If you’ve ever joined one of our adventures around the world, you’ll know that we’re all about slow travel. Yes, we make sure our itineraries are full of different activities, but we always make sure to give you plenty of time to explore at your own pace and really get to know the city or area we’re in. In the summer this is easier, as everyone likes leisurely lunches in the sunshine or downtime by the pool. Traveling around Christmas however can tempt people away from these simple joys and make you feel like you need to rush around every day, so here are our tips for mastering the art of slow travel this time of year:

The Beauty of Winter Wanderings

When the weather is cooler it is easy to plan lots of activities for your trip, thinking that it will be good to stay inside where possible and make the most of quieter attractions. However, so much of what makes winter travel fun, especially in European destinations, is wandering and discovering interesting things.

Yes, it may feel cold, but wrap up warm and give yourself plenty of time to explore. The wintery landscapes of both cities and the countryside feel very different, almost like you are getting a perspective that most visitors don’t get to see. 

If you rush from museum to church, shop to restaurant, you risk missing so much of what makes winter travel special. Wander and enjoy seeing the Christmas lights displayed in town squares and storefront windows, stroll round festive markets and taste local traditional dishes at a relaxed pace. All these allow you to have a more reflective experience.

Let Go Of the Checklist

One of the main ways to really embrace the art of slow travel is to prioritise fewer and more meaningful experiences.

Rather than creating long checklists of sights we must go to or viral food and drink items we have to try, we like to set out a top 3 list of our actual must-dos that we want to achieve during a trip. These are based on our own preferences and keeping it to just three things makes it far more achievable that we will do them.

Before you travel, think about what you want from your trip. Looking for a relaxing time to recharge before the new year starts? Research luxurious spa experiences or cozy cafes where you can read for a few hours. Is there something in your destination that you’ve always wanted to see or visit? Look into private tours or special access tickets to ensure that you have this covered.

Letting go of long checklists filled with activities you feel you should do will allow you to take your time in the places you really do want to explore.

Our Favorite Destinations Made for Slow Travel at Christmas

There are some places that are naturally better suited for slow travel at Christmas. Huge international cities like London, New York or Paris are always going to be full of energy, so if you’re looking for somewhere with a more relaxing pace, here’s where we suggest:

• Copenhagen – the Christmas markets and Tivoli Gardens are full of people enjoying the festive season, but Copenhagen as a whole definitely feels calm in winter. You’ll be able to explore Copenhagen’s history and food scene and still have plenty of time to get into the Christmas spirit – it may even snow!
• Budapest – we love Budapest in the winter. The hearty food is perfect for keeping you warm, and relaxing in one of the thermal spas is the ideal way to unwind. The Christmas markets are a lot of fun too, a great place to find some unique holiday gifts.
• Strasbourg – sitting right by the border with Germany, this French city is a delight to visit. The historic center is criss-crossed with bridges and filled with stunning architecture that reflects Strasbourg’s long history. At Christmas time it turns into a true winter wonderland with market stalls, lights and decorations everywhere, perfect for wandering.

Interested in finding out more about the Adventures With Sarah travel style? Check out our blog for lots of insights and travel tips here, and don’t miss Sarah’s YouTube channel for even more advice from her and our team.