to take it slow.

4. Ubud, Bali

If slowing down had a spiritual home, it would be Ubud. Surrounded by rice paddies and dense jungles, this Balinese town is all about mindful living. Whether it’s a sunrise yoga class, an afternoon of reading in a cafe, or an evening spent watching traditional dance performances, Ubud reminds you that life isn’t meant to be a race. And let’s be honest-having a fresh coconut in hand while doing absolutely nothing sounds pretty perfect.

5. Porto, Portugal

Lisbon may be Portugal’s star, but Porto is where you go to truly unwind. This riverside city moves at a dreamy pace — think slow walks across the Dom Luis I Bridge, afternoons spent tasting port wine in the Douro Valley, and evenings watching the sky turn pink over the Ribeira district. The best way to experience Porto? Sit by the river with a glass of vinho verde and just watch the world go by.

6. Galle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for its pristine beaches, but Galle is where you go when you want to take it slow. A former Dutch trading port, this fortified town is a maze of cobbled streets, boutique cafes, and hidden courtyards. Walk the ramparts at sunset, linger over a cup of Ceylon tea, or browse through local art shops. There’s no rush to be anywhere-just how slow travel should be.

7. Quebec City, Canada

If you’ve ever dreamed of a slow-paced European holiday but without the transatlantic flight, Quebec City is your answer. With its cobblestone streets, charming bistros, and old-world architecture, it feels like a slice of France in North America. Spend your days wandering through Old Quebec, indulging in long meals filled with buttery pastries, and stopping to chat with friendly locals. The city’s pace is delightfully unhurried, and you’ll want to savour every second of it.

We diligently follow our diets when we are home but let ourselves loose while travelling.

It happens to the best of us. We diligently follow our diets when we are home but let ourselves loose while travelling.
While food is part of any vacation experience, it’s a bad idea to just eat your way through a holiday. Here are a few health tips to keep in mind while travelling.

1. THINK

The journey to weight loss often starts with the way you think about it.

Something as simple as making a decision not to gain weight could help you see your vacation eating in a whole new way. You could practise visualisation techniques. For example, you could start by picturing yourself arriving at your destination, focusing on the place, the people, the monuments, taking boat rides and getting spa treatments. The more non-food elements you ‘see’, the less chance there is for you to binge.

2. PLAN

Buck the weight gain tendency by increasing the frequency of exercise, or eat light for a week or so before you leave. With access to so much information online, you could also plan what you eat by studying the local cuisine and picking healthy options for a few meals.

3. PREP

Why not have fresh fruit or a handful of nuts packed in a zip-lock bag when you are visiting a monument? Light snacking helps curb hunger pangs, which otherwise leads to bingeing.

4. CHOOSE

You don’t have to feel deprived by not indulging in local delicacies. Choose one meal a day where you can eat whatever you want. Make sure your other two meals are light.

5. WALK

The above, of course, would need to be backed up by exercise. Always remember that a new place is best discovered on foot. Walk as much as possible.

6. DRINK

Adequate hydration is crucial to boost your vacation experience. Carry a bottle of water wherever you go and see for yourself how you return home without excess baggage.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of luxury shopping while traveling. However, the hefty price tags associated with high-end brands can quickly dampen the dream.

But, believing that indulging in high-end goods always breaks the bank is an amateur shopper’s thought.

Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii and a money-saving specialist shares his expert tips to help travelers enjoy luxury items without overspending.

1. Duty-Free Delights

Many destinations offer duty-free shopping, allowing tourists to reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on purchases. Duty-free shops are also available at airports.

“Savvy travelers can save up to 20% on luxury goods by researching duty-free allowances and procedures beforehand,” says Jason.

2. Sales Steals

Sales can provide significant discounts on luxury items. Consider planning your shopping sprees around seasonal sales events or national holidays in your chosen destination.

“Timing is everything,” Jason advises. “By aligning your travel dates with these events, you can save considerably.”

3. Boutique Bonanzas

Venture beyond the glitzy department stores and explore local designer boutiques. These hidden gems often boast unique collections and may offer competitive pricing, especially on off-season items.

“Boutique owners are more likely to negotiate on price points, creating a win-win situation,”  advises Jason.

4. Loyalty Pays Off

Luxury brands and travel companies often have loyalty programs that reward frequent customers.

“Enrolling in these programs before your trip can unlock exclusive discounts, special offers, and even airport lounge access,” highlights Jason.

Many credit cards also offer rewards and discounts on luxury purchases.

5. Negotiate Nicely

Price negotiation is common in many destinations, especially in markets and smaller stores.

Polite haggling can lead to substantial savings. “Don’t be afraid to negotiate,” advises Jason. “You might be surprised at how much you can save just by asking.”

