The Joy of Slow Travel: A Balm for Climate Anxiety

Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is flying all over the world, posting pictures from tropical beaches or bustling cities, living their best lives. Social media can make it seem like constant globe-trotting is normal, even necessary, for a fulfilled life.

But here’s the surprising reality: most people never fly. In fact, studies estimate that only about 15 to 20 per cent of the world’s population has ever been on a plane. That means the vast majority live their whole lives without flying at all.

In this article, we’ll explore the idea of slow travel and how it might just change your life. Don’t worry, this isn’t about giving up on adventure, or even giving up flying. It’s about making travel choices that feel more aligned with your values, so the adventures you do have feel deeper, richer, and more meaningful.

Maybe slow travel doesn’t quite resonate with you right now, and that’s completely okay. Think of it as one more tool in your kit for easing climate anxiety and living more intentionally. It’s worth taking stock of what’s in that kit, even if you’re not ready to use every tool just yet. Let’s dive into slow travel with curiosity and without judgment.

What exactly is slow travel?

Slow travel is about experiencing the journey as much as the destination. At its heart, it’s a response to fast-paced, high-impact tourism, where people race through multiple destinations, snap a few photos, and move on. Instead, slow travel invites us to pause, savour, and tread more lightly.

For many, that means flying less. Some people give up air travel altogether, while others limit it to once a year or reserve flights for longer trips, like spending a month exploring another continent. The key isn’t strict rules, but thoughtful choices. Slow travel asks: Can I go slower? Can I go deeper?

It’s about staying in one place long enough to get a feel for it, to explore local cafés, walk the same paths as the locals, strike up conversations, and become, even briefly, part of the place. It’s choosing quality over quantity: fewer destinations, but richer experiences.

It also means being intentional about where your money goes. Instead of opting for an all-inclusive hotel owned by a global chain, you might stay in a family-run guesthouse, eat at small local restaurants, or buy handmade gifts from artisans. In this way, slow travel supports local economies and helps protect cultural and ecological heritage.

For shorter getaways, slow travellers often stay close to home, perhaps a hiking trip in their own region, a weekend at a permaculture farm, or a train ride to a neighbouring town. The goal is to reduce the environmental footprint while rediscovering the beauty and variety of nearby landscapes.

Slow travel isn’t just about transport; it’s a mindset. One that values connection over consumption, depth over breadth, and presence over a checklist.

Why are people reducing their air miles?

Even if slow travel isn't necessarily about giving up flights, there is a growing movement of people going "flight-free". Why is that?

Well, one of the biggest reasons people choose to reduce flying is about climate justice. To put it simply, flying is one of the largest contributors to an individual’s carbon footprint. Yet those who fly most often, usually wealthier people, contribute disproportionately to climate change.

Meanwhile, people in poorer communities who rarely or never fly, face the harshest impacts of climate change, like droughts, floods, food insecurity, and displacement.

Choosing to fly less when we can is a small but powerful act of solidarity and responsibility. It’s one of the single most effective ways to reduce your personal climate impact. But, and this is crucial, it’s not about giving up adventure or connection. Instead, it’s about opening yourself to a different kind of adventure.

I used to fly all the time!

I used to fly a few times a year without giving it much thought. Jumping on a plane just felt like something people did, especially when we were looking for a change of scene, a sense of freedom, or just a bit of space to breathe. I completely understand how flights can become part of the rhythm of life.

And I don’t regret that time. Every step we’ve taken brings us to where we are now. And these days, I’m living much more in line with my values. Looking back, I can see that travel was often a kind of escape. I think part of me believed happiness was somewhere else, just one more journey away. But the truth is, we can visit every country in the world and still feel lost, or we can stay in one small village and feel completely at peace. Joy and misery aren’t tied to distance. They travel with us, wherever we go.

So how did I go from booking the occasional budget flight to Malaga to feeling truly content putting down roots in my off-grid mountain home? It started with a German cowgirl.

What Priska taught me about life, love, and travel

I met Priska while I was travelling (by bus this time!) and stayed at her small farm near the Black Forest for a few weeks. I helped out with the veggie garden, looked after the horses, and played with the kids, two of them hers, two she had taken in from a rough home life.

One morning, she fished a scrappy little puppy from the bins and named him Happy like it was the most normal thing in the world. She took me to colourful local markets where pumpkins came in every shape and shade imaginable.

Priska was one of the most humble, grounded people I’ve ever met. Her life had a rhythm that felt full and joyful, and she made a really positive impact on so many people's lives. She opened her home to adults going through tough times, cared for a herd of Icelandic ponies and was deeply rooted in her local community. I found myself fixing fences with young men who had come to help on the farm to get out of jail time, and sharing cake at the table with people who used to live on the streets. The house was buzzing with people, activity, and baby quails cheeping in the hallway under a heat lamp. Evenings were spent around fires roasting chestnuts or dancing at home made weddings. I thought she was just amazing.

One morning, we were drinking coffee on the porch and I asked her when was the last time she flew somewhere. The answer was: “Never.”

At first, I felt a flicker of shame. At 23, I’d flown to so many places without thinking much about it. Here was a woman in her 40s who had never taken a flight! But being around Priska, that feeling of embarrassment shifted into something else. I felt inspired.

