What Is Slow Travel?

A Simple Way to Enjoy the USA One Easy Trip at a Time

If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I fell in love with slow travel.

Instead of trying to cram 12 sights into one day or racing through state after state, slow travel is all about enjoying the journey—taking your time, exploring at your own pace, and connecting with the places you visit.

As someone who’s retired and road-tripping across the USA with my husband and our Goldendoodle, Mr. Jax, I’ve learned that the best trips aren’t the busiest ones—they’re the ones where we stop to breathe, take in the view, and just enjoy where we are.

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🐢 So What Exactly Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel means:

• Staying longer in fewer places
• Driving the scenic route instead of the fastest one
• Skipping the must-see tourist traps for local spots you’ll remember
• Letting go of the packed itinerary and leaning into flexibility

It’s not about being lazy or doing nothing. It’s about being intentional with your time—so your trip feels like an experience, not just a checklist.

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🧭 Why Slow Travel Works (Especially in the USA)

The U.S. is full of small towns, backroads, state parks, and quirky roadside gems—perfect for this kind of travel. You don’t have to fly across the world to feel like you’re discovering something new.

And if you’re like me, traveling in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, the slower pace just feels better. No early morning rush, no exhausting airport sprints. Just you, the road, and time to enjoy it all.

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🚙 What a Slow Travel Day Might Look Like

Here’s a real-life example from a trip we took through North Georgia:

• We started the day with coffee on a porch swing
• Drove 30 minutes to a scenic overlook
• Found a random local bakery with the best apple pie I’ve ever had
• Wandered through a roadside antique shop
• Ended the day watching the sunset from our cabin deck with Mr. Jax curled at our feet

We didn’t do everything. But we enjoyed everything we did.

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💡 Tips for Planning a Slow Travel Road Trip

• Pick fewer stops — You don’t need to see 10 cities. Pick 2 or 3 and stay a while.
• Stay in one place longer — Booking a cabin, Airbnb, or small inn for a few days lets you settle in and explore nearby.
• Avoid big crowds — Look for shoulder seasons or go midweek if you can.
• Leave room for surprises — Some of our favorite moments weren’t planned at all.
• Keep a loose schedule — It’s okay to have a list… just don’t get married to it.

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🐾 Slow Travel with a Dog

If you’re traveling with a dog like we do, slow travel is a dream. More time outside. More flexibility. More opportunities to stop and sniff (for them and you!).

Final Thoughts

Slow travel isn’t a trend—it’s a mindset. One that lets you enjoy the road, the scenery, and the small-town magic that makes road-tripping in the USA so special.

So the next time you’re planning a getaway, skip the stress and go slow. You might find it’s your favorite trip yet.