The life-changing magic of slow travel in Scotland

Slow travel in Scotland is one of the trips that you should take this year because it is meant to change your life. There is an emerging travel trend called “slow travel,” which is an approach that emphasises being one with nature; connecting with locals, and experiencing the culture. Slow travel means that the trip is meant to educate and have an emotional impact, in the present moment and for the future, while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment.

Our days are already busy, we don’t need our holidays to be busy too. So, forget the checklist and the agenda and social media, and just chill. Slow travel is all about building a deeper connection with a place, and your holiday can begin before you even set out on your adventure. Scotland has inspired generations of writers, artists and academics. Let it inspire you too.

Here are some of the ways how you can enjoy slow travel in Scotland.

Slow down

Adventures or travel, in general, do not always need to happen at 100 miles per hour! It’s your holiday, so you decide when to move and when to rest. Set your own schedule and allow yourself to take things at your own pace.

For example, take a twilight walk on Orkney, which is renowned for its spectacular sunsets – particularly during the white night season. Watch the sun as it almost dips below the horizon at around 10 pm at a dramatic spot like Longagleeb. White nights in Orkney give you an opportunity to explore the islands without being pressured for time.

Get out of your comfort zone

Scotland offers a plethora of adventures and experiences. Now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and try new things and Scotland is the perfect place to do just that. You will be amazed at the freedom and what you will discover if you travel without a strict schedule or itinerary. Live the rural life and stay on a Scottish working farm and discover a new way of living.

Through slow travel in Scotland, see what the locals do during their spare time and exchange a word with them, try local produce and cuisine; or support a local business.

Travel sustainably

It may be cliché to say “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” but Scotland proves that the gorgeous landscapes, great experiences, and friendly people make your visit and the journey all worth it. Getting from point A to point B or seeing all of the attractions is not the goal of your trip, but to learn something new and add value to your life.

Moreover, Scotland is not a place where you have to spend a lot in order to enjoy your holiday. Choose a holiday that will leave you feeling rested and recuperated and will leave a positive impact on the destination and the residents living there. Embark on wellness and creative holidays. Using public transport is much more sustainable and can also save you money.

Stay longer

After being unable to travel for quite some time, you deserve a much longer holiday this time. Book a longer trip to Scotland and go home feeling a deeper connection to the place you choose. Spend more time in one place and you might find yourself getting to know the locals and their lifestyle.

Rail journeys are a great way to relax, de-stress and reflect upon the passing countryside. Take this classic slow travel experience to the next level onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that snakes across the Scottish Highlands, and book an appointment at its unique spa. Experience the kinds of treatments you would find at any luxury spa, including facials, massages and manicures during this smoothest and most leisurely of rail journeys.

Less is more

When embarking on slow travel in Scotland, there should be no pressure to tick everything off your bucket list or itinerary. One of the perks of slow travel in Scotland is the wide-ranging experiences it offers. Furthermore, Scotland is full of wonderful accommodations where you can spend as much or as little as you like.

Ditch the checklist of places to see and things to do on your next visit to Scotland and discover the pleasures of slow travel. In short, it’s about getting to know a corner of the country and making a connection with its people, food, culture and natural environment.

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