Ready to turn your next vacation into something truly unforgettable?
Slow travel is taking over how we see vacations. The one-size-fits-all, cram-everything-in tourist approach is out. The slow and steady road trip where every journey is special is in.
Here’s the truth…
If you’re still planning trips where you fit in 10 places in 7 days, the trend has already passed you by. Traveling is shifting to slower with more time in between destinations. It’s time to ditch those tourist itineraries and jump behind the wheel instead.
Let’s break down what you need to know:
- Why Slow Travel Is Sweeping the World
- It’s All About the Journey
- Slow Down and Elevate Your Travel Game
- How to Make Memories That Last a Lifetime
Slow Travel is Sweeping the World
Slow travel isn’t just a new trend. It’s a whole new way of looking at vacations.
A recent survey found that 60% of people are now planning vacations with their main goal of slowing down and unplugging. That’s up from the 30’s in previous years.
The shift in focus is pretty remarkable
Just think about it:
How many vacations do you actually come home from feeling relaxed and recharged? Most people jet set these days. They come home more drained than when they left. Slow travel cuts that stress. You take your time and live in the moment in one spot.
Renting an exotic car has become part of this slow travel movement. Rather than flying, checking in luggage, and rushing to rental counters, many travelers are seeking out an exotic car rental experience that turns the journey itself into the destination. Cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in an exotic car is a whole different experience than economy class.
The Journey is Everything
Road trips are coming back with a vengeance.
In fact, research shows that road trips were the most popular travel method in 2024, with 40% of travelers choosing them. That’s nearly double the amount of people who flew to their holiday destinations.
So what’s behind this road trip frenzy?
- Complete freedom. Stop whenever or wherever you want.
- Skip the airport security lines and baggage fees.
- Experience the in-between. Enjoy the journey from A to B.
- Spend quality time with loved ones
Travel now becomes part of the adventure itself. That charming overlook you never planned to stop at? Now it’s your new favorite memory from the entire trip.
Ramping Up Your Travel Experience
This is the interesting part…
Road trips don’t have to be the same old same old. Your vehicle can make or break the whole experience. Renting a small, cramped car for long drives is one experience. Cruising in an exotic car is something entirely different.
Case in point: Luxury rentals change how you experience the open road. The seats are more comfortable. The sound system is crisper. The suspension is smoother. Those long drives no longer feel like “long” drives.
Planning for a road trip should start with the rental. Exotic cars make a huge difference in the overall experience.
What to look for:
- Destination-appropriate vehicles. Convertibles for the coast. SUV for mountains.
- Luxury touches for long drives. No cramped seats here!
- Spacious for luggage, but not crammed.
- Bonus features to make you giddy to drive.
Creating Deliberate Travel Moments
Slow travel is not about doing less. It’s about doing more with intent.
Slow travelers build in time for wandering and discovery rather than always running to the next attraction. They stop at local diners instead of chains. They choose the twisty mountain road over the highway.
The secret:
Do less, but do it with more quality.
Quality over quantity. Always.
This mentality extends to the whole travel planning process. From where you stay, what you drive, and what you do, it should all focus on being quality over quantity.
The best trips are the ones with unplanned moments. Like those roadside attractions that were there when you got off the highway but not on Google Maps. Or the long drive conversations when the scenery whisks you through the open windows. Or finding that local spot only known to tourists. Or really being in the moment rather than stressed and exhausted.
Making Your Next Vacation Count
So you’re ready to slow down and travel smart.
The first step is to rethink what you’re doing when you plan a trip. Rather than asking “how much can I do?” think “how deeply can I experience one location?”
Plan deliberately. Take the scenic drive route instead of the fastest route. Build extra time into your itineraries for impromptu exploration. Choose lodging in areas where you’d actually enjoy spending your time.
Invest in the in-between. Your vehicle can make or break an entire trip. Treat that open road as a highlight of the trip instead of a hassle between “real” vacation activities.
Turn your phone off. Slow travel is best done without that buzzing in your pocket. Be in the moment and present with the people in front of you. Emails can wait.
What Travel Really Costs
Here’s a secret most people don’t see…
Slow travel is actually cheaper than the all-packed-in vacation while providing a way better return on investment. Fewer places to visit means less hotels to book and less ground to cover. The savings can be funneled into the key experiences that do matter.
Look back at your last vacation. Do you remember specific days, or is it all a blur? Slow travel allows your brain to lock in those vibrant memories because you aren’t rushing through.
The list of benefits goes on:
- Less travel burnout
- A more authentic connection to places
- Greater exposure to true local life
- Memories that last years later
Closing Thoughts
Slow travel is redefining how people approach vacations. Instead of the standard go-go-go tourist experience, many travelers are ditching itineraries and picking up the keys.
The principles are pretty simple:
- Travel at your own pace and allow for flexibility.
- Be open to exploring the journey between A and B.
- Elevate the experience by adding more luxury to the trip.
- Don’t plan too much. Be in the present.
Road trips can be as much the Pacific Coast Highway or winding backroads as the destination itself. It’s time to start planning your own slow travel experience.
