The philosophy of slow travel has roots in slow cooking. This concept originated in Rome where the Italian journalist Carlo Petrini staged a movement against the arrival of a major fast food outlet in the historic center. Petrini hoped to inspire travelers to relish their meals and celebrate traditional customs over a quick fix. We see also slow travel beautifully represented in Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, Eat, Pray, Love, where the journalist commits to longer stays in Italy, India, and Indonesia.

How you choose to interpret the slow travel trend for yourself is flexible: there are no set terms as to how long or how little you should spend in a given place. 

Slow travel might translate into staying closer to home on your next vacation and getting more acquainted with your own backyard. It may mean adopting sustainable practices such as committing to journeys by rail or taking a river cruise. You may opt for a backcountry hiking expedition or a cycling vacation. Slow travel may mean packing your laptop and splitting your time between work and exploration or seeking volunteering initiatives that give back to local communities. 

Let's embark on a journey up the Rhine River, exploring the charming towns of Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg in Germany. Join me as we delve into their rich history and exciting culture and uncover hidden gems tucked away in these picturesque destinations!
​
Docking at the industrious Ludwigshafen provides us the opportunity to venture inland towards the quintessential German city of Heidelberg. Deemed as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Heidelberg lies nestled in the Neckar River Valley, embraced by lush forest, and along Germany's famed Castle Road. 

As we continue our river cruise journey, we embark on the charming Neckar River, winding our way to the medieval marvels of Ladenburg and Speyer, Germany. 

We start in Ladenburg, where time seems to stand still. A stroll around its cobbled alleys will take you back to the Middle Ages, with half-timbered houses, an ancient marketplace, and the breathtaking Martin's Church. Don't miss the ancient Roman ruins and the beautiful Ladenburg Castle. Ladenburg's beauty radiates from every corner, highlighted by its classic German architecture.

​Find your way to the captivating Ladenburg Marktplatz, a marketplace that has been the town's pulsating center for hundreds of years - a charming spectacle you simply wouldn't want to miss.

Summer is drawing to a close which means it’s time to dig out your salopettes and plan this year’s winter getaway. The ski season in Europe is dominated by the Alps with high-altitude, high-end resorts concentrated in France, Austria, and Switzerland. Beyond the slopes, these picturesque villages offer a rich après ski experience of fine dining, spa treatments, and upscale shopping. 

Val Thorens, France

As one of the highest-altitude ski destinations in the French Alps, Val Thorens is always one of the first resorts to open for the season while skiable snow is guaranteed. The resort sits at 2,300 meters while runs reach 3,230 meters. Skiing is available to beginners but intermediate and advanced skiers will get the most out of this particular resort.

Val Thorens is one component of the Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées) area; the world’s largest alpine ski domain. The majority of the traditionally built luxury chalets in Val Thorens come with a Jacuzzi and ski-in/ski-out privileges. If you purchase the full ski pass, these amenities make all the difference. 

Finland’s capital city sits at the south of the country overlooking the Gulf of Finland and towards Tallinn. This Nordic city is somewhat overlooked in favor of its Scandinavian neighbors of Copenhagen and Oslo. As a tourist destination, Helsinki offers thought-provoking architecture, beautiful green spaces, exciting seasonal cuisine, sauna bathing, and close proximity to Finnish nature. 

What to See in Helsinki
​
Start your Helsinki exploration in Market Square. This harborside market brings together artisans and food vendors with treats and souvenirs to reflect the season. From here, you can wander into Esplanade Park where musicians perform during summer and locals loll beneath the sun. To the east stand the Uspenskini and Helsingin cathedrals. 

There is an impressive supply of museums and galleries in central Helsinki covering maritime history, contemporary art, and the unique Finnish postal system. The National Museum of Finland takes you back to the Stone Age. All artifacts are annotated in English and you should anticipate spending a minimum of three hours.