Since the founding of Can Cocollona in the city of Girona, our founder Montse has been eager to promote a concept that many might not be familiar with. We’re talking about #SlowTravel, and we use the hashtag to make it easier for our conscious travelers to discover.
We also wanted to discuss this particular concept because at Can Cocollona, where hundreds of tourists pass through each month, we are delighted to see the growing demand for ecotourism. For instance, a recent report from Booking in 2023 revealed that “69% of tourists want the money they spend while traveling to benefit the local community.”
This means that travelers are not only interested in the environment, but they also care about leaving a positive impact on local communities, and that is exactly what #SlowTravel promotes. “Slow” as in “leisurely” and “Travel,” meaning to TRAVEL SLOWLY.
And if you think about it, who taught us to travel in a rush? Why do we travel the way we do? Who said that travel has to be done in a particular way? Our goal with this article is to make you realize that there are other ways to travel, where you don’t necessarily have to hop from one destination to another. Instead, you can create an itinerary that allows for a deep connection with your chosen destination.
If you’re wondering, “What are the benefits of #SlowTravel?” Here at Can Cocollona, we’ve listed some advantages:
- Create a deeper connection
With #SlowTravel, taking your time allows you to immerse yourself in the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the locals, making the experience much more interesting because you go beyond the typical tourist spots.
- Say NO to stress
Not everything has to be rigidly planned. Traveling more slowly with #SlowTravel significantly reduces your stress levels, giving you more time to enjoy each experience as it comes.
- Increase environmental awareness
Another benefit of #SlowTravel is that your carbon footprint decreases (the footprint representing the amount of gases contributing to global warming and climate change). When you choose a single destination and move slowly between nearby places, the carbon footprint you leave behind is reduced, resulting in a more eco-friendly trip.
- Be more authentic
Through #SlowTravel, you can improvise, go for a walk, and who knows, maybe find the love of your life. For example, in conversations with our travelers at Can Cocollona Hostel, we heard about a group who went on a tour around the mountain and had the most spiritual experience of their lives. That’s what it’s all about—letting yourself be guided by local tours, park markets, traditional festivals, and seeing the destination not as a tourist but as a local.
- Save money
Accommodation deals, tips on cheap travel to nearby beaches, or the most organic and affordable markets are excellent options if you apply #SlowTravel and settle in a destination for the long term.
- Personal growth
Just as you need time for reflection and experiences to grow internally in life, the same applies when you travel. Doing so without any pressure allows you to take the time to learn to play the guitar, practice a new language, learn a new recipe, practice yoga, and many other activities.
- Say NO to mass tourism
#SlowTravel steers you away from being a common tourist and instead allows you to immerse yourself in a more personal experience, where along the way, you’re likely to discover hidden gems you never imagined finding—all because you stayed away from the crowds and traveled better!
- Be more flexible!
What’s the need to stick to a strict itinerary? Let go of that! Be freer! Explore! Change your plans without fear! Set aside rigidity! Get lost in the streets! #SlowTravel teaches you to slow down, breathe, and stay in one place to really get to know your destination.
Now that we’ve shown you some of the benefits of #SlowTravel, it’s your turn to “change your mindset” and give this AMAZING way of traveling a try.
Our Can Cocollona family is passionate about travel and that is why we recommend you travel slowly, connect deeply and live each experience to the fullest.
That’s why we invite you to try this technique and share your experience in the comments section. We want to hear from you!
If you want to learn more about #SlowTravel, we have another article that might interest you called Slow Travel in Girona.
Keywords: Slow Travel, Girona, Spain, Can Cocollona, Ecotourism, Traveling slowly, Sustainable tourism, Deep connection with the destination, Local experience, Positive impact on communities, Personal growth.