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Conscious Travel : "Slow Travel Made Easy"

Six Ways You Can Connect with Local Culture and Have an Authentic Travel Experience


Are you tired of traveling to new places and feeling like a tourist rather than a traveler? Do you crave a deeper understanding of the local culture and a more authentic travel experience? If so, you're not alone. Many people want to connect with the places they visit on a more meaningful level. One way to achieve this connection is through "slow travel," which involves taking time to immerse oneself fully in the local way of life.


In this blog post, we will explore six ways that you can immerse yourself in the local culture and have an unforgettable travel experience. From trying local cuisine to participating in cultural events and spending time with the locals, these tips will help you connect with the heart and soul of your destination. So, pack your bags, grab your phone and vàmonos! (in my Dora the Explorer voice).


Before we dive into the first tip, I want to define my personal definition of “slow travel,” which I use interchangeably with “conscious travel.” I use these terms to mean intentional travel, or traveling with the purpose of being open-minded to learning, seeing, and being curious about something new—something that you probably wouldn’t have considered from the comfort of home because it challenges you.



1. Research your destination

Researching the destination is important for several reasons, the most important being safety. It can help you prepare in case of a natural disaster or help you avoid some unsavory situations and places. Next, researching accommodations in advance can help you find a place that meets your needs and preferences, as well as fits your budget. Researching transportation options in advance can save you time and money and can prevent you from getting lost or stranded, especially if there are no reliable transportation options in some areas. Lastly, doing a Google search on things to do in your destination can help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your time there.

One of the sites that I use often for trip recon information is TripAdvisor. I skim through the reviews, not just focusing on the good ones, but looking through a sampling of both good and bad ones. That way I tend to lean towards an unbiased opinion. (Now if I could only do that when I’m looking through Amazon reviews. Yikes!!)


2. Be open-minded

Be open-minded and curious. Traveling is all about experiencing new things and broadening your horizons. Every place that you visit isn’t going to be exactly like home. If it was, I highly doubt that you would be there. But isn’t the whole point of “slow travel” to explore? I’ve learned that one of the best joys of traveling is the opportunity to be inquisitive and a bit carefree without the added pressure of daily life.

Traveling often involves letting go of control and embracing uncertainty. Being in a new environment can be refreshing and offers a sense of freedom. When we are away from our normal lives, we tend to focus more on the present moment, rather than work or personal obligations. Often, I find myself being more of a risk taker when I’m traveling— not in the sense that I’m irresponsible, but more that I’m willing to try new ways to have fun, like eating BBQ insects and taking pics standing EXTREMELY close to exotic animals. (When I’m home, there’s NO WAY I’m eating insects or standing remotely close to any weird animal and smiling like an idiot. I.CAN.NOT.)


3. Interact with the residents

If I haven’t learned anything else about “slow travel,” I promise you that I’ve learned this one truth: residents of an area love to share their knowledge and expertise about their country, state, town, city, etc., and they take pride in doing so. They will talk your head off if you let them. YUP!! One of the best ways to meet these residents is to participate in activities that they enjoy. Don’t be afraid to engage with them and ask for recommendations on places to go, things to do, food to eat, and other local secrets. Residents are often the best source of information when it comes to finding hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions. They also offer unique and authentic experiences that may not be found on a Google search.


4. Get out and walk around

With the research that you have gathered in the early stage of trip planning, transportation comes into play. Transportation is an important aspect to consider because it can greatly affect your overall travel experience. Depending on where you’re traveling, I recommend looking into various forms of transportation. Look into buses, trains, subways, rental cars and even ride sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.

When I visited Colombia in 2022, my Spanish tutor recommended using a ride sharing app called “Didi” that the locals use. This was good information because I was able to pay for rides in the local currency instead of using another app with my payment information. The prices were comparable to other ride share apps, and I was able to plan and budget better. Walking or biking can also be a viable option depending on the time of the year and location.


5. Explore

What you see while you are traveling totally depends on your preferences since there are countless points of interest for traveling. A few examples include:

  • Historical sites

  • Natural wonders

  • Cultural landmarks

  • Culinary experiences

  • Adventure activities

  • Local events

Maybe it’s my nerdy senses that get tingling, but when I’m in my trip planning mode I make lists. I suggest making a mental note of intriguing places that will pique your curiosity. I may make a list of several points of interest to explore and somehow still never get to experience them all. Be better than me and don’t put this much pressure on yourself; the main point of “slow travel” is the journey itself. Take your time to truly live in the moment and embrace the authentic experience. I guarantee you will leave more informed than you were prior to your visit.

As a sidebar, one resource I’ve found to be helpful is Guruwalk, a free walking tour community that offers something different outside of the “normal tours.” I’ve only used this tool internationally and am not seeing many of these tours offered domestically here in the US. However, the tour itself is a pay-what-you-want type of situation, so your donations are based on your experience.


6. Shopping local

Lastly, one of the major emphases of “conscious travel” is the importance of supporting small businesses and strengthening the local economy. Shopping local provides a two-fold benefit for the traveler and the local community. Money spent locally tends to stay in the community, as local business owners are more likely to spend their profits locally. When you visit local shops, markets, and events, you can meet and connect with members of that community. The mom-and-pop stores often offer unique and high-quality products that you may not find anywhere else. This can provide a more memorable and authentic travel experience. (Besides, who doesn’t want to come back home with a great smelling bag of locally sourced coffee beans or a dope travel t-shirt. I’m just saying!!)


In conclusion, “slow travel” helps you connect with the local culture and provides an authentic travel experience. Whether you are looking to travel solo, with your family, or with friends, these tips can help you achieve your goal. By researching your destination, being open minded, interacting with locals, getting out and about, exploring, and shopping local, you can be a successful “conscious traveler.”




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