Spring Into Slow Travel
Best Spring Travel Destinations: Where to unwind & embrace mindful travel
After months of battling bouts of seasonal depression (thanks, as always, post-Christmas winters), spring is nearly here! The days are longer, sunnier, the grass is greener, and suddenly, we’re seeing birds that aren’t crows soaring through the sky. And just like that, we find ourselves with the strength to stay awake past 6pm, the urge to lighten our hair, and the radical notion of making a meal that isn’t broth-based.
Discover the best slow travel destinations this spring — from sipping tea in the Cotswolds to birdwatching in Costa Rica, these getaways are inspiration to embrace the season and live in the moment.
Spring is nature’s annual reminder that we, too, can come back to life. But here’s the thing — just because we’re emerging from hibernation doesn’t mean we need to go from zero to 100.
Enter: slow travel. The antidote to the fast-paced, packed-itinerary, stress-inducing kind of trip that leaves you needing another vacation. Instead of racing from landmark to landmark, slow travel is about actually being where you are — taking the time to sip, stroll, and savor. It’s about easy mornings, long meals, unplanned detours, and those rare, quiet moments where you can pause, breathe, and truly feel the magic of travel.
If the thought of cramming a dozen sightseeing stops into a single day is a little too reminiscent of hopping from one meeting to the next, consider a trip that mirrors the season itself: fresh, unhurried, and full of small, beautiful moments. Below are a few favorite places to embrace slow travel this spring, inspired by firsthand experiences, research, and — let’s be honest — the urge to make a collage of aesthetic spring pictures (seen above).
Slow travel in the English Cotswolds
Sips, scones, & scenic strolls through the English countryside
We aren’t afraid to admit that this article was inspired by increasingly more invasive thoughts of warm scones slathered in clotted cream and raspberry jam. If you, too, can’t stop imagining this, accompanied by tiers of crustless cucumber and egg salad sandwiches and bite-sized colorful cakes around three in the afternoon, you need to get yourself to the Cotswolds by teatime.
This idyllic corner of England has all the ingredients for a slow and peaceful spring escape: picture-perfect villages, cozy stone cottages, friendly locals, and endless rolling hills. It’s the kind of place where you can fully embrace the art of taking your time, without the hustle of the usual tourist scene.
Visit The Slaughters Manor House in the charming village of Lower Slaughter, where you can have afternoon tea in a historic manor surrounded by lush English gardens. Sip your Earl Grey, savor your scones, and afterward, take a leisurely walk through the gardens and through the stunning countryside dotted with still-fluffy sheep. This little stroll is not just scenic, but also doubles as a good strategy to build your appetite back up for dinner, of course! By the end of your day, you’ll have a full, happy stomach and a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures — a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are the ones taken in stride.
Slow travel in Tuscany
Fresh pasta, wine, & farm-to-table bliss in the Italian countryside
There’s a reason the world is obsessed with Italy, and it’s not just the pasta (though, honestly, that’s a big part of it). Beyond the postcard-perfect diverse landscapes and centuries of fascinating history, Italians have mastered the art of living well — savoring moments, meals, and everything in between.
Tuscany, in particular, is where slow living isn’t just encouraged — it’s a way of life. Spend a day wandering sun-drenched fields and vineyards, harvesting herbs for a meal you’ll enjoy later, and learning the secrets of Tuscan cooking from people who take their olive oil very seriously. You’ll sip wine made from grapes that never had to leave the property and indulge in food so fresh it’ll ruin you for anything not prepared by an Italian grandmother ever again.
For the ultimate countryside feast, head to Fattoria La Vialla near Arezzo, where the wine flows, the olive oil is dangerously good, and the farm-to-table meals taste like they were made just for you (because they were).
And because no Tuscan adventure is complete without a little something extra — why not throw in a truffle hunt? Picture adorable, eager-to-please dogs leading the charge, you cheering them on like a proud parent, and the grand finale: an unforgettable meal starring the truffles you (okay, mostly the dogs) just unearthed. It’s earthy, indulgent, and the best way to savor the fruits (or rather, fungi) of your labor.
Tuscany isn’t just a place—it’s a state of mind. One that involves great wine, even better food, and a gentle reminder that the best things in life are meant to be savored.
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Slow travel in Chiang Mai
Local markets, cooking classes & elephant encounters in Thailand's cultural hub
Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is where slow travel meets sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s a place to swap the rush of sightseeing for something more hands-on — like perfecting the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in a Thai curry or having a heart-melting encounter with Thailand’s most majestic residents.
Let’s start with a meal and build up to the elephants, shall we? A Thai cooking class is a must while in Southeast Asia, and Thai Farm Cooking School, tucked in a lush garden surrounded by rice paddies, turns cooking into an is-this-even-real-life experience. You’ll begin by visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hand-picking herbs and vegetables straight from the farm. Then, you’ll learn to craft dishes so good, you’ll wonder what your palate even knew before this trip to Thailand. And if you time your visit right (mid-April), you can also take part in Songkran, Thailand’s legendary water festival, where the entire country turns into the most joyful water fight on earth.
We’d be remiss to talk about traveling to Chiang Mai mindfully without mentioning the opportunity to interact with its incredible wildlife. Enter Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where you can spend time with rescued elephants in their natural habitat. No rides, no tricks — just ethical, up-close encounters where you can feed, bathe, and even splash around with these gentle giants. It’s an unforgettable experience that gives back to both the animals and the local community, proving that some of the best travel moments come from slowing down and connecting with the world around you.
At the end of the day, slow travel in Chiang Mai isn’t about seeing everything — it’s about savoring the moments that stay with you long after you leave. And whether that’s the lingering heat of a Thai papaya salad or the feeling of an elephant’s trunk playfully spraying you with water, it’s the kind of travel that changes you in all the best ways.
Slow travel around Arenal
A Costa Rican wellness retreat with bird watching & hot springs soaks
Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for slow travel, and the Arenal Volcano region is the perfect spot to take it easy while living life fully. Lush rainforests, natural hot springs, and tranquil eco-lodges make it a haven for those looking to reconnect with nature.
OK, (cracks knuckles) let’s talk about birdwatching, because now that we (your author and her proofreader) are in our mid-30s, we have awakened to the fact that birds are everywhere and birds are fascinating. Even if you’re not in your bird-watching prime yet (trust me, your day will come), Arenal is a paradise, home to over 400 species — including the ever-elusive quetzal and vibrant scarlet macaws. No rush here — just find a quiet spot, grab your binoculars, and enjoy nature’s show.
If you’re after something a bit more active, go on a jungle hike and then take a dip in the natural hot springs. Heated by the Arenal Volcano, places like Tabacon and Baldi let you soak in rejuvenating waters surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a truly therapeutic experience, and the volcanic mud makes for an incredible face mask.
For a full wellness experience, stay at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge — a locally owned, sustainable rainforest gem with stunning views of Arenal Volcano. The lodge’s commitment to incredible hospitality and giving back to the local community makes it a special place to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and recharge.
Embrace slow travel this spring
Spring is about awakening to new experiences, and slow travel is the perfect way to do just that. Whether it’s sipping tea in the England, savoring local flavors in Italy, feeding elephants bananas in Thailand, or soaking in volcanic hot springs in Costa Rica, slow travel invites you to embrace the season at your own pace.
Have you been to any of these spots, or do you have your own favorite spring destination for slow travel? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
