Published on
January 10, 2026
Slow travel emphasises immersion: instead of rushing through a checklist, travellers support local communities and respect the environment. It prioritises genuine interactions, local cuisine and slower modes of transport. Official tourism organisations have embraced this approach because it disperses crowds and sustains rural economies. The destinations below are officially promoted slow‑travel options for 2026 and beyond, each offering distinctive landscapes and cultures.
Slovenia’s tourism board encourages travellers to linger and create lasting memories by savouring traditional dishes or watching the sunset at Lake Bled[1]. This small country spans Alpine, Mediterranean, Karst and Pannonian regions, giving it diverse scenery[2]. Slow experiences include wandering through green spaces in Ljubljana, visiting markets and cycling between medieval towns. The nine UNESCO sites range from subterranean caves to modernist architecture[3], rewarding those who explore at a gentle pace.
According to Italy’s official tourism portal, Trentino’s culture is rooted in slow travel[4]. Visitors can swap crowded resorts for forest hikes, vineyard bike rides and panoramic viewpoints. Educational farms and cultural trails introduce rural life and crafts[4]. By staying in mountain inns, tasting regional foods and attending village festivals, travellers support local communities while enjoying the Dolomites’ scenery.
Japan’s national tourism organisation presents slow travel as part of the country’s sustainability ethos[5]. Train travel allows visitors to see varied landscapes without the emissions of car travel[6]. Travellers are encouraged to leave major cities to meet artisans in eco‑towns or join sake‑brewing workshops[7]. Eating seasonal produce and staying in guesthouses ensures spending benefits rural areas[8], while hikes and bike rides through national parks reveal Japan’s climatic diversity[9].
VisitScotland defines slow travel as forming connections and taking one’s time[10]. It urges visitors to replace hurried weekends with longer stays in coastal villages, cottages or island communities[11]. Ferries and scenic railways serve as both transport and an opportunity to enjoy the journey[12]. Slow travellers can walk gentle trails, swim in lochs and watch sunrises over mountains[13]. Time spent in towns uncovers local music, crafts and regional dishes.
France’s national tourism site promotes slow tourism as environmentally responsible and locally focused[14]. Across the country, authorities have created routes tailored for unhurried exploration. The GR34 coastal path in Brittany offers more than 2,000 km of walking along cliffs and fishing villages[15]. The Canal du Midi in southern France is a 320 km cycling route passing vineyards and locks[16], while the Jura Mountains’ Les Rousses resort provides gentle hikes and horse rides in protected landscapes[17]. The Isle of Ré is a biking paradise with eco‑friendly spa practices[18], and the Lérins Islands near Cannes offer forests and beaches for quiet walks[19]. Corsica’s Trinighellu train travels slowly through mountains and villages[20]. For variety, cyclists can follow rivers in Burgundy and Normandy, drive along the Vosges Crest Road or explore the Bay of Somme by bike or boat[21][22][23].
The Azores government markets the archipelago as a place where nature and sustainability go hand in hand[24]. In 2019 the islands became the first archipelago certified as a Sustainable Tourism Destination by EarthCheck[25] and continue to meet strict standards[26]. The Azores Sustainability Charter, aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda[27], guides businesses and visitors toward eco‑friendly practices. Travellers can hike or cycle on marked trails, support local producers and enjoy whale watching and geothermal baths at a relaxed pace.
New Zealand encourages visitors to sign the Tiaki Promise, a pledge to care for the land, sea and people[28]. The promise draws on a Māori worldview in which natural elements are guardians[29]. By adopting this mindset, travellers become custodians themselves, ensuring forests, rivers and coasts remain healthy[30]. Slow travel means hiking national parks, camping responsibly, joining Māori‑led tours and choosing reusable products. These actions deepen appreciation for Aotearoa’s culture and landscapes.
Bhutan’s tourism portal describes the kingdom as a sanctuary for slow journeys[31]. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy traditional archery and crafts while also finding tranquillity among mountains and prayer flags[32]. Over 70 % of the country is forested and it is the world’s first carbon‑negative nation[33]. The government limits tourist numbers and requires a minimum daily package to ensure high‑value, low‑impact travel. Treks over high passes, visits to fortress monasteries and time spent in villages foster a deeper connection with Bhutan’s culture and natural environment[34].
These destinations demonstrate that slow travel is now a mainstream tourism strategy. Slovenia encourages lingering over meals and exploring varied regions; Trentino invites hikes and farm visits; Japan combines rail journeys with rural workshops; Scotland champions island escapes and outdoor serenity; France weaves together walking and cycling routes across its regions; the Azores pair sustainability with volcanic landscapes; New Zealand frames travel as guardianship; and Bhutan protects its carbon‑negative environment through mindful tourism. By slowing down, travellers gain deeper insight and create more meaningful memories while respecting natural and cultural environments. Planning trips around these principles in 2026 and beyond allows travellers to enjoy richer experiences and help protect the world’s heritage.
- Slovenia Tourism Board – “Slow travel, lasting memories”[35][2].
- Italia.it (Italian National Tourism Board) – Trentino’s culture of slow travel[4].
- Japan National Tourism Organization – Media release on the rise of slow travel in Japan[5][6][7][36].
- VisitScotland – “Slow travel adventures in Scotland”[10][11][12][13].
- France.fr – “The best slow tourism destinations in France”[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23].
- Visit Azores – “Sustainable Tourism Destination”[37][26][27].
- 100% Pure New Zealand – “Tiaki – Care for New Zealand”[28][29][30].
- Bhutan.travel – Welcome to Bhutan page[38][34].
