Unpack your bags and stay a while on our slowcations where you’ll be able to experience an area in-depth without moving from place to place and re-packing every day. Unlike cruises and tour groups with 40 people or more, you won’t be taken to tourist traps so the guide can earn a commission or be herded towards a buffet and forced to eat mediocre food.
You’ll stay in carefully-selected accommodations such as a historic villa in Tuscany or a noble estate in Portugal and experience the area like a local as you soak in the culture at your own pace.
Our slowcations include activities with the group so you can meet new travel buddies as well as some free time in case you prefer to do things on your own. A slowcation is the perfect way to see a beautiful, new place and still have a relaxing vacation!
During the first days of each slowcation, some activities, excursions, and meals are included. This gives you the chance to get to know your fellow travelers and become familiarized with your new surroundings. Thereafter, you’ll have some free days to explore on your own or with others from the group.
At each destination, your slowcation leader will offer some optional activities. If you do not wish to participate in these, you are welcome to make plans on your own or with others in the group. Your slowcation leader is there to answer your questions and with sufficient notice, can also help you arrange taxis or transportation.
Seeing the most famous attractions while swimming through crowds of tourists can cause you to miss out on experiencing the joys of local life and culture. Our slowcations let you experience local life in the area as you get to know the vendors at the local farmer’s market, chat with the locals during idle walks around the town, visit artisans who produce regional goods, and more!
If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your vacation with some independence to “do your own thing” as well as the convenience of a group so you can explore with others if you so choose.
Our slowcations are designed for the semi-independent traveler. In your free time, it is completely up to you to choose what you’d like to do. Your slowcation leader can answer questions and offer advice but it is up to you to plan what you want to do, see, eat, etc. on the free days. We’ve selected destinations with plenty of things nearby to do and see so you won’t ever get bored!
The minimum age on our tours is 18. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s – early 70s with many being solo female travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the dynamic created by the group. As long as you come with a positive attitude, an open mind, and an adventurous spirit, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!