What Is Slow Travel and Why It Matters Today

By Marie. November 17, 2025

St. Gregory the Great Parish Church. Widely referred to as Majayjay Church.

The Art of Traveling Slowly

In a world that glorifies speed and checklists, slow travel invites us to pause. It’s not about how many places you visit—it’s about how deeply you connect with each one. This mindful approach to travel is gaining momentum, especially among those who crave authenticity, sustainability, and soul-stirring experiences.

Why Slow Travel Matters

  1. Eco-conscious exploration: Fewer flights and longer stays reduce your carbon footprint.
    - Choosing longer stays over quick hops means fewer flights, less fuel consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint.
    - It encourages sustainable tourism: when you linger, you support local businesses consistently rather than contributing to fleeting, high-impact tourism.
    - Slow travel often leads you to discover eco-friendly accommodations, community farms, and heritage sites that thrive on mindful visitors rather than mass tourism.
  2. Mental wellness: Slowing down helps you stay present and avoid travel fatigue.
    - Traveling slowly allows you to savor the present moment instead of rushing through a checklist of attractions.
    - It reduces stress and “travel burnout,” giving your body and mind time to adjust to new environments.
    - The pace invites reflection—journaling, sketching, or simply sitting in a plaza watching life unfold becomes part of the journey.
    - You return home not exhausted, but restored, carrying memories that feel lived rather than consumed.
  3. Cultural connection: You engage more meaningfully with locals and their traditions.
    - Staying longer in one place opens doors to genuine relationships: you might be invited to a family meal, a local festival, or a community gathering.
    - You begin to notice nuances—rituals, gestures, flavors—that short visits often miss.
    - Slow travel shifts you from being a spectator to being a participant, weaving your story into the fabric of the place.
    - It’s not just about seeing culture—it’s about feeling it, sharing it, and letting it change you.
  4. Rediscovering the familiar: Even nearby towns can feel like new worlds when you take your time.
    - Sometimes the most profound journeys happen close to home. A nearby town, when explored slowly, reveals hidden histories, forgotten architecture, or flavors you’ve overlooked.
    - Familiar landscapes become layered with meaning when you pause: a river you’ve crossed countless times suddenly tells stories of trade, migration, or childhood play.
    - Slow travel teaches that wonder isn’t always distant—it can be found in the everyday, if you give it time.

Travel isn’t always about going far. Sometimes, it’s about going deep.

A Slow Day in Majayjay, Laguna

Last Thursday, I found myself in Majayjay, a sleepy town nestled at the foot of Mount Banahaw. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention. One needs to listen closely because it sings.

The day began with a celebration of the second 7-11 store of my friend's sister. I made new friends, met a few locals. We walked through a busy street, where the air smelled of earth and 10AM sunlight. Locals greeted us with warm smiles and curious glances.

Lunch with the Locals

After the traditional ribbon cutting, tossing coins, now considered lucky amulets to be kept in wallets, followed. It was hilarious. Then we moved to a hall, about three blocks away from the 7-11 outlet, where a feast of lechon, pancit canton, menudo, chopsuey, fried fish, rice, other pork and beef dishes awaited. Over the delicious lunch fare, the company I met shared stories about Majayjay’s history. But, this wasn't the first time I visited Majayjay. I came to know of some of Majayjay's attractions when we met the young Vice-Mayor of the town, Ariel Arcenal Argañosa, three weeks ago:

  • Tulay ng Pige. Built in 1851, it was Called Puente del Capricho because it was built out of the kapritso of the Spanish parish priest, folks say. It's an unfinished bridge as mentioned by Dr. Jose Rizal in his 'El Filibusterismo.
  • Taytay Falls, nature’s cold embrace because it boasts of naturally cold waters.
  • St. Gregory the Great Parish Church. Widely referred to as Majayjay Church. I took great interest in this church because it connected me to memories of century old churches of my birthplace, Iloilo. When I first set foot there, I stood in stillness. The air was thick with incense and history. I didn’t need to pray — I just needed to be.

Reflections

As the sun was about to dip behind the mountains, our party also ended. I realized: I hadn’t done much. But I promised I'll return and rediscover Majayjay slowly, perhaps, deeply.

Slow travel isn’t a trend — it’s a return to what travel was always meant to be: a journey of presence, connection, and wonder. If you’re feeling burnt out by the rush, maybe it’s time to wander slowly—and let places like Majayjay remind you how to feel again.