Love travelling but hesitating due to environmental implications? You are not the only one. A recent Google report shows Singaporean travellers are shifting towards more thoughtful tourism such as slow travel, and there are legit reasons to do so.

Responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, tourism is exacerbating climate change. If you are still partaking in revenge travel, it’s time to start thinking about travel sustainability and prioritise meaningful experiences over hurried itineraries. From savouring local cultures to reducing carbon footprints, you can continue travelling (responsibility) through slow travel, and Tiq’s here to share the tips.

☝ Travelling responsibly includes having a reliable back-up plan like Tiq Travel Insurance! Besides the flight check-in reminder(s), our automated flight delay benefit ensures you’ll get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim!

Slow travel: What is it and why you should try it

Would you choose an extra value meal at McDonald’s or freshly cooked food at the hawker centre in your neighbourhood for dinner? The latter is an example of a ‘slow travel’ experience.

Back in the 1980s, the opening of a McDonald’s store right across the famous Spanish Steps in Rome triggered a reaction against the fast-paced lifestyle and the rise of fast food. Fast forward a decade later, the slow food movement led to the development of slow travel, which promotes a more relaxed pace of life and sustainable tourism.

In a nutshell, slow travel is about spending more time in one place to deeply connect with the local culture and environment. By focusing on cultural Immersion, sustainability, mindfulness, and flexibility during your travel, you can do your part in reducing carbon footprint while enriching your travel experience. These are not the only benefits!

Slow travel can help you…

Save money!

While you may have the means to splurge on travel, it makes sense to get the best value out of your hard-earned money, especially in current uncertain economic times.

Instead of making multiple short weekend trips from Singapore, think of a 2-week trip to your choice destination.

Fewer transportation equals lower costs. A longer stay at your destination will also be more cost-effective as you get better accommodation rates. With these savings, you can stretch your travel budget for more meaningful experiences.

Enhance your wellbeing!

Let’s face it, life can be stressful in Singapore and many Singaporeans travel to destress. A slower pace allows for relaxation and mindfulness, which is what travelling should be rather than a hurried itinerary that induces travel stress.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that slow adventure can improve people’s general health and well-being through mindful enjoyment and consumption of the outdoor experience and thus bring people back to a state of mental and physical equilibrium.

Don’t stress when you travel! Remember to get Tiq Travel Insurance – the best annual travel insurance from the most popular travel insurance company – not to mention best online buying experience, according to TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023!

Gain authentic experiences and build connections

Instead of rushing from one tourist attraction to another, spending extended time in a place provides you the opportunity to immerse in local traditions, cuisine, and daily life. Slow travel promises an immersive experience that allows you to build a genuine connection with the local community.

The reflective nature of slow travel also encourages personal growth, which can bring you new perspectives. Instead of skimming the surface, you can better understand a destination and the local people, and appreciate all that they have to offer beyond the tourist attractions.

Travel with greater peace of mind

Well, besides a reliable travel insurance plan, slow travel can allow you to travel with greater peace of mind because you’d be doing your part to maintain environmental sustainability.

By opting for a long trip over several short trips, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support local economies. That also means you are doing your part to preserve destinations for future generations!

Be more flexible and open-minded

In time-scarce Singapore, many are used to making plans and sticking to schedules. Slow travel, on the other hand, calls for greater spontaneity. There are no strict itineraries or timelines to adhere to, unlike traditional vacation packages or tours.

That means you have the flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace, visit places that a local recommends, and make decisions as you go along while enjoying the journey. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown can lead you to authentic and transformative experiences.

Ready to slow travel? Here are some handy tips to get you started!

7 tips to embrace slow travel

1. Choose quality over quantity – Slow travel calls for mindfulness. So, before you book the irresistibly low-fare air tickets, consider your purpose of travel and the destination that can best fulfil your needs and preferences. Choose a longer trip over several short trips a year or consider extending your business trip (if possible) to include leisure plans.

2. Choose nearby destinations – It is interesting how Singaporeans love to visit Johor Bahru during the weekends but many have not explored beyond West Malaysia. In fact, our neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia have plenty to offer in terms of slow travel.

More importantly, they are easily accessible by bus, train or short flights. Studies have shown that air travel emissions comprise 20% of tourism’s global carbon footprint. Hence, by taking shorter flights or opting for alternative transport options such as bus, train or ferry, we can reduce our carbon footprint

3. Fly direct and choose public transport – Sometimes, a transit flight may cost less than a direct flight, but you’d be responsible for contributing greater carbon emission. 😳 Therefore, it is best to fly direct or opt for transport options with reduced carbon emission.

Using local public transportation such as the metro, train, bus or bicycle instead of a private-hire car or self-drive can also allow you to better immerse in local experiences while reducing your carbon footprint. That said, if you are planning to self-drive on your overseas trip, ensure that your travel insurance includes rental car excess cover.

4. Support local businesses and causes – Think cosy homestays or small guest houses instead of large chain hotels. It could be more cost-effective, and you’d likely get a more authentic experience while supporting the local businesses.

Most homestays or local guest houses also offer back-of-house tours, which allow you and your loved ones to engage in fun, local activities. For those who are looking for more purposeful travel, check with your local host for community projects or volunteer opportunities.

5. Choose shoulder season travel or offbeat destinations
While school-age families might not have the opportunity to travel during off-peak season, those who are able to should consider shoulder season travel. Travelling between seasons can help you to avoid extreme weather and beat the tourism crowd.

Alternatively, choosing a less popular destination over tourist hotspots also promises greater enjoyment. There’s more to Japan than just Tokyo or Osaka. Have you heard of Nakatsugawa?

6. Plan less, experience more
While planning is a key component of travel, leaving room for flexibility in terms of your day-to-day activities in your choice destination can bring you surprises and fun, new experiences. Of course, it helps to have a travel back-up plan for unexpected events.

7. Travel light and responsible
For the eco-conscious, you might already be practising the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. There’s no reason not to continue the practice when you’re travelling. If you’re new to slow travel, you may also want to start leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

Travel size toiletries are really convenient, but instead of purchasing each time you travel, consider reusable items for your travel needs. Also, stay mindful to avoid wastage. As much as you’d like to try all the local specialties, can you stomach everything? Ordering/buying within your means promises a more pleasant and economical experience.

Last but not least, travelling light can help you to save time and money (no extra charges for checked baggage if you fly budget!) while reducing your carbon footprint.

Ready to slow travel?

Projected to grow at a 10% compound annual growth rate, slow tourism is getting increasingly popular, and for good reasons. Travelling has its benefits, but continual mindless travelling or travel revenge can lead to extreme weather, lifestyle disruptions, and deprive our future generations of travel and its benefits.

If you are thinking of travelling slow, keep the above points in mind. Some slow tourism destinations near Singapore include Thailand (head north for magnificent landscape and cool weather instead of just a weekend shopping spree in Bangkok), Laos (think heritage and nature) and Borneo (one of the most biodiverse places on the planet with an estimated 15,000 different plant species!).

Happy travels and don’t forget to insure your trip with Tiq Travel Insurance to protect you before, during and after your trip. Tiq Travel Insurance covers you up to 60 days before your trip, with flight check-in reminder(s) and an automated flight delay benefit.

That means you’ll get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim!

There’s also optional COVID-19 add-on and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions so you can travel with greater peace of mind. Learn more here or dive straight ahead for the best online buying experience*!

*TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023

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Information is accurate as at 18 October 2024. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.

 

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