With busier schedules, low-cost flights, great accommodation deals and technology at our fingertips, we have become used to hopscotching through our travel bucket lists. What if you could take things slower and really immerse yourself in your next trip? To stop the rush and instant gratification and spend some time up in the mountains overlooking snowcapped views or on a tropical beach villa with ocean views, just basking in the present – and, if it’s your thing, with an unending supply of Piña coladas?
As we take our first steps in the outside world again, we will be cognizant of the longest lockdown in modern history. With the accessibility of international travel, we sometimes forget the undiscovered treasures closer to home, but that’s changing, and especially for the +35-age group. In digital travel platform Agoda’s Next Decade Travel survey, travelers in the 35-44 and 55+ age groups are most likely to want to explore more of their own countries and territories (40% and 42% respectively), with travelers from China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, US, and Vietnam choosing domestic destinations within their top three wishlist choices for the coming decade.
Embrace a different pace
While taking a short-haul flight off to neighboring countries has become the norm, an alternative travel movement has been taking shape, helping travelers to slow down the pace and enjoy the ride. Taking a relaxing tram, train, bus, ferry journey or just driving through an encapsulating landscape can be an unforgettable experience.
Imagine stopping to immerse yourself entirely in a different town or city and finding the hidden gems only known to locals. Agoda’s recently launched long term rentals allowing bookings for up to 90 days on both Agoda Homes and hotels can translate into the sabbatical you always dreamt of. Travelers on Agoda.com can easily toggle between filters to choose what works best for them – from facilities like a gymnasium and Wi-Fi in urban landscapes or relaxing private beach views.
The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)
Slow travel gives the opportunity for us to enjoy the anticipation and excitement of once-in-a-lifetime holidays again, looking forward to the journey as well as the destination. Embrace that big city life in Bangkok, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh city or consider exploring up-and-coming destinations such as Oita in Japan, Daegu in South Korea, and Ha Long in Vietnam.
Consider going on an off-season adventure. Planning for a time that is different from the usual peak period would mean cheaper, fewer crowds, and authentic connections. Just imagine what the Colosseum looks like during autumn instead of summer. Or what Paris looks like after snowfall? Gorgeous!
Supporting local
Slow travel isn’t just about speed; it’s about the impact of your travel. You can support local businesses by eating at family-run restaurants or even staying at provincial homestays or independent hotels. Exploring your surroundings in an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ fashion, like bicycling and walking are excellent ways to uncover places and experiences that could become the highlights of your trip, stumbling upon little cafes and shops, you might never have found in books or online.
Exploring the world with the lightest environmental footprint possible is easier when you are prepared with reusable items like water bottles – to keep you hydrated while reducing plastic pollution. Be more environmentally friendly with your product choices, mindful of coral reefs when you set out on your discovery dive. Common ingredients in chemical sunscreens can harm coral reefs, swap to reef friendly skin products, or use natural ingredients like coconut oil to give us a chance to do our part while taking care of ourselves.
Carry less, go far
Simple things like turning off lights and air conditioning when leaving the hotel room, reusing towels and bedding, and being mindful of how much of the hotel toiletries you need, thus, creating less waste. “Flashpacking” or backpacking on a bigger budget, gives you less to worry about on your adventure. You can still look great and stay on top of your self-care routines with lightweight toiletry bags with travel-sized bottles. Quick wash and durable clothing, multipurpose shoewear for hiking/beach, and long walks cut down on suitcase space while keeping you prepared for an epic travel itinerary.
Slow travel: Taiwan
Taiwan has an extensive train network running along both the east and west coasts of the island. If you’d like the rail experience, you have the choice of stopping services or high-speed trains that run between Taipei and Kaohsiung in 90 minutes.
Yilan, a city situated in Northeastern Taiwan, is surrounded by sea and mountains, reached via an hour-long leisurely bus ride from the capital city of Taipei. I, Agoda, offers 1600+ choices of places to stay in Yilan, including Lakeshore Hotel a good option to stay at after a day spent on Lover’s Bay Beach, located in the neighborhood of Nanfangao, or Mystery Beach, situated in Nan’ao Township, with emerald blue waves.