Later that day, we were greasing saddles, and she chuckled. “Why would I fly to the other side of the world when everything I love is here?” It stayed with me. I began to see that I’d often been travelling to escape a life I hadn’t quite made peace with, instead of creating a life I genuinely wanted to be part of.

Slow travel is still adventurous

After that life changing conversation, I set a simple “weddings and funerals” rule, only flying when truly necessary. Since then, my life has been richer and more adventurous in some pretty unexpected ways.

Living out of an off-grid van in stunning mountains, hitchhiking for three months around Scotland with just a two-man tent, spending long train journeys chatting with strangers and cycling across Europe with friends: these have been some of the most meaningful adventures I’ve had. Along the way, I met incredible people who welcomed me into their homes, shared meals, and stories. Their generosity restored my faith in humanity. And I honestly felt more inspired, lit up, and excited on these trips than when I had flown to far flung corners of the Earth. Inspired by the generosity of other people, I now open my home to slow travellers, continuing the chain of kindness.

Slow travel isn't about sacrifice

I'm sharing my personal experience in case it resonates with anyone, mostly because there is a lot of pressure on European people to travel extensively and "find ourselves". It can feel like: if we don't travel by plane, there is something wrong with us.

But what if two things can be true? We can both love to travel, and not take flights? Or can we live a meaningful and fulfilling life, without leaving the country every year?

Slow travel is not about sacrifice; it's about making more intentional choices. After all, if we’re simply going to sit around a pool reading a book, does it really have to be in another country? Could we experience the same relaxation we are craving at a local spa with the same book? And possibly be less exhausted afterwards because we didn't have to travel a thousand miles to do it?

Imagine taking a holiday abroad every few years and truly savouring it, while spending the rest of your time on many smaller “micro-adventures” closer to home. This way, you support local economies, build relationships, and explore the rich diversity around you.

Does reducing flying really change anything?

It’s easy to think, “Well, this is all very well, but I only fly once or twice a year to visit family or for a special trip. I’m not one of the top polluters.” And yes, you’re right to some extent. Some people fly far more often, and the ultra-wealthy, who often use private jets or engage in space tourism, certainly skew the picture. But here’s the thing:

First, other people’s behaviour doesn’t need to set the standard for yours. Living in line with your values often brings a sense of calm and clarity. Choosing to travel more slowly and consciously is not just about emissions. It can also feel deeply nourishing, helping you connect more meaningfully with people, places, and yourself.

Second, the climate impact of flying is bigger than it seems. A single return long-haul flight can emit more CO₂ per person than some people emit in an entire year. To be among the top ten per cent of flyers globally, you may only need to take one international trip each year.

Third, it is not just about carbon. Flying at high altitudes also releases nitrogen oxides and water vapour, which have extra warming effects. Beyond that, frequent flying can reinforce a culture of disconnection, speed, and overconsumption. It supports a tourism industry that often benefits corporations over communities and prioritises convenience over care.

But choosing not to fly, or flying less, is not about giving things up just for the sake of it. It is not about being miserable or missing out. It's about finding joy in unexpected places and learning to live to the full within moderation. It's about the quiet delight of a train journey through new landscapes, the sense of belonging that comes from truly getting to know one region, and the creativity that comes from exploring differently.

So yes, small changes do matter. They matter because they align with a bigger story we are all part of. One where we choose connection over convenience, care over speed, and presence over consumption.

Travel tips for flying less in the UK and beyond

If you’re in the UK and want to explore without flying, here are some ideas:

• Eurostar: You can get from London to Paris in just over 2 hours on Eurostar, with luggage included for free, so no extra baggage fees. To keep ticket prices lower, consider exploring Eurostar passes or booking in advance when deals become available. It’s a comfortable, scenic way to cross borders.

• Buses and coaches: Coaches like National Express or FlixBus are often much cheaper than trains. Sometimes you can find tickets from London to Paris for as low as £15 if you book early. The trip takes longer, around 7 to 9 hours, but if you’re not in a rush, it’s a great budget-friendly way to travel.

• Local holidays: Trains in the UK can be expensive, but there are other options to explore the countryside and towns. For example, you could use ride-sharing apps like BlaBlaCar to find rides with locals heading your way. Both are great ways to connect with people and see new places without breaking the bank or the planet.

• Walking or cycling: Even better, pack your bike with all your gear and set off on a long-distance cycling trip. You might be surprised how far you can get! I cycled from Leeds to Berlin in a week, camping along the way. It was a beautiful and affordable adventure that allowed me to see the landscape in ways planes never could. Best of all, I met wonderful people who welcomed me, shared stories, and showed kindness, and I wasn’t even super fit! You do not have to be an Olympic athlete to bike pack. You just need a bicycle, a helmet, some panniers and a rough idea of what direction you're going in. Cake and coffee stops are, of course, obligatory.

Slow travel is a different kind of adventure

Slow travel isn’t about sacrificing adventure. It’s about embracing a different rhythm, one that invites you to linger, connect, and savour life more fully. It can be a balm for climate anxiety, offering hope through meaningful connections and living in line with your values.

So next time you feel the urge to escape, consider jumping on a train or even looking closer to home. You might find everything you love is waiting right there, just around the corner.

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