What exactly is behind the soft travel trend? In a world of ever-increasing pace and endless demands, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to spend their holidays — and their free time in general. Travel is taking many different forms today and is no longer limited to winter breaks and summer holidays. We have fallen in love with discovering the world and enjoy travelling throughout the year. But the way we travel is changing!
Soft travel is a growing tourism trend centred around a slower, more authentic way of experiencing a place. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another and trying to “tick off” as many sights as possible, travellers are choosing to slow down, prioritising relaxation and a deeper connection with the places they visit.
Soft Travel Abroad
What does soft travel mean to me? Above all, it means returning to Porto, where I already feel almost at home. Sunsets at Jardim do Morro, a walk with a “coffee stop” along the way, delicious Robalo in Matosinhos, watching people embrace the unhurried rhythm of everyday life, and simply taking in the smells, colours and atmosphere around me.
I give myself space to savour the moment and immerse myself in the local culture.
Every city and every place has something different and fresh to offer. All we need to do is open ourselves up to a different perspective. And sometimes, step outside our comfort zone — because we will not always find ourselves in a culture that shares our values or traditions. 😉
Cultural diversity, while sometimes challenging, is also an incredible source of richness. And today, we have much easier access to it than we did just a few decades ago.
Travellers who embrace this style often focus on experiencing the “everyday” lives of local people, discovering lesser-known places and using local services. This approach can lead to more authentic experiences and help us build stronger connections with local communities.
Soft Travel in Poland
In practice, soft travel might mean spending a few days in the countryside, taking part in a traditional craft workshop, tasting local food or simply slowing down and enjoying nature.
And we do not have to travel to the other side of the world to experience it. It can be right around the corner — in a nearby town, a neighbouring region or a place our friends have recommended.
Having travelled thousands of kilometres around the world, I now also appreciate the local richness of Poland. And I don’t have to look far for inspiration. 😉
Kasia, a colleague I work with, is passionate about historic tenement buildings. If it weren’t for her sensitivity to architectural details and curiosity about what these buildings have to tell us, I probably wouldn’t be nearly as attentive when exploring this beautiful — although often neglected — part of our architectural heritage.
Soft travel is absolutely about this, too: noticing something that had never previously entered our field of vision.
It is important to give ourselves time to fully experience a place and build a genuine connection with its culture and people.
This growing tourism trend is gaining popularity because it responds to our need to slow down and find more balance and harmony in everyday life. Soft (slow) travel is a great option for anyone who wants to escape the noise, recharge their batteries and discover the world in a more mindful and sustainable way.
I would love to hear about your experiences with this slower way of discovering everything the world has to offer!
