Countries, I Don't Argue Their Importance, But I Choose Not to Quantify Them
In the world of travel blogging, it's common to see individuals racing from one destination to the next, eagerly collecting passport stamps and sharing their whirlwind experiences with their followers. However, one travel blogger stands out from the crowd, advocating for a more thoughtful and immersive approach to travel.
Meet the author, a passionate explorer who values quality time over quantity. With less than twenty countries under their belt, they have chosen to prioritise depth over breadth, believing that the number of countries visited is not what truly matters.
The benefits of this slow and deep travel philosophy are manifold. By spending extended periods in fewer places, the author forms deeper cultural connections, reducing travel stress, discovering authentic local experiences, and fostering sustainability.
In South America, the author has spent at least a month in five countries, allowing them to delve deeper into the local culture, cuisine, and political climate. This approach has enabled them to engage more meaningfully with local people and daily life, moving beyond the typical tourist experience to gain insights not accessible on brief visits.
Slow travel also makes for a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience. By minimising the constant transit and tight schedules associated with fast-paced itineraries, the author can truly unwind and appreciate the beauty of each destination.
Moreover, slow travel supports sustainable tourism by minimising environmental impact through less frequent transportation and encouraging support for small, local businesses over large chains. This method of travel is linked with a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the places visited and a smaller carbon footprint.
The author's favourite country is Catalunya, with Barcelona being their favourite European city. Despite visiting over 60 countries since the first publication of their post in 2015, they still return to many of their favourite countries, proving that quality over quantity is their guiding principle.
The author's approach to travel is not a stamp collection but an experience. They encourage readers to slow down, move less, stop longer, and travel deeper. Their number one advice for newbie travelers is to embrace this philosophy, as they believe it will result in a richer experience and getting more out of a trip.
However, not everyone agrees with the author's approach. A Twitter user once criticised them for not having visited many countries. But the author remains undeterred, continuing to advocate for slow and deep travel, believing that it offers a more meaningful and sustainable way to explore the world.
Despite sometimes feeling guilty for returning to the same places instead of seeking new experiences and cultures, the author's list of places they want to go back to is always longer than the list of places they want to visit. Recently, they returned from their second trip to Costa Brava in six months, eager to immerse themselves in the region's rich history and culture once more.
In conclusion, the author's slow and deep travel philosophy enhances cultural immersion, personal well-being, and environmental and economic sustainability, contrasting with the superficial and often exhausting experience of trying to quickly visit many countries. The author invites readers to share their opinions on this travel philosophy and encourages everyone to consider adopting a similar approach to their own travels.
The travel blogger advocates for a slow and deep travel approach that prioritizes cultural connections, authentic experiences, relaxation, and sustainability, in contrast to the fast-paced touring of multiple destinations. Despite not having visited many countries, they maintain that quality time spent in fewer places offers a more meaningful and sustainable way to explore the world.
