Let's face it: life nowadays is fast-paced. For most of us, efficiency and convenience play starring roles in our day-to-day—and that's out of necessity! It's rare for anyone, especially women, to wear just one hat anymore. Whether you're a student, teacher, employee, boss, mother, caretaker, or a combination of these titles, productivity is a vital piece of the puzzle. How else will you present in that meeting, coordinate the kid's carpool, make it to your afternoon appointment, and remember to set the chicken out to thaw?
The "hustle" is real, which begs the question—does vacation really have to be the same way?
Not all travel is created equal. For example, backpacking through Europe might be the perfect fit for an adventurous summer during undergrad, but a retreat center might beckon you for some much-needed R&R after passing the bar exam. What matters is that you choose a trip that will serve you well for the chapter of life you are in.
Travel has a way of making every minute feel like a precious commodity. The urge to squeeze in another activity (or, heck, another country) is familiar, and the fear of missing out is valid. It's great if this type of go-go-go vacation suits you; we understand the desire to make the most out of a trip. Yet many travelers are beginning to crave a calmer experience. If you don't want your vacation to feel as hectic as your home life, you're not alone.
This brings two travel trends to mind: one that has been around for a while and one that has recently emerged. First, there was slow travel, and now, soft travel has arrived. So what are these types of vacations, and how can they help you escape our normalized, fast-paced ways?
To answer this, we will define, compare, and contrast these travel trends.
What is Slow Travel?
Slow travel can be traced back to an Italian movement from the mid-1980s. To protest the plan to install a McDonald's in Rome, residents embraced the practice of "Slow Food" as an alternative to fast food. The Slow Food movement is about enjoying local, seasonal food at a leisurely pace. It opposes the concept of turning a meal into a convenient way to stay on the go. In true Italian fashion, the Slow Food Manifesto states its purpose is to defend "the Right to Pleasure," which is molto bello, of course! Italy, along with fourteen other countries, signed the manifesto in 1989.
Fast forward to today, and "slow travel" embraces a similar principle. It's the act of staying in one place for a long period of time in an effort to truly experience it. The purpose of slow travel is to immerse yourself in another culture and live like a local, as opposed to playing tourist. While all travel can allow a glimpse into another culture, slow travel is your best chance at an accurate look.
Take the example of your hometown. If someone had only spent a few days there, would you consider that a worthy amount of time to truly understand the place? Likely not, as the unique depth of a destination can only be revealed with time.
Slow travel is an art form that any expat or study abroad alum can attest to. There is magic to be found in settling into a place. It makes for a beautiful way to connect with locals who may well become lifelong friends. Another slow travel benefit is language immersion, a highly accredited way to polish your fluency (this is how you learned your native language, after all).
What is Soft Travel?
Soft travel is a newer trend that's been brought into the zeitgeist through social media. The idea behind soft travel is to use your vacation to decompress. This may seem like a given, but as previously stated, not all vacations are created equal. Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation? Soft travel is here to combat this common trope.
The focus of soft travel is to escape the whirlwind of routine, obligation, and stimulus most of us are accustomed to. It's less centered around the destination and more so on the dedicated period of recuperation we all need sometimes.
In the age of mental health awareness, soft travel can be a beautiful way to practice self-care. The intention is to slow down, regulate your nervous system, and ultimately, spend time honoring yourself. People looking to recover from burnout or those needing space to grieve are two examples of folks who could greatly benefit from soft travel.
Soft travel is all about creating space—that's where the travel piece comes in. It's difficult to remove yourself from daily life without physical distance. The practice of "filling up your cup" is then made all the more sacred by the backdrop of a beautiful destination.
Slow vs. Soft Travel: Similarities
What soft and slow travel have in common is that they require some letting go. Each requires you to forsake the "hustle" mentality that is so prevalent in daily life. You'll need to shed the belief that making the most out of your trip means seeing and doing as much as possible.
Here is a mindset that's all too familiar: "It would be a shame not to visit Portugal while we are in Spain… it's right next door!"
While there's nothing wrong with squeezing a bonus country into your adventure, this practice would miss the mark for slow and soft travel. Those inclined to count countries may find it difficult to digest, but these trends are not about crossing destinations off a list.
The purpose of soft travel is to escape "the grind," while the purpose of slow travel is cultural immersion. Neither of these are achievable with a jam-packed itinerary! Slowing down and staying put is harder than you might think, but slow and soft travelers believe the rewards of doing so are well worth it.
Slow vs. Soft Travel: Differences
While the itinerary may look similar, slow and soft travel, each has a unique mission. The mission of slow travel is to embrace a destination, and the mission of soft travel is to recharge your battery. The biggest difference between the trends is that slow travel has an external focus, while soft travel has an internal one.
Because slow travel has an external focus, your destination couldn't matter more! When you set out to slow travel, it's pivotal to choose a place that delights you. Is there a destination that has captured your imagination more than any other? Possibly, it was brought on from being engrossed in a movie or book as a child, or else you are close with someone from another culture and eager to experience the place that shaped them. If you are enchanted by a certain culture, have a love for a language, or have a craving for a specific nationality's cuisine, these are all great ways to choose your slow travel haven.
Soft travel, on the other hand, isn't so destination-focused. Anywhere safe and away from home will do! You could opt for a formal soft travel experience like a wellness retreat. In this case, the details are left to someone else, which is helpful if you're soft traveling because you're overwhelmed enough and don't have the capacity to plan. That said, you can absolutely soft travel on your own. A cozy cabin with a view would be an ideal soft travel escape. If you choose this route, stay mindful of distractions or vices that might hinder your soft travel goals (i.e., bring a book and leave your phone on airplane mode). A peaceful place is key in finding your soft travel refuge.
There is beauty in both travel trends. Depending on where you are on your personal journey, one may serve you better. In all likelihood, there will be an optimal time in life to reach for each.
Combining Soft Travel and Slow Travel
Though they have different focuses, we think it's possible to embark on a trip that is considered both slow and soft travel. You'll need to venture to a special place and settle there for an extended period of time. You may find yourself unwinding and recovering on a personal level while you absorb your destination's culture. This would be both slow and soft travel in one, and it sounds like a truly wonderful time!
If you're craving a break from the busy pace of life, consider one of these travel trends for your next trip. If a specific destination is calling to you, slow travel is the solution that will enrich and inspire you. If you crave the space to rest and reflect, soft travel is a remedy that won't disappoint. However you travel next, Sherpani bags are here to serve as your trusty sidekick on any journey.
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By women for women, the Sherpani Travel Blog talks about all things travel (& all things Sherpani!). Explore topics like solo travel, destination guides, women's travel safety, personal essays, and much more! This is a space to amplify female voices and celebrate our belief that travel restores the human spirit.