Get spirited away at Jiufen, an old colonial seaside town located around a 45-minute drive from Taipei in Ruifang district, walking through streets lined with lanterns, year around. Better yet, why not stay in a quaint bed and breakfast or cozy homestay like Jiufen The Ocean Theory BnB while discovering the areas deep history.
For a touch of nature, a leisurely 20-minute drive from Taipei and located in the northernmost district of Taipei City province, bask in Beitou’s Hot Springs, and stay at Hotel Double One for a few days before heading back into town.
Slow travel: Thailand
What’s not to love about Thailand? Renowned for being a starting point for backpackers looking to cover Asia, Bangkok, ranked the most visited city in 2019, serves up a metropolitan mix of art, culture, and food. With liberal visa policies and convenient transportation between cities, Thailand offers frequent bus and flight options across the country, with journeys as short as one hour once you get out of Bangkok.
With more than 9000 accommodation options to suit every budget from the backpacker to luxury travel, Agoda has Bangkok covered. Whether you are looking for somewhere with kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, gymnasiums, swimming pools, or public spaces, Central Bangkok has it all. With proximity to the local train station, Grande Centre Point Hotel in accessible airport themed mall Terminal 21 in the heart of Bangkok is complete with a kitchenette and public spaces to work from.
However, if it is crystal-clear water you seek, the south of Thailand offers pristine white sand beaches, and multiple island-hopping options aboard traditional long tail boats with helmsmen that also double up as tour guides. Hop on between islands and take things easy.
If you like the island life and would like to stay for longer term stay, Koh Samui is a good option. The island of Koh Samui can be reached via a scenic drive to Surat Thani 9 hours from Bangkok, where a ferry ride can transport both you and your car across to the island of Koh Samui for the ultimate tropical getaway. Otherwise, if you want to get to the slow travel pace fast, Agoda offers flights with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket to Koh Samui. If you’d like a luxurious time away Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is what a digital nomad’s dreams are made of.
Slow travel: Philippines
Known as the “home of the winds” Batanes is the northernmost and smallest province in the Philippines. If you are looking for a little bit of everything – the sea, the hills and the peace and quiet – Batanes has it all. Stay at Agoda Home’s Stone Lodge Jisked to enjoy the coziness of stone masonry at this home away from home.
If beach is all you want you cannot get over the beauty of Palawan, El Nido will take your breath away. Discover some of the world’s best lagoons and beaches with clear water or go island hopping, El Nido is a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are feeling adventurous camp at Aetas Glamping El Nido.
Slow travel: South Korea
Enjoy the capital city of Seoul on foot with dazzling walking trails. The Seoul City Wall was built to provide protection of Seoul, formerly called Hanyang, against outside intruders. This 18.6-kilometer long wall follows the four mountain ridges of Inwangsan Mountain, Baegaksan Mountain, Naksan Mountain, and Namsan Mountain. The wall was once called Hanyangseonggwak (Seoul Fortress Wall), but its name officially changed to Hanyangdoeseong (Seoul City Wall) in July 2011.
There is a total of six different routes to choose from each presenting a charm of its own. Four trails follow the major mountain ridges: the Baegaksan Mountain Trail, Naksan Mountain Trail, Namsan Mountain Trail, and Inwangsan Mountain Trail; while the other two trails pass by two major city gates: the Sungnyemun Gate Trail and Heunginjimun Gate Trail. While you are out and about in the day embracing nature, come back to the well located, hipster Makers Hotel and enjoy local food at an array of restaurants and cafes close by.
Seoraksan National Park was designated the fifth national park in Korea and is located three hours away from Seoul by bus. With the mountain changing in color according to each season, a visit to Seoraksan Mountain guarantees a picturesque landscape at any time of the year. It has a variety of trails to suit all levels of hikers from one-day to three-day routes. Noteworthy hiking trails include Biseondae-Madeungryeong and Biseondae-Cheonbuldong-Daecheonbong Peak. Agoda has several properties in the area, including Ocean To You Resort equipped with essential amenities and a private beach. Enjoy a scenic bus ride ending directly at the gates of the National Park.
