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December 2, 2015

Embracing Slow Travel

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During my Thanksgiving holiday break, where I enjoyed the company of visiting family, I was reminded of the beauty of slow travel.

Slow travel has been defined by many as the option to choose stays, such as vacation home rentals as opposed to hotels, to connect with locals and have more of a cultural experience where ever you may be.

An example of this would be how my family and I chose to travel through France a couple of summers ago.

But slow travel doesn’t only happen in far away places, nor do you have to rent a house to experience the local feel of a place.

The general and most significant premise of slow travel is that you take the time to “smell the roses”, slow down, observe, and really enjoy your surroundings.

My out-of-town family wanted to spend a day in New York City, and my husband, eager to show them the best of everything the city had to offer in the short period we were there, made a laundry list of must-sees and do’s. I, however, wasn’t too keen on a fully packed, heavily scheduled itinerary for two main reasons: it’s holiday season, which means loads of tourists and super crowded everything and we were traveling with young kids, ages ranging from 3 to 10.

I credit my children for teaching me the value of slowing down in travel because they are such curious beings and take everything in to the fullest. But many travelers, whether they are with their kids or not, tend to want to pack in their vacation time to maximize the limited time off and the cost of taking a trip.

But there’s a lot more to be said about planning light and limiting your to-do list to only a few things. I know travelers who wouldn’t be able to tell you a thing about a place or a people, despite their heavily stamped passport, because they are so eager to do and go and move and go some more that they miss out on the beauty of just being still.

girlgonetravel girlgonetravelThe day was chilly, but beautiful and we didn’t feel the need to rush through any of it.

Though my family didn’t seem too excited about my plans to go at a slower pace, they later realized how much more enjoyable it was, not just for the parents, but for the kids as well. I was able to point out details that would have easily gone unnoticed had we sped along to the next spot and the children didn’t have a melt down due to exhaustion despite our covering miles of the city by foot in chilly temperatures.

GirlGoneTravelBecause of our slower pace we noticed a pop-up bar hosted by Stella Artois and because we were in no hurry we were able to enjoy a yummy drink and even snap a few fun photos.

girlgonetravelOur slower pace also allowed us to enjoy the sights, which are especially beautiful this time of year in the city.

girlgonetravelEven the youngest one in our group took notice of the details which we would have totally missed out on had we rushed through the crowds.

girlgonetravel

We didn’t cover everything that was initially discussed, but we saw a lot and the kids enjoyed all of it as well, a tricky balance to achieve.

girlgonetravelWe covered a lot of territory, even at our slower pace, and not a tantrum or melt down in sight.

Here are my tips to help you not fall into the trap of over-packing your travel schedule and embracing slow travel for a more enjoyable experience anywhere you go:

  1. Write out a list of ALL the things you would want to do and see at the destination you are visiting, then map out each place. Figure out what spots are closest to each other and focus a day on that spot so that you can enjoy it fully. Depending on how long you are visiting, you can dedicate a day or two to each area, allotting time to people watch, explore newly discovered areas, or just going at a slower pace than normal.
  2. Keep in mind time of travel. If traveling during high season, take into consideration traffic, lines, and crowds. Not having to rush through these unavoidable situations makes for a much more relaxing experience and an ability to go with the flow, no matter how long the wait. Want to avoid the long touristy lines? Ask a local where they hang out. It’s usually off-the-beaten path and not crowded at all. Not to mention, less expensive and more fabulous.
  3. Note that depending on the destination, walking or taking public transportation can be the fastest way to get around and also the least expensive and the more open to opportunities of engaging with the local crowd.
  4. There’s nothing wrong with resting or allowing for some downtime, especially when traveling with kids. Often times people avoid this because they feel as if they are not making the most out of the money they spent. But the truth is, no one is having fun if they are exhausted in the process.
  5. Trust that by slowing down you will see something you wouldn’t have otherwise and walk away with a deeper appreciation and understanding for where you are. That, to me, is worth its weight in gold and is should be the true definition of value in travel.

So, next time you are tempted to speed through your vacation and do as much as you kind in your short time away, think about all the things you will miss in the process that you could potentially enjoy if you only slow down a bit.

 

 

This post is in partnership with Embassy Suites by Hilton. I am a proud ambassador of the #PrettyGreat Family Travel Hacks. To view the latest hacks, visit the #PrettyGreat Family Travel Hacks Online Community at embassytravelhacks.hilton.com. Connect with Embassy Suites on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram andPinterest using the hashtags #prettygreat and #travelhacks.

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

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These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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