Slow Travel - The World's Most Laid-back Journeys

Slow Travel - The world’s most laid-back journeys

‘Slow Travel’ has taken the travel industry by storm over recent years, but what exactly is it? And which destinations are leading the way when it comes to laidback exploration?

Slow travel’s origins lie in the slow food movement, a focus on local farming and regional cuisine that began in 1980s Italy as a protest against the opening of a McDonald’s in Rome. Following suit, slow travel has become part of what’s widely known as the ‘Slow Movement,’ which aims to address the issue of ‘time poverty’ through an increased focus on making connections with people, places and things.

When it comes to slow travel in par ticular, this means spending a little more time getting to know the places you’re visiting, as well as the people behind them. With the advent of train travel and river cruising, it’s becoming even easier to appreciate landscapes as you go rather than rushing through them. Read on for our round-up of the world’s most leisurely trips, from the timeless elegance of Australia’s Ghan train to cruising the Mekong’s lively waters.

For a journey steeped in history The Ghan, Australia

Australia’s most iconic train ride, The Ghan has intriguing origins and was named after the cameleers who used to travel into Australia’s Red Centre over 150 years ago. Many were migrants from what is now today’s Pakistan, but back in the 1800s they were thought to hail from Afghanistan, and were colloquially known as ‘Ghans’. With ancient origins, today The Ghan is one of Australia’s most timeless luxury journeys.

The track stretches for an impressive 3,000 kilometres, taking in all the incredible sights from Darwin to Adelaide and back. If you don’t have time to travel across all 3,000 kilometres, you can choose to journey from Darwin or Adelaide to Alice Springs and vice versa.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with rural Australia’s unbeaten landscapes. Rolling pastoral hues of the South Australian Plains, rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges and tropical greens of Darwin all come together to create an unforgettable journey.

There’s an incredible menu of offtrain experiences to choose from too, ranging from scenic flights over Alice Springs to discovery walks through Simpsons Gap. A comfortable 90-minute flight over Alice Springs and its scenic surroundings is the perfect way to see Australia’s Outback from an entirely new perspective. As you fly over the arid landscapes, you’ll pass Gosses Bluff, once the largest meteor impact crater in Aus tralia, the River Todd and the enormous Ghan itself looking minuscule amongst the 642 kilometres of Australian bush.

If you opt for trekking through Simpsons Gap, you’ll discover over 40 rare species of plant, as well as the area’s fascinating Aboriginal history. Known as Rungutjirpa amongst the Aboriginal people, Simpsons Gap is thought to be the mythological home of their ancestors. Many dreaming trails and stories are set in this part of Australia and this important spiritual site has a truly ethereal feel to it. As you wander, enjoy the stillness as the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breathtaking display of distinctive form and striking colour.

For epic landscapes Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Travelling between three of Peru’s most stunning areas, Belmond’s Andean Explorer is one of the best ways to journey through Latin America’s striking landscapes. Traversing Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, the Belmond’s Andean Explorer is one of the world’s highest train routes. In unmatched style and comfort, the train effortlessly glides through Cusco’s cobbled streets and past Lake Titicaca’s spiritual shores before arriving in the unesco World Heritage ‘White City’ of Arequipa.

The exclusive feel continues through out the carriages, with interiors inspired by Peru’s traditional hand-woven fabrics and complemented with the soft tones of alpaca wool. The lounge car features a baby grand piano, offering the perfect setting for guests to come together and enjoy a convivial drink. Two dining cars on board serve contemporary cuisine, brought to life by local, seasonal produce from the Peruvian Andes. The real high light though, is the open-deck observation car; enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery whilst sipping on a Pisco sour is an experience few will forget.

On a typical two-night voyage, the highlights of journeying through Cusco include visiting the ancient archeological site of Raqch'i - once an important control point for the Incas - and soaking up the sunset over the La Raya mountain range.

As the train pulls into Lake Titicaca, catch a breathtaking sunrise over Latin America’s largest navigable body of water. Later in the day, enjoy a traditional boat ride out to the Uros Islands, before ending your time here with a private lunch on secluded Collata Beach. On the way to Arequipa, uncover a forgotten world as you venture through the Sumbay Caves, a cave system filled with paintings that are an estimated 8,000 years old. Once in the ‘White City,’ explore the metropolis’ nooks and crannies on a panoramic city tour.

For cultural discovery Aqua Mekong, Vietnam & Cambodia

For a memorable discovery of Southeast Asia, take to the waters aboard the Aqua Mekong on a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Spanning an astonishing 4,350 kilometres, the Mekong River is the lifeblood to communities across the continent. From its icy beginning on the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong winds its way through China, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia before breaking out into Vietnam’s vast Mekong Delta. Rice paddies, fruit orchards, fish farms and floating villages all rely on the river’s bounty and the riverside communities are a real delight to explore.

The best way to journey along the Mekong is on a refined luxury river cruise, offering a wonderful way to meet locals and witness life along the river banks. One of our favourite boats is the Aqua Mekong, complete with an outdoor deck, shaded infinity pool and a one-to-one staff to guest ratio that offers complete luxury - with the unwavering attention of a dedicated staff member, your every need is catered for. Whilst on board, indulge in the spa, relax in the library or kick back in a private cabana next to the ship’s plunge pool.

Mekong cruises generally last any where between three days and a week, with a seven-day itinerary the perfect length for in-depth exploration.

For an educational introduction to the Mekong, climb aboard a sampan - a traditional flat-bottomed boat - to paddle through Vietnam’s Cai Be floating market, home to everything from Vietnamese fish sauce to colourful confectionery. For a break from the water, head deep into the acacia flooded Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Explore the 845 hectares filled with 70 different bird species here, or scale the 230 metre (755 feet) high Sam Mountain, presided over by the venerable Mahayana Buddhist monks at Long Son Tu Temple. Round off your river cruise with an exploration of wildlife and sustainable development efforts in Tonle Sap Lake, one of South east Asia’s largest freshwater lakes.

For cruising the waters in style Alexa J, Greece

Away from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots, Greece’s Ionian islands bring together world-class beaches, laid-back locals and delectable food. Each of the islands has its own personality, ranging from mountains covered with olive trees to ancient temples. From the sea turtles of Kefalonia to the rolling hills of Zakynthos, this picturesque slice of Europe is ripe for exploration.

A unique charter yacht experience, the Alexa J allows travellers to sail the Ionian seas in complete luxury. With uber-stylish interiors and world-class bespoke service, this one-cabin superyacht gives any couple or family the luxury of complete privacy. There’s also an additional cabin below the front deck, perfect for younger members of the family. An onboard crew of six - including a dive instructor and spa therapist - means any itinerary can be personalised to your interests. The path your boat takes through the Ionian islands is also completely up to you, so sailing the Alexa J is a truly bespoke adventure.

On a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, indulge in a secluded picnic under a 100-year-old olive tree. If food is your thing, a culinary odyssey of juicy grilled peaches and scrumptious feta cheese awaits. Onboard, your chef will surprise you with a seven-course tasting journey of delicious Grecian delicacies. For family vacations, tailored diving lessons help adults and children alike get acquainted with the underwater world. However you choose to explore the Ionian islands, doing so on the Alexa J is an experience that is sure to create lifelong memories.

Pack your bags Take a more mindful approach to travel from $9,340 per person → jacada.travel/slowtravel Contact us to find out more about any of these destinations: London / Cape Town: enquiries@jacadatravel.com Hong Kong: travel@jacadatravel.com