Slow travel: Indonesia
The village of Arborek is fast rising as a pioneer among the 18 beautiful villages in West Papua
that have embarked on developing local regulations for community-based marine conservation. Arborek is fascinating both underwater and in the village. Finding underwater beauty is not difficult here. Along the Arborek pier, divers can find a most intriguing illumination of ta gorgonian fan just below the surface. People in Arborek are hospitable and very industrious, creating exceptional handicrafts from sea pandan leaves. Agoda offers Stays at Meridian Adventure Marine Club and Resort located conveniently to both essential amenities as well as must-see destinations.
Experience Bali’s history, beauty, and culture including a trek up Mount. Batur with a stop for breakfast, and a visit to Kintamani Coffee Plantation with coffee tastings. Then visit the sacred 11th century Tirta Empul Temple.
See the Hindu-Balinese temple’s bathing area with holy spring water used for spiritual purification. Climb Mount Batur Volcano at sunrise and visit Kintamani Coffee Plantation Visit Tirta Empul Temple with a knowledgeable local guide to help you navigate local customs respectfully Sample locally grown coffee and stop for a light breakfast on the mountain Convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel and all entrance fees included. Stay at Agoda Home, Batur Lake View and enjoy breath-taking views right at your doorstep.
Slow travel: Vietnam
Take your time winding the clifftop roads outside of Nha Trang, or the breathtaking Hai Van Pass between Danang and Hue. Stop in the villages for a taste of small-town life and cuisine – as you meander through one of the region’s most fascinating areas.
The Hai Wan Pass which translates into ‘Sea of Clouds’ in Vietnamese is a 20-kilometer stretch joining the city of Da Nang and Lang Co in the Hue Province has views of undiscovered beaches shored by the South China Sea. Stay at Altara Suites Ri-Yaz and enjoy designed in post-modern style by international designer Salvador Perez Arroyo.
Nha Trang has everything to offer travelers whether looking for relaxation or cultural pursuits, with its white sand beaches, islands, it is also home to Buddhist temples, gothic catholic churches and natural hot springs. Want more to love? Nha Trang is walking and bicycle commute-friendly too. Stay at Agoda Home’s Liberty Central Hotel, located in the popular neighborhood of Loc Tho, located only 230 meters away from Nha Trang’s main beach.
Slow travel: Malaysia
Experience a smorgasbord of Eastern cultures in the diverse, cosmopolitan city of George Town, the beating heart of Penang Island. To get a full taste of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, travel on foot and weave your way around the main streets and intricate laneways for a dose of history and raw artistry as Penang is well-known as one of the top street-art destinations.
Make your way through the cacophony of hawkers and pushcart stalls amid busy traffic for some of the best street food around. You won’t go wrong by starting out your food journey on Burma Road in the day and ending it on Chulia Street at night.
For a slightly less physically taxing mode of transport, cop a ride on a trishaw or ‘beca’ as they are known in Malaysia, and make your way to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion for a peek into quintessential peranakan architecture and culture. From there, Khoo Kongsi – a lavishly decorated clan house built some 650 years ago, is only minutes away.
After a full-bellied tour of all that George Town has to offer, escape northwest to Batu Ferringhi – the prime beach destination in Penang and stay at Lone Pine Boutique Hotel by The Beach.
Sandakan is the second largest state in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu. Formerly the capital of the British North Borneo, this historical destination allows you to become one with nature as it is blessed with an abundance of rainforests. It is home to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conversation Center, where visitors can experience the lush rainforests and also observe the wildlife and their habitats.
While here, a visit to Gomantong Cave, one of the largest cave systems in Sabah, is a must. It is known for its bat and swiftlet population so having covered shoes and a hat will certainly come in handy. Another must on the itinerary is the Buli Sim Sim Water Village, a water village on stilts that paints the lives of local fishermen families and their daily activities. Take your pick of any one of the few seafood restaurants here and savor the fresh catches while enjoying the sea breeze. You can also bring home some preserved dried seafood as souvenirs for friends and families.
Lay your head at Sabah Hotel, an eco-friendly resort situated in the center of a tropical rainforest with breathtaking natural surroundings – one that is especially perfect for nature lovers.
