What is slow travel?
Slow travel trend Sweden is the way we used to travel up in Scandinavia. Slow travel is an idea that emphasizes taking the time to fully experience a destination, rather than rushing to see as many places as possible in a short amount of time. The slow travel trend encourages travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, explore the landscape and natural beauty of the area, and connect with the local people.
Slow travel usually means staying in one place for an extended period of time and explore the area by foot, bike, or single means of transportation, and avoiding mass tourist attractions in favor of more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
At GoNatureTrip we are inspired by Ikigai (that which gives your life meaning, or purpose) and we truly believe that the “sum of small joys in everyday life and traveling results in more fulfilling experience as a whole.
The “market driven” traveling
To travel and explore new places seems to be on everyone’s bucket list. The traveling programs and influencers like to show us happy faces as soon as you land in a place. Followers on social media follow their endeavours. However, often they take pictures everyone else takes at the tourist spot, and selfies from crowded heritage sites. The questions if this way of traveling is enjoyable or sustainable?
Slow traveling benefits
There are many advantages to slow traveling.
- Travelers are increasingly looking for more meaningful and authentic travel experiences that allow them to connect with local people and cultures.
- Slow travel can be a more sustainable way to explore the world. By traveling more slowly, travelers can reduce their carbon footprint and support local economies.
- To find wellness, and enjoy nature is becoming a necessity for people all over the world. There is high sense of pleasure to walk in the same forest, but each time you find a new path or discover something new.
- Keen travellers know that there is a connection between wellbeing and access to good wholesome and locally-produced food. Such as, in Sweden the chances to come across something truly local depends to a high extent to the time you spend in a place. For example, If you have the time to stay long enough in a place, you can probably to try the “husmanskost”, dish of the day. If you lucky you might even end up in a Reko-Ringen (local farmer´s market) or a small outdoor food festivals where there are stands selling locally produced Swedish cheese.
- It can also be a more relaxing and less stressful way to travel, allowing travelers to truly unwind and experience the world in a more meaningful way.
Many of us have discovered that “slow traveling” gives the highest sense of wellbeing
After a longer stay in one place, you also may have added on other travelers or local people to your friend list. The experience of admiring the environment also gives you new perspectives and insights. Nevertheless, it takes time to really get to know one place so stay put for at least one week. Experts on how brain cells regenerate states that exercise and to experience or learning something new keeps you brain young and strong.
Whilst in one place, you are better equipped to experience new adventures every day and create new memories. In short, you don’t have to travel necessarily a great distance to experience something new. Taking it slowly is good for your body, mind and soul.
The late bloomers in tourism industry, such as Sweden, is looking for a way to combine tourism with sustainability. GoNatureTrip has some nice stories and recommendation on the best blue zone places to visit and how to boost your wellbeing.
SAVING OUR FUTURE WITH SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND TRAVELLING and Green transition in Sweden are inspirations to see how two local nearby companies does slow travel. Emmaboda is also on the Swedish map of blue zones i.e places where people live longer.
Malin Axelsson from Ödevata Countryside Hotel welcomes you experience their eco resort where the lifestyle is in tune with nature. She writes :
“The blue zones in Småland is for sure an interesting place for researchers who want to learn more about places on earth where local people live long, healthy lives. We ‘Smålänningar’ are proud of our unique traditions and lifestyle. At Ödevata we are happy to share our knowledge and green lifestyle with you. Our resort is for sure a small oasis. In addition. we are not surprised to learn that we are situated in one of the blue zones in Småland. You can take part in typical Ödevata activities, such as going for a morning walk, rowing an oak on a quiet morning on Lake Ödevaten or cooking outdoors.”
Being close to the land. Nature is good for your body, mind and soul
In Sweden you are always close to a lake, a river or a beautiful forest. There are many protected nature areas. The best exercise is outdoor and in a Swedish forest you can breathe fresh air, climb step hills and climb up an amazing stone and look at the view.
Visit the most precious nature places in Sweden. Our Swedish National parks and nature reserves are spread from South to the North. You can also visit old forests. The Swedish Allmansrätt protects you right to pick berried and mushrooms and enjoy the forest and Swedish nature under certain protective measures.
For more inspiration see the map
The Swedish countryside – the everyday small joy
After a day in nature, stay on a farm, in an eco cottage, or in a motorhome parked by a lake. Make friends with the locals and join the other guests on cycling trip or outdoor cooking.
The smaller the village, the greater the chance to find truly magical places. Perhaps the magic lies in the fact that your expectations are kept low? Or perhaps it just such a boost when a local person finds joy in showing you their favourite place.
Enjoy healthy food
It is not always easy to find good food in Sweden. However, you just need a foodie guide and some tips on what to look for.
Some regions in Sweden have more orchards than others. For example, take the Lake Vättern roundtrip. You can combine cycling with boats and ferries!
Support the local green businesses
There are many resorts and places working to make their businesses green. Choose to stay with them and make a difference. Learn more about their horticulture and other green tourist upcycling projects and ideas.
Local Swedish heritage and culture
Find a local heritage guide that can show you the best of nature and the local culture. Visit farms, countryside restaurants and resorts that have been painstakingly restored to its former glory. If you are looking for your Swedish ancestry there are many guides and local historians that can help you.
