How to Travel Slower (and Still See Everything You Want)

Gabriella Steinhauser
Apr 14
3 min read

We’ve all seen it: the itinerary that tries to cram 9 cities into 10 days.

You’re packing and repacking constantly. You spend more time on trains than in museums. By the time you get home, you need a vacation from your vacation.

What if there was a better way?

In this post, I’ll show you how to travel smarter, slower, and more meaningfully — while still seeing the places on your bucket list. This is how I build every itinerary I plan for clients: not just efficient, but enjoyable.

💨 The Problem With Rushed Travel

When you try to pack in too much, here’s what often happens:

You lose hours to checking in and out
You spend more on transportation
You feel stressed, not rested
You forget to be in the moment — because you’re always thinking about what’s next

It might look good on paper… but it rarely feels good in real life.

🧭 What “Slow Travel” Actually Means

Slow travel isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what matters better.

That could mean:

Spending 4 nights in a city instead of 2
Taking a walking tour instead of rushing through museums
Eating at one amazing restaurant instead of three quick meals
Sitting in a square for an hour with a glass of wine — and not worrying what you’re missing

It’s not lazy. It’s intentional.

🛫 My Tips for Planning a Slower Trip (That Still Delivers)

1. Limit the Cities

If you have 10 days, I typically recommend no more than 3 cities or base locations. That gives you 2–4 days in each, enough to explore deeply and rest when needed.

If you want to move more, focus on regions (e.g., Tuscany instead of 4 different Italian cities).

2. Bundle Days by Theme

Alternate between high-energy days and relaxing ones. If Tuesday is a big tour day, make Wednesday slower — with just a market visit or a scenic walk.

I help balance the flow so you don’t crash mid-trip.

3. Travel Between Stops Midday

Instead of catching an early train or a late-night flight, I’ll often recommend a mid-morning transfer — so you can sleep in, eat breakfast, and check into your next hotel without stress.

4. Pick Lodging That Feels Like Home

Boutique hotels, apartments, or cozy B&Bs can turn a simple stop into a place you love returning to. If you’re going to spend 3–4 nights somewhere, it should feel comfortable.

I help select places that are well-located, peaceful, and feel like a part of the experience.

5. Add Built-In Free Time

In every itinerary I design, I leave room to wander. That means:

Morning blocks without a plan
Whole afternoons to choose between shopping, napping, or exploring
Optional add-ons if you feel energized (but no pressure if not)

🧘‍♀️ Why It’s Better Than the Packed Itinerary

Slower travel gives you:

More depth: You notice details — like smells, sounds, and conversations — that rushed travel misses
More connection: With locals, your travel partner, and yourself
More memories: Because you weren’t in a blur of luggage and Google Maps
More value: You actually enjoy what you paid for

🌍 Examples From Real Clients

A 12-day Italy trip that focused only on Florence, Tuscany, and Rome — and felt relaxing, not exhausting
A Portugal honeymoon that included two cities, but plenty of long dinners and local markets
A solo traveler in Paris who spent her free time journaling in gardens instead of racing through sights

None of them regretted seeing less. They all said they experienced more.