Reasons to Adopt 'Slow Travel' and How to Do It
For me, traveling was never just about visiting the main tourist attractions or ticking off the highest number of countries. I always wanted to have authentic experiences with local people, get to know different cultures, and explore places that don’t appear in traditional travel guides. Traveling like a local in Colombia allows for deeper connections and a more enriching journey.
I quickly realized that fast-paced travel wasn’t for me. Trying to see many places in a short time prevented me from enjoying, connecting, and truly learning from my surroundings. That’s why here are the reasons to adopt a slower travel pace and some tips on how to do it successfully while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in Colombia.
1. Connect with Communities by Talking to Locals
Staying in one place for longer allows you to deeply understand it and build genuine relationships with people. You don’t just see the culture from the outside—you experience it from within. Authentic culture in Colombia is best discovered by immersing yourself in local experiences in Colombia.
You will support the local economy by shopping at markets, eating at local restaurants, and buying from small businesses.
Participating in local activities like cooking classes, craft workshops, or sports can help you integrate better and engage in cultural tourism in Colombia.
Spontaneous conversations can lead to discovering customs, stories, and places not found online or in travel guides.
For example, in San Carlos, thanks to my experience with Spanish Adventure, I learned about life in the region and met people with fascinating stories, like a homebrewer making mead or activists fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America. Spanish Adventure also organizes language and cultural exchanges, allowing travelers to improve their Spanish while sharing their native language with locals. Learning Spanish in nature enhances the experience of immersive Spanish courses.
Applying Spanish in Colombia with locals
2. Learn a Language While Traveling with Purpose
One of the biggest benefits of slow travel is the opportunity to learn a new language immersively. Learning Spanish while traveling enhances both cultural understanding and communication skills.
Enrolling in a language school will help you improve quickly and meet other travelers with similar interests.
Speaking with locals and avoiding English as much as possible will make you progress much faster.
Practicing through daily activities like ordering food at a market or taking public transport reinforces what you’ve learned.
In Colombia, for example, the neutral accent and clear Spanish make it one of the best places to learn the language. Spanish Adventure offers a combination of classroom learning and daily adventures, allowing for total immersion. If you’re looking for an immersive Spanish course in Colombia, it’s definitely worth considering. Common phrases in Colombian Spanish and Colombian music to learn Spanish, such as recommended Colombian songs, can help enhance your language learning experience.
Students learn Spanish through community projects in Colombia
3. Save Money by Traveling More Smartly
Traveling slowly can also be a great strategy for reducing costs and making your budget last longer.
Volunteering through platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers allows you to exchange work for accommodation and food.
Renting for weeks or months is cheaper than paying per night in hostels or hotels.
Eating where locals eat is often more affordable and delicious than tourist restaurants.
In my experience, working as a volunteer in Costa Rica allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture and learn about traditional cooking while improving my Spanish. Spanish Adventure also offers the possibility of combining language learning with volunteering, allowing travelers to stretch their budgets while immersing themselves in local life. This is an ideal option for those practicing remote work in Colombia and looking for a remote office in natural destinations.
4. Avoid Burnout and Enjoy Each Destination More
Traveling too fast can lead to extreme exhaustion and reduce the enjoyment of the experience.
Constant long journeys can be draining.
You don’t always need a packed itinerary; taking days to relax is also important.
Slow travel reduces the anxiety of “missing out” and lets you savor each experience more.
Sometimes, it’s better to explore one city in depth than visit several without really knowing them. Additionally, staying in one place longer allows you to unpack, feel more comfortable, and create a temporary routine. The remote lifestyle in Colombia provides a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for travel for digital nomads.
5. Discover Hidden Places and Authentic Experiences
When you travel fast, you’re more likely to only see the most popular tourist spots. However, if you take your time, you can find lesser-known and more special places. Authentic destinations in Colombia often reveal their beauty when explored slowly.
Talking to locals can lead you to discover places off the tourist map.
Renting a bike or walking without rushing can take you to unexpected corners.
Attending local events lets you experience the culture in an authentic way.
For example, in Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica), I discovered a paradise-like beach in my last week thanks to a local recommendation. In San Carlos, I experienced life on a cattle farm and explored hidden waterfalls far from mass tourism—all thanks to the recommendations and connections made at Spanish Adventure. Things to do in San Carlos, Colombia include connecting with nature, exploring waterfalls, and engaging with a cultural community in Colombia.
Cooking colombian food
Traditional Colombian dish: “patacones”
Conclusion
Slow travel is not just a way of moving; it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, deeply connecting with people and places, learning something new, and enjoying each moment without rush. How travel impacts your personal growth is immense, fostering meaningful relationships through travel.
There is no right or wrong way to travel, but if you’re looking for richer and more meaningful experiences, give ‘slow travel’ a chance. The places where you spend the most time might be the ones you remember most fondly. And if you’re looking for an experience that combines language learning, culture, and adventure, Spanish Adventure could be the perfect place to do it. Solo travel and meeting people in Colombia can lead to an immersive travel in community, strengthening your connections and understanding of local culture.
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Colombia is one of the best places to learn Spanish due to its clear and neutral accent. Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself in daily life, practice Spanish with locals, and join immersive programs like Spanish Adventure in San Carlos, where language learning is combined with cultural and outdoor experiences.
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Staying in smaller towns, participating in local traditions, and engaging in cultural exchanges help create meaningful connections. In places like San Carlos, you can join Spanish-language meetups, take cooking classes, or learn to dance vallenato and cumbia.
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Nature lovers will enjoy slow travel in destinations like San Carlos (waterfalls and rivers), the Coffee Region (lush mountains and local farms), and Tayrona National Park (pristine beaches and indigenous culture). These places allow for deep connections with the environment while supporting local communities.
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Speak Spanish as much as possible, live with locals, and engage in real-world conversations. Using Colombian music to learn Spanish, picking up local slang, and participating in activities like market shopping and storytelling nights will accelerate your learning.
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Choosing family-run accommodations, eating at local restaurants, buying handmade crafts, and participating in community-led experiences ensure your travels positively impact the places you visit. Volunteering at language exchanges or conservation projects is also a great way to give back.
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Absolutely! Cities like Medellín and smaller nature-focused towns like San Carlos provide ideal settings for remote work with strong Wi-Fi and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Many digital nomads choose Colombia for its affordability and inspiring landscapes.
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Spend time in cultural hubs like San Carlos, Mompox, or Salento, where you can learn about ancestral traditions, regional music, and rural lifestyles. Attending local festivals, learning indigenous crafts, and trying traditional foods are great ways to connect deeply.
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Join nature-based Spanish learning experiences, such as Spanish Adventure, where language lessons are combined with hiking, rafting, and exploring waterfalls. Speaking Spanish while immersed in nature makes learning more dynamic and memorable.
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Talking to locals, avoiding mainstream tourist routes, and staying longer in one place will help you discover secret waterfalls, untouched beaches, and small villages rich in history and culture. A slow-paced journey opens doors to unique experiences that most travelers miss.
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Slow travel allows for deeper interactions, meaningful relationships, and real-life language practice. Instead of just visiting landmarks, you become part of a community, gaining insights into daily life, traditions, and the true essence of Colombia’s culture.
