“At 62, I traded bucket lists for balcony sunsets. Here’s why slow travel isn’t a trip—it’s it’s a lifestyle. It’s the art of coming home to yourself, one unhurried moment at a time.”
My Slow Travel Awakening
I’ll never forget my first “vacation” as a new solo traveler: 7 countries in 21 days. By day 10, I was exhausted, my suitcase was a tornado, and I’d forgotten which city housed the cathedral I’d rushed past. Then, in Portugal, I rented a tiny apartment for a month.
- I learned the barista’s name (“Bom dia, Maria!”).
- I joined a senior watercolor class in the park.
- I spent Tuesday mornings reading at the same café, watching fishermen mend nets.
That month didn’t just recharge me—it rewired me. Slow travel became my love letter to curiosity.
Why Slow Travel is Your Superpower After 60
| Rushed Travel | Slow Travel | Your Win |
| “Check sights off a list” | “Notice the lemon tree outside your window” | Deep presence → joy in small moments |
| “Live out of a suitcase” | “Unpack, decorate, nest” | Comfort = energy for exploration |
| “Pay nightly rates” | Airbnb monthly discounts (30-60% off!) | Save $$ for wine tastings! |
| “Surface-level chats” | “Become ‘Tia Cherrie’ to local kids” | Authentic connection → belonging |
Your 5-Step Slow Travel Blueprint
1. Pick Your “Temporary Hometown”
- Senior-Friendly Havens:
- Lisbon, Portugal: Cobblestone charm, 30% senior transit discounts, $900/month apartments.
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Expat community, gentle climate, $1,200/month casitas.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand: $500 villas with pools, legendary street food, calm energy.
- Tool: Use Nomad List to filter for walkability, safety, and senior amenities.
2. Master the 28-Day Stay Rule
- Airbnb Hack: Always book 28+ days for massive discounts:
https://example.com/airbnb-discount-senior
- Pro Tip: Message hosts:
“I’m a senior solo traveler seeking peace for a month. Any extra discount for a quiet guest?”
(80% say yes!)
3. Design Your “Local Rhythm”
Sample Slow Travel Week:
- Monday: Market visit → cook local dish
- Tuesday: Free walking tour → coffee with new friends
- Wednesday: Volunteer at community garden
- Thursday: Siesta + journaling
- Friday: Senior discount day at museums
- Weekend: Day trip via train (no packing/unpacking!)
4. Pack Light, Live Deep
Senior Slow Travel Capsule Wardrobe:
- 4 tops (quick-dry fabric)
- 2 bottoms (stretchy, dark colors)
- 1 dress (“fancy” café-ready)
- Your Pink Blanket (non-negotiable soul anchor!)
Pro Tip: Use eBags Packing Cubes to organize in 10 mins.
5. Seek “Micro-Moments,” Not Monuments
- Slow Joy Practices:
- Learn 5 phrases in the local language (use LingoDeer → affiliate link).
- Adopt a “bench ritual” (watch street life daily).
- Take a skill-based class (pottery, dance, cooking).
3 Slow Travel Fears (Busted!)
- “Won’t I get bored?”
- Reality: Boredom births creativity. Sketch that plaza! Write haikus about clouds!
- Cherrie’s Fix: I bought watercolors in Italy → painted my balcony view daily.
- “What if I feel isolated?”
- Reality: Slow travel = deeper bonds. I’ve godmothered Lisbon twins!
- Tool: Join Internations for local expat meetups.
- “Isn’t it expensive?”
- Reality: Monthly stays slash costs. My Portugal apartment: $28/night!
- Hack: Use saved money for food tours → Taste of San Miguel ($45).
Your Slow Travel Starter Kit
- Free Download: Slow Travel Budget Planner (compares monthly vs. nightly costs)
- Packing List: Ultimate Senior Slow Travel Checklist
- Community: Join Silver Slow Travelers Club on Facebook
The Unspoken Truth About Slow Travel
"Slowness isn’t laziness—it’s reverence.
It’s realizing that the curl of steam
from your morning tea in a Chiang Mai garden
holds more magic than any rushed selfie
at a crowded monument."
Your Invitation:
- Book a 28-day stay in your dream locale (Airbnb).
- Download my Slow Travel Planner.
- Breathe deeper. Move softer. Savor fiercely.
P.S. In my 1:1 Slow Travel Design Sessions, we’ll:
- Map your perfect “temporary hometown”
- Craft a month-long cultural immersion plan
- Turn anxiety into anticipation
➡️ Book Your Session Here
“Three years ago, I raced through cities. Today, I know the name of every barista in Lisbon. That’s the magic of slow travel: it doesn’t just show you the world—it lets the world seep into your soul.”
— Cherrie, Your Slow Travel Guide
Affiliate Disclosure: I only share tools I use! Purchases via links may earn me a small commission.
CTA: “Share your dream slow travel destination below! I’ll send you my insider tips!”