6. Don’t Forget the Tax Refunds

Many countries offer tax refunds to tourists for purchases made within their borders.

You can inquire about the tax refund process at the airport. This can significantly affect the final cost of your luxury items.

“Remember to keep your receipts and completed tax refund forms for a smooth customs process,”  reminds Higgs.

7. Pre-Loved Luxury

Consider pre-owned or vintage luxury goods.

“Vintage shopping is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly,” says Jason. “You can find timeless pieces with unique stories.”

Reputable vintage stores and online platforms offer beautifully maintained designer pieces at a fraction of the original cost.

Jason concludes, “Implementing these strategies will ensure that your travel budget stretches further, allowing you to enjoy both the journey and the luxurious souvenirs that come with it.”

While on vacation or a work trip, it is crucial to take extra care of your eyes

Travelling involves long days and could include flights or road trips, which could strain your eyes. Therefore, taking extra care of your eye health while travelling is imperative. For this reason, we contacted leading health experts to learn about easy ways to care for your eyes while travelling. Please note that these are general recommendations. If you have any pre-existing eye conditions, speak to a healthcare professional before your trip; if you experience persistent eye discomfort while on your trip, it is best to seek medical attention. Here are 7 simple ways to protect your eyes while travelling.

Eye health: 7 expert tips to protect your eyes while travelling

Take Breaks from Gadgets

While on your trip, be mindful of the time you spend in front of a screen. “Prioritise your eye health while travelling by observing the 20-20-20 rule and taking regular breaks from digital gadgets. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes and concentrate for 20 seconds on anything 20 feet away. This keeps your eyes rejuvenated and lessens eye strain,” says Prateek Kumar, fitness expert, nutritionist, and founder of FitCru.

Also, be aware of where you are using your gadgets. “A big no to watching gadgets in a moving vehicle, especially on a road trip or a train. Focusing the eyes on the constantly moving gadgets due to the jerks puts extreme stress on the eyes. Additionally, on long-distance road trips, drivers can suffer from ‘highway hypnosis,’ which can prove fatal. Taking breaks every two hours, washing your eyes with plain cold water, and keeping yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids are the proven ways to care for the eyes,” adds Dr. Pramod Mane, wellbeing director – of SOM wellbeing at Woods At Sasan.

Hydrate

While on the move, drink plenty of water for the eye and overall health. “Often during travel, our water intake goes drastically down as we are out and about. This can often lead to dehydration, affecting your eyes’ moisture levels. Drinking enough water helps support the production of tears, ensuring that your eyes stay properly lubricated and protected. So consciously drink plenty of water throughout your journey to reduce the risk of dryness, discomfort, and irritation,” states Nyela Kapadia, fitness expert, founder of WWN, and co-founder of Intermittent Fasting Mindful Living.

Wear Sunglasses

While outdoors during the day, make it a point to wear sunglasses. “Wear broad and large sunglasses that completely filter UVA and UVB radiation to save your eyes from damaging UV rays,” remarks Dr. Manoj Kutteri, medical director of Atmantan Wellness Centre.

Furthermore, when swimming, wear goggles to protect your eyes. “Sunglasses help minimise glare from bright sunlight, making it easier to see and reducing eye strain. When travelling, it is also an excellent idea to bring a pair of swimming goggles to engage in water activities, protecting your eyes from potential irritants, chemicals, or microorganisms present in the water,” adds Dr. Arun Suraj, Ayurveda doctor and wellness head at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra.

Manage Contact Lenses Usage

Before embarking on a long flight, wear your glasses instead of your contact lenses. “To safeguard the well-being of your eyes and maintain optimal vision, it is crucial to prioritise eye care while travelling. Whether embarking on a thrilling adventure or relaxing on a beach getaway, taking special care of your eyes should be your top priority. Extended travel, especially in dry environments like aeroplanes, can lead to dry and uncomfortable eyes. Contact lenses can exacerbate this dryness and cause discomfort or irritation. It is a good idea to use moisturising eye drops made especially for those who wear contact lenses or to switch to eyeglasses for flights,” states Dr. Arun Suraj.

Be Hygienic

Not touching your eyes with dirty hands is good advice, even when you’re not travelling. “Clean your hands before handling contact lenses or your eyes. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. This will lessen the chance of eye infections and help stop the transmission of germs,” adds Dr. Manoj Kutteri.

Wash Your Eyes Frequently

If you are driving on your trip, remember to take breaks often to rest your eyes. “Remember to rinse your eyes often with cold water while driving. Take breaks to rest your eyes and wash your eyes with cold water to keep them cool and revitalised while driving,” concludes Dr Arun Suraj.

Get Adequate Rest

Travelling could include tiring days that can strain your eyes. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep at night, and if you have a long flight or road journey, try to take a nap to rest your eyes.