The Magic of Slow Travel

How to Deeply Experience Literary Destinations

Slow travel is about experiencing a destination with an authentic and mindful approach, connecting with the history, culture, and -most importantly- the stories that shape it. Travelling in this manner allows you to slow down and really take in the literary aspects of your adventure, creating an unforgettable journey inspired by the pages of your favourite book. Below is our guide to help you master the art of slow travel when exploring bookish destinations.

Immerse in the Narrative of Your Novel

One of the best things about slow travelling to bookish destinations is the opportunity to fully immerse yourself within the story of your favourite book, using the story as a travel guide to your adventure. By visiting the key places from your chosen novel, you will be able to imagine how the protagonist felt, their surroundings and how those may have played a role in the narrative.

Bath is an ideal destination for Jane Austen fans. Honor Persuasion, for example, by spending a slow day walking the same city streets as Anne Elliot. Avoid the burnout of trying to visit all the tourist attractions and, instead, visit locations mentioned in the novel such as the Royal Crescent or the Pump Room. Set some time aside to sit in a nearby garden or at a quiet spot where you can journal and reflect in your bookish travel experience so far. As you continue slow travelling, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the characters as well as the novel as a whole.

It’s All in the Little Details

At the crux of slow travel is savouring the little moments and details you might otherwise overlook. In bookish destinations, it could mean taking the time to observe the beauty of a location and how it may have inspired the author. Think of the way the light shaped the landscape in the moors of Wuthering Heights, or how the sound of the waves crashing along the shores of Prince Edward Island created magic for our lovely Anne of Green Gables. If savouring the little details sounds like your cup of tea, make sure to check out our itinerary for our upcoming Anne of Green Gables inspired trip here.

Alternatively, when traveling to literary destinations like Oxford, take a slow stroll through the university’s historic courtyards, and imagine where C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien might have gathered inspiration for their fantasy worlds. By allowing yourself time to soak in the ambiance, you’ll develop a richer connection to the destination and a deeper understanding of its influence on the authors who lived there.

Experience the Moment

Mastering slow traveling requires you to live in the moment, and that often means putting down your phone, resisting the urge to constantly document your trip, and simply existing among the literary magic that surrounds you. We are used to receiving constant notifications from social media, often stealing out attention away from what really matters. Unplugging while you travel, at least for a couple of hours, can be a powerful way to have better travel experiences.

Photographing your adventures is an important way of creating travel mementos but try to limit the time you spend behind a camera or screen when trying to slow travel. Instead, take in the atmosphere of the place. Feel the texture of the cobblestones under your feet as you wander the streets of Edinburgh, the city that inspired The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Listen to the gentle lapping of the waves along the shores of Cornwall, feeling the gothic atmosphere they exude, where Daphne du Maurier found inspiration for Rebecca.

Quality Over Quantity

Trying to fit as many locations or attractions in your trip can leave you feeling tired and overwhelmed. Slow travel teaches us to pick fewer places from our chosen literary adventure which truly highlight the essence of the story. It’s all about having a meaningful travel experience, and not just ticking locations off a list for the sake of it. This will create long lasting memories that you are not likely to forget.

For example, if you’re visiting London, you might be tempted to see every famous literary landmark—from the Charles Dickens Museum to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. But rather than rushing through them, consider spending a full afternoon at one location, like The British Library, which houses some of the most significant literary manuscripts in history. Take time to explore the exhibits, enjoy a cup of tea, and reflect on the influence of these works on literature.

Reflect on Your Experiences

One of the most important aspects of slow travel is giving yourself time to reflect on your experiences. Whether you’re journaling about the day’s adventures, sketching the landscapes that inspired your favorite novels, or simply sitting in a quiet spot to take it all in, reflection is key to deepening your connection to a place. If you’re traveling with a group of fellow book lovers, consider having a discussion at the end of the day, where you can share your thoughts and insights about the destinations you’ve visited. Reflection helps turn your trip into something more than a series of activities—it becomes a meaningful journey of discovery and growth.

Are you ready to slow down and truly experience the worlds of your favorite stories? Explore our upcoming trips and start planning your next literary adventure today!